Stupid Passport Question
 

My wife's passport is both expired and lost. Therefore when getting a new passport, is she:

1) renewing?

2) replacing a lost one?

3) just getting a new one as if she has never had one before?

4) none of the above?


For any correct answer, what does she need to get one?

Thanks.

I'd go for #2 and follow the directions on the Passport Office Web site. Unfortunately, it must be done in person at a Post Office or Consulate. They like details of the lost one if available (#, where/when issued) but I don't think that's a dealbreaker if you don't have them. "Renewing", to them, means you're just sending in your about-to-expire one and getting a new one. It can usually be done by mail. Not what's happening here. It's not a new application since she had one before (and the Passport Office may check that).

Thanks. Does it make any difference that it was "lost" only after it expired? In other words, I've seen it a month after expiration, but now it's 3 months after expiration and I can't find it. We didn't "lose" an active passport, we lost an expired one.

I guess we're getting into semantics now.

I think the gov't considered lost passport as security risk, therefore, they all are treated the same.

Agreed. To the government, "lost" is the most important word. Don't confuse them with the fact that it expired anyway, unless they ask.

I had to do a rush order to replace a lost, valid passport a few months ago. The woman at the Post Office insisted that I had to fill out a Lost Passport Form so they could invalidate the old one in their records. I don't think that's an absolute requirement, but didn't push back because I needed the new passport for upcoming travel.

Two days after I shelled out a lot of money for a new passport and rush service, I found the other one. :mad:

I got a new passport last year after losing an expired passport. All I had to do was fill out a lost passport form and send it in with the application. So, don't panic.

They are not happy with you when you lose a passport. I was asked if I had filed a police report. I didn't know when it was lost, so, no I had not filed a police report.

You need to fill out the two forms on this page

http://travel.state.gov/passport/lost/us/us_848.html

and provide all the necessary identifications as if you were getting a new passport.

Head to a local facility on Saturday - Passport Day 2010 - and get the ball rolling immediately, no appointment necessary:

http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt...ions_4442.html