Everyone who has ever been on a trip knows that it’s very rarely that everything goes according to plan. And unfortunately, many travelers find themselves with missing or stolen American passports. If this person is you, there is help. There are things to do that can get you a new passport fast, and once you get this new passport, you can get back to your vacation with as few issues as possible.

First of all, don’t panic. While it’s completely understandable that you’d be stressed, these scrambled thoughts won’t get you anywhere. Take a deep breath and realize that you can’t change the problem, but you can work towards a quick solution.

After you’ve regained your thoughts, quickly contact the local United States embassy. Do not delay. If your passport gets into a criminal’s hands, they can cause a lot of harm. Passports are prime targets of criminals because they are a tool of identity theft. This is an increasing problem, so if your passport got stolen, act as soon as possible.

You will need to talk to someone from the American Citizens Service department of the Consular Section when you reach the embassy. The first thing they will do is invalidate your stolen passport, meaning no one can use it. Next, they will let you know what exactly to do in order to go about getting a new passport, like how to get a new application and passport photos.

Report the theft to the local authorities, if applicable. They will file a report that only further ensures that your passport stays out of the wrong person’s hands. These reports are useful if you suspect your identity’s been stolen, as they are required by the embassy to issue reports.

Gather all the necessary information and relay it to the embassy. This helps confirm your identity. The information you will need includes your name, your date of birth, place of birth, when your passport was issued, where it was issued, and the passport number. Before you leave for your trip, write this information down and keep a copy with a relative and another copy in a safe place. Having it ready in case of an emergency will make your renewal process go smoother and faster. Contact someone in the United States so they know your passport has been stolen and that you might be delayed on your return. This person might also be contacted in order to help validate your identity.

In order to protect your passport, along with your money and other important items, you might think about investing in a little purse or a money belt to wear beneath your clothes. Thieves who are looking to commit a crime will most likely target those who have their passport within reach. So by keeping yours hidden, you drastically reduce the risk of theft.

In the recent news, Lindsay Lohan, the tabloid queen, claimed that her passport was stolen in France. In her case, this left her having to miss her DUI case in Beverly Hills, along with her required Alcohol Education courses. Regardless of whether or not this is true, she quickly and efficiently obtained a new U S passport and got back to the United States in a timely manner. Many people go their whole lives without having to deal with something like this, but this story shows that it can happen to anyone. Being prepared is the best way to prevent theft, but if you discover you have a stolen passport someday, having this sort of knowledge at hand can help you get back home.