A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I lost my passport" in Italian
Learn how to report a lost passport in Italy with this essential phrase for travelers needing immediate assistance at a police station.
Ho perso il passaporto.
oh PER-so eel pas-sa-POR-tohneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when speaking to a police officer at a 'Questura' or 'Carabinieri' station to report the theft or loss. You should also use it immediately when speaking to embassy staff to initiate the emergency travel document process.
Alternatives
- Mi hanno rubato il passaporto.Use this if you are certain it was stolen rather than just misplaced.
- Non trovo più il mio passaporto.Use this in a slightly less urgent, conversational tone with hotel staff.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'perso' with 'speso'
Ensure you use the 'r' sound; 'speso' means spent, which will confuse the officer.
Double consonants
Make sure to hold the double 's' in passaporto slightly longer to sound natural.
A small cultural note
In Italy, reporting a lost document is a formal bureaucratic process; expect to spend significant time filling out a 'denuncia' form at the station.
Frequently asked
What should I do after saying this?
Ask for a 'denuncia' (police report), as you will need this document to prove the loss to your embassy. Without this official paper, you will likely face delays in getting a replacement.
Do I need to speak Italian to the police?
While many officers in major cities speak some English, having this phrase ready helps show the urgency of your situation. If you struggle, ask 'Parla inglese?' to see if they can switch languages.
Where do I go to report this?
You should head to the nearest 'Questura' (state police) or 'Carabinieri' station. These are the primary authorities responsible for handling lost property and identity documents.
