Lose your passport? Let’s navigate the process and get your travels back on track.
Confession Time
I consider myself an organized, put-together person…most of the time. But hey, life has a way of reminding us that even the most composed individuals can have their moments of utter chaos. Right? (We’re only human.) And so, when I reached into my bag to retrieve my passport after an international flight and I couldn’t find it, well, my heart skipped a beat.
Where did it go? I knew I had it in my travel document holder when I boarded the plane…
*Cue the dramatic music and insert a comically puzzled expression on my face.*
Yes, folks, I had managed to pull off the greatest magic trick of all – making my passport disappear! (And you thought hotel problems were the worst of my travel dilemmas… ha!)
There I was, on the airport floor, surrounded by bustling travelers deplaning, as I frantically rummaged through my chaotic carry-on. Clothes and toiletries were scattered everywhere. Curious onlookers couldn’t help but stare. With every passing second, my anxiety grew. Finally, in a moment of sheer relief, I found it in a concealed pocket of my bag.
In hindsight, I can see that this was one of the many growth opportunities of travel, but let me tell you, in the moment, the stress of having a lost passport was enough to make me sweat bullets. Especially as a solo female traveler. This trip was an important one.
Even though my story had a happy ending, those twenty minutes of losing my passport were enough for me to never want to feel that loss again. I vowed that I’d do better next time.
And so, once I got home, I turned my panic into preparedness. I educated myself on what to do if I ever really lost my passport. Because, who wants to go through all that stress? Definitely not me. And I’ll bet you don’t either.
Here’s what you should know if you ever lose your passport:
Keep Calm, But Act Immediately
The initial surge of panic of losing your passport is understandable, but it’s crucial to gather your head and think logically.
Before jumping to conclusions, retrace your steps and thoroughly search your belongings. Sometimes, passports find a sneaky way of hiding themselves under other items (or in forgotten-about pockets!). Where and when did you last have your passport before it went missing?
If you’re traveling with others, let them know about the situation, too. The more eyes you have looking for your missing passport, the better.
Report the Passport Loss/Theft To Authorities
Once you’ve sadly come to the conclusion that your lost passport is, indeed, lost, promptly notify the appropriate authorities.
If you’re a U.S. citizen, you can report your passport loss/theft three ways:
- Online: Submit Form DS-64 online
- By phone: Call 1-877-487-2778
- By mail: Use Form DS-64 and mail it to the address on the form (also below).
U.S. Department of State
Consular Lost and Stolen Passport Unit (CLASP)
CA/PPT/S/TO/LE
44132 Mercure Circle
PO Box 1227
Sterling, VA 20166-1227
Note: This is the same address you would mail a lost passport to if you were to find someone else’s lost passport.
Once you report your passport loss to the authorities, it can no longer be used for travel. It’s immediately invalidated. Meaning, if you happen to find your passport later in the day under a pile of socks or sweaters or something, you have to go through the whole process of replacing your passport.
Filing a police report detailing the loss or theft of your passport is not necessary but you may want to consider it as well. This step will help further prevent identity theft and serve as documentation for the loss. Always request a copy of the police report if it’s not immediately given.
Replacing Your Passport
How to replace your passport depends on whether you’re in the U.S. or are overseas.
If you’re in the U.S. at the time of your passport loss, you must use form DS-11 to apply for a new passport in person at a nearby passport application acceptance facility. These facilities tend be conveniently located in post offices, public libraries, and other local government offices, so you shouldn’t have to travel too far.
Expect to shell out at least $130 for a new passport book with a standard processing time of 10-14 weeks. Expediting this processing time to 7-9 weeks is an additional $60 fee. If you’re expected to travel internationally within the next two weeks, you may be eligible to apply for an even speedier application processing in person at an agency or center ($60 expediting fee).
If you are traveling outside the U.S. during the time you lose your passport, contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate office to replace your lost or stolen passport. Here’s the official list of U.S. embassies and consulates by country.
In addition to guiding you through the process of applying for a replacement passport, embassy officials can:
- Liaise with local authorities. This is particularly useful if there are any language barriers between you and the host country you’re visiting. Though, this probably isn’t what you had in mind when you decided to travel for the culture!
- Offer emergency travel advice: Embassies and consulate offices have personnel trained to handle emergency situations. They can provide detailed information on safety measures or evacuation procedures for particular regions or areas.
- Issue temporary travel documents: These temporary travel documents allow you to return home or continue your travel plans while you wait for your new passport to arrive. (Restrictions around eligibility, processing times, use, and additional fees may apply.)
If you haven’t already done so, you’ll want to gather any supporting documents you may have to help make this passport application process go smoothly. If you have or are able to obtain (e.g. digitally) documents that verify who you are, your citizenship, or your travel itinerary, be sure to have them on hand. And don’t forget your passport photos!
Note: It’s always a good idea to leave copies of your important documents in your bags or in another safe space (encrypted cloud storage, password-protected email, family friends, etc.) before your trip for cases like these.
The Takeaways
If you ever lose your passport, it doesn’t mean your travel experience is ruined. With a level head and the right actions, you can overcome this hurdle of traveling and get back on track.
Remember, staying calm, seeking assistance, and taking prompt action are the keys to resolving the situation swiftly. So, retrace your steps, report the loss, and rely on your embassy or consulate for necessary support.
Don’t let your lost passport dampen your wanderlust—embrace the travel challenge and continue exploring the world with confidence!
Have you ever lost your passport while traveling? Share your story and what you did in the comments of Contemplating Peach below. I’d love to hear from you!
