Losing a passport card can be a stressful experience, especially if you have travel plans coming up. However, it’s important to stay calm and take the necessary steps to replace your lost passport card as soon as possible. In this article, we will guide you through the process of replacing a lost passport card and provide you with all the information you need to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
First and foremost, if you have lost your passport card, it’s important to report it immediately to the proper authorities. You can report a lost passport card by contacting the U.S. Department of State’s National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. They will be able to guide you through the process of reporting your lost passport card and help you with the next steps.
Once you have reported your lost passport card, you will need to apply for a replacement. To apply for a replacement passport card, you will need to fill out Form DS-64: Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport. This form can be found on the U.S. Department of State’s website, and can be filled out online or printed and filled out by hand. Make sure to fill out the form completely and accurately, as any mistakes or missing information could delay the processing of your replacement passport card.
Along with Form DS-64, you will also need to fill out Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport. This form can also be found on the U.S. Department of State’s website, and can be filled out online or printed and filled out by hand. Again, make sure to fill out the form completely and accurately to avoid any delays in processing your replacement passport card.
In addition to the application forms, you will need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, proof of identity, and a recent passport photo. Proof of U.S. citizenship can be provided in the form of a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, a naturalization certificate, or a certificate of citizenship. Proof of identity can be provided in the form of a valid driver’s license, a government employee ID, or a military ID. Your passport photo must meet the U.S. Department of State’s requirements, which can be found on their website.
Once you have gathered all of the necessary documents and completed the application forms, you will need to submit your application in person at a passport acceptance facility. Passport acceptance facilities can be found at post offices, libraries, and other government offices. You will need to make an appointment to submit your application at a passport acceptance facility, so make sure to plan ahead and allow yourself enough time to complete the process.
When you submit your application, you will also need to pay a replacement fee. The fee for a replacement passport card is $30, in addition to the standard $35 execution fee. You can pay the fee by check or money order made out to the U.S. Department of State, or by credit card if you are applying at a passport acceptance facility that accepts credit card payments.
Once you have submitted your application and paid the necessary fees, you can expect to receive your replacement passport card within 4-6 weeks. If you need your replacement passport card sooner, you can expedite the processing for an additional fee. Expedited processing typically takes 2-3 weeks, but it is important to note that not all passport acceptance facilities offer expedited processing, so make sure to check with the facility before submitting your application.
In conclusion, losing a passport card can be a stressful experience, but it is important to stay calm and take the necessary steps to replace it as soon as possible. By reporting your lost passport card, filling out the necessary forms, providing the required documents, and submitting your application in person at a passport acceptance facility, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Remember to plan ahead, allow yourself enough time to complete the process, and follow the U.S. Department of State’s guidelines to ensure a successful replacement of your lost passport card.
