Losing a bag while traveling can be stressful. But when the bag contains a passport, EAD card, driver’s license, visa documents, bank cards and other IDs, the situation can quickly become serious.
For students, workers, visitors and immigrants in the United States, the first few hours are important. The affected person should create an official record, protect their identity, arrange safe domestic travel and begin the replacement process for important documents.
Approach the concerned local police department first
The first step is to approach the concerned local police department or police station in the city where the theft or loss happened. If the incident involved a car break-in, stolen bag or stolen documents, the person should report the incident and request a police report or case number.
This report is important because it may be needed while applying for a replacement passport, EAD card, driver’s license, insurance claim or identity-theft protection. The U.S. Department of State advises foreign citizens in the United States who lose passports, visas or arrival records to report the documents lost or stolen to local police and keep an extra copy of the police report.
Keep copies of all available documents
After filing the police report, the traveler should collect any available digital or printed copies. Helpful documents may include a passport scan, visa copy, I-94 record, EAD approval notice, EAD card copy, driver’s license photo, student ID, work ID, I-20, DS-2019, bank card details, health insurance card or any document showing the person’s name and address.
These copies may help during airline communication, TSA screening, passport reissue, EAD replacement and state ID replacement.
Can someone travel within the U.S. without ID?
For domestic travel inside the United States, losing a physical ID does not always mean the traveler is completely stuck. TSA says passengers who do not have an acceptable ID may go through an identity verification process. TSA also says travelers unable to provide required acceptable identification may have the option to use TSA ConfirmID by paying a $45 fee, but identity verification is not guaranteed.
Before going to the airport, the person should contact the airline, reach the airport early and carry the police report along with any available document copies.
What to do if an Indian passport is lost
If the lost document is an Indian passport, the loss should be reported to the nearest police station and a police complaint report should be obtained. The Consulate General of India in San Francisco says the applicant should apply for passport re-issue under the lost category through VFS Global and submit the police complaint report with other required documents.
VFS Global’s passport checklist for lost Indian passports also states that the police report should mention the applicant’s name and refer to the lost document, such as the passport.
What to do if an EAD card is lost
If the lost document includes an Employment Authorization Document, USCIS says a person whose EAD is lost, stolen or destroyed may request a replacement EAD by filing a new Form I-765, with the required fee if applicable.
The person should also keep a copy of the police report and any previous EAD approval notice or card copy, if available.
What if the U.S. visa stamp was in the passport?
If the stolen passport had a valid U.S. visa stamp, the U.S. Department of State says a lost or stolen U.S. visa cannot be replaced inside the United States. The person may remain in the U.S. for the duration of authorized stay shown on the admission stamp or Form I-94, but a valid passport is needed to depart the United States and enter another country.
A replacement U.S. visa must be applied for in person at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad when needed.
Replace the driver’s license or state ID
If the person lost a driver’s license or state ID, they should apply for a replacement through the motor vehicle agency of the state that issued the card.
For example, Texas DPS says eligible residents may use the online card replacement feature if they need a replacement without changing information on the front of the card. Texas.gov also says eligible Texans may renew, replace, upgrade or change the address on a driver license or ID card online.
Protect bank accounts and personal identity
The person should immediately block stolen debit and credit cards, change important passwords and watch for possible identity misuse. The Federal Trade Commission says credit freezes and fraud alerts can help protect people from identity theft by making it harder for scammers to open new credit accounts in someone’s name.
A credit freeze or fraud alert may be useful if important IDs, passport copies, bank cards or immigration documents were stolen.
The safest approach is to act quickly. Approach the concerned local police department, file a report, keep the case number, collect available document copies, contact the airline and TSA before domestic travel, apply for passport re-issue through the proper consulate/VFS process, file Form I-765 for a replacement EAD if needed, replace the driver’s license or state ID, and protect bank accounts from possible misuse.
This article is for general public information only. Travel and immigration document cases can vary depending on nationality, visa status, state rules and urgency, so affected travelers should also check with the relevant consulate, USCIS, TSA, state motor vehicle agency or an immigration attorney when needed.
