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Can i renew my passport even if can't find it?

by john fraser
(daytona beach, florida, usa)

Question: A few years ago, my house was foreclosed upon and many of my belongings were hastily packed. Shortly after the foreclosure, I got divorced. My ex has the boxes in a storage unit that I can't get into and my expired passport is in the unit. Is there a way I can get the passport renewed even though I do not have it in my possession? (I just realized how "Jerry Springer" this sounds. Sorry)

Answer: In order to renew a passport by mail using Form DS-82, you are required to submit your previously-issued passport. If you are unable to get the expired passport, you will have to appear at an application acceptance facility in order to apply for a new passport.

This means you should complete application Form DS-11 and take it to the nearest Florida passport office along with evidence of United States citizenship, proof of identity, a copy of the ID, a current passport photo and payment for fees.

Note, you should not sign the application until requested to do so by an authorized acceptance agent.

Routine processing is estimated to take up to 6 weeks and expedited service can take up to 3 weeks. Passport renewals can be processed as quickly as the same day at the regional agency in Miami. If you need your passport renewed in a hurry but are unable to personally submit the application at the regional agency, you can authorize a third party to apply for the passport.

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I had a passport when I was a kid, but can't find it
by: Anonymous

Question: I'm filling out the application for a new one, but I need the old passport number to get past a certain page. It won't let me skip it, even though I checked the "I lost it" circle. I don't want to lie and say that I don't have one. What do I do?

Answer: Instead of using the online form filler, you may download the form and complete it by hand. You may write NA for data that you do not have available.
Renew by mail with older (not most recent) passport??
by: Anonymous

Question: If I don't have my most recent expired passport but I have an older one from over a decade ago, can I still renew my passport by mail?

Answer: No, you cannot. Renewals can only be made with your most recently-issued passport. However, if that old passport is undamaged and was issued with 10 years of validity, you may use it as proof of U.S. citizenship for a new application which you need to submit in person.
Lost passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I have a good passport but have lost it in relocation. Can I get a new passport fast?

Answer: The first thing you need to do is report the passport as lost by calling 1-877-487-2778. Please note that when reported as lost and is later found, it can no longer be used for travel.

The process to replace a lost passport is similar to applying for the first time. You need to submit the requirements in person at a local acceptance facility.

1. Form DS-64
2. Form DS-11
3. Evidence of U.S. citizenship plus photocopy
4. Proof of identity plus photocopy
5. One new passport photo
6. Payment for fees

Schedule an Appointment

Get Passport Fast
Can't find expired passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Can I renew an expired passport that I can't find, but have a copy of the passport info page? I also have my old expired passport prior to the one I have lost. Would that physical passport suffice to get a renewal passport?

Answer: You need to be able to submit your most recently-issued passport in order to renew it. Since you do not have the actual passport, you need to submit a new application in person.
Passport Renewal
by: Anonymous

Question: I would like to renew my passport but I would rather do that in person. Is it possible to renew my passport in person?

Answer: In-person renewals can be done only in regional passport agencies. At this time, regional agencies only cater to applicants in life-or-death emergencies and a limited number of applicants with non-emergency but urgent travel. If you are neither, you need to apply for a renewal by mail.
Renewing my passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I cannot find my expired passport, however I do have a photocopy of said expired passport. Could I use that? Thank you.

Answer: The actual passport needs to be submitted with the application. If you cannot find it, you need to submit a new passport application.
Expired passport
by: D Ehrler

Question: I need to renew my passport but can't find the expired one. What should I do to renew the passport?

Answer: Since you cannot send the expired passport for a renewal, you need to submit a new application. You need to do this in person at an acceptance facility. Find the closest one and schedule an appointment here: http://usps.com/scheduler.

Please prepare the following requirements:

1. Form DS-11 (to be signed in the presence of a passport agent)
2. Evidence of U.S. citizenship plus photocopy
3. Proof of identity plus photocopy
4. One new passport photo
5. Payment for fees

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About the Author: For over 20 years, the U.S. Passport Service Guide team has helped hundreds of thousands of travelers with their travel document questions and shared advice about how to make traveling abroad simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
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