Where to File Police Report for Lost or Stolen Passport

When traveling overseas it is essential to have an up-to-date passport. You do not want to travel with a passport which expires in less than six months. Even if your trip is only for a week or two, you never know what could happen, and you don't want to end up someplace with an expired passport. But like most other documents it is possible to lose the passport. If this ever occurs, there are a few ways to go about reporting it and applying for a new one.

Make sure the passport was lost and not stolen. If your passport was lost there is no need to file a claim with the local police department. The only reason you should file a police report is if you actually see an individual take the passport. If this is the case, contact the local authorities, but if it takes place within the United States, do not call 911. The number is for emergencies.

If the passport was stolen you should get in touch with the local police department.. Explain what exactly happened. A report will be made, but unless you have an description of the person who took the passport, chances of finding the culprit are not good.

If your passport is stolen overseas, you will want to contact the local police department. Go to the nearest police station and inform them what happened. A report will be made.

A passport can be lost or damaged in a number of different ways. It can be misplaced or fall out of a bag. It could be left inside clothes while they are washed. You will need to contact the U.S. State Department. (This holds true for stolen passports as well.) If you need your passport immediately, call (877) 487-2778. The number is in operation Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

If there is no immediate need for your passport, fill out form DS-64 and mail it to the address listed on the form. The form can be picked up at a local post office, a passport acceptance facility, a passport agency, or a copy can be downloaded and printed from the U.S. State Department's website.

Contact the nearest American Embassy. Tell them exactly what happened. They will need to issue you a new passport so you can exit the country and return to the United States. Depending on your location this could take a few days. If at all possible stay in that area of the country and do not attempt to cross into a different nation.