| When a passport is lost, the passport holder's first | | | | use them as a checklist in order to gather and |
| thought is where it was last seen. The desk and | | | | photocopy the necessary documents. The |
| suitcases are quickly searched but nothing can be | | | | passport application, which may also be found on |
| found. If travel is planned in the near future, time | | | | the provider sites, should then be completed. |
| becomes of the essence and this adds to the | | | | The identifying documents that are required |
| traveler's stress. If the lost passport is not | | | | include a birth certificate from the city, county, or |
| located, it must be replaced quickly while in the | | | | state in which the individual was born. Certified |
| midst of finalizing the travel plans. | | | | copies that do not contain the entity's official seal |
| The passport may be replaced by going online to | | | | will not be accepted. Therefore, obtaining the |
| the United States Post Office or Department of | | | | proper type of birth certificate is something that |
| State Web sites. These sites contain all of the | | | | must be done prior to being able to get a new |
| information and paperwork needed to obtain a | | | | passport. |
| new passport. However, the processing time is | | | | A copy of a driver's license that was issued at |
| eight weeks for regular service and four weeks | | | | least six months prior must also be provided. |
| for expedited service. This is not convenient for | | | | Alternatively, there are other forms of identifying |
| anyone who will be traveling within that | | | | documents that may be provided. The criterion |
| timeframe. | | | | for these pieces of identification is that they |
| There are other alternatives available and they | | | | contain the individual's signature and photograph. |
| may be found by doing an Internet search. | | | | Two documents may be supplied to meet this |
| Private service providers offer replacement | | | | requirement. There are also additional documents |
| passport processing within one to two business | | | | that must be supplied in order to obtain a new |
| days. The paperwork required is essentially the | | | | passport, so it is important to carefully review the |
| same, with the exception of one or two forms | | | | instructions listed on the provider's Web site in |
| that the private company may require for | | | | order to get all of the details. |
| indemnification purposes. These companies do | | | | Some of the other information that must be |
| charge an additional fee over what the | | | | provided includes a travel itinerary or plane ticket. |
| government charges, but it is a small price to pay | | | | Two identical color photographs must be supplied |
| for having a new passport when necessary. | | | | with the paperwork. These photos must meet |
| The provider Web sites contain detailed | | | | certain requirements because they will be used in |
| instructions regarding all additional identifying | | | | the passport itself. Again, it is important to check |
| documentation that must be provided. The | | | | the list of required documents in order to review |
| applicant should print out these instructions and | | | | the specifications for these photos. |