Lost or Damaged Passport? How to Get a Replacement Fast

A lost, stolen, or damaged U.S. passport is a stressful problem, especially for Fort Knox families with planned international travel or deployment-related dependent travel. The replacement process has a clear sequence, but the steps and forms are different from a routine renewal. Horizon Pack and Ship in Radcliff and Elizabethtown supports the photo, document copying, and overnight shipping pieces of the process.

What is the difference between a lost, stolen, and damaged passport?

The State Department treats each scenario differently for replacement purposes:

• Lost passport. You cannot find it but believe it is misplaced
• Stolen passport. You believe it was taken (file a police report)
• Damaged passport. The passport is in your possession but unusable due to damage

All three scenarios require an in-person application using Form DS-11. Lost and stolen passports also require Form DS-64 (Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport) per travel.state.gov.

What is the first step after a passport is lost or stolen?

Report the loss or theft to the State Department by submitting Form DS-64. Reporting invalidates the lost passport in the State Department's system so it cannot be used by someone else. You can submit DS-64:

• Online through the State Department's passport reporting system
• By phone at the National Passport Information Center (1-877-487-2778)
• By mail directly to the State Department
• In person when filing the replacement application (DS-11)

For stolen passports, also file a police report. Many travelers carry a copy of their passport bio page separately for use during the replacement process.

What documents are required for a passport replacement?

The replacement application uses Form DS-11 (the same form as a first-time passport) and requires in-person submission. The full document set per travel.state.gov passport checklist:

Document	Purpose
Form DS-11	Passport application (replacement uses this form, not DS-82)
Form DS-64	Statement of lost or stolen passport (lost/stolen only)
Citizenship evidence	Birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or prior U.S. passport
Photo ID	Driver license, military ID, or government photo ID
Photocopy of ID	Front and back of the ID, on white paper
Passport photo	2x2 inch State Department compliant photo
Application fee	Federal passport fee plus execution fee
Expedite fee (optional)	For 2 to 3 week processing instead of 4 to 6

What are the U.S. passport photo requirements?

State Department compliant photos must meet specific standards per travel.state.gov photo requirements:

• 2 x 2 inches in size
• Plain white or off-white background
• Color photo
• Taken within the last 6 months
• Full face, neutral expression, both eyes open, mouth closed
• No glasses (with limited medical exceptions)
• No headwear except for religious purposes
• No uniforms or camouflage clothing
• High quality, sharp focus, good lighting

Horizon Pack and Ship in Radcliff takes State Department compliant passport photos in about 5 minutes. Family bundles are discounted. No appointment needed.

Where do you submit a Form DS-11 in Hardin County?

Form DS-11 must be submitted in person at a passport acceptance facility. Common Hardin County options:

• Hardin County Clerk (downtown Elizabethtown)
• U.S. Post Offices in Radcliff and Elizabethtown that accept passport applications
• Some Hardin County libraries and government offices

For urgent travel within 14 days or special circumstances, the closest regional Passport Agency handles same-day or next-day issuance by appointment. The closest Passport Agency to Fort Knox is in New Orleans or Chicago depending on caseload assignment.

How fast can you get a replacement passport?

Three speed tiers per State Department processing times:

1. Routine, 4 to 6 weeks at current turnaround
2. Expedited, 2 to 3 weeks (additional fee)
3. Passport Agency same-day or next-day, for urgent travel within 14 days, by appointment only, with proof of travel

For service members and dependents with deployment or PCS orders, the State Department may prioritize the application. Bring orders to the appointment as proof of urgency.

What if my passport is damaged but not lost?

A damaged U.S. passport requires the same Form DS-11 in-person application as a lost passport, but you do not need Form DS-64. Bring the damaged passport itself with the application; the State Department keeps the damaged passport on file.

What counts as damaged:

• Significant water damage
• Ripped, torn, or missing pages
• Illegible printing or photo
• Broken binding or detached cover
• Marked or written on (children sometimes do this)
• Holes punched through pages or photo

Normal wear (slight cover wear, soft pages) does not require replacement. The State Department makes the final determination when the passport is presented.

What about military passports for Fort Knox families?

Service members and dependents can hold two types of passports:

• No-fee government passport. Issued for official travel under orders, paid by the government
• Tourist (regular) passport. Personal use, paid by the holder

Lost or damaged government passports go through the unit administrative office or the installation's passport agent rather than a civilian acceptance facility. Lost or damaged personal passports follow the standard civilian process described above.

Many service members hold both types, especially before an OCONUS PCS or family travel during deployment per Military OneSource passport guidance.

How does Horizon Pack and Ship support the passport replacement process?

The Radcliff and Elizabethtown stores support the replacement workflow with several services:

• State Department compliant passport photos in about 5 minutes
• Document copying for ID and citizenship evidence
• Notarization for birth certificate copies (some states require notarized copies)
• Overnight shipping (UPS, FedEx, USPS) for expedited applications mailed to the National Passport Center
• Passport expediting service coordination for urgent travel needs

For service members and dependents heading overseas on PCS, deployment, or family travel, the photo and shipping pieces happen at the Radcliff store while the actual application submission happens at a Hardin County passport acceptance facility.

What about apostille for foreign use of U.S. documents?

Some countries require an apostille on U.S. documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, court orders) for visa or residency applications, even if the passport itself is current. Horizon Pack and Ship handles apostille requests in coordination with the U.S. Department of State authentications office for documents going to Hague Apostille Convention countries.

How do you reach Horizon Pack and Ship for passport services?

• Radcliff: 734 Knox Blvd, Radcliff, KY 40160 · (270) 319-4145 · [email protected]
• Elizabethtown: 207 Towne Dr, Elizabethtown, KY 42701 · (270) 900-1553 · [email protected]

Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 AM to 6 PM. Veteran-owned, woman-owned, AAPI-owned. Less than two miles from the Fort Knox main gate per Fort Knox installation.