Replacing a Passport: Lost, Stolen or Damaged U.S. Passports (2026)

Quick Answer

To replace a lost, stolen or damaged U.S. passport, report it (for lost or stolen passports), then apply in person with Form DS-11 at a passport acceptance facility, along with proof of citizenship, a photo ID, one passport photo and the fees. You cannot use the online or mail renewal for a lost, stolen or damaged passport. For an adult passport book, expect to pay $130 plus a $35 acceptance fee. Routine processing is about 4 to 6 weeks, expedited about 2 to 3 weeks for an extra $60, and mailing time is on top of that. If you travel within 14 days, you may qualify for an urgent appointment at a passport agency.

Step 1: Report a Lost or Stolen Passport

Report a valid, unexpired passport lost or stolen as soon as you notice it. Do not report an already expired passport through the lost/stolen cancellation process. A report cancels the passport electronically, and the information goes into the State Department's lost and stolen passport system to help prevent misuse of your identity.

You can report it:

• Online through the State Department's lost or stolen passport reporting tool on travel.state.gov
• By mail with Form DS-64, Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen U.S. Passport Book and/or Card
• While applying in person with DS-11: provide the required loss or theft details; use the online report if you need immediate cancellation

Reporting does not waive your replacement fees, and a reported passport cannot be used for travel again. If you find it later, do not travel with it. Anyone traveling on a reported passport may be detained when entering the U.S. Send the found passport to the State Department for cancellation, as the form instructs.

If your passport was stolen, a police report is not required for a replacement, but it can help you document the theft for insurance and identity protection.

Step 2: Choose the Right Form

Ordinary lost, stolen or significantly damaged passport replacements use DS-11. Eligible disaster replacements and certain limited-validity cases have separate procedures. A new replacement may also be issued with limited validity, depending on the circumstances.

What You Need to Bring

1. Completed Form DS-11. Do not sign it until a passport acceptance agent tells you to.
2. Details of the lost or stolen passport on the form, including the passport number if you know it, the date and where it was lost, and what happened.
3. Proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate. If your passport is damaged, submit it and provide a signed statement explaining the damage; bring acceptable citizenship evidence and copies required by the application instructions.
4. A valid photo ID and a photocopy of it, such as a driver's license.
5. One passport photo that meets the State Department's requirements.
6. Fees, paid in the way the facility accepts.

Fees

The application fee is paid to the U.S. Department of State, and the acceptance fee is paid separately to the facility where you apply. Passport fees are set by law and are non-refundable. Confirm current fees and payment methods on travel.state.gov before you go.

How Long Does It Take?

These times do not include mailing. The State Department notes it can take up to two weeks for your application to reach it, and up to two more for the new passport to arrive. Plan for 8 to 10 weeks in total for routine service, and check the live processing times page before you book travel.

If You Need a Passport Fast

• Pay for expedited service if you travel in less than about six weeks.
• Book an urgent appointment at a passport agency if you are leaving within 14 calendar days, or need a foreign visa within 28 days. Use the online appointment system or call NPIC. Bring proof of travel.
• Do not book non-refundable travel until you have your new passport in hand.

If You Lose Your Passport While Abroad

Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate right away. Report the loss and ask about a replacement. If you need to travel before a full passport can be issued, the consulate may issue a limited-validity emergency passport. Bring a photo ID, proof of citizenship if you have it, a passport photo and your travel details, and ask the consulate about fees and photo requirements.

Lost or Damaged in a Natural Disaster?

Federal law lets the State Department waive passport application fees for people who lost or damaged a passport in certain eligible major disasters. The State Department keeps a list of qualifying disasters and deadlines on its website. If you qualify, you apply with Form DS-5504 and Form DS-64, with a new photo, instead of paying fees.

Common Mistakes

• Signing Form DS-11 before meeting the acceptance agent
• Trying to use the online renewal for a lost or stolen passport
• Skipping the loss report, which leaves your identity at risk
• Bringing a photocopy instead of an original or certified proof of citizenship
• Using a photo that is the wrong size, has shadows or shows the wrong expression
• Expecting the application fee to be refunded after you find the lost passport
• Booking flights before the new passport arrives

FAQ

Can I replace a lost passport online?

You can report a lost or stolen passport online, but the replacement application is in person with Form DS-11. Online renewal is not available for lost, stolen or damaged passports.

How much does it cost to replace a lost passport?

For an adult passport book it costs $130 plus a $35 acceptance fee, or $165 in total, with an extra $60 if you pay for expedited service.

Do I need to file a police report?

Not for a passport replacement. For a stolen passport it can still be helpful for other records.

What if I find my old passport after reporting it lost?

Do not travel with it. Once a passport is reported lost or stolen, it is cancelled. Submit it for cancellation as the State Department instructs.

Can I travel while my replacement is processing?

You can travel domestically with accepted ID. Ordinary international flights require a valid passport book; certain land, sea and trusted-traveler exceptions have separate rules. Do not assume an application receipt replaces a travel document.

Is a damaged passport replaced the same way?

Yes. Apply with Form DS-11 in person and submit the damaged passport with your application.

Will my new passport be valid for 10 years?

Usually, but a replacement for a lost or stolen passport may be limited in validity, depending on the circumstances.

Bottom Line

To replace a passport, report the loss, apply in person with DS-11, bring a compliant photo and the right documents, and budget for fees and total waiting time. If you leave soon, ask about expedited service or an urgent agency appointment, and avoid booking nonrefundable travel until you have your new passport.

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Official Sources

Checked October 12, 2026.

• Report a valid passport lost or stolen
• Passport fees
• Processing times
• Replace a passport after a disaster

Related Articles

• DS-82 vs DS-11: Passport Form Filling and Online Submission Explained
• How Long Does It Take to Get a U.S. Passport? Processing and Mailing Times (2026)
• Why Was My Passport Photo Rejected? 15 Common Reasons & Fixes

About the Author

PhotoOmni Editorial Team

The PhotoOmni Editorial Team researches official passport, visa and identity-photo requirements. Government sources were checked on October 12, 2026; rules and charges can change.