Marisol Mandarino

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR DOCUMENTS

Here are some simple tips, from an official translator's point of view, on what to do and what not to do with your documents:

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• Do not fold your documents. With the passing of time, documents end up tearing apart exactly along these folds.

• If your document is already torn, do not use adhesive tape on it. As time passes, the tape loosens and the document becomes irreversibly stained.

• Do not secure your documents with paper clips. They become rusty and the documents can become stained.

• Keep your documents in a folder with individual sheet protectors. In case you need to transport them, take only the documents you need and put them in a plastic folder. After you return, put them back in the folder with individual sheet protectors.

• Never laminate your documents. Lamination prevents the placing of stamps and apostilles; thus, it will be necessary to make a second copy. If you are abroad, this will cause many problems. Instead, protect them in a folder with individual sheet protectors. There are specific plastic bags for ID cards, driver's licenses and passports.

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