Replace a lost or stolen passport
If your U.S. passport was lost or stolen, you must report it and apply for a replacement. Passlane is a free, independent matching service that explains your options in plain language and can connect you with a private expediter if you want faster help.
What this help is
Losing a passport is stressful, especially if you have a trip soon. The good news is that you can replace a lost or stolen U.S. passport, but the government has specific steps you must follow.
Passlane is an independent private company. We are not the U.S. Department of State, not the National Passport Information Center, not USCIS, and not an embassy or consulate. We do not issue passports, process government applications, or decide outcomes. We are a free matching and referral service that explains the official process and, if you want, connects you with an independent private passport expediter.
You always have the choice to apply directly with the government yourself at no service charge. If you want help understanding the usual steps, timing, and faster routes, you can also get matched with a private service at no cost from Passlane.
How replacement usually works
If your passport is lost or stolen, you usually need to do two things: report the old passport, and apply for a new one. A lost or stolen passport cannot normally be renewed by mail with Form DS-82. Most people in this situation apply in person using Form DS-11.
You will usually need to report the loss or theft as part of the process. You may also be asked for details about what happened. The government decides what to accept and whether to issue the replacement passport.
Typical steps include:
- Complete the required government form for a new passport application, usually DS-11
- Report the lost or stolen passport as instructed by the government
- Show proof of U.S. citizenship, if available
- Show acceptable photo ID
- Bring a passport photo that meets government rules
- Apply at a passport acceptance facility or, in urgent cases, seek an appointment at a passport agency if you qualify
If you are unsure how fast each route usually moves, see timelines and fees. For legal or immigration advice, speak with a licensed immigration attorney or accredited representative. Passlane does not give legal advice.
Documents, fees, and what you pay
For a lost or stolen passport replacement, you should expect official government fees for the new passport application. The exact amount depends on the passport type and your age. Confirm the current amount on the official government website before you apply.
If you choose a private expediter, that company's service fee is separate from the official government fee. In other words, the government's passport fee is not included in a private expediter's fee. Passlane itself is free to use as a matching service.
Common items people may need include:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a prior passport or certified birth certificate, if available
- Government-issued photo ID
- A passport photo
- Travel plans, if you are requesting faster service
- Information about the lost or stolen passport, if known
For your privacy, our website form should collect only basic contact and request details. Do not submit your Social Security number, passport number, or scanned documents on the site.
Faster routes if you travel soon
If you need your replacement passport quickly, there are a few legitimate ways to move faster. Routine service is often about 4 to 6 weeks. Government expedited service is often about 2 to 3 weeks for an extra government fee. Timelines can change, so treat these as estimates, not promises.
If you have urgent international travel within about 14 days, or a qualified life-or-death emergency, you may be able to seek an in-person appointment at a passport agency. Availability depends on the government's rules and appointment supply.
Some travelers also use an independent private expediter. A private expediter may help by reviewing requirements, organizing the package, and couriering or hand-carrying eligible applications where allowed. This can be helpful when time is short, but no private company can guarantee approval or a specific timeline. Only the government can issue the passport.
If you want to understand legitimate rush options, read how to expedite a passport or get matched with an independent private service.
If your passport was lost or stolen, you usually need to report it and apply for a new one in person with Form DS-11. You can do this yourself through the government, or Passlane can connect you for free with a private expediter if you need help moving faster. Government fees and any private service fee are separate, and only the government can approve and issue the passport.