As a community newsroom serving immigrants in New York City, we have heard from readers facing stressful situations like: “I lost my green card,” or “My passport is gone — what do I do?” or even worse: “I was robbed, and all my important documents are missing.”
If this happens to you in NYC, know that you are not alone. This guide walks you through how to report the loss, request replacements, and protect yourself from identity theft.
This information is not a substitute for legal advice from a qualified attorney or accredited representative. The content was last updated September 2025.
File a police report
When you lose an important document in NYC, you should consider filing a police report with the New York Police Department (NYPD).
Filing a police report is more than just a formality. It creates an official record that your document was lost or stolen. Agencies — like USCIS, the U.S. State Department and foreign consulates — can ask to see a police report when you apply for a replacement ID. Having a police report also helps protect you if someone tries to misuse your identity, because you’ll have proof that you reported the loss.
You can file a police report in NYC in the following ways:
- In person: Go to your local NYPD precinct. You can find it by entering your address into the map.
- Online: Use the NYPD online reporting service to file a lost property report.
- By phone: Call 311 (NYC’s non-emergency line) if you’re not sure what to do. They’ll connect you to the right place.
When filing the report, be as specific as possible. Clearly describe what was lost and include details about where and when you last had the document, and if you suspect it was stolen rather than misplaced.
Always make a copy of the report. If you file it in person at a precinct, you can request a printed copy; if you submit it online, you should be able to download or save a digital version. Also, be sure to keep the report number somewhere safe because you’ll need it when filling out replacement applications later on.
Replace the lost document
Once you’ve filed a police report, the next step is to begin replacing the document you lost. The process depends on which document it was.
How to replace a green card (permanent resident card)
You’ll need to apply for a replacement green card by filing Form I-90 with USCIS, which can be done online. The fee is $415 for online filing or $465 for paper filing; however, some applicants may qualify for a fee waiver.
Processing usually takes 6 to 12 months, but your receipt notice (Form I-797C) will serve as temporary proof of your status. If you need to travel or show proof of status sooner, you can make an InfoPass appointment at the USCIS New York Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, where you may be issued an I-551 stamp in your passport as a temporary replacement.
How to replace a U.S. passport
It’s important to report a lost U.S. passport right away by completing Form DS-64 online. Once you report it, the passport is officially canceled, which means you cannot use it for travel even if you later find it.
After making the report, the only way to replace your passport is to apply in person with Form DS-11. On the form, you will need to provide detailed information about where and when your most recent passport was lost or stolen. You’ll be asked to provide a copy of the police report if you filed one at the time the passport was lost or stolen.
After completing Form DS-11, you’ll need to submit your application, supporting documents, and payment at an authorized passport acceptance facility. Replacing a U.S. passport for an adult costs $130, plus a $35 facility acceptance fee, and an additional $60 if you request expedited processing.
The U.S. Department of State estimates that routine applications typically take 4 to 6 weeks to process, while expedited service takes about 2 to 3 weeks.
If you have an international trip within the next two weeks, consider scheduling an appointment at the New York Passport Agency at 376 Hudson Street in Manhattan, where you can request faster processing.
How to replace a foreign passport
If you lose a foreign passport in New York City, the process for obtaining a replacement depends on your home country; however, the first step is always to contact your country’s consulate or embassy.
Most consulates are located in Manhattan, many clustered near the United Nations headquarters. You can find the full directory by visiting this list of foreign consulates in NYC. Each consulate has its own requirements and processing times, so it’s best to call ahead or check the official website for the most accurate and up-to-date instructions. The fee for replacing the passport depends on the consulate of each country.
How to replace a New York State ID or driver’s license
If you lose your New York State ID or driver’s license, you can request a replacement either online or in person through the New York DMV office. If you apply online, once you submit your application and pay the $17.50 fee, you’ll be able to download a temporary version of your ID or license immediately. Your replacement card will then be mailed to the address on file, usually within about two weeks.
IDNYC (New York City Municipal ID)
If your IDNYC card is lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed, you can apply for a replacement by paying a $10 fee online through the IDNYC portal or in person at a Department of Finance Enrollment Center, where you may also complete the application. Regardless of payment method, you must show proof of identity and residency, and if you cannot afford the fee, you can request a hardship waiver at an Enrollment Center.
Social Security Card (SSN)
If your Social Security card is lost or stolen, you can apply for a replacement through the Social Security Administration (SSA). The easiest way is to apply online at the Social Security Administration’s official website if you qualify, or you can visit your local SSA office.
To get a new card, you must show proof of identity (such as a green card, U.S. passport, or state ID). Replacement cards are free, and you are limited to three replacements in a year and ten in your lifetime. The SSA usually mails the new card within two weeks.
Also Read: Do You Know Where Your Social Security Card Is? How to Request a Replacement
Protect yourself from identity theft
When important IDs are lost, consider taking extra steps to protect yourself from possible misuse. One of the easiest things you can do is place a fraud alert on your credit file with one of the three major credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. Once you contact one, they are required to notify the other two. A fraud alert makes it harder for someone to open a new credit account in your name because lenders will need to take extra steps to verify your identity.
Also Read: Identity Theft: How Does It Happen and How To Report It
If you want stronger protection, you can request a credit freeze. This completely blocks new credit accounts from being opened in your name until you lift the freeze, which you can do temporarily if you need to apply for credit.
It’s also important to monitor your bank accounts and credit cards closely for unusual transactions. Many banks let you set up alerts that notify you if charges above a certain amount occur. Checking regularly helps you catch fraud quickly.
For extra protection, especially against tax-related identity theft, you can request an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). This is a six-digit number that only you and the IRS know, and it prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number.
