# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Passports

How to Replace a Lost American Passport in the U.S.

A passport is a government issued document that is required for travel outside of the United States. The document is needed for entry to other countries and re-entry to the United States. Passports are valid for ten years and have the owners' photo, social security number, date of birth, address and expiration date. Replacing a lost American passport entails a set of government mandated procedures.

Instructions

- 1
  Report your passport lost or stolen. Contact the U.S Department of State by phone to report the passport missing or stolen.
- 2
  Locate a Passport Agency or Acceptance Facility in your area. Passport Agency's or Acceptance Facilities manage passport operations for the U.S Department of State.
- 3
  Complete U.S Department of State form DS-11: Application for a U.S Passport & Form DS-64: Statement regarding a lost or stolen Passport.
- 4
  Present the two forms and additional documentation to a Passport Agency or Acceptance Facility. The forms must be remitted in person at the agency location selected. The completed forms and evidence of U.S citizenship, photo identification, two passport photos and the application fee must be submitted for issuance of a replacement passport
- 5
  Wait to receive your replacement passport in the mail. Passport processing and mailing times vary.