Lost Passport Guide
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Official-source guide

What to do when a child's passport is lost

Last checked: 19 October 2026 · Guides

Short answer
Report the child's passport through the issuing country's official route and report theft to local police when required. Contact the nearest embassy if abroad. A parent or legal guardian normally must provide identity, the child's citizenship evidence, proof of relationship or authority, and consent required by the issuing country 1,2. If travel is urgent, the embassy decides whether an emergency document can be issued.
Reporter
Parent, legal guardian, or person authorised by the issuing country's rules
Core evidence
Child's citizenship and identity records
Adult evidence
Parent or guardian identity and proof of authority
Consent
Depends on the passport country's child-application rules 1,2
Urgent travel
Assessed by the embassy after identity and safeguarding checks

Make the loss report

Use the issuing country's child-passport loss route. Give the child's name, date of birth, passport details if known, and the circumstances of the loss.

If theft is suspected, make the local police report required by the passport authority or embassy. Keep the case number and written report.

Prepare the adult's authority documents

Bring the parent or guardian's identification and proof of relationship or legal authority. This can include the child's birth record, guardianship order, or the issuing country's consent form 1,2.

If one parent is absent, ask the embassy what consent, court order, or exception evidence is accepted. Do not assume an adult passport process applies to a child.

Prepare the child's evidence

Bring citizenship evidence, another photo ID if held, recent compliant photos, a copy of the missing passport if available, and the child's travel itinerary.

The child may need to attend. The issuing authority can require extra checks before a replacement or emergency document is approved.

Urgent return travel

Tell the embassy why travel is urgent and provide the booking or family emergency evidence it requests. The embassy decides the document type, validity, permitted journey, and fee.

Confirm acceptance with the airline, destination, and every transit authority. A child's emergency document may have a restricted route or short validity.

Common questions

Can a parent report the child's passport?

Use the issuing country's route for a parent, guardian, or authorised adult.

Does the child need to attend?

Often yes. Confirm with the passport authority or embassy.

What if one parent cannot attend?

Ask the issuing authority what consent or exception evidence it accepts 1,2.

Can an embassy issue an emergency document?

It may, after identity, citizenship, consent, and safeguarding checks.

Rules and fees change. Check the official site linked above before you apply or pay. Spotted an error? Email [email protected] with the official link.

Sources

  1. US Department of State: passports for children under 16
  2. UK Passport Office: child passport

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