Losing a wallet is stressful enough, but when it contains government ID like a passport card, parents are right to be concerned. The most important thing is to act quickly to prevent identity theft.
Because your son is a minor (under 16), the replacement process is stricter than it is for adults. You cannot simply renew it by mail. Here is exactly what you need to do to protect his identity and get a new card.
Step 1: Report the Loss Immediately
Even if you don't plan to travel soon, you must invalidate the lost card so no one else can use it. The passport card is a valid federal ID.
You can report the loss in two ways:
- Online: Use the State Department's reporting tool.
- By Mail: Submit Form DS-64 (Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport).
Step 2: Apply for a "New" Passport
This is the part that surprises many parents: You cannot "renew" a lost passport for a child. In fact, you cannot renew any passport for a child under 16 by mail, ever.
You must start over with a brand new application, exactly as if he were applying for the first time.
You will need to visit a passport acceptance facility (like a post office or library) in person.
Step 3: Gather the Required Documents
For the appointment, you will need:
- Form DS-11: Do not sign it until you are in front of the agent. You can read our guide on Form DS-11 here.
- Evidence of Citizenship: If you have his valid passport book, you can submit that as proof. If not, you will need his original birth certificate.
- Parental Relationship Evidence: A birth certificate naming you as parents is usually required.
- Photo ID: Valid ID for the parents.
- A New Photo: One recent color passport photo of your son.
- Fees: The fee for a minor's passport card is currently $15 (application fee) plus a $35 execution fee.
Step 4: Follow the Two-Parent Consent Rule
The U.S. government takes child safety seriously. Both parents and the child must appear in person.
If one parent cannot attend, the absent parent must complete Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) and have it notarized. You must bring this original notarized form (and a copy of the ID used for the notary) to the appointment.
For a complete checklist of what to bring, see our guide on How to Apply for a Child's Passport.
Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers
2. What exactly does a passport expediter do?
3. Are passport expediting services legitimate?
4. How can I identify a reliable passport expeditor?
5. Is expedited passport service worth it?
Get answers to these questions and more in our Ultimate U.S. Traveler's Guide to Passport Expediters.
You can also visit our library of articles about passport expediting.
