If your U.S. passport is stolen, report it immediately to the U.S. Department of State's Passport Services. This prevents identity theft and enables faster replacement. Reporting is free and mandatory if your passport was taken without permission.
Passports are high-value documents. A stolen passport can be used to travel under false identity, open bank accounts, or commit fraud. The State Department maintains a database of reported stolen passports to block their use abroad. Failure to report increases risk of misuse.
Reporting your passport stolen is not the same as reporting it lost. Theft implies unauthorized removal. If someone took your passport intentionally, file a police report first. Both actions require different documentation, but both lead to the same outcome: a new passport.
Secure your personal information. Contact your bank and credit card providers to freeze accounts. Monitor credit reports through Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. Identity theft protection services may offer additional support.
File a police report in the jurisdiction where the theft occurred. Provide details: date, time, location, and description of the thief if known. Keep a copy of the report. Some countries require a police report to process a new passport.
For example, in 2022, a traveler in Miami reported their passport stolen after being pickpocketed at a tourist site. The local police issued a report within 30 minutes. The victim submitted it with their passport application and received a new passport in 14 days.
Contact the U.S. Department of State's National Passport Information Center at 1-877-4USA-PASS (1-877-487-2727). Call during business hours (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Monday to Friday). You can also visit a passport acceptance facility with your police report and ID.
Complete Form DS-64, "Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen U.S. Passport." This form requires your full name, date of birth, passport number, issue date, and details of the theft. Sign it under penalty of perjury.
Submit the form online via the State Department's portal or mail it to the address listed on the form. Attach a copy of your police report, a photocopy of your passport's biographical page, and two recent passport photos. Processing takes 10 to 15 business days.
You must provide:
Some applicants use a certified copy of a birth certificate. Others submit a naturalization certificate. The State Department verifies citizenship before issuing a new passport.
For example, a New York resident reported her passport stolen while traveling in London. She filed a police report with Scotland Yard, obtained a stamped copy, and submitted it with Form DS-64. Her new passport arrived in 12 days.
Standard processing takes 10 to 15 business days. Expedited service costs $60 extra and reduces wait time to 5 to 7 business days. Apply in person at a passport agency if you have urgent travel plans.
After submission, you'll receive a tracking number. Check status online at travel.state.gov. If your application is incomplete, you'll get a request for missing documents.
Once approved, your new passport is mailed to your home address. It includes a machine-readable zone and digital security features. Never carry your passport in a wallet or backpack. Use a secure travel pouch instead.
Many assume reporting a stolen passport is optional. It is not. The State Department flags stolen passports globally. Using a stolen passport can result in arrest or denial of entry into foreign countries.
Another error: submitting a police report from a country that doesn't recognize U.S. law enforcement. For international theft, obtain a report from local authorities and have it translated into English. Notarize the translation.
Some think they can apply for a new passport without reporting theft. This is incorrect. Without reporting, the State Department cannot verify loss. Applications without proof of theft are denied.
Both situations require Form DS-64. But theft demands a police report. Loss does not. If you misplace your passport, report it as "lost" and explain the circumstances.
| Factor | Stolen Passport | Lost Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Police Report Required | Yes | No |
| Form DS-64 Purpose | Confirm unauthorized removal | Confirm accidental loss |
| Processing Time | 10-15 business days | 10-15 business days |
| Expedited Service Cost | $60 | $60 |
I once helped a client report a stolen passport after a hotel room robbery. The thief took her bag and passport. We filed a police report, gathered documents, and submitted Form DS-64. The State Department verified the theft and issued a new passport in 11 days.
After reporting, monitor your passport status online. If you don't receive confirmation within 15 days, call the National Passport Information Center. Do not attempt to travel with a stolen passport.
Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit files. Report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. File a report and get a recovery plan.
Reporting your passport stolen is a critical step in protecting your identity and ensuring safe international travel. Act quickly, gather documents, and follow the State Department's instructions precisely.