Sooner or later, everyone has to replace their passport. The process of passport renewal can be because the passport was lost, perhaps it was damaged or it just may have expired. When this happens, the reason that it is getting replaced will dictate what has to be done to get a new passport. Here is some basic information to try and make the process a little easier.
A lost or stolen passport can be a disaster, especially if it is lost or stolen outside of the country. For domestic passport replacement of a lost or stolen passport, the applicant first needs to contact the State Department to inform them about the missing passport. This can be accomplished by calling the relevant number listed on the State Department website.
Once the passport has been officially reported missing, the applicant must fill out an official missing passport form, in person, at an application center. A new passport application must be filled in addition to this form. Once these two documents have been sent out for processing the applicant can expect their replacement passport in four to six weeks.
If someone is on a trip out of the country and they lose their passport, a whole new set of rules apply. They must immediately go to an embassy or consulate office and let them know what happened. These offices are very experienced in this and will expedite a passport replacement so the traveler can continue with their plans.
Expired passports are pretty easy to handle as long as there is not a rush and everything can be handled over the Internet and via the mail. All forms are available online and can be downloaded and filled out. Put the old passport, any additional documentation that is required and the forms in an overnight envelope and ship them off.
Damaged passports are very similar to expired passports and everything can be handled via mail. The one word of warning that we do offer is to make sure the old passport is included with everything else. It is surprising how many people actually forget this and the whole process gets delayed until the old one is received.
Should the passport get damaged when the person is on their trip, it should still be okay to use to get back into the country as long as the passport number is visible. It would still be a good idea to stop by the embassy and make sure that it will be accepted. When returning home, get the forms and mail them off to have the damaged passport replaced.
There are several different methods for Passport Replacement, and each method is specific to the reasons behind the replacement, and the location of the replacement. Because passports expire, everyone that travels will need to replace their passport several times in their lifetime. It is always good to plan ahead and get a new U.S. passport well before any upcoming international travel plans.
