What to Do When You Lose Your Passport: Step-by-Step Recovery Guide

Losing your passport — whether at home, on a trip, or to theft — feels like a crisis, but the recovery process is actually well-defined. In 2026, the U.S. Department of State processes over 20 million passport applications and renewals per year, and hundreds of thousands are replacements for lost or stolen documents. The key is to act fast, report the loss properly, and choose the right application path so you do not overpay or stall your travel plans.

Step 1: Report the Loss Immediately

As soon as you realize your passport is missing, file Form DS-64 (Statement of Evidence Regarding a Lost or Stolen U.S. Passport) with the State Department. Reporting it immediately does two things: it invalidates the old passport so no one else can use it, and it documents your claim in case your identity is misused. You can file DS-64 online at travel.state.gov at no charge. If you are abroad, report the loss to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as well as local police.

Step 2: Decide Between DS-11 and DS-82

Because a lost passport can rarely be renewed by mail, most people will use Form DS-11, which requires an in-person appointment at an acceptance facility, passport agency, or post office. Bring your completed DS-64, proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g., birth certificate), a government-issued photo ID, a color passport photo, and payment.

Step 3: Choose Standard vs. Expedited Service

Standard processing in 2026 typically takes 6–8 weeks and costs $130–$165. Expedited service costs an additional $60 and takes 2–3 weeks. If you are traveling within 14 days (or need a foreign visa within 28 days), you can book an appointment at a passport agency and receive same-day or next-day service for a $60 expedite fee plus the standard fees. Overseas emergency passports at U.S. embassies follow different rules and can often be issued same-day for urgent travel.

What It Costs in Total

A typical lost-passport replacement for an adult runs between $165 and $225 depending on expedite choices, plus photo costs ($15–$20) and the time cost of an in-person appointment. If your passport is stolen while traveling, also factor in local police report fees (usually free) and any costs to replace other stolen documents such as your driver's license, which can add $20–$100 depending on your state.

Tips to Avoid the Problem Next Time

Keep a photocopy or digital scan of your passport's data page stored separately from the document itself. A scan alone does not replace a passport, but it dramatically speeds up replacement and embassy assistance. Carry your passport in a hotel safe rather than on your person when sightseeing, and consider travel insurance that covers document replacement — many policies reimburse passport fees up to $500.

If a lost passport derails your trip budget, use our Travel Daily Cost Calculator to rebuild realistic trip costs, and check the Moving Cost Calculator if you are relocating and need new identification documents at a new address.