USA Passport Application: How To Replace a Lost or Damaged Passport After a Major Disaster

If you return home after a major disaster and discover that your passport is missing or damaged, we understand this can be a stressful experience. We’re here to help you through the process of replacing your passport. Under federal law, passport application and file search fees may be waived if your passport was lost or damaged due to certain eligible disasters. We’ll handle the entire passport application or renewal process for you; no guides are needed. Submit your documents seamlessly, ensuring a smooth USA Passport Application experience. We’ve covered you from the USA Passport Renewal Application to the correct Passport Application Form USA. Whether it’s your first submission or a renewal, your Application for Passport USA will be error-free and processed swiftly.

Here’s what the law allows:

• • Application fee waiver: Available for up to three years following the disaster.

• • File search fee waiver: Available for up to 18 months after the disaster.

These fee waivers are only available to individuals affected by disasters listed on the official disaster webpage. Please note:

• • Passport fees cannot be reimbursed by sources like homeowners’ insurance.

• • You do not qualify for a fee waiver if:
    • • You have never had a USA passport.
    • • The lost passport had already expired.
    • • The loss or damage occurred in a disaster not listed on the official webpage.

What Counts as a Damaged Passport?

Minor issues such as creased pages or small bends are not considered damage. A passport is considered damaged if it has:

• • Liquid stains

• • Significant tears

• • Unauthorized markings on the data page

• • Missing visa pages (pages torn out)

• • A hole punch

How to Apply for a Replacement Passport

1. Fill Out Required Forms:

• • Form DS-5504: Application for a replacement passport

• • Form DS-64: Statement regarding lost or stolen passport

Your DS-64 should include:

• • The name of the disaster that led to the passport’s loss or damage

• • The address where the passport was lost

• • The estimated date of the loss or damage

• • A statement confirming that you will not be reimbursed for the passport by any other source.

Need to renew my passport or apply for a passport? Our USA Passport Application service makes it easy to apply USA passport and meet all US passport requirements. Whether you need passport renewal, a replacement for a lost passport, or a stolen passport, we’ve got you covered. Follow the Travel State passport guidelines and apply for your passport to get started today!

2. Get a new passport photo.

3. Fill out Form DS-64 (Lost or Stolen Passport Report). Be sure to include:

• • The name of the disaster responsible for the loss

• • The location where the passport was lost

• • The estimated date of the loss

• • A declaration stating that the passport fees will not be covered by any other source, such as homeowner’s insurance

4. Submit Your Application

• • If your trip is more than 3 weeks away: Send Form DS-5504 (along with your new passport photo) and Form DS-64 by mail to one of the addresses listed on Page 2 of Form DS-5504.

• • If you’re traveling within the next 3 weeks: Do not mail your application. Instead, schedule an appointment at a passport agency or center. Your appointment must be within two weeks of your planned international departure.

Conclusion:

Losing or damaging your passport after a major disaster can be overwhelming, but the U.S. government provides helpful provisions to make the replacement process more manageable. If you qualify based on an officially recognized disaster, you may be eligible to have both your application and file search fees waived. Making it easier to get back on track without added financial stress. However, it’s crucial to ensure your situation meets all the requirements, such as having had a valid passport and being affected by a listed disaster.

To move forward, gather the necessary forms and documentation, provide details about the disaster, and act according to your travel timeline, either by mailing your application or booking an in-person appointment. Taking these steps promptly will help you receive your new passport as quickly as possible and continue with your travel or recovery plans smoothly. Applying for a USA Passport Application is now easier than ever. With the Online Passport Application USA service, you can complete the process from the comfort of your home. The American Passport Application Online system ensures quick and secure submissions. Whether it’s your first passport or a passport renewal, everything is just a few clicks away.