Lost or Stolen Passports

If your passport is lost or stolen, it’s crucial to replace it to protect your identity. Damaged passports are considered invalid and must be replaced. We can assist you in the replacement process.

How to replace your Lost or Stolen passport:

1. Select the speed of service and submit your request for a Lost or Stolen passport above.

   A Briggs will provide you with a list of documents needed for your passport order, processing fees for your requested service, and the next steps required to start your passport order with A Briggs.

2. Start your order.

   Select Start Order on the following page to complete A Briggs’s fast online passport order form.

3. Download your forms and requirements.

   A Briggs’s Application Kit provides you with a summary of the Lost or Stolen Passport Replacement service, important information, a list of the personal documents you need to provide, step-by-step instructions for completing your passport order, as well as the required application forms you need to fill out.

4. Send your personal documents and completed forms to A Briggs.

   Once you have completed all the steps outlined in your passport application kit, you need to submit the required personal documents to your A Briggs location listed in the A Briggs Application Kit. We will begin processing your passport order as soon as we receive it. A Briggs will email you a summary of your passport order and will contact you if additional information is required.

Lost passport? What to do next and how to replace it quickly.

Misplacing your passport can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re far from home or about to board a flight. But take a breath. You're not alone, and there’s a reliable process to follow. Whether you lost your passport inside the US or abroad, there are clear steps you can take to report it, protect your identity, and secure a replacement as quickly as possible.

This guide is designed for U.S. citizens who need help navigating the next steps after losing a passport. We’ll walk you through how to report the loss, gather the necessary documents, apply for a replacement, and make informed choices based on your travel timeline.

Let’s get started.

Lost vs. stolen: Does it make a difference?

Understanding whether your passport is lost or stolen plays a key role in how you report it—and what additional steps you may need to take.

Lost passport

A lost passport typically means it was misplaced or accidentally left behind. If you're confident it wasn't taken by someone else, it’s treated as a non-criminal incident. This still requires formal reporting to the U.S. Department of State to deactivate the document and prevent unauthorized use.

Common scenarios include:

• - Leaving your passport in a hotel, rental car, or airport lounge
• - Misplacing it in transit between destinations
• - Losing track of it during a move or packing for a trip

Stolen passport

A stolen passport on the other hand implies it was taken—whether through theft, pickpocketing, or burglary. This distinction matters because stolen passports may be used for identity theft or illegal border crossings. If you suspect theft, it’s strongly recommended (and in some countries required) to file a police report. In fact, if you’re abroad, some embassies may request a police report as part of the emergency passport process.

Domestic vs. international situations.

You don’t need a police report to replace a lost passport, though you may choose to file one for your records.

If your passport was stolen, report the incident to local police and request a copy of the report. This helps support your claim and may be necessary for expedited assistance at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Some countries may not require a police report for passport replacement, but it’s always advisable to obtain one when theft is suspected.

Who to contact depending on where you are. 

Losing a passport can be stressful but knowing exactly who to reach out to depending on your location can help you move forward quickly. Whether you're at home in the US or traveling abroad, dedicated resources are available to provide lost passport assistance and begin the process of securing a replacement. 

Inside the US. 

If you lose your passport while in the United States: 

• - Contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) 
• - Phone (toll-free): 1-877-487-2778 
• - TTY: 1-888-874-7793 
• - Available Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET 
• - Report the loss online at travel.state.gov using Form DS-64 (more on that in the next section). 
• - For urgent travel within 14 days, contact CIBTvisas to ensure the quickest possible outcome.  

Outside the US (Near a U.S. embassy or consulate) 

If you're abroad and near a U.S. embassy or consulate: 

• - Locate the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate using the U.S. Embassy Locator. 

• - Contact them immediately to report your lost or stolen passport and schedule an appointment. Embassy staff may issue an emergency passport if you have upcoming travel. 

In a remote area or without consular access. 

If you're traveling in a remote region without easy access to a consulate: 

• - Call the U.S. Department of State at 202-501-4444 (from overseas) for guidance. 

• - Use local resources such as hotels, tour operators, or travel insurers to help you reach the nearest U.S. embassy or arrange transportation. 

• - If internet access is available, report your passport loss through the online DS-64 form and begin preparing your replacement documentation as outlined in the coming sections. 

In every situation, acting quickly and contacting the right authority is essential to protect your identity and begin the lost passport application process efficiently. 

Step 1: Things to do before you apply for a new passport. 

Before you jump into the lost passport application process, there are a few immediate steps to take. Acting quickly helps reduce the risk of identity theft, prevents unauthorized use of your lost passport, and ensures you’re ready to apply for a replacement without delay. 

1. Confirm the passport is truly lost. 

Retrace your steps—especially if you’ve recently traveled. Check bags, hotel rooms, rideshares, and any places you’ve been in the past 24–48 hours. If you're abroad, contact local authorities, airlines, or hotel staff to see if the passport was turned in. If you still can’t locate it, move to the next steps. 

