LETTER TO REPORT LOST OR STOLEN PASSPORT TEMPLATE FAQ

What is a letter to report a lost or stolen passport?

A letter to report a lost or stolen passport is a written notice used to tell the relevant passport office, embassy, consulate, or government agency that your passport has been lost or stolen. It helps explain when the loss happened, identify the passport if known, and request record updates or further instructions. For a valid U.S. passport, the U.S. Department of State allows reporting online, by mail using Form DS-64, or in person when applying for a replacement.

Why do you need a letter to report a lost or stolen passport?

You need a letter to create a clear written record of the loss or theft and to ask the agency to update its records, protect your identity, and guide you on replacement steps. For U.S. passports, the State Department says valid lost or stolen passports should be reported immediately, and once reported, they can no longer be used for international travel even if later found.

When should you use a letter to report a lost or stolen passport?

Use this letter as soon as you discover that your passport is missing or has been stolen. If the passport is a valid U.S. passport, the State Department says to report it immediately. If you are abroad, you may also need to work with a U.S. embassy or consulate to obtain a new passport for travel. Police reports are not mandatory abroad, but the State Department notes they can help confirm the circumstances of the loss or theft.

How to write a letter to report a lost or stolen passport?

Start with your name, contact details, and the passport details if known. Then explain whether the passport was lost or stolen, where and when you discovered the issue, and whether any theft report was made. Finish by asking the agency to update its records, advise you on the next step, and confirm any replacement or reporting requirements. For U.S. passports, Form DS-64 is the formal reporting form, and replacing the passport requires a separate application.

Can AI Lawyer help if travelers, support staff, and agency reviewers all need to review?

AI Lawyer can help by organizing the letter into clear sections so each reviewer can find the relevant details quickly. It can also add reference fields, incident notes, and placeholders that make updates easier to track. A consistent structure helps reduce repeated edits and lowers the chance of missing key details like passport number, loss date, travel urgency, or follow-up contact information before the letter is sent.