Can You Obtain a Full Validity U.S. Passport After Losing Your Passports Twice?

Yes, you can still get a full validity U.S. passport even if you have lost your passport twice in a row. However, the process can be more involved and may require additional scrutiny. Here is a detailed guide on what you need to do.

1. Report the Loss

When applying for a new passport, you must report the loss of your previous passports. This can be done by filling out Form DS-64: Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport. This form is essential in ensuring the security measures are taken to prevent any fraudulent activities.

2. Provide Identification

You will need to provide proof of identity. This can include a government-issued photo ID, birth certificate, or other valid documents that can confirm your identity. These documents are crucial for verifying your identity and in preventing identity theft.

3. Complete the Application

Fill out Form DS-11: Passport Book for a new passport application. This form is necessary for individuals who are applying for a passport for the first time or who cannot submit their previous passport for any reason.

4. In-Person Application

You must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility or a passport agency. While some countries' embassies or consulates offer mail-in or online applications, the U.S. passport process requires an in-person visit. This is especially true if you are applying for a passport for the first time or if your previous passport was lost.

5. Be Prepared for Additional Questions

The passport agency may ask additional questions about the circumstances of the lost passports. They may inquire further to ensure there’s no fraudulent activity. Being honest and providing all necessary documentation is crucial during this process.

6. Pay the Fee

You will need to pay the standard passport application fees. Do not underestimate this step as it is a legal requirement and ensures the processing of your application.

Consequences of Habitual Passport Loss

While losing a passport multiple times does not automatically disqualify you from receiving a new passport, it can raise suspicion. If you are prone to losing your passport, there may be increased scrutiny. You may be treated with great suspicion, and trust may be an issue when future applications are processed. To avoid this, it is advised not to lose your passport again.

Current Passport Policies

For Americans, if the last two passports issued to you were lost while they were still valid, you will likely be issued a 1-year passport. If you can submit this limited passport for renewal after one year, you will receive a full 10-year book. If you cannot be trusted to hold onto the limited book for just one year, your next passport may also be limited in validity. This is because lost passports can still be used for fraud if a stranger picks them up.

To be issued a full 10-year passport, you must have a valid U.S. passport in your possession at the time of your application. If one or both of the last two passports were lost after they expired, these losses are considered inconsequential. For instance, if you last had a passport in 2015 and it expired in 2016, and you lost it in 2017, applying for a new passport will not be impacted by the expired status of the previous passport.

If you can provide citizenship documentation such as a birth certificate and cannot find any of your previous passports, you may still be issued a new passport. The last two passports do not need to have been valid or found in a limited timeframe for a full passport to be issued.

Conclusion

While losing a passport multiple times can cause scrutiny and additional steps, it does not automatically prevent you from obtaining a full validity U.S. passport. Being honest and providing all necessary documentation is key in navigating the process successfully. However, it is highly recommended to take necessary precautions to avoid losing your passport in the first place.