Copies of passport and license

[Anonymous]

I'm traveling overseas later this month and thought it'd be helpful to keep a copy of my passport and driver's license on hand, in case something happens (lose passport, purse stolen, etc.).

Is it safer to bring a copy and keep it in the hotel safe (separate from where I am carrying my credentials) or scan/save an electronic copy via email? I can see pros/cons to each regarding identity safety, etc.

Appreciate insights.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm traveling overseas later this month and thought it'd be helpful to keep a copy of my passport and driver's license on hand, in case something happens (lose passport, purse stolen, etc.).

Is it safer to bring a copy and keep it in the hotel safe (separate from where I am carrying my credentials) or scan/save an electronic copy via email? I can see pros/cons to each regarding identity safety, etc.

Appreciate insights.

I usually do both a paper copy and an electronic copy.

[Anonymous]

Why are you taking your driver's license? If you plan to drive, you need an IDP supplement to your driver's license, so remember that.

I keep a copy of my passport 1) on me 2) in my suitcase 3) in my carry-on bag 4) on my computer 5) in the cloud

I have lost a passport before -- all the US embassy really needs is the passport number to issue you a temporary passport.

[Anonymous]

Take a photo of your passport so you have it electronically. I wouldn't worry about your drivers license unless you are renting a car. Keep a copy of your passport at your home/office so it can be sent to you if needed.

But I wouldn't overthink it. I have traveled for years, including to third world countries, and never had a problem. Good to be prepared of course, but unless you are going to a high crime area just take normal precautions.

[Anonymous]

You don't need a supplement to your US driver's license for every country.

It used to be that you didn't for Australia and NZ, for example.

[Anonymous]

We will have passports and DL for our upcoming cruise. A photo copy of both will be in a seal envelope which will go in the cabin safe. Additionally I have the same file uploaded to my dropbox account, which I can get to from any WiFi signal or my 3G/4G signal when we are in US territorial waters or US ports.

Why do we have the DL? Because I have to drive us to the port and I am not leaving my DL in the rental car in the garage at the port. I'd rather have it with me. It will go into the cabin safe at the start of the cruise and come back out at the end.

[Anonymous]

Leave a copy with someone at home, too.

[Anonymous]

And email them to someone else too. If you can't get to a computer they can email copy of passport from their end to embassy etc.

[Anonymous]

Eh, not sure emailing or saving this this stuff on the cloud is a great idea due to identity theft

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why are you taking your driver's license? If you plan to drive, you need an IDP supplement to your driver's license, so remember that.

I keep a copy of my passport 1) on me 2) in my suitcase 3) in my carry-on bag 4) on my computer 5) in the cloud

I have lost a passport before -- all the US embassy really needs is the passport number to issue you a temporary passport.

Anyone know why they even need this? They can't look you up with name, DOB, and POB?