Lost Your Passport? Keep Calm — You Can Still Go On That Trip 2 Weeks Away

So you're freaking out because you've lost your passport and you're traveling outside of the country soon. Oh wait, no, that's just me because my boyfriend can't find his passport three weeks before our trip to Mexico! In case you're also missing a lost or stolen passport, I'm here to help you figure out everything you need to know about replacing it ASAP.

Just in case anyone uses your identity to flee the country, submit an online report, print and mail a DS-64 form to the provided address, or call the toll-free number 1-877-487-2778.

Make an appointment at a passport agency near you. You'll have to prove that your travel date is past the window frame for normal processing and pay an additional $60 expedite fee.

Make an appointment at a passport acceptance facility (usually your local post office). Some places accept walk-ins, but double check beforehand.

Contact a US embassy near you.

The downside is that renewing and replacing a passport is like applying for the first time. You'll need to pay the same $135 fee, print and fill out the DS-11 form, and submit all required documents (below). You'll also have to pay the $60 expedite fee to receive your passport in the mail within two to three weeks vs. the standard six to eight weeks. If you want to play it safe, pay an additional $15 for overnight delivery.

If you really can't take time out of work during the week but you're fine with paying almost double, consider using RushMyPassport.com. It's a registered and trusted service listed on the DMV website, but it is not affiliated with the US government. You have the convenience of submitting your information online, but you'll have to pay starting from $109 (for standard 10 to 12 business-day shipping) plus an additional $170 government fee.