A lost or expired passport is a U.S. travel document that cannot be used for international travel and must be replaced through official government procedures. You must apply for a new passport if your current one is missing, damaged, or has passed its expiration date.
The U.S. Department of State handles all passport applications and replacements. A lost passport cannot be reissued under the original number-it is canceled and replaced with a new one. An expired passport may still be valid for renewal if it was issued within the last 15 years and is in good condition, but it cannot be used for travel until replaced.
Passport validity depends on age at issuance. Adults (16 and older) receive 10-year passports. Children under 16 get 5-year passports. Once expired, the document is no longer valid-even if it's physically intact. Travelers must carry a valid passport to enter or exit most countries.
Replacing a lost or expired passport begins with submitting Form DS-11, the application for a first-time or renewed passport. This form is only available in person at a passport acceptance facility such as a post office, library, or county clerk's office. You cannot mail in a DS-11 unless you're applying for a child under 16.
You must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate or naturalization certificate. A government-issued photo ID, like a driver's license, is required. If your passport was lost, you must submit a police report or affidavit of loss. Failure to do so delays processing.
Applicants must appear in person. The process includes a photo taken on-site and fingerprinting. These steps verify identity and prevent fraud. The U.S. State Department uses biometric checks to confirm applicant identity against federal databases.
There are three scenarios requiring a new passport: lost, stolen, or expired. Each has distinct documentation needs.
| Scenario | Required Documents | Processing Time | Fee (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lost or Stolen | Form DS-11, proof of citizenship, photo ID, police report or affidavit | 8-11 weeks (standard), 5-7 weeks (expedited) | $135 (adult), $100 (child) |
| Expired (Renewal) | Form DS-11 or DS-82, old passport, photo ID, recent photo | 8-11 weeks (standard), 5-7 weeks (expedited) | $135 (adult), $100 (child) |
| Minor Under 16 | Form DS-104, both parents' IDs, proof of citizenship, photos | 10-12 weeks (standard), 8-10 weeks (expedited) | $100 (child) |
For lost or stolen passports, the State Department recommends reporting the loss to local law enforcement and filing a report with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate if abroad. The FBI maintains a database of reported lost and stolen passports, which helps prevent identity theft.
When renewing an expired passport, you can use Form DS-82 if you meet eligibility criteria: the previous passport was issued within the last 15 years, is undamaged, and was issued when you were 16 or older. If you don't qualify, you must use Form DS-11 and appear in person.
Many assume they can renew a lost passport online. That is false. Online renewal is only available for eligible renewals via Form DS-82. If your passport is lost or stolen, you must apply in person using Form DS-11.
Another misconception is that a damaged passport can be repaired. You cannot fix a torn or water-damaged passport. Even if the photo and name are legible, the State Department will not accept it. A new application is required.
Some travelers believe they can use a passport copy while waiting for a replacement. This is not allowed. Only a valid, unexpired passport is accepted for international travel. Using a photocopy risks denial at border control and potential entry refusal.
Janet, a 38-year-old teacher from Chicago, realized her passport was missing after returning from a trip to Canada. She had left it in her suitcase during a layover. She called the U.S. State Department's passport hotline and confirmed it was lost.
She gathered her documents: a certified birth certificate, her driver's license, and a printed police report from the airport security office. She scheduled an appointment at her local post office, a designated passport acceptance facility.
At the appointment, she submitted Form DS-11, paid the $135 fee, and provided fingerprints. Her photo was taken on-site. She requested expedited service due to an upcoming work trip to Germany.
Four weeks later, Janet received her new passport by mail. The entire process took 5 weeks. She used the new passport to board her flight without issue.
If you've lost or expired your passport, act quickly. Delays in replacement can disrupt travel plans, especially for international business trips or family emergencies. Start with the U.S. State Department's official website to locate a nearby acceptance facility.
Keep your passport in a secure place. Use a travel document wallet with RFID protection. Always make a digital copy of your passport photo page and store it in a password-protected cloud folder. This speeds up recovery if lost again.
Travelers should plan at least 8 weeks before departure to replace a lost or expired passport. Expedited service reduces wait time but adds $60 to the fee. Always check the latest fees and forms on the State Department's site before visiting a facility.