Replacing A Lost Passport
Before applying to have your lost American passport replaced, you need to report it so it cannot be tampered with and used by someone else. There is a specific form that you have to use to apply for a replacement known as a DS-11. This can be filled in online or you can print it out and post it with the required documents. If you make use of and expediting company it will save you a lot of time and effort.
Report Loss
You can report a lost US passport by calling the Department of State. It is also possible to include a DS-64 form when you send in your application or apply in person. There is no way that it can be validated again once it is reported lost so if you find it, you should send it in.
If In A Foreign Country
If you are overseas when you loose it, you can contact the US consulate or embassy. They can assist you to apply for a new one but the process cannot be expedited. If you cannot wait then it would be best to ask them for a temporary passport. Full ones can only be printed in the States and will be posted abroad.
Expediting
If you are abroad, you can apply with an expediting company if you want to get a full passport in a hurry. Some of these companies allow you to do this through their website. If you want to apply directly to the Department of State from abroad the same forms and documents are still required but the admission process is different. Check with your consulate or embassy to see what the correct procedure would be in that country.
Replacement In The U.S.
If you are in the US, it is possible to have your application expedited. You can either mail in the application, which should be done on a DS-82 form, or you can submit it at a Post Office, passport agency or other official location. Routine applications should take 4-6 weeks and expedited applications 2-3 weeks if overnight delivery is arranged for sending and receiving.
24-Hour Replacement
If you choose to use a passport expediting company you could have your passport as soon as within 24 hours. This is dependent on first making a booking however. These companies usually have various options that range between one to two weeks and next day delivery.
Documents
However you choose to apply, there will be a number of documents that you need. You will need to supply the originals and copies. If you are applying by mail the original lost US pass port documents will be returned to you by mail so it is best to choose the tracking option. You should also use sturdy, weatherproof envelopes.
The documents that you require for a lost pass port or a damaged US pasport are the application form and a statement confirming that you have lost it.
Categorised as: general