While on vacation this Memorial Day Weekend or sometime in the near future, your experiences can quickly turn sour with the realization that you no longer have your personal identification. Easily minimize the emotional trauma accompanying a lost or stolen ID by taking the following precautionary steps prior to your trip.
ID Photocopy
In advance of your travels, make a photocopy of your ID (driver’s license, passport, and/or birth certificate) and travel with this copy separate of where you would keep your ID. For example, keep a copy of your ID in your bag while you hold onto your wallet and ID.
ID Email Attachment
A better safety measure would be to scan a copy of your ID and then email the attachment to your personal email address. In the event that you should find yourself without an ID during your travels, you can simply go to any computer with internet access and a printer to retrieve your ID printout.
File a Police Report and/or Contact Nearest US Embassy
In addition to preparing a copy of your ID, immediately file and obtain a copy of a police report. The police report will serve as a timestamp and provide verification of your claim should you need to provide any evidence. Furthermore, while traveling abroad, the US Embassy can provide you with a replacement passport or a conditional passport with supporting documentation.
Although there are no steadfast rules provided by TSA or the airline companies with regards to traveling without an ID, your chances of getting through airport security and boarding your return flight will be greatly increased with a copy of your ID and a police report. Safe travels! Until next time…
