Important Due to Covid-19, processing times for passports are taking longer than normal for both standard and expedited services.

My son lost his passport card. What do we need to do?

by Kay
(Thatcher, AZ USA)

Question: My 12-year-old son lost his wallet and it contained his small passport card, with the passport number on it. He DID NOT loose his passport. Please let us know if we should be concerned or what we need to do. Thanks.


Answer: A passport card is, in all senses, just as much a passport as the passport book. Therefore, it is important to report the loss to the State Department. You can do this by calling 1-877-487-2778 or submitting Form DS-64: Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport.

Then, you need to apply for a new passport for your son. Your son must appear in person with both parents at an application acceptance office in order to get the new passport. For complete instructions, click the link below.

Apply for a Child's Passport

Return to Passport Card FAQ.

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UPDATE: Mailing delays and high demand are impacting passport processing. The Department of State's processing times begin when applications are received at a passport agency or center and not when you mail them or apply at a local acceptance facility. Standard service may take between 10 and 13 weeks. This timeframe does not include delivery time. Mailing times vary across the country.

Expedited service takes from 7 to 9 weeks excluding mailing times on the front and back end. Current mailing delays are significant. Requesting 1-2-day mailing service is recommended.

Regional passport agencies are offering two types of appointments: Life-of-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service.

Life-or-death emergencies are serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family (parent, legal guardian, child, spouse, sibling, and grandparent) that require you to travel outside the United States within 3 business days.

If you need to travel due to a qualified life-or-death emergency, please call the National Passport Information Center for an appointment:

Mondays through Fridays 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. ET, call 1-877-487-2778 (TDD/TTY:1-888-874-7793) Outside of these hours, call 202-647-4000.

For Urgent Travel Service, you need to call 14 days before your scheduled international travel or 28 days if you also need to secure a foreign visa.

If you need to travel urgently for reasons other than a life-or-death emergency, please call the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 Mondays through Fridays 8 A.M. to 10 P.M. ET.

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