It's a little-used life hack, but your photo library can save you time and frustration by putting important information literally at your fingertips
Driver’s license
Chances are your phone is a lot more accessible than your wallet, so having a photo of your driver’s license can be convenient for forms, reservations or other situations that require quick reference. If your physical ID is ever lost, it can also help verify your identify temporarily while you wait for a replacement (just note that it won’t be accepted as a valid form of ID if you’re pulled over by a cop).
A driver’s license can provide authorities or emergency medical personnel with critical information in the event of an accident. But it’s important to keep this information secure, since it contains a lot of personal details. “A photo of your driver’s license includes your name, address, date of birth and license number,” Meister points out, advising that it be stored in a secure, protected album.
Auto and travel insurance cards
Unfortunately, accidents happen, and when they do, you don’t want to be left scrambling for important insurance information. (Or worse, digging through your glove compartment to find it at the worst possible moment.) Auto and travel insurance cards typically include policy numbers and key phone numbers, but having a photo of them on your phone is generally lower risk than storing many other types of documents.
Medical insurance card
Medical insurance can be confusing, and navigating the claims process or hospital visits is even more frustrating if there’s a mix-up. Keeping a photo of your up-to-date medical insurance card on your phone ensures you have all the correct information on hand so you can avoid delays and errors and don’t have to try to sort out problems later. But beware: Medical insurance cards often contain sensitive information you don’t want out there, so they should be kept in a locked, secure folder or encrypted folder.
License plate and vehicle registration
You probably won’t be able to remember your rental car’s license plate number—and many drivers don’t even know their own. That’s why Dandashy says it’s always a good idea to keep a photo of both on your phone, along with your vehicle registration. In the event of an accident, it’s also important to take and retain photos of the other driver’s car, license plate and insurance and registration details, to ensure you have all the necessary information to file a claim.
Parking spot locators
That feeling of triumph when you snag a parking spot can pretty quickly turn to frustration if you can’t recall where you left your car. “Always take pictures of your parking spot, especially in garages,” Dandashy advises. “It’s an easy way to remember exactly where you parked.” Be sure to photograph the garage level, section number, nearby signs or any other distinctive markers to use as guides.
Prescriptions
I’ve never lost a pair of glasses when traveling, but if I did, I could be in big trouble, since I don’t usually pack contacts. One thing I do, however, is keep a photo of my most up-to-date eyeglass prescription just in case. It’s also a good idea to have a visual record of any medications you’re taking, along with photos of their labels, in case of an emergency. These can be useful if you need a refill abroad or need to reference prescription details, like dosage.
Even if you’re not on vacation, or traveling for work like I often am, keeping a photo of your prescription handy is good practice: You never know when you might need it.
Frequently replaced items
How many times have you needed to swap out batteries in a remote control or grab a new ink cartridge for your printer, only to realize at the store that you’re not sure which size or type you need? Save time, money and a lot of frustration by keeping photos of all items you periodically replace in a folder labeled “Replacements.” Make sure the images show exact details—like size, model or type—so you’re never left guessing what to get.
Recent photos of your children
If you’re going out and about with young children, it’s a smart idea to keep some photos of what they look like—and what they’re wearing that day—in case you somehow become separated. Having a current picture can be invaluable for showing security personnel, police or anyone else who may need to identify your child quickly. And even if the photos are never needed, you’ll appreciate having them to look back on and enjoy later.
Travel itineraries and confirmations
Travel requires trains, planes, automobiles and ships—or a combination of all of the above—so snapping all those confirmation numbers and itineraries in a series of photos can keep your trip on track. Dandashy and Meister agree that the items are lower risk and can stay in a clearly labeled album within your photo library. “This keeps important information easy to find without exposing your most sensitive documents,” Meister notes.
Hotel or Airbnb exteriors
Dandashy says it’s wise for travelers to take a photo of their hotel or Airbnb’s exterior and the property’s address, “especially if you’re in a country where you may not speak the local language.” These pictures can also be helpful for taxi drivers, or for yourself if you’re walking back. Just keep these shots protected on your device, so that if someone accesses your phone, they won’t be able to see where you’re staying.
