What to Do With Your New Passport
When It Arrives

Your new U.S. passport is your key to traveling the world. Before you book a trip, you must take a few important steps to make sure your passport is correct, valid, and safe. Here is what to do as soon as it arrives.

Your New Passport: Quick Checklist

• Check It: Make sure all your info is correct.
• Sign It: Use a black pen to sign page 3.
• Fill It Out: Add emergency info on page 4 in pencil.
• Copy It: Make digital and paper copies.
• Protect It: Keep it in a safe case.
• Store It: Find a secure spot for it at home.

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1. Check Your Passport for Errors

First, open your new passport to the "personal data page" (page 2). This is the page with your photo on it. Carefully check all the information for any mistakes. Look at your:

• Full Name (check spelling)
• Photo (make sure it's you)
• Date and Place of Birth
• Gender
• Passport Number
• Issue Date and Expiration Date
• Use it!

What to Do If You Find a Mistake

If you find a typo or incorrect information, you need to get it fixed.

• If your passport is less than 1 year old: You can use Form DS-5504 to correct the error for free. You will get a new passport that is valid for 10 years.
• If your passport is more than 1 year old: You can still get it corrected for free, but the expiration date will stay the same as your original passport.

2. Sign Your Passport

Turn to page 3. You must sign your passport here to make it valid.

• Use a pen with black ink.
• Your signature should match the name printed on page 2.

Note on Signatures: What if I make a mistake?
If you make an error (like signing your old name or your spouse's name), draw one straight line through the incorrect signature. Then, sign correctly right above it.

3. Fill In Your Emergency Information

Turn to page 4. You will see a place to add your address and an emergency contact. This is very important if something happens to you while traveling.

Important: Use a Pencil
Your passport is valid for 10 years, and your address or emergency contact will likely change. Write all information on this page in pencil, so it can be updated as needed.

4. Make Digital and Physical Copies

Making copies is a critical step. If your passport is lost or stolen, having a copy will make the replacement process much easier, especially at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.

Digital Copies

• Scan your passport's data page (page 2).
• Email a copy to yourself.
• Save a copy to a secure cloud service (like Google Drive or Dropbox).

This way, you can access a copy from anywhere in the world.

Physical Copies

• Make at least two paper photocopies.
• Leave one copy at home with a trusted friend or family member.
• Bring the other copy with you when you travel.

Travel Safety Tip
When you reach your hotel, lock your original passport in the room safe if you feel it is safe to do so. Carry the photocopy with you as you go out sightseeing. This lowers the risk of your official passport being lost or stolen.

5. Get a Passport Holder or Case

A passport case or holder helps protect your passport from damage and protects your data.

1. It protects from damage: It keeps your passport from getting bent, torn, or wet.
2. It protects your data: All new passports have an RFID chip. An RFID-blocking case stops thieves from scanning your passport's electronic chip and stealing your personal information.

A travel wallet is also a great place to keep all your important travel documents (like visas, insurance cards, and IDs) together.

6. Store Your Passport Safely at Home

When you are not traveling, keep your passport in a secure location. The best place is a fire-proof and waterproof safe at home such as the bestselling SentrySafe H2300 Fire-Safe Waterproof Chest.

• Avoid storing it in a bank's safety deposit box or a public storage unit. You may not be able to get it quickly if you need it for an emergency trip on a weekend or holiday.

7. Your Passport is Ready for Travel

Your passport is now checked, signed, and secured. It is now a valid document for international travel.

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Additional Steps to Take Before Traveling

A valid passport is only the first requirement for travel. Take these additional steps before your trip to avoid problems and protect yourself abroad.

1. Confirm You Received All Supporting Documents

If you sent original documents (like your birth certificate or old passport), make sure they were returned. These original documents sometimes arrive in a separate envelope a few days after your new passport.

2. Review Visa and Entry Requirements

Every country has its own rules. Before booking:

• Check if you need a travel visa for your destination.
• Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned return date. Many countries require this.

3. Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

Enroll for free at step.state.gov. This STEP program helps the nearest U.S. embassy contact you or your family in case of an emergency while you are abroad.

4. Know How to Report a Lost or Stolen Passport

If your passport is ever lost or stolen:

• Report it immediately using Form DS-64 at travel.state.gov.
• Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if you are outside the country.

5. Add Your Passport to Your Emergency Plan

Include a copy of your passport in your home emergency folder. Keep it with other vital documents like birth certificates, driver's licenses, and insurance cards. Keeping these documents together makes them easy to find during an emergency.

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