# What should you do first if you lose your passport?

> Report it lost or stolen right away, file a police report if abroad, then contact your embassy for an emergency or replacement passport.

First, report the passport lost or stolen so no one can use it, then arrange a replacement. For US citizens abroad, that means contacting the nearest **US embassy or consulate**, which can issue an emergency or replacement passport. If it was stolen, file a **police report** too. At home, you report the loss and apply for a new passport through the State Department.

## If you lose your passport abroad (US citizens)

1. **Search thoroughly and retrace your steps** — check your hotel, the last places you visited and your transport provider.
2. **File a police report** if it was stolen, and keep a copy. Some embassies and insurers ask for it.
3. **Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate.** Tell them your travel dates; they'll explain how to apply and whether you can get a passport quickly.
4. **Bring what you can:** a passport photo, ID such as a driver's license, a copy of the lost passport, proof of travel plans and the police report.
5. **Fill out the forms:** Form DS-64 reports the passport lost or stolen, and Form DS-11 applies for a new one.
6. **Get your emergency passport.** If you need to travel soon, the embassy may issue a limited-validity passport that you later replace with a full one.
7. **Fix your visas and entry stamps.** If the lost passport had a visa, contact the issuing country's authorities; you may also need an exit permit in some countries.

## If you lose your passport at home

Report it lost or stolen with Form DS-64 and apply for a new one with Form DS-11 in person. If you have travel coming up soon, ask about expedited service or an appointment at a passport agency. Details and current fees are on [travel.state.gov](https://travel.state.gov/).

Once reported lost, a passport is invalid, even if you find it later.

## FAQ

**Should I contact the police if I lose my passport?**
If it was stolen, yes. Even for a simple loss, a police report can help with the embassy, your insurer and proving you didn't misuse it.

**How long does it take to replace a lost passport?**
An emergency passport abroad can sometimes be issued in a day or a few days. A regular replacement at home takes weeks unless you pay for expedited service.

**Is it better to say a passport was lost or stolen?**
Tell the truth. The forms ask about the circumstances, and false statements on passport applications are a federal offense.

**What documents do I need to replace a lost passport?**
Proof of citizenship, ID, a passport photo, Form DS-64 and Form DS-11, plus the fees. Abroad, also bring proof of travel and any police report.

**What are the risks of losing a passport?**
Missed travel and identity theft. Reporting it quickly invalidates it so others can't use it.

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https://inyourtravel.com/what-should-you-do-first-if-you-lose-your-passport/ · In Your Travel · Checked 2026-10-30