DS-64 Explained: How to Report a Lost or Stolen U.S. Passport Correctly (Without Costly Errors)

Reporting a lost or stolen U.S. passport is the single most important action in the entire recovery process. It is also the step that creates the most confusion, hesitation, and mistakes.

Many people treat Form DS-64 as a minor administrative task.
In reality, it is the legal trigger that:

• Cancels your missing passport permanently

• Protects you from identity misuse

• Allows the government to issue a replacement

This guide explains exactly what DS-64 is, when to submit it, how to complete it correctly, and what happens after you do—without legal jargon or guesswork.

What Is Form DS-64 (and Why It Matters)

Form DS-64 is officially called “Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport.”

Its purpose is simple but critical:

• To notify the U.S. Department of State that your passport is no longer in your possession

• To immediately invalidate that passport so it cannot be used

Until DS-64 is submitted, no replacement process can move forward.

When You Should Submit DS-64

Timing matters.

You should submit DS-64 as soon as you are reasonably certain your passport is lost or stolen.

Report immediately if:

• You believe it was stolen

• You are traveling soon

• You lost it abroad

• Recovery is clearly unlikely

You may wait briefly if:

• You strongly believe it is misplaced

• You are actively searching and expect to recover it quickly

However, waiting too long increases risk and complicates urgent travel.

The Irreversible Consequence of Submitting DS-64

This point cannot be overstated:

➡ Once you submit DS-64, your passport is permanently canceled.

Even if you later find it:

• It cannot be reactivated

• It cannot be used for travel

• It must not be presented at borders

This is why confirmation comes before reporting.

How to Submit Form DS-64 (All Valid Methods)

There are three official ways to submit DS-64. All are valid when used correctly.

Option 1: Submit DS-64 Online (Most Common)

This is the fastest and most convenient method.

Best for:

• Lost or stolen passports inside the U.S.

• Non-urgent situations

• People preparing for in-person replacement

Advantages:

• Immediate confirmation

• No mailing delays

• Instant cancellation of the passport

Always save or print the confirmation page.

Option 2: Submit DS-64 by Mail

You may complete a paper DS-64 and mail it to the address listed on the form.

Best for:

• Applicants already mailing documents

• Situations without reliable internet access

Downside:

• Slower processing

• Mailing risks

If mailing, keep copies of everything.

Option 3: Submit DS-64 In Person

You can submit DS-64 in person:

• At a passport acceptance facility

• At a passport agency

• At a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad

This is common when:

• Applying for replacement immediately

• Using expedited or urgent services

In these cases, DS-64 is usually submitted together with DS-11.

How to Fill Out DS-64 Correctly

DS-64 is straightforward—but precision matters.

You will be asked for:

• Full legal name

• Date and place of birth

• Passport number (if known)

• Approximate issue date

• Location and circumstances of loss or theft

Best Practices:

• Be factual and concise

• Use consistent information across all forms

• If something is unknown, state that clearly

• Do not exaggerate or speculate

Inconsistencies are a common cause of follow-up questions.

Do You Need the Passport Number?

No.

If you don’t know your passport number:

• Leave it blank or mark “unknown”

• Do not guess

The Department of State can locate the record using your identity information.

DS-64 and Police Reports: The Truth

Many people believe DS-64 requires a police report. This is incorrect.

Inside the United States

• Police reports are not required

• They are optional, even in stolen cases

Outside the United States

• Embassies often recommend a police report

• Some countries require one to document theft

• It may help with insurance claims

Important:
A police report never replaces DS-64.

What Happens Immediately After Submission

Once DS-64 is submitted:

• Your passport is invalidated in government systems

• It is flagged internationally

• It cannot be used for travel or identification

This protects you—but it also means replacement is now mandatory.

What DS-64 Does NOT Do

This is where people misunderstand the process.

DS-64:

• ❌ Does not issue a new passport

• ❌ Does not start processing automatically

• ❌ Does not speed things up by itself

DS-64 only closes the old passport.
Replacement requires additional steps.

DS-64 and Replacement: How They Work Together

In most cases:

1. DS-64 reports and cancels the lost passport

2. DS-11 applies for a new passport

3. Identity and citizenship are re-verified

Submitting DS-64 without following up with DS-11 leaves your case unfinished.

Common DS-64 Mistakes That Cause Delays

Avoid these errors:

• Reporting before confirming the passport is truly lost

• Providing inconsistent explanations

• Submitting multiple conflicting reports

• Forgetting to keep confirmation or copies

• Assuming DS-64 equals replacement

Each mistake adds friction.

What If You Find Your Passport After Submitting DS-64?

This happens more often than people expect.

If you find it:

• Do not use it

• Do not travel with it

• Follow instructions to return or destroy it

Using a canceled passport can result in serious border problems.

Special Situations Involving DS-64

Expired Passport Lost
→ Still must be reported with DS-64.

Multiple Lost Passports
→ Each loss must be reported honestly.

Lost Passport for a Child
→ DS-64 still required, plus parental documentation.

Why This Step Sets the Tone for Your Entire Case

DS-64 is the first official record in your replacement file.

When done correctly:

• Your case stays clean

• Follow-up questions are minimal

• Replacement proceeds smoothly

When done poorly:

• Delays compound

• Urgent options become harder

• Stress increases

It’s a small form with a big impact.

Final Takeaway

Form DS-64 is not paperwork—it’s protection.

Submitting it:

• Safeguards your identity

• Clears the path for replacement

• Makes everything that follows possible

Handled correctly, it’s fast, simple, and final.

👉 Want the Entire Replacement Process Mapped Out?

This article covers DS-64 in depth—but the complete lost passport recovery system, including DS-11 walkthroughs, document checklists, emergency paths, and real-world scenarios, is inside the Lost U.S. Passport Recovery Guide.

✔ Over 50 pages of clear, practical instructions
✔ Built for real emergencies
✔ No confusion, no wasted time

👉 Get the full guide and recover your passport with total confidence.https://lostpassportusa.com/lost-us-passport-guide

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