2. Report the loss to the U.S. State Department. 

Whether you're in the US or overseas, you’ll need to notify the State Department to deactivate your passport. This protects you from potential misuse and is a mandatory step before applying for a replacement.  

Form DS-64 is the official way to notify the U.S. Department of State that your passport is lost or stolen. Reporting it promptly deactivates the document, helping to protect your identity and prevent fraudulent use. 

Here’s how to complete and submit the form: 

• - Access the form: Visit travel.state.gov and search for “DS-64.” You can complete it online and print it or download a blank PDF version to fill out by hand 
• - Provide accurate information: You’ll need to include: Your full name, date of birth, and place of birth, Passport number (if known), Details about when and where you lost the passport Whether you believe it was stolen 
• - Send the completed form to the State Department: Mail it to the address listed on the form or use the online submission tool on the State Department website. 
• - Retain a copy for your records: Keep a printed or digital copy of the DS-64. It may be requested later during the lost passport assistance or replacement process. 
• Once submitted, the original passport is officially canceled and cannot be used—even if it turns up later.  

3. Notify local authorities if abroad. 

If you're outside the US and suspect your passport was stolen—or even if you're unsure—it’s wise to file a local police report. Some embassies may require it, and it can be useful for insurance claims or legal documentation. 

If you’ve lost your passport while abroad, your first point of contact should be the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. These locations are equipped to assist with lost passport for travelers and can help issue an emergency travel document if needed. Use the U.S. Embassy Locator to find the correct contact details, hours of operation, and appointment requirements for your location. 

Call or email the embassy to explain your situation. Many offer emergency walk-in services during business hours or have after-hours lines for urgent passport issues. You’ll be asked to appear in person to verify your identity, complete forms, and submit supporting documents. If you have an urgent flight, ask about emergency passport services—many embassies can issue a limited-validity passport within 24 hours. A consular officer will interview you and guide you through the process. If your passport was stolen, be sure to bring a copy of the local police report, if available—it may be requested during your appointment. 

Optional: File a police report. 

While not always required, filing a police report can be a smart move—especially if you're overseas or believe your passport was stolen and you plan to file an insurance claim or need a record for future legal purposes. Filing a report adds credibility to your lost passport application and may speed up processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate. It also helps with identity protection as it alerts local authorities to potential misuse of your lost or stolen passport. And if your passport is later recovered, police may be able to return it or notify you. 

Keep in mind: While a police report is not required for a lost passport in the US, having one can be helpful in resolving disputes or proving the circumstances surrounding the loss. For more on how to get support through this process, explore CIBT’s Lost your passport? guide. 

4. Review your travel plans. 

Check if you have upcoming travel that may be affected. If your trip is within the next few days, you’ll likely need emergency passport services through a U.S. embassy or a regional passport agency. For additional support throughout the process, CIBT offers lost passport assistance to guide travelers in real time. Once these initial actions are completed, you’ll be ready to officially report your lost passport and start the application for a replacement. 

Step 2: Gather what you’ll need for a replacement. 

Before you can apply for a replacement passport, you’ll need to assemble the right documents. This step is essential to avoid delays and ensure your lost passport application is accepted the first time—especially if you’re requesting emergency passport services for upcoming travel. 

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare: 

Required documents for replacement. 

Use this checklist to ensure you have all necessary items: 

• - Proof of U.S. Citizenship: certified birth certificate, certificate of naturalization or citizenship, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) 

• - Government-Issued Photo ID: Valid driver's license, military ID, previous (non-expired) U.S. passport, if available 

• - Passport Photo: One recent color photo, 2” x 2” in size, white or off-white background, taken within the last six months, no glasses, neutral expression 

• - Completed Forms: Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport), Form DS-64 (Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport) 

• - Proof of Travel (Required for expedited processing): Flight itinerary, hotel booking, business travel letter (if applicable) 

If you’re applying through a service provider or need help coordinating these documents, CIBT offers passport replacement services to streamline the process. 

 Bringing complete and compliant documents to your appointment is one of the best ways to reduce processing time and avoid unnecessary repeat visits. For more help, visit CIBT’s page on damaged passport—relevant if your passport is found but unusable. 

Step 3: Submit your application for a new passport. 

Once you’ve gathered your documents and reported your lost passport, the next step is to apply for a replacement—and working with CIBTvisas is the fastest, most secure way to get back on track. CIBT specializes in lost passport assistance, providing expert support for individuals who need to replace a passport quickly, whether due to travel deadlines, ID theft concerns, or complications abroad. 

