Lost Passport

A lost passport can be replaced via the normal method of going to the Post Office and going through their procedures. The only issue with that is that their normal time frame for replacement is about 8 weeks for the standard service and 4 weeks for the expedited one. This does not bode well for the traveler that needs to leave immediately or even sooner.

There are other alternatives available and they may be found by doing an Internet search. Private service providers offer replacement American passport processing within one to two business days. The paperwork required is essentially the same, with the exception of one or two forms that the private company may require for indemnification purposes. These companies do charge an additional fee over what the government charges, but it is a small price to pay for having a new passport when necessary.

One of the quickest ways to help move this process along is to have all the necessary paperwork in order and copies made before contacting one of these services. Each lost passport that is being applied for requires that governmental forms DS-11 and DS-64 be filled out. These can easily be found online on either the service's website or the government's passport page.

The identifying documents that are required include a birth certificate from the city, county, or state in which the individual was born. Certified copies that do not contain the entity's official seal will not be accepted. Therefore, obtaining the proper type of birth certificate is something that must be done prior to being able to get a new passport.

A copy of a driver's license that was issued at least six months prior must also be provided. Alternatively, there are other forms of identifying documents that may be provided. The criterion for these pieces of identification is that they contain the individual's signature and photograph. Two documents may be supplied to meet this requirement. There are also additional documents that must be supplied in order to obtain a new passport, so it is important to carefully review the instructions listed on the provider's Web site in order to get all of the details.

Some of the other information that must be provided includes a travel itinerary or plane ticket. Two identical color photographs must be supplied with the paperwork. These photos must meet certain requirements because they will be used in the passport itself. Again, it is important to check the list of required documents in order to review the specifications for these photos.

The completed application and additional forms, as well as the photos and copies of identifying documentation must be packaged together and sent to the processing company. The package should be sent via FedEx or UPS, so it may be tracked to ensure delivery. It is also recommended that the applicant make copies of everything sent, to keep on hand should any questions or problems arise. The entire process of replacing a passport is not complicated and using an expedited passports service provider will yield a new pass port in a very short time.