How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Passport

Your flight is booked, your bags are packed – but your passport is nowhere to be found. Dealing with a lost or stolen passport may not be tons of fun, but you also don’t need to panic – you have options! Use the steps below as your handy guide on how to replace a lost or stolen passport, and you can soon be on your way to your travel destination.

Reporting a Lost or Stolen Passport

The first thing that you should do if you lose your passport or have it stolen is to contact the U.S. government. Please make sure that you contact the U.S. government to report your passport lost or stolen  as soon as you realize it is missing. The longer your passport is not in your possession, the higher the risk of identity theft. Reporting your passport lost or stolen makes it invalid, which means no one can use it for international travel.

Once you’re ready to report your passport as missing or stolen, below are 3 ways that you can do so:

• Online: Head to the U.S. Passport Applications and Forms page, agree to the terms, then choose the “Report Lost or Stolen” tab on the subsequent page.
• Mail: Download and fill out form Form DS-64, then mail it to the address on the form.
• Telephone: Call 1-877-487-2778 to report it stolen. You will fill out and submit Form DS-64 when you apply for your replacement passport.

Replacing a Lost or Stolen Passport

You also have a few different options when it comes to replacing your lost or stolen passport, with the best option determined by your current circumstances. The options you have will depend on if you were in the United States or outside of the United States when you lost your passport or has it stolen.

If you are outside of the USA: You’ll need to contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to obtain a replacement passport.

If you’re in the USA: You’ll need to get your application for a new passport executed by a passport acceptance agent. You’ll be required to bring the agent a batch of documents, including:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship
• DS-11 passport application, which you sign in person at your appointment
• DS-64 form, if you haven’t submitted one already
• One passport photo
• Copy of valid photo ID
• Check made out to the U.S. Department of State to pay government passport fees

You can submit your documents at the facility if you’re in no rush to receive your replacement passport. Routine passport processing time typically takes four to six weeks.

If you’re in a hurry and have a departure date set within the next two weeks, you’ll probably need to opt for a faster processing time than the government can provide. While expedited government processing still takes two to three weeks, expedited processing from Swift can be done in as little as one business day.

For an expedited lost or stolen passport replacement from Swift, head to our lost or stolen passport replacement page and place your order. You’ll still need to make an in-person visit to a passport acceptance agent, bringing along a few additional documents:

• Proof of departure within two weeks
• Two original letters of authorization allowing Swift to submit your application on your behalf
• Photocopy of all materials

Instead of handing over your documents at the facility, you’ll mail them to Swift, and we’ll start processing as soon as they arrive.

While dealing with a lost or stolen passport may be a hassle, it doesn’t have to ruin your travel plans. Whether you need your passport in a month or a few days, you have options. As always, please feel free to contact Swift with any additional questions when it comes to how to replace a stolen or lost passport. Our team of travel professionals is here to help. No matter where you plan on going, we’ll get you there!