Here’s how to complete the process with CIBTvisas: 

1. Start your passport replacement request online. 

Begin by visiting the passport replacement page on CIBTvisas.com. You’ll be guided through a short intake process where you’ll: 

• -Indicate whether your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged 

• -Provide basic personal and travel information 

• -Select your desired processing speed, including options for emergency passport services 

2. Get personalized instructions. 

After submitting your initial request, you’ll receive: 

• - A customized checklist based on your travel needs 

• - Instructions on completing and signing the required government forms (DS-11 and DS-64) 

• - Packaging instructions for any supporting documentation 

• - Access to CIBT’s Premium Service, if selected, which includes one-on-one guidance throughout the process 

3. Submit your documents to CIBTvisas. 

CIBTvisas will review your materials for completeness and compliance before submitting your application on your behalf. You’ll be instructed to send the following: 

• - Proof of citizenship and ID 

• - Passport photo 

• - Completed DS-11 and DS-64 

• - Proof of urgent travel (if requesting expedited processing) 

Every submission is personally reviewed and checked against the world's largest database of travel and identity documentation requirements—helping to ensure 100% application accuracy. 

4. Track your application. 

Once submitted, you’ll receive real-time updates on your passport’s progress. If anything is missing or unclear, a CIBT expert will contact you directly to resolve the issue—avoiding unnecessary delays. You’ll also be able to securely track your application status through the CIBT client portal. 

5. Receive your replacement passport. 

Depending on the service level and urgency, CIBT can help facilitate delivery of your new passport as quickly as same-day in some cases. Standard processing options are also available if time permits. Working with CIBT gives you peace of mind and saves time—especially when losing a passport disrupts critical travel plans. Learn more at our Lost your passport? page or reach out directly to begin your application. 

Mistakes to avoid when replacing a lost passport. 

Replacing a lost passport doesn’t have to be complicated—but small mistakes can lead to big delays. Avoiding common errors will help ensure your application moves through smoothly, especially if you're on a tight travel schedule or applying for emergency passport services. Here are the most common mistakes—and how to avoid them: 

Waiting too long to report the loss. 

Delaying your report can increase the risk of identity theft and slow down your application process. As soon as you confirm your passport is missing, file a DS-64 with the U.S. State Department and notify the appropriate authority based on your location. 

If you’re unsure how to start, use CIBT’s Lost or stolen passport resource for step-by-step help. 

Bringing incomplete documents. 

Submitting your lost passport application without all required documents is one of the most common causes of processing delays. 

Be sure to double-check that you have: 

• - Proof of U.S. citizenship 

• - Government-issued photo ID (or acceptable alternatives) 

• - A compliant passport photo 

• - Forms DS-11 and DS-64, filled out and signed 

• - Proof of travel (if seeking expedited processing) 

Using a checklist or a trusted provider like CIBT can help ensure you don’t miss anything. 

Not using the correct form. 

To replace a lost passport, you must use Form DS-11, even if your previous passport was still valid. Pair this with Form DS-64, which formally reports the document as lost or stolen. Using the wrong form—such as DS-82, which is only for renewals when the original passport is still in hand—will result in automatic rejection. 

Submitting a non-compliant passport photo. 

Passport photos must meet strict U.S. State Department requirements. Submitting a photo that is too small, incorrectly cropped, or taken with poor lighting can delay your application. Avoid these common photo mistakes: 

• - Wearing glasses or hats 

• - Smiling or having an unnatural expression 

• - Using a busy or colored background 

• - Using selfies or digital crops from personal photos 

For best results, have your photo taken at a passport photo center or through a professional service recommended by CIBT.  By planning ahead and avoiding these pitfalls, you’ll save time, reduce stress, and receive your replacement passport with confidence. 

Act quickly, travel confidently! CIBTvisas can help. 

Losing a passport is stressful, but with the right support and a clear action plan, it’s entirely manageable. The most important thing you can do is act quickly—report the loss, gather your documents, and begin your lost passport application without delay. 

CIBT is here to help you every step of the way. Our global team offers expert lost passport assistance, including emergency processing, personalized document reviews, and secure submission to government agencies. Whether you're at home or abroad, we make it easy to move forward with confidence. 

Frequently asked questions about lost passports 

What if I lost my passport and my ID? 

If you’ve lost both your passport and government-issued ID, you can still apply for a replacement by presenting secondary identification and possibly bringing an identifying witness. This process can be more complex but is manageable with the right documentation and expert assistance. CIBT can help you navigate this situation by advising which documents to gather and how to meet the identity requirements, even without standard ID. 

Can I travel with just a copy of my passport? 

No, a photocopy or digital copy of your passport cannot be used for international travel. You’ll need an original, valid U.S. passport or an emergency passport issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate. However, keeping a copy is still a smart idea—it can help verify your identity during the replacement process. 

How do I cancel a lost passport? 

To officially cancel a lost passport, you must file Form DS-64 with the U.S. Department of State. This step deactivates the document, preventing unauthorized use. You can submit it online or along with your DS-11 application when applying for a replacement. 

What if I find my lost passport later? 

Once a passport is reported lost or stolen, it is permanently invalid—even if you later recover it. Do not attempt to travel with it. Instead, destroy the document or return it to the U.S. Department of State for safe disposal. Always use your new passport for any future international travel. 

Do I need to report a lost passport to the police? 

Not always. In the U.S., it’s optional. But if your passport was likely stolen—or you're abroad—filing a police report is a good precaution. Some embassies may even require it. A report can also support insurance claims and help safeguard your identity.