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A stolen U.S. passport must be replaced in person, not by mail, and the documents needed when applying for a replacement after a stolen passport are specific: a certified birth certificate or other primary proof of citizenship, a government-issued photo ID with photocopies, one compliant 2×2 passport photo, and Forms DS-11 and DS-64 signed in person. For U.S. citizens or legal residents, especially in or near Atlanta, who need a fast, accurate replacement, having the right paperwork from the start helps avoid rejected applications, repeat appointments, and travel delays.
This guide explains the required documents, the correct forms, document prep tips, appointment planning, and expedited options, including how Passport Express at thepassportxpress.com reviews your application and helps urgent travelers move faster with fewer documentation issues.
Key Takeaways
- A certified birth certificate or other primary citizenship evidence is required with your passport application.
- You need a government-issued photo ID such as a valid driver’s license, plus photocopies on standard white paper.
- Two forms must be completed: Form DS-11 (application) and Form DS-64 (theft report), both signed in person.
- One 2×2 inch passport photo taken within the last six months is necessary, against a plain white or off-white background.
- Passport Express reviews all the documents for completeness before submission, catching errors that cause delays.
Primary Documents Required for Lost or Stolen Passport Replacement
Replacing a lost or stolen passport requires the following documents across four categories: proof of U.S. citizenship, a government-issued photo ID, a compliant passport photo, and the correct completed forms. Missing any one of these categories results in a rejected application and a return trip.
Your citizenship evidence must be an original or certified copy. The most common option is a certified birth certificate issued by your state’s office of vital statistics, showing your full name, date and place of birth, and your parents’ names, with an official registrar’s seal. A Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship also qualifies as primary proof. If you held a previous passport that was full-validity and undamaged (even if expired), a copy of its data page can support your application, though the stolen passport book itself is obviously unavailable.
For identity verification, bring a government-issued photo ID. Applicants often submit their materials through a local acceptance agent, such as a post office or courthouse, where applications are typically verified in person. A valid driver’s license is the most common choice, but a state ID, military ID, or official government employee ID also works. You must bring the original document and one copy of both the front and back, printed single-sided on white 8.5″ x 11″ paper.
Passport photos must measure 2×2 inches, with the head sized between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from chin to crown. The photo requires a plain white or off-white background, a neutral expression, both eyes open, and no glasses. Passport Express offers professional passport photos taken to these exact specifications at their Roswell office.
Proof of Citizenship and Identity Requirements
Your certified birth certificate must include certain fields: full names of both parents, your date and place of birth, the date the certificate was filed, and the registrar’s signature with an official seal. Before moving forward, gather the following documents across these core categories. A hospital souvenir certificate or a photocopy does not qualify.
If you were born abroad to U.S. citizen parents, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) serves as primary citizenship evidence. Each of these documents reflects a different path to citizenship; a Certificate of Naturalization applies to those who naturalized, while a Certificate of Citizenship applies to those who derived citizenship through a parent.
When primary photo ID is unavailable, secondary identification is accepted in combination. Applicants often submit materials through a local acceptance agent, such as a post office or courthouse, and applications are typically verified in person there; these locations are typically located at post offices and courthouses. A student ID paired with a Social Security card or voter registration card can substitute, though this path requires additional documents and may slow processing. If only one parent is available to appear for a minor applicant, an authorization letter and additional documentation are required.
Required Forms (Form DS-11) and Additional Documentation
Travelers often ask whether they can get an expedited passport renewal for a lost or stolen passport, but a stolen passport cannot be renewed by mail using Form DS-82. Instead, applicants must complete Form DS-11 and apply for a replacement in person. You must complete the application form and sign it in person at an acceptance agent location, where the agent will also explain how to pay the government fee at that site. The acceptance agent verifies your identity, watches you apply your original signature, and then places the application in a sealed envelope executed by the acceptance agent for forwarding. The local site also collects the appropriate government fees, and some applicants may need a money order.
Form DS-64 is needed to report a lost or stolen passport to the US State Department. This form captures details about the stolen document, including the passport number, issue date, and circumstances of the theft. Submit Form DS-64 to notify the State Department of the loss; once processed, this cancels the stolen passport in federal databases, blocking misuse. The DS-64 must also be signed by the applicant.
Applications must be submitted within five business days after execution at the acceptance facility.
For applicants who need faster processing, proof of upcoming international travel may be required. This can include a flight itinerary or another document showing the scheduled departure date. You may also be asked to print a travel itinerary to support urgent service. Standard replacement processing is typically 3–4 weeks, rush processing can take 7–10 business days, and eligible urgent cases may be processed within 3–5 days. Passport Express can review the required materials and hand-deliver eligible applications as part of its expedited passport service.
While optional, filing a police report is recommended for identity theft protection when your passport is stolen domestically. No police report is needed for lost passports in the U.S. If the theft occurred abroad, a police report may be required for stolen passports, and you should contact a U.S. embassy for international passport replacements.
