If you need a new passport but do not have your previous one, you may still be able to apply. The process depends on why you do not have your old passport and whether you are applying for a renewal or a new passport. Knowing which application to use is an important first step when applying for a passport without an old passport.
What Happened to Your Old Passport?
Start by determining why you no longer have your passport.
Your previous passport may have been:
- Lost
- Stolen
- Damaged
- Expired
- Returned to you separately
- Unavailable for another reason
The circumstances can affect which forms and supporting documents you need.
What If Your Passport Was Lost or Stolen?
If you lost or had your passport stolen, report it to the U.S. Department of State.
The State Department cancels a reported passport, and you can’t use it for international travel.
You will then need to apply for a replacement passport. Additional documentation may be required depending on your situation.
What If Your Passport Simply Expired?
An expired passport is different from a lost passport.
If you still have your expired passport, you may be able to use it as part of a renewal application, depending on the circumstances.
However, if your expired passport is missing, you may need to use a different process.
Do not assume that an expired passport can be ignored simply because it is no longer valid for travel.
Can You Apply Without Any Previous Passport?
Yes, you may still be able to apply for a U.S. passport.
If you cannot submit your previous passport, you will need to provide the other documents required for your application.
These may include:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Government-issued identification
- Passport photo
- Completed passport application
- Additional documentation based on your circumstances
The exact requirements depend on the type of application you are submitting.
What If You Cannot Find Your Citizenship Documents?
Losing your old passport can become more complicated if you also don’t have proof of citizenship.
You may need a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or other qualifying citizenship document.
If your citizenship documents are also missing, you may need to replace them before completing your passport application.
What If You Have Upcoming International Travel?
If you need a passport without an old passport and have international travel coming up, start the process as soon as possible.
Your travel date can affect which passport processing options are available.
Expedited services may be available for eligible travelers who need their passports sooner.
How The Passport Office Can Help
The Passport Office helps travelers with new passport applications, renewals, lost and stolen passports, child passports, corrections, and expedited passport services.
Our team can review your situation and help you understand which documents you may need when your previous passport is unavailable.
We have locations in Seattle, Atlanta, Washington DC, Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Hollywood, and Clearwater. Virtual appointments are also available for travelers nationwide.
Final Thoughts
You can still apply for a passport if you don’t have your old passport. However, the process depends on what happened to your previous passport and what other citizenship and identification documents you have.
If you lost or had your passport stolen, report it and start the replacement process promptly. If you have upcoming international travel, ask about expedited options as early as possible.