Have you been the victim of a stolen passport? You’re probably feeling upset and confused, unsure of what you should do first. Should you call the police and file a police report? Should you contact the State Department? And should you try to get a new passport right away?
We’re here to help guide you through your first steps to report and replace your stolen passport.
Are Police Reports Necessary?
First things first: you’ll be able to replace your stolen passport even if you don’t file a police report. It’s recommended that you report your stolen passport to the police, but ultimately it’s up to you to decide whether you want to file a report with the local police. However, we would strongly recommend that you file a police report if you find yourself in any of the following situations.
- You have been the victim of a violent crime. If your passport was stolen as part of a violent mugging, beating, or carjacking, these serious crimes should be reported to the police.
- All of your identification documents were stolen. Did pickpockets manage to get your driver’s license and Social Security Card in addition to your passport? Or did a thorough burglar steal your passport and other important documents like your birth certificate? If you’ve lost multiple forms of identification, reporting the robbery to the police is a very good idea, as you’re at higher risk for future identity theft.
- You were also robbed of other valuables. You should alert the police if thieves also stole credit cards, jewelry, or other valuables.
Please note that if your passport was simply lost and not stolen, you shouldn’t file a police report. Misplacing your passport inside your home or forgetting it on the train is not a crime!
Reporting Your Stolen Passport to the State Department
Whether you file a police report or not, you do need to report your passport loss to the US Department of State. It’s important to do this as soon as you know your passport has been stolen. The State Department will cancel your passport number and mark your passport as stolen in the official systems. That means that no one else can use your stolen passport for travel, or to get a new passport.
There are a few ways to report your stolen passport to the State Department.
- Are you replacing your stolen passport right away? You will need to fill out a passport application online in order to replace your stolen passport. As part of that online application, you’ll be asked questions about how your passport was lost. You’ll be able to explain how your passport was stolen. These questions will be used to fill out Form DS-64. Form DS-64 is the statement on a lost or stolen passport. This form will be submitted to the State Department electronically when you fill out the online passport application. You’ll also get a copy to print, sign, and include with your passport replacement application.
- If you are not replacing your passport right away, you still need to report your passport stolen to protect yourself from identity theft. You can do this by:
- Filing Form DS-64 online.
- Calling the US State Department at 877-487-2778.
- Filling out a paper copy of Form DS-64 and mailing it to the address on the form.
How Can G3Passports.com Help?
We’ll make sure that your stolen passport doesn’t stop you from making your next trip! We can replace your passport in as little as two days. Our experts are also available via phone, email, and web chat to help you figure out your next steps.