Lost Passport — Replacement Guide
Losing your passport or having it stolen can be stressful, especially if you have travel plans. Understanding the replacement process, required steps, and documentation helps you get a new passport quickly and efficiently. This comprehensive 2026 guide covers everything you need to know about replacing a lost or stolen South African passport.
Immediate Steps
Report to Police
First Priority:
- Report to police immediately
- Get police case number
- Obtain police report
- Keep case number safe
- Report even if abroad
Why Report:
- Required for replacement
- Prevents identity theft
- Prevents fraudulent use
- Official documentation
- Legal requirement
Police Report:
- Case number essential
- Official report document
- Keep copy safe
- Bring to Home Affairs
- May need multiple copies
Report to Home Affairs
Notify Home Affairs:
- Report loss/theft immediately
- Provide police case number
- Prevent fraudulent use
- Start replacement process
- Get guidance on next steps
How to Report:
- Visit Home Affairs office
- Call Home Affairs call centre
- Online reporting (if available)
- Provide case number
- Follow instructions
Replacement Process
Step 1: Report to Police
At Police Station:
- Provide personal details
- Explain circumstances
- Get case number
- Obtain police report
- Keep documentation
Information Needed:
- Full name
- ID number
- Passport number (if known)
- Date and location of loss
- Circumstances of loss
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Essential Documents:
- Police Report: Original with case number
- Valid ID Document: Smart ID or green barcoded ID
- Two Passport Photos: Recent photos meeting requirements
- Completed Application Form: DHA-73 form
- Proof of Payment: Receipt for passport fee
Additional Documents (if applicable):
- Affidavit: If required by Home Affairs
- Proof of Citizenship: If needed
- Birth Certificate: If first-time replacement
- Previous Passport Details: If you have them
Step 3: Pay Replacement Fee
Replacement Fees:
- Standard Passport: R600 (same as new passport)
- Maxi Passport: R1,200
- No discount: Full fee applies
- Non-refundable: Even if found later
Payment:
- Bank deposit (most common)
- Use Home Affairs banking details
- Use ID number as reference
- Get proof of payment
- Bring receipt to application
Step 4: Apply for Replacement
At Home Affairs Office:
- Book appointment (if possible)
- Bring all documents
- Bring police report
- Complete application form
- Submit application
Application Process:
- Document verification
- Biometric capture
- Application submission
- Receipt issued
- Reference number provided
Important:
- Apply as new passport (not renewal)
- Provide police report
- Explain circumstances
- Answer questions honestly
- Follow instructions
Step 5: Wait for Processing
Processing Times:
- Standard: 10-15 working days
- May be longer: Due to security checks
- Additional verification: May be required
- Track application: Use reference number
- Be patient: Security checks take time
Security Checks:
- More thorough for lost passports
- Identity verification
- Fraud prevention
- Database checks
- May take longer
Step 6: Collect New Passport
When Ready:
- Receive notification
- Bring ID document
- Bring application receipt
- Collect in person
- Verify passport details
Required Documentation
Police Report
Police Report Requirements:
- Original report (not copy)
- Case number clearly visible
- Date of report
- Details of loss/theft
- Official police stamp
If Report is Lost:
- Get copy from police
- May need to request
- Keep original safe
- May need multiple copies
- Verify with police
Application Form
Form Requirements:
- DHA-73 form (passport application)
- Complete all sections
- Sign form
- Date form
- Answer all questions
Special Sections:
- Loss/theft details
- Police case number
- Circumstances explanation
- Previous passport details (if known)
- Travel plans (if applicable)
Supporting Documents
Additional Documentation:
- Affidavit: If required (sworn statement)
- Proof of Travel: If urgent travel needed
- Previous Passport Copy: If you have one
- Identity Verification: Additional proof if needed
- Citizenship Proof: If required
Fees and Costs
Replacement Fees
Standard Fees:
- Same as new passport application
- No discount for replacement
- Full fee applies
- R600 for standard passport
- R1,200 for maxi passport
Additional Costs:
- Police report (usually free)
- Passport photos (separate cost)
- Travel to office (your expense)
- Affidavit (if needed, minimal cost)
- Courier (if available, extra)
Payment Methods
Payment Options:
- Bank deposit (most common)
- Online payment (if available)
- Cash at some offices (limited)
- Use ID number as reference
- Keep proof of payment
Special Circumstances
Lost Abroad
If Lost While Traveling:
- Report to local police
- Contact South African embassy/consulate
- Get police report
- Apply for emergency travel document
- Replace passport when back in SA
Embassy Assistance:
- Emergency travel certificate
- Temporary passport
