A new passport opens the doors of a lot of new opportunities for you.
A passport is one of the most important identification documents and
may be key to job opportunities and other opportunities. You cannot move
beyond the United States without a passport. So, while a passport is
undoubtedly an important document, you need to take the greatest care of
your passport after you have received it. It is solely your
responsibility to ensure its safe custody. A damaged passport is often
treated as an invalid document. While there are various means of
addressing situations such as a lost or stolen passport, such situations
are harassing and stressful.
Keep it off the reach of kids
Kids are prone to treat almost anything as toys or play objects. So, keep your passport securely locked or on an elevated place where your kids cannot reach out.
Keep it wrapped in plastic cover, when not using
A plastic cover will protect the passport from spilled water, mud or any other liquid objects which can damage or render the printed content illegible. It is important to keep the cover on at all times. However, mind the moisture generated while the passport stays undet the covers.
Exercise caution while handing your passport over to anyone else
It is almost needless to advise not to give any unauthorized or unknown person. Still, you may need to temporarily hand over your passport for such purposes as visa stamping. So, in such cases, you will be given an acknowledgement in printed form or email. You need to carefully preserve the acknowledgement till you receive the passport.
Do not carry it unless necessary
Some countries such as some Gulf countries require foreigners to carry passports every time they leave their hotels. Except such situations, do not carry your passport while you are out of your hotel, office or home. You must prevent any attempt at stealing or pick pocketing your passport. The last thing that you want is ruining your vacation in another country or becoming an identity theft subject.
Know what to do if in the event of lost or stolen passport
No matter how well you take care of your passport, you always are vulnerable to theft or misplacement. A deft thief or a moment of carelessness, which is absolutely natural, can land you in intolerable stress. So, it pays to know now the actions you need to take next. To report lost or stolen passport over phone, dial the toll-free number of the United States travel which is 1-877-487-2778 (TTY 1-888-874-7793) or, if you want to report the same by submitting Form DS-64, submit the form to the following address:
U.S. Department of State
Passport Services
Consular Lost/Stolen Passport Section
1111 19th Street, NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036
You can download the DS-64 form from http://travel.state.gov/passport/lost/lost_848.html
Note that the above steps must all be observed and are not alternatives.
