When traveling overseas, the most important thing for someone to have on them at all times is a passport. In the event of an emergency, this is the thing that identifies someone as a United States citizen and it is impossible to travel without it. One of the most frustrating ordeals to go through when traveling is a lost or stolen U.S. passports but, in the event that it happens, it is important to know what to do.
Once the holder has determined that the passbook is missing, the incident should be immediately reported to the government. This will prevent the document from being used by thieves to travel between countries. The missing passbook report may be submitted via telephone or paper DS-64 government form. Situations that occur during foreign travel should be reported to the nearest U.S. consulate or U.S. embassy.
Those who have lost their passbook while traveling will find it a bit more difficult to replace. The individual should make copies of the passbook prior to traveling and stash these in a carry on, checked baggage, or a wallet. A person can also obtain a certain type of insurance that will cover the replacement cost of the passbook.
Those traveling abroad will need to apply for a new passport in person by visiting a U.S. embassy or U.S. consulate. The directory of these agencies may be found online so this information should be researched, printed, and included with the travel documents. If this is not done, the traveler will need to get Internet access while away or ask the staff at the hotel for the directory. It is important to get to the appropriate agency as soon as possible to get a passports.
When a passbook is recorded as missing, it will be invalidated immediately and will not be permissible for travel. If the passbook is later located, it must be turned in to the U.S. State Department for handling. The agency will cancel the document and provide it to the passbook holder if requested. The cancelled document will not be valid for international travel, so the holder should make sure it is lost before it is reported as such.
A new passbook must be obtained in person with the Passport Agency or Acceptance Facility. The holder will need to re-apply as if this were the first time the passport was being obtained. The report of lost or stolen passport will also need to be supplied to the government. The applicant will receive a new passport within four to six weeks of submitting the application and supporting documentation.
One of the most inconvenient situations to be in is losing a passbook or having it stolen right before leaving for a trip. Under normal circumstances, it takes four to six weeks to obtain a replacement. Even with expedited processing, it takes two to three weeks to complete the process. Anyone who needs a passbook to be replaced within two weeks should make an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency.
Having a stolen United States passports is not fun, but there are solutions in the form of expedited processing and the use of private companies for passport services. The holder must report the lost document using the DS-64 form, then begin the passbook application process. When all steps are followed correctly, the individual will have a new passbook within as little as 24 hours when a private service is used.