Luggage and its contents
If your checked luggage goes missing, you will want to have a clear record of both the bag and what was inside when filing a claim with the airline, your travel insurance provider or even your credit card company. A quick photo inventory before you close up a suitcase can make all the difference. Snap pictures of everything you’re packing, especially any higher-value items, so you’ll have a clear, time-stamped record to reference.
New destinations or places to remember
Sometimes it can be helpful to turn on location services when taking pictures so you can easily map them later. “This is a great way to look back and see where you’ve been, or if you’re trying to find a place again,” Dandashy says.
But, as with shots of hotels or Airbnbs, it’s better to err on the side of caution and keep these location-revealing photos private and inaccessible to anyone. “Photos taken with location services enabled may include GPS coordinates in their metadata,” Meister warns. “If those images are shared publicly, someone may be able to determine where the photo was taken.”
Rental car condition
Dandashy recommends photographing and even taking a video of rental cars as soon as you get the keys. “Doing a once-over of your car rental is a game-changer,” she says. “It is time-stamped and is a quick way to cover yourself before you drive off.” Capture photos from all angles of the vehicle, including bumpers and doors, in case any issues arise later or you need to dispute any costly damage claims.
Passport
Keeping a photo of your passport’s photo page, as well as the barcode on your phone, while traveling can be extremely helpful if the original is damaged, lost or stolen. “A passport is one of your most important identity documents,” says Meister, who advises storing this photo in a secure app that requires authentication.
The barcode is found on the inside back cover of newer United States passports, and it contains encoded information from your passport like your name, passport number, birthdate and the document’s expiration date. While it’s not a substitute for the actual document, having a copy of the barcode can aid the process of replacing the document at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
“Then, after you return home, it is always a good idea to delete the passport photo or make sure it remains only in that protected location,” Meister says. Now’s also a good time to review exactly which apps have access to your photos and limit those permissions when it’s not necessary.
Visas
When traveling to certain countries, it can be incredibly useful to keep a photo of any required visas, especially if your passport goes missing or you’re required to verify your entry status. These images can also be beneficial when dealing with hotels or airlines that may request proof of your stay. Like a passport, visa pages can contain sensitive personal and travel information, so they should be stored with care and deleted after your trip.
What pictures should you never keep on your phone?
While certain photos can make life a lot easier, others could really put you at risk if your phone is lost, stolen or hacked. Here are photos to avoid storing on your device:
- Checks or banking account and routing numbers: “When people deposit a check using a banking app, they often take a photo and forget to delete it,” Meister says. That check includes both your routing number and bank account number, which can leave you open to financial fraud.
- Passwords or screenshots of handwritten login details: Meister recommends using an encrypted password manager, such as 1Password or Bitwarden, plus you can use these tools to store documents securely.
- Bank statements or tax documents: These often contain sensitive personal data, such as addresses, account numbers or social security numbers.
- Credit or debit cards: It is best to avoid photographing either one. “A photo captures the card number, expiration date and security code, which could be used for fraudulent purchases,” Meister points out.
- Hotel room numbers: For your safety, in case your phone is lost or hacked, it’s best to memorize them or create a mental association rather than taking a picture.
Finally, regularly review your photo library and delete images that were only meant to be temporary. After all, Meister says: “Information that is no longer stored cannot be stolen.”
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Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of articles on personal technology, arming readers with the knowledge to protect themselves against cybersecurity threats and internet scams as well as revealing the best tips, tricks and shortcuts for computers, cellphones, apps, texting, social media and more. For this piece, Aaron Rasmussen tapped his experience as a tech and travel journalist to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We rely on credentialed experts with personal experience and know-how as well as primary sources including tech companies, professional organizations and academic institutions. We verify all facts and data and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Dave Meister, cybersecurity expert at Check Point Software; email interview, March 2026
- Sarah Dandashy, luxury travel expert, founder of Ask A Concierge and author of Hospitality from Within; email interview, March 2026
