Discovering one's passport is missing is a terrible feeling. If within a day or two, lost passports occurs, panic sets in. Fortunately, the government now offers services for just such a situation. It is called Emergency Passport Services and they make it possible to obtain a new passport within twenty-four hours if necessary. This is called an emergency passport.

The emergency passport can be obtained anywhere from twenty-four hours to eight business days. The prices are higher than the regular passport since the request is put at the front of the line, so to speak. If one wants a twenty-four hour passport the cost is $299 (compared to $100 for a regular passport).

When a person discovers they have lost their passport and need one within a very short time they can go on the Internet and find the site for lost passports. It will give full instructions for making out the form and give a phone number to contact a passport specialist who will give full instructions as to how to obtain the replacement within the time indicated.

One must be able to show proof of US Citizenship with a birth certificate and proof of identity. If the trip is already planned, one will be asked to identify the country to visit, why and the date of travel. The usual sex, age, place of birth and social security number are required.

There is nothing worse than being in a foreign country and losing one's passport. Unfamiliar with the surroundings, there is a feeling of helplessness. Fortunately, the government has foreseen this possibility and advises anyone who has this happen contact the nearest US Embassy or US Consulate for assistance. At that time, they need to show proof of citizenship with such things as driver's license, social security card or other identification.

In addition to the government passport office, there are several private passport expediting companies available on the Internet. They have a person fill out the same form the government has and then go through the steps required to obtain it. For people who have difficulty with the language, this might be the way to go.

One should always make a copy of their passport and keep it in a safe place while traveling, as well as making a copy to leave with a relative. Being able to show this at an Embassy or Consulate when one is in another country and has lost their original passport makes things go much quicker.

There are many reasons why a lost or stolen passport when in another country. One should be very careful to not lay it down anywhere and one person should not carry all the passports if going as a group or family. A US passports should never be carried in a purse or backpack as these are the most popular thing to be stolen. If carrying the passport it should be kept in a money belt or in a safe, inside pocket.