If you've misplaced your U.S. passport, act within 24 hours to report it to the U.S. Department of State and initiate a replacement. A missing passport is not automatically canceled-it remains valid until reported lost or stolen. Immediate action prevents identity theft and ensures faster reissuance.
Passports are issued by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs. When a passport goes missing, the system treats it as a potential security risk. The State Department maintains a central database that flags lost or stolen passports, which helps prevent misuse. According to the State Department, over 150,000 passports were reported lost or stolen annually between 2018 and 2022, with most replacements processed within 8 to 11 weeks.
The process begins with reporting the loss through the State Department's online portal or by calling the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778. You must provide your full name, date of birth, passport number, and issue date. If you don't have the number, you can search using your name and date of birth. After reporting, you'll receive a confirmation number and instructions to apply for a new passport via Form DS-11.
Once reported, the State Department places a "lost/stolen" flag on your record. This flag appears in the Global Passport System and alerts consular offices abroad. If someone attempts to use your passport, the system will reject it. The flag does not cancel your original passport-it only blocks its use. Your original passport remains valid until officially canceled, which happens only if you submit a formal cancellation request.
After reporting, you must apply for a new passport. For adults, this requires completing Form DS-11, providing proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a certified birth certificate or naturalization certificate), a government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license), and a recent passport photo. You must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility-post offices, libraries, and some city halls offer these services.
Processing times vary. Standard service takes 8 to 11 weeks. Expedited service (for urgent travel) takes 5 to 7 weeks and costs an additional $60. Emergency service is available for travel within 72 hours and requires proof of imminent departure, such as a flight itinerary or hotel reservation. Emergency appointments are limited and require scheduling through the State Department's emergency hotline.
Form DS-11 is the primary application form for first-time applicants or those replacing a lost passport. It includes sections for personal details, previous passport history, and consent from parents if under 16. The form is available online at travel.state.gov.
| Document Type | Requirement | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship Proof | Original or certified copy | Birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization |
| Photo ID | Government-issued, current | Driver's license, state ID card |
| Passport Photo | Recent, 2x2 inches, color | Approved by the State Department |
| Application Form | Completed and signed | Form DS-11, printed and filled |
Failure to provide any required document delays processing. The State Department reports that 30% of initial applications are returned due to incomplete paperwork. Always double-check the checklist before submitting.
Many assume that a missing passport is automatically invalidated. This is false. A passport remains valid until the owner reports it lost or stolen. Until then, it can still be used-though doing so risks identity theft. The State Department warns that fraudulent use of lost passports has increased by 14% since 2020, according to a 2023 internal audit.
Another misconception is that you can renew a lost passport online. You cannot. Renewal via Form DS-82 is only for passports that are still valid and undamaged. If your passport is lost, you must apply for a new one using Form DS-11, regardless of whether it was issued recently.
A third error is applying at the wrong location. Some people go to their local post office without checking if it offers passport services. Not all post offices have acceptance facilities. Use the State Department's online locator tool to confirm availability. As of 2023, only 68% of U.S. post offices offered passport acceptance services.
In 2022, a traveler named Maria Lopez reported her passport missing after returning from a trip to Mexico. She called the NPIC on a Monday morning and received a confirmation number within 15 minutes. That afternoon, she completed Form DS-11 online and scheduled an appointment at a local library branch that hosted a passport acceptance facility.
She submitted her documents on Wednesday. The passport office verified her citizenship proof and photo ID on Friday. Her new passport arrived by mail on Thursday, 10 weeks later. She paid $130 for standard service and $190 for expedited service, which included overnight shipping.
Maria's case illustrates typical processing times. The State Department reports that 72% of applications are processed within 10 weeks. Delays occur most often when documents are missing or photos do not meet specifications.
If you're unable to locate your passport after searching your home, luggage, or storage areas, contact the State Department's National Passport Information Center. Call 1-877-487-2778 or visit travel.state.gov for live chat support. The center operates 24/7 and provides multilingual assistance.
If you suspect your passport was stolen, file a police report and include the report number when applying for a replacement. The State Department uses this to verify the claim and may waive the fee in cases of confirmed theft.
For travelers who need urgent travel, the State Department offers emergency passport services. These are available at designated embassies and consulates abroad. In the U.S., emergency appointments are available at select regional passport agencies. Contact the nearest agency directly to schedule.
Once you have a new passport, destroy the old one by shredding it. Do not throw it away. The State Department advises against keeping a lost passport, even if you find it later, because it may still be flagged in the system.