On this page
- Quick summary
- Overview (What is Form DS-86?)
- Context and workflow
- Failure prevention (What causes Form DS-86 rejections?)
- What it asks for (What does Form DS-86 ask for?)
- What you need (What do you need for Form DS-86?)
- Checklist (What is the Form DS-86 checklist?)
- Fees
- Where to file
- Form sections (What sections does Form DS-86 have?)
- Key terms
- Strategy tips
- Mistake severity
- Examples (What are examples for Form DS-86?)
- Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form DS-86?)
- Edge cases and variations
- Scenarios
- Key differentiators
- Why it matters
- Next steps
- Verification
- Related guides
- Resources
Quick summary
#Applicants who have not received their U.S. passport book or card within 120 days of issuance. For related guidance, see the Get a U.S. Green Card page.
When the official instructions indicate this form is required
Include it with your application package and follow official instructions for submission.
Names, dates of birth, and passport details on other forms Program checklist requirements Supporting documents and translations
Overview (What is Form DS-86?)
#By promptly reporting the non-receipt and following the required procedures, applicants can protect their identity and facilitate the issuance of a replacement passport if necessary. For related guidance, see the U.S. Passport Renewal Application page. For related guidance, see the Application for U.S. Passport page.
First page of DS-86 form
Source: DS-86 PDF
Context and workflow
#Processing time for DS-86 varies by location — always check the official Department of State processing time tool.
Why this matters
- Inconsistencies often trigger returns or follow-up requests because they create uncertainty in the case record.
- Small mismatches inside DS-86 (or between DS-86 and supporting evidence) can force rework later in processing.
Where it fits in the workflow
- Standalone process for addressing issues with passport delivery.
- May lead to further investigation by the Department of State.
- DS-86 is commonly filed alongside Form DS-5525.
Who uses it
Applicants who have not received their U.S. passport book or card within 120 days of issuance. For related guidance, see the Get a U.S. Green Card page.
When it is used
- When the official instructions indicate this form is required
- As part of a complete application package with supporting documents
- After filing DS-86 — DS-11 may be the next step (May need to reapply using DS-11 after non-receipt is confirmed)
- As an alternative to DS-64 — use DS-86 when DS-64 for lost or stolen; DS-86 for passport never received
- When filing DS-86 alongside DS-82 (Original application may have been DS-82 renewal by mail)
- When filing DS-86 alongside DS-5525 (May need exigent circumstances statement for expedited replacement)
Failure prevention (What causes Form DS-86 rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Failing to report non-receipt within the specified timeframe.
- Ensure form edition is current
Substantive weaknesses
- Incorrectly completing sections of the form.
- Using the passport if it arrives after submitting the form.
- To avoid incomplete or inconsistent information across form: Use exact passport and document details; review all answers before submission.
- To avoid filing before 14 days after issuance: Wait at least 14 days after passport was issued before filing DS-86.
- To avoid missing application confirmation number: Include the confirmation number and mailing address from your original application.
What it asks for (What does Form DS-86 ask for?)
#- Certification that the applicant has not received the U.S. passport book and/or card.
- Details of the actions taken to locate the passport, such as contacting the National Passport Information Center or the delivery service.
- Certification of non-receipt of the passport
- Actions taken to locate the missing passport
- Details of the original passport application
- Your full legal name as it appears on official documents
- Your date and place of birth
- Your current residential address and contact information
- Your email address for electronic notifications
- Documentation related to: Applicants who have not received their U.S. passport book or card within 120 days of issuance
Sources for this section
What you need (What do you need for Form DS-86?)
#- The current edition of DS-86
- Proof of current immigration status
- Government-issued photo identification
- Passport-style photographs meeting specifications
- Applicants who have not received their U.S. passport book or card within 120 days of issuance.
- Certification that the applicant has not received the U.S. passport book and/or card.
- Details of the actions taken to locate the passport, such as contacting the National Passport Information Center or the delivery service.
- On this form will be entered into the Consular Lost and Stolen Passport System
- Check the status of your U.S. passport application by contacting the National Passport Information Center.
- Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence.
- Failure to report non-receipt of the passport within the required timeframe of the issue date.
- Using the reported passport if it arrives after submitting the DS-86 form.
Checklist (What is the Form DS-86 checklist?)
#- Visit the official Department of State website to download the latest version of Form DS-86 along with its instructions.
- Review the official DS-86 instructions before filing
- Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
- Complete all required sections of DS-86
- Confirm photos are unmounted and unretouched per Department of State specifications
- Sign, date, and submit DS-86 with all required supporting evidence
Sources for this section
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeThe standard filing fee for form ds-86. | See official schedule |
Can the Form DS-86 fee be waived?
Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.
What happens if I submit the wrong fee?
Department of State will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.
Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility. For related guidance, see Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen.
Department of State fee schedule
Fees change; always verify on Department of State.
Where to file
#Online filing is available for some categories — verify on the official form page. Otherwise, file by mail to the address in the instructions.
Submit application
Mail the completed form and photocopy of your photo identification to the passport agency that issued the passport.
Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official Department of State website before submitting. For related guidance, see Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances.
Form sections (What sections does Form DS-86 have?)
#Non-Receipt Details
When and how the passport was expected.
- Application locator number
- Date passport was issued
- Mailing address used
- How long you have waited
Applicant Information
Contact details.
- Full name
- Current address
- Phone and email
Key terms
#- Non-receipt
- Not receiving the passport after it was issued.In this form: The form is used to report that the passport was not delivered.
Strategy tips
#Mistake severity
#| Mistake type | Severity | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Incomplete or inconsistent information across form | Rejection | Use exact passport and document details; review all answers before submission. |
| Filing before 14 days after issuance | Delay | Wait at least 14 days after passport was issued before filing DS-86. |
| Missing application confirmation number | Delay | Include the confirmation number and mailing address from your original application. |
| Incorrect mailing address used for original application | Delay | Provide the exact address used; State Department cross-checks records. |
Examples (What are examples for Form DS-86?)
#- Strong application: An applicant submits the form with all required documents and receives a timely decision.
- Common weakness: An applicant does not include a photocopy of their ID, causing delays in processing.
- Strong application: An applicant provides complete and consistent information with clearly labeled supporting documents.
- An applicant overseas completes DS-86 as part of the consular visa interview process
- A beneficiary of an approved petition uses DS-86 to apply for their immigration visa at the embassy
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form DS-86?)
#- Filing this form does not guarantee approval of the underlying case
- Requirements may differ based on your specific situation
- Meeting the document requirements guarantees visa approval — The consular officer retains discretion to approve or deny the visa based on the totality of circumstances, even when all documents are submitted.
Edge cases and variations
#- If you are asked to submit or update DS-86, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.
Scenarios
#An applicant never received a passport that was mailed. They complete DS-86 after 90 days from the issue date to report non-receipt.
State Department voids the lost passport and issues a replacement. Processing takes additional time.
Wait 90 days before filing DS-86. The Department gives time for delivery. Filing earlier may not trigger replacement.
An applicant files DS-86 after the original passport was delivered but they misplaced it.
DS-86 is for non-receipt, not loss. If you received it and lost it, use DS-64 and DS-11.
DS-86 is only when you never received the passport. If you received and then lost it, use the lost/stolen process.
A passport was sent to the wrong address. The applicant updates the address and files DS-86.
Replacement passport issued to the correct address. Track delivery; incorrect addresses cause non-receipt.
Verify your mailing address when applying. Use a stable address; passport delivery requires a signature.
Key differentiators
#- Unlike DS-11 Application for a U.S. Passport: DS-86 is specifically for reporting non-receipt of a passport, whereas DS-11 is for applying for a new passport.
- Unlike Form DS-11: Application for U.S. Passport: Next step after approval: May need to reapply using DS-11 after non-receipt is confirmed
- Unlike Form DS-64: Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen U.S. Passport: Alternative option: DS-64 for lost or stolen; DS-86 for passport never received
- Unlike Form DS-82: U.S. Passport Renewal Application: Original application may have been DS-82 renewal by mail
Why it matters
#Next steps
#- Receive acknowledgment of the DS-86 form submission.
- Department of State investigates the non-receipt claim.
- Possible reissuance of the passport if the claim is verified.
- Notification of the outcome to the applicant.
Verification
#This guide is based on official Department of State instructions for DS-86 and is updated with changes in form editions or filing rules. Always confirm current requirements on the official Department of State website.
FAQs
What should I do if my passport arrives after filing DS-86?
If your passport arrives after submitting Form DS-86, refrain from using it. Typically, forms should be filed in the order specified in the official instructions for your immigration category.
Can I file DS-86 if I have lost my passport after receiving it?
If you have lost your passport, you should file form DS-64.
What is DS-86?
Form DS-86 is used to report the non-receipt of a U.S. passport book or card. Before proceeding, review the official instructions to confirm its applicability to your circumstances.
What are common reasons DS-86 gets rejected?
Common reasons DS-86 is rejected include missing or incorrect signatures, using an outdated form edition, incomplete required fields, incorrect fee payment, missing required supporting documents, and photographs that do not meet official specifications. Carefully review the instructions and checklist before submitting.
What does DS-86 do and who needs it?
DS-86 is used to authorize a specific immigration benefit as defined by Department of State. Whether you need to submit this depends on your visa category, nationality, and individual circumstances. Check the official Department of State website for the most current eligibility criteria and requirements for your situation.
What other forms or documents do I need alongside DS-86?
When submitting Form DS-86, you should include supporting documents like a photocopy of a valid government-issued photo ID. Depending on your specific visa category and situation, additional documentation may be necessary. It is essential to thoroughly review the official Department of State instructions to ensure you have all the required materials before submission.
When will DS-86 be processed and what is the workflow?
Processing timing for DS-86 varies depending on the filing category, processing location, and current application volume. Standard processing can range from a few weeks to several months. Before submitting, check the official Department of State processing times tool for the most current estimates. After filing, monitor your case status and consider whether expedited options are available.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
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