Everything To Know About The Stolen Passport Replacement Process

by erin on October 28, 2010

Having a passport stolen or misplacing one can be a scary issue for many people, especially when they’re in the midst of traveling or very close to doing so. While some tend to be confused about the process of getting a misplaced or stolen passport replacement, others may simply not know where to start. There are a few steps that you can take to insure that the process goes smoothly. There are also some documents you may want to travel with in case you need them for an unexpected need for a replacement passport.

You’ll first want to be certain that you haven’t simply overlooked the passport so do some double-checking. If you feel that it’s truly lost or has been stolen, you’ll need to report it as such to the embassy and the local police authorities. To do this, you’ll need to fill out the required forms so you can get a passport replacement.

Although it can depend on one’s location and the regulations that exist there, it’s often a good idea to bring two passport photos along with you as they may be required. Bringing along any original documentation is also sometimes recommended. Proper photographs can be obtained at local convenience stores, mail centers or any type of qualified passport facility but you may also be able to get referrals from the embassies themselves.

A good rule of thumb is to check out your embassy’s policies for lost or stolen passports since many vary on what is required and may be dependent on whether or not you’re currently within your home country or outside of it. Most embassies have contact information available online, often with instructions on what steps to take or what forms to have ready ahead of time.

Knowing what forms to fill out is important, especially when it comes to understanding how to fill them out properly and when to do so. By getting this information from your embassy or by checking online ahead of time, you’ll be able to ensure that things run as smoothly as possible. For instance, the United States has a form called the DS-11 which must not be signed until you’re actually at the passport agency in person.

You’ll also want to research any type of documentation that you’ll need at the time you go to get a replacement. Some countries may require or ask for the original documentation of when the passport was issue. Common papers that may required will include photo identification such as a driver’s license and a birth certificate. It’s also important to make sure that you have these basic documents with you whenever you’re traveling in order to protect yourself in the event of losing your passport.

In most cases, a fee will be required upon the submission of your application. Therefore, you’ll want to make sure that you have enough money. You’ll also want to ensure that your passport is of the correct size in order for it to be accepted, though many qualified services will know this ahead of time.

If you find that you’re still confused or struggling with the process of getting a stolen pass port replacement, you can also try going through a professional service that specializes in handling your US passport application forms and submitting it to the appropriate agency. While extra fees will apply in order to obtain these services, they can often help in lessening any burdens and providing you with need-to-know information upfront.

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