What happens if your passport gets lost in the mail
The anxiety of waiting for a passport to arrive and then... it's nowhere to be found! If your passport gets lost in the mail, here's what you can do:
Immediate Action
- Report the loss to the US Department of State: Contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778 (1-877-4USA-PPT) or visit their website at travel.state.gov. Provide your name, date of birth, and the approximate date of mailing to report the loss.
- Contact the post office: Reach out to the post office where you sent your passport application to report the loss. They may be able to help you track the package or provide additional information.
Next Steps
- Apply for a replacement passport: You'll need to apply for a replacement passport book or passport card. You can do this online, by phone, or by visiting a passport acceptance facility. You'll need to provide proof of citizenship, identity, and a photocopy of both sides of your ID.
- Pay the application fee: The application fee for a replacement passport book is currently $110 for adults (16 and older) and $80 for children (15 and younger). The fee for a passport card is $30 for adults and $15 for children.
- Provide additional documentation: You may need to provide additional documentation, such as a police report or a notarized statement, to support your application.
- Wait for your new passport: Processing times for a replacement passport can vary depending on the workload of the passport agency. Routine service typically takes 6-8 weeks, while expedited service takes 2-3 weeks.
Tips and Reminders
- Make sure to keep a digital copy of your passport application and supporting documents in case you need to refer to them later.
- Consider using a trackable shipping method, such as USPS Priority Mail or FedEx, to send your passport application.
- If you're traveling internationally, contact your airline or travel provider to see if they can assist with any travel arrangements or provide guidance on alternative documentation.
- Keep in mind that a lost passport can cause delays and additional expenses, so it's essential to act quickly and follow the proper procedures to minimize the impact on your travel plans.