Your US passport is one of the most valuable documents that you'll ever own.  A lost or stolen passport will cost you more than simply the application fee.  A citizen who loses his or her US passport runs the risk of identity theft.  Identity theft costs Americans billions of dollars every year.  It can take months or years to recover and reclaim your credit rating.  Plus, US passport theft increases the likelihood of criminal and terrorist activity taking place within our borders. 

Despite taking extra precautions, you may find yourself in a situation where your US passport has been lost or stolen.  How you go about replacing it will depend upon where you are when you discover the loss.  If you're still in the United States when you uncover the loss, you should act immediately to report the loss or stolen passport and get a replacement.  To obtain your replacement US passport:  

* You must fill out a DS-64 form (Statement Regarding Lost or Stolen Passport).  You can obtain this form anyplace that supplies passport applications.  You'll be required to fill out your personal information.  The DS-64 form also contains questions regarding your lost or stolen passport.  Fill out as much of this information as you can.  The more details that you can provide, the better. 

* You must fill out a DS-11 form (Standard Passport Application form.)  This is the same form you will have already filled out when you first applied for your original US passport.  It must be submitted with the DS-64 form. 

* You must provide identification.  The documentation you'll need to supply is the same as when you first applied for your US passport.  It includes your birth certificate (for citizens born in the US) or Certificate of Citizenship (if you are naturalized US citizen) and proof of identity (driver's license or other approved photo identification.) 

* You must supply two new passport-regulation photos. 

Unlike applying for a first-time passport or passport renewal, you cannot apply for a lost or stolen passport replacement via the mail.  You must submit your documentation in person at a passport acceptance facility.  Once you report your lost or stolen passport, it will be rendered invalid for use for travel.  This is why it's critical that you report a missing US passport immediately. 

If you are outside of the United States when you discover your US passport is missing, you should contact the local US Embassy or Consulate.  Again, it's vital that you report a lost or stolen passport as soon as possible.  The US Embassy will help you secure the travel documentation that you'll need to return home or continue your trip.  When you contact them, be ready to provide all of your personal information, including photo identification.