Complete guide to replacing a lost or stolen South African passport in 2026. Learn about reporting requirements, replacement process, required documents, fees, and how to prevent passport loss.
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.
First Priority:
Why Report:
Police Report:
Notify Home Affairs:
How to Report:
At Police Station:
Information Needed:
Essential Documents:
Additional Documents (if applicable):
Replacement Fees:
Payment:
At Home Affairs Office:
Application Process:
Important:
Processing Times:
Security Checks:
When Ready:
Police Report Requirements:
If Report is Lost:
Form Requirements:
Special Sections:
Additional Documentation:
Standard Fees:
Additional Costs:
Payment Options:
If Lost While Traveling:
Embassy Assistance:
If Stolen:
Security Considerations:
If Passport is Found:
Why:
Safety Measures:
Best Practices:
While Traveling:
Emergency Preparation:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Specializing in South African Home Affairs services, passports, IDs, and visa applications with extensive knowledge of replacement processes and requirements.