Replacing a lost U.S. passport costs $130 for the application fee plus a $35 execution fee for adults (16+) as of 2026, with an additional $60 expediting fee if needed; children under 16 pay a $100 application fee plus the same $35 execution fee.
What's the fastest way to replace a lost passport?
File Form DS-64 online through the U.S. Department of State's website to kick off the quickest replacement process.
Once you've reported it, book an appointment at a passport agency if you're traveling within two weeks — that can get you a passport in as little as 1–3 business days. Routine cases? Expedited service (2–3 weeks) is your next best bet. Just double-check current processing times on the U.S. Department of State website before you plan anything.
Do I have to pay again if I lost my passport?
Yes, you'll need to pay the full replacement fee unless you can prove you were a victim of a violent crime abroad with official documentation.
The fee covers the new passport book and all its security features. Fee waivers are rare — they typically require a police report and consular approval. If your passport was stolen during a federally declared disaster, you might qualify for an exception. Check USA.gov for details. Hang onto receipts for any expenses related to the loss; they could help with tax deductions later.
What happens if you lose your passport?
You've got to report the loss ASAP and apply in person for a replacement using Form DS-11.
Your old passport gets invalidated immediately to prevent identity theft — and you can't use it even if it turns up later. If you're abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for an emergency travel document. Reporting it quickly also protects you from liability if someone misuses it, according to the U.S. Department of State.
How quickly can a lost passport be replaced?
Routine replacement takes 6 to 8 weeks as of 2026, but you can shave that down to 2 to 3 weeks with expedited service for an extra $60.
Expedited service requires that extra $60 fee plus proof of travel within 14 days for agency appointments. Processing times fluctuate seasonally, so check travel.state.gov for current estimates. In extreme emergencies, a limited-validity passport can be issued same-day at an embassy abroad.
What documents do I need for a lost passport?
Grab Form DS-11, Form DS-64 (the loss/theft declaration), two identical passport photos, and a government-issued ID.
You'll also need evidence of U.S. citizenship — a certified birth certificate or naturalization certificate. Photocopies won't cut it. If you can't get primary documents, secondary evidence like early school records or a delayed birth certificate might work with a Form DS-10. Bring a photocopy of your ID front and back to speed things up at your appointment, per USA.gov guidelines.
How much does a passport cost?
A standard adult passport book costs $130 application fee plus $35 execution fee as of 2026, with variations for children, 50-page books, and expedited service.
| Passport Type | Adult (16+) | Child (under 16) |
|---|
| Standard 34-page book (online) | $110 | $80 |
| Standard 34-page book (paper form) | $130 | $100 |
| 50-page frequent traveler (online) | $140 | $110 |
| 50-page frequent traveler (paper form) | $160 | $130 |
| Execution fee (all applicants) | $35 | $35 |
Can I replace a lost passport in one day?
Nope, even with expedited service, a lost passport can't be replaced in a single day.
The fastest domestic option is a passport agency appointment — that can produce a passport in 1–3 business days if you have proof of travel within 14 days. Overseas, U.S. embassies can issue a limited-validity emergency passport same-day for urgent travel. Plan ahead to avoid last-minute emergencies, as noted by the U.S. Department of State.
What if I lost my passport before my flight?
Head straight to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and report your passport lost or stolen.
If you're in the U.S., call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 for guidance on same-day agency appointments. Airlines may deny boarding without a valid passport, so act fast. Keep digital copies of your passport and itinerary to expedite the process, advises USA.gov.
How do I apply for a lost passport?
Start by completing Form DS-64 online or in person to report the loss, then fill out Form DS-11 and submit it with your supporting documents.
You have to apply in person at a passport acceptance facility — post office, clerk of court, or library — with original documents and photos. If you're abroad, the embassy will walk you through the DS-11 and DS-64 process. Schedule appointments early; walk-in availability is limited, per travel.state.gov.
Do I need my birth certificate to replace a lost passport?
Yep, you'll need your original birth certificate or another proof of citizenship like a naturalization certificate.
A certified copy from the vital records office works; hospital-issued or photocopied certificates don't. If you were born abroad, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certificate of Citizenship does the trick. Order replacements well in advance — vital records processing can take weeks, according to USA.gov.
What happens if I report my passport lost and then find it?
Once you report a passport lost, it's automatically invalidated and can't be reused — even if you miraculously find it later.
You'll need to apply for a new passport using Form DS-11 and pay the full fee again. The found passport should be destroyed or returned to the State Department to prevent fraud. Don't try to travel with a reported-lost passport — it'll be flagged in border systems, warns the U.S. Department of State.
Why is a passport so expensive?
Passport fees cover advanced security features, biometric technology, production costs, and consular services worldwide.
The $130 application fee funds polycarbonate data pages, embedded chips, and holographic laminates that deter counterfeiting. The $35 execution fee pays acceptance agents for identity verification and document handling. Fee increases typically reflect rising manufacturing and cybersecurity expenses, as reported by Reuters.
How long does it take to replace a lost UK passport?
Replacing a lost UK passport takes up to 10 weeks for standard service, or 1 week with the fast-track service for an additional fee.
You have to report the loss online via GOV.UK and attend an interview if it's your first adult passport. The fast-track service costs £155 (plus £35 for a 50-page frequent traveller book) and requires an appointment at a passport office. Processing times can stretch during peak periods, so check GOV.UK for current estimates.
Can you get a UK passport the same day?
Yes, the UK offers a same-day premium service for urgent travel, available by appointment at a passport office.
The premium service costs £207.50 (plus £35 for a 50-page book) and requires proof of travel within 2 weeks. You'll need to bring printed application confirmation, two photos, and supporting documents. Appointments are limited and release daily — book early via GOV.UK.
Can I cross the border if I lost my passport?
You cannot cross an international border without a valid passport; you must obtain an emergency travel document from the nearest embassy or consulate.
U.S. citizens abroad should contact the nearest U.S. embassy for a limited-validity emergency passport, which allows direct return to the United States. Land borders with Canada or Mexico may accept enhanced driver's licenses or trusted traveler cards for re-entry, but a passport is required for air travel. Always verify entry requirements with travel.state.gov before departure.
