What to do if your passport is lost — step-by-step instructions

A passport is the main document certifying the identity of a citizen. His loss is not just an annoying nuisance, but an emergency situation that requires immediate and clear actions to protect against fraud. Izvestia reports on how to restore a lost document and what responsibility is provided for the loss of a passport in 2025.

The first step: contacting the police

As soon as a missing passport is discovered, it is necessary to contact the nearest police department without delay. It is required to draw up and file an application for the loss of the document. In return, the branch will issue a notification coupon confirming the fact of the request.

It is needed not only for the subsequent registration of a new passport, but also for legal protection in case the lost document falls into the hands of intruders. A coupon with a fixed date and time of application will prove that the illegal actions were committed after the loss.

In addition to contacting law enforcement agencies, financial security should also be addressed. The loss of the document must be reported to the banks where accounts are opened or cards are issued. It is also recommended to check whether any loans or credits have been issued to the old passport. To fully control the situation, you should order a report on your credit history from the Credit History Bureau (BCI).

Registration of a new passport: documents, deadlines

After receiving the notification coupon from the police, the next step is to apply for a new passport. You can do this at any convenient migration department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. For residents of Moscow, it is possible to submit documents through multifunctional centers of state and municipal services (MFC).

For successful registration, you will need to prepare a package of documents. It includes:

• ticket-notification from the police;
• two 35x45mm photographs (three together with a temporary identity card);
• a document on military registration (for those liable for military service).
• certificates of children's birth, marriage, or dissolution for additional marks (at the request of the applicant);
• receipt of payment of the state fee (in 2025 — 1,500 rubles).

The deadline for the production of a new passport is 5 working days from the date of acceptance of the application with all necessary documents.

How to get a temporary identity card

While a new passport is being produced, a citizen can obtain a temporary identity card. This document is issued at will and completely replaces the passport for the specified period. To issue it, when applying for the restoration of a passport, you must verbally inform an employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs about your need for it and provide one additional photo of the established sample.

A temporary identity card is issued free of charge upon personal visit to the Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Its validity period corresponds to the production date of the new passport. It is important to remember that when you receive a ready-made passport, you must submit a temporary certificate.

A special situation arises if the passport is lost in another city. In this case, a temporary certificate can be issued without opening a loss case. Such a document is issued for a period of up to 10 calendar days solely for the purpose of travel to a place of permanent residence, where it will be possible to restore the passport.

If the passport is found, what needs to be done

It happens that the passport is already there after all the steps have been taken to restore it. In this situation, it is important to know that using an old, found passport is strictly prohibited. It is considered invalid and is subject to withdrawal. The document must be submitted to the Migration department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

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Special cases: passport loss when traveling in Russia and abroad

If your passport was lost while traveling in Russia, the algorithm of actions is similar to the standard one. A citizen should contact the local department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs to obtain a temporary identity card, which he can use to purchase tickets and get home. If you do not have time to contact the Ministry of Internal Affairs, you can provide a military ID or passport at the ticket office.

The situation is more complicated when the passport is lost outside the Russian Federation. In this case, the first step is to contact the police of the country where the loss occurred and get the appropriate certificate.

After that, you must immediately contact the consular department or the diplomatic mission of the Russian Federation in the host country, where they will issue a certificate of return to Russia. This document will allow you to cross the border and return to your homeland without hindrance.

Responsibility for passport loss in 2025

The law provides for administrative liability for citizens over the age of 16 for the very fact of passport loss. According to Article 19.16 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation), a citizen may be given a warning or an administrative fine in the amount of 100 to 300 rubles.

This measure is disciplinary and underlines the importance of responsible handling of the main identity document.

Earlier, Izvestia told us what additional marks can be placed in the passport.

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