Lost or stolen US passport: what to do
Report the passport first: online is fastest, and the State Department cancels it within 1 business day. Then apply for a new one in person with Form DS-11. You can’t renew by mail or online when your passport was lost or stolen. The fees are the same as a first passport: $130 for a book plus a $35 acceptance fee. Bring one new passport photo. A passport you report can’t be used again, even if you find it later.
Step 1: report it
You can report a lost or stolen passport in three ways. Online is the fastest: the State Department cancels the passport within 1 business day. By mail with Form DS-64, cancelling it may take several weeks. Or report it on Form DS-11 when you apply in person for a new one.
Only report a passport that is still valid. If it has already expired, you don’t need to report it.
Once you report a passport, it is no longer valid for travel, even if you find it later.
Step 2: apply in person with Form DS-11
You can’t renew by mail or online if your passport was lost or stolen; the State Department lists this as a reason to apply in person. Go to an acceptance facility, such as a post office that accepts passport applications, with:
- Form DS-11, filled in but not signed until you are asked to
- Original proof of US citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and a photocopy
- A photo ID, such as a driver’s license, and a photocopy
- One new passport photo
- Details of where and when you lost the passport, and a police report if you filed one
Fees
There is no separate replacement fee. You pay the normal DS-11 fees: $130 for a passport book, $30 for a card, or $160 for both, plus a $35 acceptance fee. Expedited service is $60 more. See all passport fees.
If you are abroad
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate and apply in person. Bring a 2 × 2 inch (5 × 5 cm) photo, any ID you still have, proof of US citizenship if you have it, your travel plans and Form DS-11. If you need to travel soon, the embassy may issue an emergency passport, valid for up to 1 year. In most cases, a replacement passport is issued the next business day.
If your new passport never arrived
If the State Department mailed your passport and you didn’t receive it, use Form DS-86 instead, within 120 days of the date it was issued. After 120 days, you must apply again and pay all fees.
The photo
You need one new photo for Form DS-11: 2 × 2 inches, taken in the last 6 months, plain white or off-white background, no glasses. You can take it at home with your phone, check it against every rule and print it for under $1. See how to take a passport photo at home.
Already have a photo? Check it free with the passport photo checker. Every rule in one place: passport photo requirements.
Questions
Can I renew my passport by mail if it was lost?
No. If your passport was lost or stolen, you apply in person with Form DS-11. Online renewal isn’t possible either.
How much does it cost to replace a lost passport?
The same as a first passport: $130 for a book plus a $35 acceptance fee. There is no extra replacement fee.
I found my passport after I reported it. Can I use it?
No. A passport you reported lost or stolen is no longer valid for travel, even if you find it later.
Do I need a photo to replace a lost passport?
Yes, one new 2 × 2 inch passport photo with Form DS-11.
Sources: Lost or stolen passport - travel.state.gov , Apply for your adult passport in person - travel.state.gov , Lost or stolen passport abroad - travel.state.gov , Lost or stolen passport - USA.gov , Passport fees - travel.state.gov . Checked Oct 18, 2026. How we keep rules accurate