Lost or Stolen U.S. Passport: Report It, Then Replace It
Short answer: Report a lost or stolen U.S. passport immediately with Form DS-64 — it is invalidated the moment it is reported and cannot be used again if you find it. Replacement requires applying in person on Form DS-11 with citizenship evidence, ID, a 2x2 photo, and the standard fees. Expedited replacement runs about 2–3 weeks; an urgent travel appointment can replace it in 1–3 days.
Updated August 2026. Government processing times and fees per the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov).
A missing passport is two tasks, not one: you report the old book so it can't be used, and you apply for a replacement in person. Doing them in the right order matters — once a passport is reported lost or stolen it is invalid permanently, even if you find it the next day.
Key facts
| Report on | Form DS-64 |
|---|---|
| Replace with | Form DS-11 (in person) |
| Expedited | 2–3 weeks |
| Our fee | From $97 |
Step 1 — Report the passport
Form DS-64 tells the Department of State that the book is gone. Reporting protects you from identity misuse. Once reported, that passport number is dead: if it turns up later, it cannot be used for travel and should be surrendered.
Step 2 — Apply for the replacement in person
A replacement is not a renewal. Because you can't submit the old book, you apply on Form DS-11 at an acceptance facility, with original citizenship evidence and a valid photo ID plus a photocopy of it — the same requirements as a first-time applicant.
- Completed DS-64 (the report)
- Completed DS-11 — signed only in front of the acceptance agent
- Original certified birth certificate, CRBA, or naturalization certificate
- Valid photo ID and a photocopy of its front and back
- One 2x2 photo taken within the last 6 months
- Check or money order for the government fee
If it was stolen
File a police report if you can. It isn't required for the passport application, but it helps if the theft leads to identity issues, and it documents the circumstances if you're asked.
If you're traveling soon
With documented international travel inside 14 days, you may qualify for an urgent travel appointment at a regional passport agency and can walk out with a passport in as little as 1–3 days. Bring proof of travel — flight itinerary, booking confirmation, or the emergency documentation.
| Service level | Government processing | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Routine | 6–8 weeks | Travel more than 3 months away |
| Expedited (mail) | 2–3 weeks | Travel 4–10 weeks away |
| Urgent travel appointment | As little as 1–3 days | Documented travel within 14 days |
| Life-or-death emergency | Same day where granted | Immediate family emergency abroad |
Lost a passport more than once?
Applicants who report multiple lost or stolen passports can be asked for a written statement explaining the circumstances, and may be issued a limited-validity passport. If this is you, tell us during your application and we'll prepare the statement with your packet.
Frequently asked questions
What if I find my passport after reporting it?
It is permanently invalid and cannot be used for travel. Do not attempt to travel on it; surrender it to the Department of State.
Can I replace a lost passport by mail?
No. Because you can't submit the missing book, you must apply in person on Form DS-11 with original citizenship evidence.
Do I need a police report?
Not for the application itself, but it's a good idea for a stolen passport in case of later identity misuse.
How fast can I replace it?
Expedited processing runs about 2–3 weeks plus shipping. With documented travel within 14 days, an urgent travel appointment can be same-week.