Losing Your U.S. Passport Overseas

Losing your passport can get you into a sticky situation, so be sure to follow these tips as soon as you realize you don’t have it on you.

You will need to get in touch with the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate to get your passport replaced before you leave. If you your passport got stolen, or you were the victim of a serious crime, be sure to tell the consulate so they can provide the appropriate assistance. If you are at home but a friend or relative is in trouble overseas, you can contact the Office of Overseas Citizens Services to get your friend in contact with an American representative.

To get a replacement, you will need to have a few things like a passport photo, so try to stay prepared and have one ready to speed up the process. Travelers will also need personal identification like a driver’s license, proof of U.S. citizenship, like a birth certificate, and a travel itinerary. Once at the embassy, you will need to fill out a DS-11 Application for Passport, and a DS-64 Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport, though if you click on the links you can fill them out ahead of time. Police reports are not required but recommended, especially if your passport was stolen.

To get more information on lost passports and consulate information, visit the website for the Bureau of Consulate Affairs.