Common Passport Photos and Documentation Mistakes to Avoid
The wrong form is the most frequent error. Applicants sometimes attempt to use Form DS-82 (mail renewal) after a theft. A stolen passport requires applying in person for replacement using Form DS-11; there is no mail option.
Photo rejections cause preventable delays. Common failures include wrong dimensions, shadows on the background, digital filters, and wearing glasses. Passport Express catches these issues during its document review before you submit.
Missing signatures invalidate applications. The DS-11 must be signed in front of the passport clerk or acceptance agent; signing it beforehand voids the form. The acceptance agent will also explain how to pay the government fee at that location. The DS-64 also requires a signature, and for minors under sixteen, both parents typically must sign.
Photocopies of your photo ID must be single-sided on white 8.5″ x 11″ paper. Double-sided copies or copies on colored paper are rejected. Bring the original and one copy of the front and back as separate pages.
The acceptance agent verifies your identity, reviews the paperwork, and witnesses your signature. The local site also collects the appropriate government fees, and you may need a money order. After that step, the application is placed in a sealed envelope executed by the acceptance agent before forwarding.
If you have urgent international travel, bring proof such as a booked flight itinerary or another document confirming your departure date. Processing times may vary, so contact Passport Express to confirm the fastest available option for your travel schedule.
How Passport Express Simplifies Document Preparation
Passport Express provides a document review service that checks every item against State Department requirements before your application reaches a passport agency. Their staff verifies that your birth certificate is a certified copy with the required fields, that your photo ID meets acceptance criteria, and that both forms are filled out correctly with no blank required fields.
Same-day or next-day appointments may be available at the Roswell office, depending on scheduling. During the appointment, the staff can take a compliant passport photo, review citizenship and identification documents, and help prepare the application packet for submission.
For travelers with upcoming departures, Passport Express provides hand-delivery of applications to the U.S. Passport Agency. This expediting service replaces standard mailing, which adds transit time to already lengthy processing times. Report your lost passport to the U.S. State Department, gather proof of U.S. citizenship before applying, and visit Passport Express to have everything reviewed and submitted correctly the first time.
Travelers with urgent international plans may qualify for faster passport processing. Processing times depend on eligibility, travel dates, government requirements, and current availability. Applicants should bring the appropriate forms, proof of citizenship, identification, a compliant passport photo, proof of travel when required, and the applicable government fees. Passport Express can review these materials and explain the available processing options.
Move Forward With the Right Passport Documents
Replacing a stolen passport can feel overwhelming, especially when international travel is approaching, and applicants must replace it in person because they cannot simply replace lost travel time later if paperwork is missing. The process becomes more manageable when you prepare the correct citizenship evidence, government-issued identification, passport photo, travel proof, and required forms in advance. Carefully reviewing each document before submission can help prevent application errors, rejected paperwork, and delays that may interfere with upcoming travel plans.
Passport Express helps travelers prepare for stolen passport replacement in Atlanta by reviewing their documentation and explaining the available processing options. Our team also assists individuals applying for a new passport, while supporting travelers who need a passport quickly to replace lost or stolen documents. Parents can receive support with the requirements for a child passport. If your personal information has changed, we can guide you through a passport name change application. Assistance is also available for travelers who need a damaged passport renewal. Contact us to discuss your situation and confirm what you should bring to your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have my birth certificate for stolen passport replacement?
If your certified birth certificate is unavailable, you can request a replacement from your state’s office of vital statistics. Secondary citizenship evidence, such as a delayed birth certificate or early public records combined with affidavits, may also be accepted. Passport Express can review your available documents and help you understand which options may apply. Final acceptance remains subject to U.S. Department of State requirements.
Can I use a photocopy of my driver’s license as identification?
No. You must bring the original driver’s license or state ID in person. You also need one copy of the front and one copy of the back, each printed single-sided on white 8.5″ x 11″ paper. The original is returned to you after the acceptance agent verifies your identity.
Do I need the same documents if my passport was stolen abroad?
The core required documents are the same: Form DS-11, Form DS-64, citizenship evidence, photo ID, and a passport photo. Contact a U.S. embassy or consulate to apply in person. A police report may be required for stolen passports abroad. The consular section may issue a limited-validity passport if your travel is urgent.
What happens if my stolen passport application is missing required documents?
The passport agency returns incomplete applications without processing. You must then resubmit with the missing items, which resets processing times. Passport Express reviews your complete application before submission to prevent this outcome.
How does Passport Express verify my documents are complete before submission?
Passport Express staff compare each document against the State Department’s current checklist: certified citizenship evidence with all required fields, compliant photo ID with proper photocopies, a photo meeting exact specifications, and correctly completed and signed forms. They identify problems before your application is sealed and submitted.
Can I submit my stolen passport replacement documents the same day?
Passport Express may offer same-day appointments at its Roswell office, depending on availability. During the appointment, the staff can review your documents, take a compliant passport photo, and help prepare your application. Contact the office to confirm appointment availability and the expected submission timeline.
