If you lose your expired passport or someone steals it, don’t just leave it alone. As we all know, a lost or stolen passport could put you in danger, as could an expired passport. There’s still a chance that your personal information could be at risk if you don’t take action with your lost expired passport.
But don’t be overstressed if it actually happens. In this article, we’re going to talk about what you can do if your expired passport is lost or stolen and what to do next while traveling abroad.
What should you do?
Step 1. Report the loss to the relevant agency as soon as possible
You might think that an expired passport will not cause you any trouble since it’s no longer valid for travel. But that’s a bad idea. The truth is, even if your missing passport is expired, it still has all your personal information on it. Imagine if your passport falls into the hands of some ill persons, they could procure your information through your passport and use it for some pretty shady stuff. Just think of how advanced technology is these days. The consequences of your information falling into the wrong hands could be terrible.
Thus, if you find your expired passport lost, report the loss to the relevant agency as soon as possible.
If you are an American citizen, report the loss to the State Department right at the moment you discover it so that they can take measures right away to protect your information from being stolen. You can call the U.S. Department of State’s National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 to report the loss or if you prefer, you may mail the Form DS-64 with your signature to the address listed on the form. The easiest way is to just report online! You can visit U.S. Passport Applications and Forms and fill out the DS-64 form online. It’s quick and easy, and you can do it from the comfort of your own home.
Once you’ve reported the loss, your lost expired passport will be canceled and will be void to anyone who might use it for fraudulent purposes.
Step 2. Protect your identity
As we discussed earlier, the consequences of a lost or stolen expired passport can be devastating, which is why it’s crucial to act to protect your identity.
If you’re unlucky enough to have your passport lost or stolen, remember to keep an eye on your credit record and all financial accounts for any symptoms of fraud. You should also consider putting a fraud alert or credit freeze on your accounts to prevent unwanted access.
Step 3. Gather the necessary documents and materials for a new passport
After you’ve reported your lost or stolen expired passport and taken steps to protect your identity, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Until now, you are safe currently.
However, reporting the loss will not automatically replace your passport. You still need to prepare the necessary documents and materials to apply for a new one. Please note that a lost or stolen passport cannot be renewed, even if it had already expired at the time it was lost.
As required by the State Department, you need to apply in person to get a new passport. Prepare the following documents before you go to ensure a smooth application.
- Form DS-11. You can download it or submit it online here
- Evidence of your American citizenship: U.S. birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth or Certificate of Citizenship (The evidence of your citizenship must be one of these documents)
- a photocopy of your American citizenship evidence
- your photo ID and a photocopy of it
- A good passport photo
Among the above documents, getting a good passport photo is the most stressful thing! The State Department has all these strict rules, like no smile, glasses or any shadows on your face, rendering it super frustrating to get an excellent and compliant photo. But fear not, AiPassportPhotos is here to help out! You can have your photo with all the necessary requirements met so that your application process will go smoothly. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of taking the perfect passport photo, just give AiPassportPhotos a chance.
Using advanced AI technology, this passport photo editor can automatically convert your photo to the correct passport size, remove unwanted backgrounds, and perform AI-driven compliance tests to ensure that your photo meets all of the necessary requirements.
Four simple steps to get a perfect and compliant photo for your passport application:
Step 1: Find a place with good lighting conditions
Step 2: Set up your digital camera or ask someone to help you
Step 3: Take the shooting
Step 4: Edit and print out
Step 4. Apply for a new passport
In addition to the documents and materials mentioned in Step 2, you also need to pay the application fees when applying for a new passport. The State Department provides a list of current passport fees on their official website, which includes the cost of a new passport book, and a new passport card. Please note expedited service is available at an additional cost of $60.
As regulated by the State Department, you have to apply in person at a Passport Acceptance Facility for a new passport in the United States. You can access the service at post offices, clerks of court, public libraries, and other local government offices. Alternatively, you may visit the website to find the nearest Passport Acceptance Facility around you based on zip code, state, or city. Applying for a new passport can take some time, plan accordingly and be patient.
If you’re outside the United States and you’ve lost your passport, it can be a stressful situation. However, there’s no need to panic! You can still get a temporary passport or travel documents from the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate, which will allow you to travel safely and get back home.
Once you’ve taken care of that, you can relax and wait for your new passport to arrive.
What to do if you lose your expired passport while traveling?
If you have already set off on your trip and only to discover that your expired passport is lost. Calm down. We understand how inconvenient and despairing it is to find a lost passport in a strange country. We will get you covered with what to do after losing your expired passport.
When you find your passport gone, your first port of call is the local authorities, such as the police, as your information is most likely to be disclosed in this situation and reporting will protect your identity and your wealth from being stolen. On the other hand, the police report issued by the local authorities will serve as evidence to handle the claim with your insurance and for your application for a replacement passport at the embassy later.
When talking to the police, try to provide as much information as possible, such as the time when you lost your passport and the location where you reported your loss. These will be pretty helpful for getting your passport back and following up on the updates.
Then, get in touch with the nearest U.S. Embassy or visit their website for information on how to get a temporary passport, as you will not be accepted and will get on board without any identification documents when you return to your home country. Generally, you need to fill out an application form for a temporary passport. You may be asked to provide information about how you lost your passport, your travel plans, and proof of your identity and citizenship.
Lastly, to make a temporary passport, a passport photo is needed. AiPassportPhotos is able to get your photo compliant in seconds if you don’t have a photo that is in line with the requirements for a passport photo on hand. With AiPassportPhotos, you are able to take your own passport photo at any time. Besides, the AI-driven platform is able to generate a compliant passport photo from a photo you upload as well.
By the way, a temporary passport is only valid for a limited period of time, typically during your travels. Don’t forget to apply for a new passport after you return to your country.
Your passport is essential for your overseas travel and your identity security as well. It’s important to keep your passport well. Here are some tips for avoiding loss of your passport:
- Keep your passport in a secure place
- Make copies of your passport
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Don’t lend your passport
- Use a passport holder
Wrap-up
An expired passport may be useless for international travel but can invoke the curse. Losing your expired passport while on a trip also can be problematic. But now you know what to do if it happens! Just report the loss to the relevant authorities and apply for a new passport. Lastly, keep your passport safe and enjoy your travels without worrying about losing it!
Dolores Xiao