As the official start of summer nears, travel plans abound! As you reach for your passport, let us remind you that, if a family member has passed, it is important to properly dispose of their passport to help prevent identity theft.
And, guess what? There's a department for that. The U.S. Department of State Consular Lost and Stolen Passport Unit (CLASP) is able to cancel the passport, update records to reflect that the individual is deceased, and even return the passport book to the family in case they want to keep the stamped pages or photo as a memento. If the family prefers to have the passport destroyed, CLASP will do that too.
In order to properly dispose of the passport, send the passport plus the individual's Death Certificate and a letter stating your request (especially with respect to destruction versus returning) to:
U.S. Department of State
Consular Lost and Stolen Passport Unit (CLASP)
CA/PPT/S/L/LE/CP
44132 Mercure Circle
P.O. Box 1227
Sterling, VA 20166-1227
CLASP can also assist you if you have lost a passport or a passport has been stolen. It's important to report the lost or stolen passport immediately to protect yourself from identity theft. Use their online tool and navigate to the "Report Lost or Stolen" tab. From there, you can choose how you would like to complete the process (online, by mail, or in person).
Finally, if you need a passport, you have another option aside from the Post Office. The Wake County Register of Deeds office began accepting passport applications in June. They have passport forms available and will also be able to take your official passport photo. Read the details here.
