Picture this: You have a flight tomorrow, but you’ve discovered you lost your passport. You’ve torn apart your house or hotel room, and you’re positive it’s nowhere to be found. What in the world are you going to do? First, take a deep breath. A lost passport is a serious cause for concern, but this guide will walk you through what to do if you’ve lost your passport, including sharing the fastest way to replace a lost passport.
What do you do if you can’t find your passport?
First, make sure you’ve checked absolutely everywhere before you do anything else. We’ve created a list of common hiding spots for misplaced passports, both at home and in hotel rooms or vacation rentals.
- Suitcases or other travel bags
- Jacket or pants pockets
- Your car (see if it fell out somewhere)
- In a desk drawer
- On your nightstand (or behind it)
- Under the bed
- Between couch cushions
- Beneath the mail you picked up when you got home
- In the safe
You should also check with anyone you live with or traveled with if they’ve seen or moved your passport.
If you’re positive your passport isn’t in any of these places, it’s time to pick up the phone and call the following places.
- The last airport you traveled through with your passport in hand
- The last airline you flew with your passport, in case you left it onboard
- The last hotel you stayed at
- Any places you visited when you might’ve had your passport on you, like a museum or restaurant
- Your last taxi or rideshare driver
Report the lost or stolen passport
If your passport is truly gone, it’s time to report it as lost or stolen to the US Department of State.
The State Department lists three reporting options: online via the Online Form Filler (DS-64), by mail (print and mail Form DS-64 to the address on the form), or in person when you apply for a new passport (you will complete DS-11 when applying).
The National Passport Information Center number for scheduling and help is 1-877-487-2778 (TTY 1-888-874-7793).
If your flight is imminent, you can apply for an urgent or emergency passport
If you have an upcoming international flight within 72 hours, you may be able to get a replacement passport in time. The process and timeline depend on where you are when you’ve lost your passport.
If you’re in the US
If you’re in the US, you will have to apply for a replacement passport in person, not by mail or online. To do so, you must make an appointment at one of the passport agencies and centers.
For applicants who already filed or for urgent travel appointments, the State Department directs callers to 1-877-487-2778 (TTY 1-888-874-7793); the online appointment system is the first step for new urgent-travel appointments.
While there is no guarantee that you will be able to get an appointment, it is possible to get a same-day passport in some circumstances. The State Department notes expedited/same-day service is available for qualifying urgent travel (agencies prioritize travel within 14 calendar days or visa appointments within 28 days). Appointments are limited; travelers sometimes must travel to another agency location to obtain service. Note that the only available appointments may be at a passport office or center in another US city, so you would have to handle transportation.
If you’re abroad
If you’re abroad, contact the nearest US embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens abroad should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for emergency passport help; the State Department directs travelers to local embassy/consulate resources. Find the full list of locations at usembassy.gov.
U.S. embassies and consulates can issue limited-validity (emergency) passports, typically valid up to one year, to allow U.S. citizens to return to the United States or travel for essential urgent purposes. Emergency/limited-validity passports are often issued more quickly at consular posts (sometimes same day or the next business day). The State Department cautions issuance timing varies by post and that some posts cannot process passports on weekends/holidays but have after-hours duty officers for life-or-death emergencies.
What if you can’t get a replacement passport?
If you aren’t able to get a replacement passport, you will have to change your travel plans. Most international air travel requires a valid passport (and any required visas); airlines and destination countries will deny boarding or entry without required travel documents. There are limited, well-defined exceptions that you can check with CBP/WHTI. Check with your airline ASAP to see if you can change your flight; you may be able to push it back a few days.
If you need to cancel your trip entirely, do so before the flight departs. Airlines may offer e-credits/vouchers depending on fare rules and whether the passenger accepts rebooking or other compensation. You should check DOT guidance and your airline’s customer-service plan. You might be able to use the airline’s voucher to book a new flight later on.
For any pre-booked activities from your trip, including hotels and tours, you should then check with your travel insurance policy or credit card-provided insurance policy about refunds. Many policies (and some card benefits) can reimburse non-refundable trip costs for covered reasons (trip cancellation/interruption, etc.), but coverage is subject to policy terms and exclusions.
Our tips to avoid losing your passport in the future
- Always keep your passport in the same place, both at home and when you stay in hotels or vacation rentals.
- Keep your passport in a trackable passport holder, such as one that has a slot for Apple AirTag or Tile trackers.
- When you’re en route to your destination, designate a specific spot in your bag for your passport. Check it regularly during your travels.
- If you put your passport in a hotel safe, put one of your shoes in the safe, too. You probably won’t walk out the door with only one shoe, and you’ll remember to check the safe.
How to protect your passport when traveling
When you’re traveling, always keep your passport in a secure location, whether that’s an interior jacket pocket, a money belt, or an anti-theft bag. It’s usually best to leave your passport in your accommodation once you’ve reached your destination, ideally locked up in the safe. But set a reminder on your phone to check the safe before you check out!
Wrapping up
If you’ve lost your passport and need to fly imminently, you must call the US Department of State to notify officials of your lost passport. Then you can attempt to get a replacement passport before your flight, whether you’re at home or abroad. If you’re not successful in replacing your lost passport, you may have to postpone or cancel your international trip.
Frequently asked questions about lost passports
No, photocopies are not valid for international air travel. An expired passport is generally not acceptable for international departures; a few countries have narrow exceptions for reentry, but you must confirm with the airline and destination/returning-country authorities before traveling.
File a local police report (get a copy), contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to request an emergency passport, and report the loss via Form DS-64. Follow the embassy’s guidance on required documents and fees. Also cancel any stolen credit cards and keep copies of all reports and communications.
You’ll typically need proof of U.S. citizenship (certified birth certificate, previous U.S. passport, or naturalization certificate), proof of identity (valid driver’s license or state ID) plus a photocopy of that ID, one passport photo, the completed Form DS-11 (don’t sign until instructed), and the completed Form DS-64 reporting the loss. If you’re requesting urgent service, bring your travel itinerary/boarding pass and your passport agency appointment confirmation.
Fees vary by the type of passport and service, but expect standard passport book fees (see travel.state.gov) plus an expedited-service fee (commonly around $60 in the U.S.). Additional agency, execution, photo, or overseas consular fees may apply. Check travel.state.gov or the specific U.S. embassy/consulate website for exact, up-to-date fees.
Yes; minors can get emergency passports, but requirements are stricter. For children under 16, both parents/guardians generally must appear in person or provide notarized consent. Bring the child’s birth certificate, ID documents for the parents, and any required consent forms. Check the embassy/consulate or passport agency guidelines before your appointment.
Times vary by service: routine replacement takes several weeks (check travel.state.gov for current timelines), expedited by mail is typically faster for an added fee, and passport agency or embassy emergency service can sometimes be same-day or within 72 hours when you have proof of imminent travel. Always confirm current processing windows on travel.state.gov or your nearest U.S. embassy/consulate.
The foregoing article was last updated in December 2025. It does not contain legal advice and is for informational purposes only. KAYAK does not guarantee, and accepts no legal liability arising from or connected to, the accuracy, reliability, currency, or completeness of any of the information contained in this article and/or any of the content linked to within it. Always check the official government website of your departure and arrival destinations prior to travel for up-to-date information.
Sources:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/lost-stolen.html#replacelost
https://fr.usembassy.gov/passports/emergency-passports/
https://in.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports/emergency-passport/
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/passport-agencies.html
