My dream vacation to Europe is fast approaching, so the other day I decided to make sure my passport was where I usually keep it. I am extremely organized, but for some reason my passport was not in the drawer where I thought it should be. This sent me into a panic and I began searching my house, trying to re-trace my steps
The last time I used my passport was for a trip to Canada and I had thought nothing of it since then. After hours of searching, I came to the conclusion that it must be lost so I called the airport where I last went through the Security Check-In process and filed a report. I was so frustrated that I could have lost something so important but then the real panic set in… With my trip only 10 weeks away, would I be able to get a new one in time?
I did a lot of searching online to figure out what to do next, so I thought I’d make things easier for others going through the same struggle.
First things first, if you’re planning to travel, be sure to check to make sure your passport is up to date and has the correct name and information on it at least 8-12 weeks ahead of time. Most Foreign countries prefer your passport be valid for 6 months past your travel date. I am still thanking the Lord that something prompted me to look for my passport when I did. If I had assumed it was where I usually keep it and only began looking for it when I started packing, there’s no way I could have gotten a new one in time. Be sure to allow 4-6 weeks for your new passport to arrive.
You cannot renew a passport if the original one is not in your possession… YOU MUST APPLY IN PERSON. (This is what I had to do.)
I was able to apply in person at my local post office and have my photo taken there as well, which made things easy. Had I waited to look for my passport, I would have had to go through the State Passport Agency and pay to have my passport expedited. (Expedited service will cost an additional $60, plus any postage delivery costs.)
The following forms need to be submitted when you apply in person and be sure to use black ink!
Form DS-11 – This is the actual application form
(The person at the acceptance facility will make sure all the information is filled out correctly and ask you to confirm that the information provided is true before submitting the paperwork on your behalf)
Form DS-64 – This form must be submitted with the application to certify that your passport has been lost or stolen.
Note: Once you report your Passport Lost or Stolen, it becomes Null & Void – even if you should recover it, it is now just a souvenir.
As long as you have 4-6 weeks you can apply like I did at a local acceptance facility. Acceptance facilities may include post offices, libraries, or municipal offices. You’ll also need a new passport photo so call ahead to see if the acceptance facility offers that or if you’ll need to get your photo taken ahead of time. Many Pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens do passport photos at a reasonable price. You may also want to ask if they take walk-ins or if an appointment is required.
If you’re about to run out of time and haven’t located your passport, click here to find a State Passport Agency. After you make an appointment, they can walk you through the next steps.
If you need additional information, you can call The National Passport Information Center – 1-877-487-2778. Customer service representatives are available Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. EST (excluding federal holidays). Automated information is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To find a local acceptance facility, click here.
I hope you found this helpful. Thankfully, everything worked out for the best and my new passport should be here in plenty of time for my trip to Europe.
For more tips and helpful articles, be sure to like Good Buys All the Time on Facebook.
Good Buys All the Time 