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.
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.
You’ve got other options too—call 1-877-487-2778 (TTY 1-888-874-7793) to report it by phone or mail Form DS-64 to the address on the form. Once you’ve reported it, swing by an acceptance facility with your completed Form DS-11, supporting documents, and payment. Traveling within 14 days? Book an appointment at a passport agency ASAP.
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.
That fee covers processing and the fancy security features in your new passport. If your loss was tied to a crime, bring a police report to the embassy or consulate—sometimes they’ll waive the fee. Otherwise, you’re on the hook for the same fees whether you’re replacing a lost or expired passport.
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.
If you’re jetting off internationally within 5 business days, head straight to a passport agency with proof of imminent travel. No urgent trip? Just apply at an acceptance facility like a post office or courthouse. Your old passport gets canceled on the spot—no take-backs.
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.
Got a trip in less than 14 days? Book an appointment at a passport agency for same-day or next-day service—just expect to pay more. Always double-check current processing times on travel.state.gov before you apply.
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.
No old passport? Order a fresh certified birth certificate from your state’s vital records office. Bring a photocopy or digital backup of your ID if you’ve got one. Without these, you might need to dig up secondary proof of citizenship—so don’t lose those documents either.
How much does a passport cost?
| 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 you’ll get one is 2 to 3 weeks with expedited processing and a passport agency appointment. If you’re desperate to travel immediately, your best bet is to visit the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate abroad for a limited-validity emergency passport.
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 can prove you’re flying out within 14 days, they’ll issue an emergency travel document. Skip that proof? You might not make it past airport security.
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.
Book an appointment at a passport acceptance facility and bring two passport photos, your ID, and payment. If you’re overseas, contact the embassy immediately—don’t wait until you’re stuck at the airport.
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.
No original? Order a certified copy from your state’s vital records office. Photocopies won’t cut it—only originals or certified replacements will fly with the State Department.
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 brand-new passport to travel internationally. The old one stays canceled in the system, so keep it safe in case officials ask for it down the road.
Why is a passport so expensive?
Passports aren’t cheap because they pack in high-tech security like digital photos, RFID chips, and tamper-proof paper that cost well over $100 per book to produce.
According to the U.S. Department of State, your fees go toward those security upgrades, processing systems, and fraud prevention. The government isn’t pocketing profits here—it’s all reinvested into making passports harder to fake.
How long does it take to replace a lost UK passport?
Replacing a lost UK passport takes about 5 weeks for standard processing as of 2026.
You can apply online via GOV.UK and expect your new passport in the mail. Need it faster? Book a same-day appointment at a UK Passport Office—but only if you can prove you’re traveling urgently.
Can you get a UK passport the same day?
Yes, you can snag a same-day UK passport appointment if you’ve got urgent travel plans.
The earliest slot is usually two days after you apply. Bring proof of travel and show up for a 30-minute appointment at a Passport Office. Just don’t expect an appointment if you’re isolating due to illness.
Can I cross the border if I lost my passport?
No way—you can’t cross any international border without a valid passport.
If you’re already abroad, drop everything and visit the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to report the loss and request an emergency passport or travel document. Without it, you’re likely stuck—or worse, denied boarding.
David Okonkwo holds a PhD in Computer Science and has been reviewing tech products and research tools for over 8 years. He's the person his entire department calls when their software breaks, and he's surprisingly okay with that.