Making digital copies of your driver’s license, I.D. card and/or passport can assist authorities in properly identifying you in the event you lose either of these items while traveling.

I keep updated electronic and paper copies of both and have even emailed them to myself (to always have it saved on my phone) and to my emergency contact in the event something were to happen.

*Be sure to make new copies if your address changes.

Using your hotel room’s safe to store your passport and other important items is another great idea. Keeping it in one place will ensure your items don’t get separated or misplaced.

If you cross borders by land or by sea, a passport card is necessary. Passport cards cannot be used for international travel by air but can make the process of replacing your passport slightly easier in the event it is lost or stolen.

For information on applying for, renewing, or replacing a lost or stolen passport, visit The U.S. Department of State’s website here.