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Passports lost or stolen in the United States

Learn more about what you should do if your passport is lost or stolen in the United States, whether you live here or are on holiday.

Please keep in mind emergency travel documents are not available outside of office hours except in cases of genuine emergencies. Consult our Opening Hours and Closed Days.

You may need to arrange a new flight and new accommodation to allow you time to obtain a travel document.

 

1. Obtain a police statement of loss or theft

If your passport is lost or stolen you should immediately report this to police and make a report.

A list of California Police Departments is available here. It is useful to bring a scan or picture of your lost or stolen passport when making a police report.

Please note that once your passport is reported lost or stolen, it can no longer be used for travel, even if found.

 

2. Requirements for issuing of Emergency Travel Documents

You will need to present in person at the Consulate with the following:

  • Your original police report.
  • Two passport photographs (most major pharmacy chain locations can provide this service).
  • Proof of travel home (e.g. flight confirmation email, ferry booking).
  • The relevant fee payable by cashier’s check or money order ($55 in San Francisco).
  • Evidence of your identity/citizenship. If you do not have alternative photo ID, you may be asked to provide additional documents relating to your identity and citizenship. 

The issuing of replacement travel documents is subject to fraud and security checks, aimed at maintaining the overall integrity of the passport service.

 

3. You should contact the Consulate to make arrangements for an alternative travel document.

If you are in an emergency situation requiring urgent travel (such as the death or serious illness of a family member):

Contact the Consulate Duty Officer at +1 (415) 392-4214. 

If you leave a message, clearly state your full name, contact telephone number, the nature of the emergency, and where you are now.

The emergency voicemail is the only continuously monitored way to contact the Consulate outside of office hours. We will return your call as soon as possible.

Replace your passport online

Irish citizens resident in the United States, whose Irish passport is lost/stolen/damaged, can apply online for a new Passport and/or a Passport Card.

You may need to rearrange your travel plans to allow time to receive your new passport.

If you need a travel document in the event of a genuine emergency (such as death or serious illness of a family member, or emergency medical treatment), please contact us. Please note holiday travel is not considered an emergency.