No matter the reason; lost, stolen, or never had one, you need it quickly. You will be dealing with the United States Department of State. Courier companies may tell you they will expedite your passport for a fee. They will still have to deal with the Department of State, and you still have to apply in person. This is a government agency, you can’t avoid it, but they have a very user friendly site for forms and information.
When you are in a hurry, the short answer is called an expedited passport. You will pay an additional fee for the rush job! If the heavens align and everything is in your favor, 24 hours is the absolute shortest turnaround time.
Last Minute Flight DealsCan’t find you passport, what is the first thing to do?
While traveling you may encounter a need to replace an existing passport. The first thing is to report it missing to the U. S. Department of State. This will render the passport invalid and protect you from identity theft.
Still in the country, but I leave in 2 or less weeks.
You’ve got a passport, but it is lost or stolen. You will need to report it missing and fill out a DS-11 form. You will need proof (your travel tickets work) of immediate travel and then to make an appointment. It is required that you apply in person, at a passport agency or center to replace your passport.
My passport expired!
If you realize your passport has expired you can renew by mail. This is a 4-6 week processing period. If you need it sooner, the expedited passport is your only option.
*There are 27 passport agencies, and sometimes getting to one may require additional travel time.
I’m out of the country.
Already outside of the United States, you must contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. They will advise you on replacing your passport through them.
Applying for a passport
If this is your first passport, there are five steps. Before you show up to apply make sure to have it all ready and with you. Follow the steps and you will have it in 4-6 weeks.
- Fill out form DS-11
- Gather documentation
- Citizenship evidence
- Identification
- Proof of relationship (for children under 16)
- Then you will need to take a passport photo. This is a 2×2 photo and must meet certain standards.
- Calculate your fees.
- Finally, you must apply in person.
Should you need it sooner, the expedited passport noted above is the route to take. For first time applications though, the expedited will still take 2-3 weeks processing time.
The value of a passport
This does take time. It probably will be stressful. There is simply no way around getting a passport when traveling outside of the United States.
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