How Can I Replace My Lost Documents For International Travel?
Question: I was born in Costa Rica. I moved to America more than 19 years ago and became an American citizen about 17 years ago. I think I may have to replace my lost documents. You see, when I became a citizen, I got a passport because I was anxious to visit my relatives back in Costa Rica. I have not traveled much since. Recently one of my relatives became sick and I want to visit however I cannot find my passport and think its expired anyway. Fact is most of my important documents were with it in a bag or something. I have my U.S. drivers licese but not much elese. What can I do to get a new passport?
Answer: One of the requirements for obtaining a U.S. pasport is proof of citizenship (or naturalization in your case). You old passport would have worked for this purpose but you say you cannot find it.
You have several choices.
- Apply for your passport and submit a request in writing for a file search. The Passport Service will attempt to locate your records which would contain documents previously you previously submitted which will serve as evidence of your citizenship. You will pay a feee of $150.
- A second option would be to apply to obtain a replacement Naturalization Certificate issued by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service. To do so file Form N-565 Application for Replacement Naturalization Citizenship Document. The fee for that service is $345.