- Guidance on replacement
- Assistance with documentation
- Contact information
Stolen Passport
If Stolen:
- Report to police immediately
- Get police case number
- Report to Home Affairs
- Apply for replacement
- Same process as lost
Security Considerations:
- May have additional checks
- Fraud prevention measures
- Identity verification
- May take longer
- Be patient
Found After Reporting
If Passport is Found:
- Still need replacement
- Old passport is invalid
- Cannot use found passport
- Must complete replacement
- Fees not refundable
Why:
- Passport reported as lost
- Marked in system as invalid
- Security measure
- Cannot be reactivated
- Replacement required
Prevention Tips
Protecting Your Passport
Safety Measures:
- Keep passport secure
- Don't carry unnecessarily
- Use hotel safe when traveling
- Make copies (keep separate)
- Register with embassy (if abroad)
Best Practices:
- Store safely at home
- Don't leave in car
- Keep separate from wallet
- Make digital copies
- Know passport number
Travel Precautions
While Traveling:
- Use hotel safe
- Don't carry everywhere
- Keep copy separate
- Register with embassy
- Know embassy location
Emergency Preparation:
- Have passport copy
- Know passport number
- Have embassy contact
- Know reporting process
- Be prepared
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I lose my passport?
If you lose your passport, report it to the police immediately to get a case number and police report. Then report the loss to Home Affairs and apply for a replacement passport. You'll need the police report, valid ID, passport photos, completed application form, and proof of payment.
How much does it cost to replace a lost passport?
Replacing a lost passport costs the same as a new passport application: R600 for a standard 32-page passport or R1,200 for a maxi 48-page passport. There is no discount for replacement, and fees are non-refundable.
How long does it take to replace a lost passport?
Replacing a lost passport typically takes 10-15 working days, but may take longer due to additional security checks and verification processes. The processing time may be extended to ensure the lost passport isn't used fraudulently.
Do I need a police report to replace a lost passport?
Yes, a police report with a case number is required to replace a lost or stolen passport. You must report the loss/theft to the police first, obtain the police report, and provide it with your replacement application at Home Affairs.
Can I still travel if I lose my passport?
If you lose your passport, you cannot travel internationally until you get a replacement. If you're abroad when you lose it, contact the nearest South African embassy or consulate for an emergency travel document or temporary passport to return home.
What if I find my passport after reporting it lost?
If you find your passport after reporting it lost, you still need to complete the replacement process. The old passport is invalid once reported as lost and cannot be used, even if found. You must collect your new replacement passport.
Do I need to apply for a new passport or can I renew a lost one?
When replacing a lost passport, you apply for a new passport (not a renewal) since you don't have the previous passport to submit. The process is the same as a first-time application, but you must provide the police report and explain the circumstances.
What documents do I need to replace a lost passport?
You need a police report with case number, valid South African ID (Smart ID or green barcoded ID), two recent passport photos, completed application form (DHA-73), proof of payment, and any additional documents Home Affairs may require.
Can I expedite the replacement of a lost passport?
Some Home Affairs offices may offer express processing (5-7 working days) for an additional fee, but this is not available at all offices. If you have urgent travel needs, you can also apply for a temporary passport or emergency travel certificate, which process faster but have limited validity.
What if my passport was stolen?
If your passport was stolen, follow the same process as for a lost passport: report to police immediately, get a police case number and report, report to Home Affairs, and apply for replacement. The process and requirements are the same whether lost or stolen.
Conclusion
Replacing a lost or stolen passport requires reporting to the police first to get a case number and police report, then applying for a replacement at Home Affairs with the police report, valid ID, passport photos, completed application form, and proof of payment. The replacement costs the same as a new passport (R600 standard, R1,200 maxi) and takes 10-15 working days, though security checks may extend processing. Protect your passport by keeping it secure, making copies, and following safety precautions while traveling.
For more information about passport applications, requirements, or Home Affairs services, explore our other comprehensive Home Affairs guides.
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