DO
• Sign your passport; it is not valid unless it has been signed by the bearer.
• Fill in the information required on the inside front cover of the passport. In the case of accident or other circumstances, it may be necessary to contact a designate agent or the next of kin.
• Register your passport if you mail it while abroad. Check the expiration date of your passport before you travel. Obtain a new one if needed (i.e. U.S. law requires passports from many countries to be renewed six months before the expiration date).
• Check the visa requirements of all countries you plan to visit and obtain necessary visas from the appropriate foreign consular representatives. Check state.gov for a list of foreign embassies and consulates in the US.
• Keep a copy of your biographical, visa and other information pages.
DO NOT
• Lend your passport for use by a friend or stranger. Remember that it is an official government document for use only by the person to whom it is issued.
• Use your passport as collateral or pledge. Alter, insert, or overwrite any information or entry in the passport. If a change is necessary, it must be made officially by authorized government agents. Pack your passport in your luggage. When traveling, keep it readily available, but safe.
• Tear or substitute pages in your passport.