A passport is an official document issued to a person to identify its owner as a citizen of a particular country. Its elements include the name of the person, nationality, age and sex. It also includes a photograph of its owner as this is the one sure way to describe the document holder. This is why it's so important to handle a stolen passport properly.

Stolen In Your Home Country

Perhaps you have planned an extensive trip abroad and as you are packing you realize your passport is nowhere to be found. This is devastating. Search your house and all previous luggage, however, if you suspect your passport may have been stolen, then you must report it. By reporting it to the proper officials you can red flag it if it’s used, this way no one else can use your documents. This is a very important step in the process of replacing a stolen passport.

Loss Abroad

If you suspect your passport has been stolen while you are abroad, which is quite common, it is so important to tell the authorities right away. This prevents you from trouble if you are asked to show your travel documents. It also will put a stop on your passport, this way anyone who tries to use it will be red flagged and caught.

Stay Calm

Staying calm is key to handling the situation correctly. Search all the corners of your house and leave no stone unturned! If you still do not find it, you can report it to the authorities as missing and apply for a new one. If you are in a foreign country and your identification is stolen maybe during a night out, be sure to report it missing as soon as you discover you are no longer in possession of it, and get started on the passport expediting procedure to have the necessary travel documents as soon as possible.

Report It

There are two ways of reporting for it. The first one is by calling the authorities and you can locate contact numbers online. The second way is by going to an agency and filling out the forms that will help in the replacement of the passport. In case you also find the passport of someone, always report it to the authorities or mail it to the relevant agencies.

It’s Cancelled

Once reported stolen, the passport is then invalidated. This will prevent anyone from using it. You must be absolutely sure that it is stolen before reporting it, otherwise, if found, you have an invalid passport.

The most important thing to do when this occurs is remain calm. This way it can be reported properly. It is also pertinent that all information be filled out properly in order to obtain a US passport renewal. A clear head will ensure proper completion of paperwork. Be sure to always keep your passport in a safe place and hopefully a stolen US passport can be avoided.