Passport Number Lookup - Where to Find Passport Numbers

If you’re wondering whether you can look up your passport number online, the short answer is no. Passport details are highly sensitive and protected by privacy regulations, making them inaccessible on the Web.

However, you can always retrieve your passport number through the official route, even if your document was lost or stolen. To access your passport records, you need to send a written request to the US Department of State. The process is free of charge but may take up to 12 weeks.

But what if you can’t wait this long?

Before I explain how to retrieve your passport data officially, let’s explore other ways you might be able to look up your passport number online.

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How to Find Out My Passport Number Without My Passport

If your passport is lost or inaccessible, there’re still ways to find your passport number. But before we discuss the official, lengthy route, here’s how to look up the passport number without your passport.

💡 What’s your passport number? A passport number is an alphanumeric code (a letter followed by eight numbers) unique to your document. You can find it on the biographic page of the document (the page with your photograph).

Frequent flyers

Many frequent flyers have their passport details stored in their airline accounts. If you have an account with a particular carrier, log in and check your personal information.

Here’s an example of where you can look up your passport number in the AirFrance app:

Where to look up your passport number using your airline account.

Recent visa applications

Have you recently applied for a visa? Your passport number is likely in your application documents. Check your email for visa-related correspondence, as it might include the information you need.

Hotel check-ins abroad

It’s unrealistic to remember every hotel you’ve stayed at over the years.

But—

When you check into a hotel abroad, they often require your passport details (including the number); some hotels even keep a copy of your passport. If you’ve stayed at a hotel recently, consider contacting them to see if they have your passport information on file.

Purchased travel insurance

If you’ve bought travel insurance, your passport number is likely listed in the policy details. Log into your insurance provider’s website and check your policy documents for this information.

These are just several spots where your passport number might be stored. Brainstorm other places where you might have submitted your passport details, and you might be lucky!

Pro tip: Some people suggest sending a photo of your passport to your email address for easy access, but it may be risky. Surfshark data shows Americans are most affected by password leaks, with a staggering 9.5 billion email passwords leaked since 2004.

Several ways of finding your passport number

US Passport Number Lookup: The Official Route

If the above methods fail, you may need to retrieve your passport number through official channels.

Here’s how to find the passport number without your passport by sending a written request to the Department of State.

Here’s what your letter should include:

Full name at birth and any other legal names.
Date and place of birth.
Detailed contact information, including your address, phone number, and email address.
Any relevant passport information, such as an estimated date of issuance.
A copy of a government-issued photo ID, such as your driver’s license.

Once your letter is finished, address it to:

U.S. Department of State

Office of Records Management

Records Review and Release Division

44132 Mercure Cir

P.O. Box 1227

Sterling, VA 20166

Requesting your passport records from the official database is free of charge. If you need a certified copy of the records, you’ll pay a $50 fee.

Unfortunately, retrieving your passport number this way isn’t quick—expect to receive your passport records in 12–16 weeks.

Applying for a New Passport [Without the Old One]

Remember that finding your passport number isn’t enough to travel internationally—you need a valid travel document. So, if you can’t get hold of your passport, you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Here’s how to apply for your US passport:

Fill out Form DS-11. Remember to truthfully state that you’ve had a passport in the past, but write “N/A” in the “Passport number” field.
Get evidence of your citizenship (e.g., a birth certificate).
Take a photo that meets all US passport photo requirements.
Check how much a passport costs and pay the necessary fees.
Go to the nearest passport acceptance facility to apply in person.

Want to get a compliant passport photo fast and hassle-free? Your best bet is to use the PhotoAiD® app for iOS or PhotoAiD® for Android.

A passport photo created at home with a mobile app.

You can also upload a self-portrait using the button below and complete the process in your browser.

These articles will help with your passport applications:

How Can I Find Out My Passport Number: Recap

Whether you want to book a flight or apply for a visa, not being able to locate your passport number can be irritating. Luckily, there are several ways look up your passport number:

Check your passport’s biometric page (if you have access to your document).
Look up your passport number in frequent flyer profiles or any other accounts where you may have stored the number.
Send an official written request to the Department of State.

FAQ

Where’s my passport number located?

The passport number location is on the passport biographic page (the page with your picture), in the top right corner. Your passport number is an alphanumeric code (one letter, eight numbers) unique to your document.

Can I find my passport number online?

No, you can’t find your passport number online due to privacy and security measures. Government agencies don’t provide online access to passport numbers, even to their holders.

Can I find the passport number online by name?

You can’t look up your passport number online using just your name. This information is protected to prevent misuse and identity theft, so you need to check your passport number via the official route or other ways discussed in this article.

How do you find the passport number with your name and date of birth?

Even with your name and date of birth, you can’t access your passport number online. You’ll need to use indirect methods (like those we listed in this article) or contact relevant authorities for assistance.

Is there a way to look up the passport number?

You can retrieve it through various indirect methods, such as checking airline accounts, travel insurance policies, and visa applications. Alternatively, you can send an official letter to the Department of State requesting your passport records.

Do I need my passport number to book an international flight?

It’s best to check the airline’s policy. However, most companies (e.g., Delta Airlines) don’t need your passport number to book a domestic or international flight.

Sources:

Sylwia Green

Sylwia is a skilled writer with a BA in English Studies and an active SPJ member. For nearly three years now, she’s been writing captivating articles for international companies, turning her lifelong passion into a career.

Passport Number Lookup – Where to Find Passport Numbers

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