# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Passports

How to Obtain a Passport When One Is Expired & Lost?

Nothing can be more frustrating than planning a trip overseas and realizing that your passport is either expired or lost. Report the lost passport as soon as possible and begin the process of replacing it a few months before you plan on needing it. Replacing your missing or expired passport is a generally smooth process, as long as you follow the U.S. State Department guidelines. If you are overseas, contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate nearest you.

Form DS-64
Form DS-11
Passport photo

Instructions

- 1
  Call to report a lost passport by phone at 1-877-487-2778 (TTY 1-888-874-7793) from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time on weekdays. Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate as soon as possible to speak with the American Citizens Services unit if you lose your passport abroad. The Consular Section will help you obtain new passport photos as well as a replacement passport.
- 2
  Fill out and sign Form DS-64, the Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport, to report your lost passport. The form is available on the U.S. State Department website.
- 3
  Fill out and sign Form DS-11, the Application for a U.S. Passport, to apply for a replacement for your lost passport or to renew an expired passport. The form is available on the U.S. State Department website.
- 4
  Turn in both of the forms at a Passport Agency or an Acceptance Facility, such as a local U.S. Post Office.
- 5
  Submit a recent 2-by-2 inch, full-face photo, taken in front of a white background, with your passport application, along with the $110.00 renewal fee as of May 2011. Pay an additional $60.00 fee for expedited service. Submit your expired passport with the application for passport renewal.