Your hotel room is all askew and your suitcase is turned inside out. Panic sets in as you realize your passport is gone.

Losing your passport — or worse, having it stolen — is a nightmare scenario that can leave any traveler feeling helpless and wondering: How will I get home? How can I get it replaced? Will I need to change my travel plans? What else do I need to do?

Here’s your step-by-step guide to dealing with a lost or stolen passport.

What to do when you lose your passport

1. Report the loss or theft to U.S. authorities

While it can be a good idea to report a stolen passport to the local police — the information you provide will help them if it does turn up — reporting your lost or stolen passport to the U.S. government is also very important.

In addition to helping prevent identity theft, reporting a loss or theft can also stop someone from using your passport to commit a crime, making it imperative that you report your missing passport. It is also critical to report it because you'll need the loss documented when you go to apply for a replacement, which typically requires you to present your current passport as part of the renewal process.

You can request the assistance of the State Department's Office of Overseas Citizens Services if you need help with the process.