Found a Passport? What to Do If You Find a Lost Passport

If you found a passport, do not keep it, destroy it, or try to locate the owner yourself. A passport is government property and must be returned properly to protect the owner from identity theft and to avoid legal issues.

Answer

If you found a passport, return it immediately to a post office, police station, passport acceptance facility, or mail it to the U.S. Department of State. Do not keep it or try to contact the owner yourself.

Why Finding a Passport Is Serious

A passport is an official government document used for:

• International travel
• Identity verification
• Immigration and visa processing

If misused, it can lead to identity theft, fraud, or illegal travel, which is why strict rules exist for handling lost or found passports.

What to Do If You Found a U.S. Passport

If you found a United States passport, follow one of these approved options:

Option 1: Turn It In Locally

You may bring the passport to:

• A passport acceptance facility
• A U.S. Post Office
• A local police station

These offices will forward it to the proper authorities.

Option 2: Mail It to the U.S. Department of State

You may mail the passport directly to:

U.S. Department of State
Passport Services
Consular Lost and Stolen Passport Unit (CLASP)
Washington, DC 20522

Do not include notes, copies, or personal explanations—just the passport.

What NOT to Do If You Found a Passport

If you found a passport, do not:

• Attempt to travel with it
• Post it on social media
• Contact the passport holder directly
• Photocopy or photograph it
• Hold onto it “just in case”

Even good intentions can cause delays or legal trouble for the passport owner.

What If You Found a Foreign Passport?

If the passport belongs to another country:

• Contact or visit that country’s embassy or consulate
• Alternatively, turn it in to a local police station, which can route it correctly

Foreign embassies handle lost passport recovery for their citizens.

Should You Call the Police If You Found a Passport?

In many cases, yes—especially if:

• The passport appears damaged or altered
• It was found with other sensitive items
• You are unsure where to return it

A police station can log the document and forward it safely.

What Happens After You Turn In a Found Passport?

Once returned:

• The passport is secured and recorded
• The original owner is notified
• The passport is often cancelled for security
• The owner must apply for a replacement passport

This protects the owner from fraud or misuse.

Is It Illegal to Keep a Found Passport?

Yes. A passport remains government property, even when lost.
Keeping or using a found passport can result in federal penalties, especially if misuse is suspected.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I found a passport on the street?

Turn it in to a post office, police station, or passport acceptance facility as soon as possible.

Can I mail a found passport?

Yes. Mail it directly to the U.S. Department of State without additional documents.

Should I try to find the owner online?

No. Do not attempt to contact the owner. Let authorities handle it.

What if I found a child’s passport?

The process is the same. Turn it in immediately to an authorized location.

What if I found a passport at the airport?

Give it to airport security or airline staff immediately.

Will I get in trouble for finding a passport?

No—as long as you return it properly and promptly.