You Lost Your Important Documents! Now What?

By Teresa Ambord

Losing important documents is stressful, no matter how it happens. You may have been the victim of a disaster of Hurricane Katrina proportions.  Or maybe you simply lost your records in a more ordinary way, like in the process of moving.

Regardless, you’re going to need some help to replace them.  Fortunately, systems are in place to obtain copies of most anything that has been filed with a public entity.

To replace a birth certificate, death certificate, marriage license, or divorce decree, log onto the Web site below, then choose the state where the event took place.  Requirements and fees vary by state, but here are some examples of what you may need to supply to get the copies:

  • A legal photo I.D.
  • A sworn statement as to your interest in the document.  If filing by mail, the statement will likely have to be notarized.
  • Death certificates may be obtainable for a fee, by written application by any person with proper identification and information.
  • Birth certificates are obtainable, for a fee, by the person him/herself, the next of kin or authorized agent (with proper I.D., information, and a statement of interest).

Birth Certificate

Depending on the state, you may have to supply the following for a birth certificate copy:

  • The full name at birth
  • The date and place of birth
  • Father’s full name and mother’s full name
  • Relationship to the person whose certificate is being requested and the purpose for needing the copy
  • Daytime telephone number
  • Your handwritten signature and complete mailing address
  • A valid, legal photo I.D. from the applicant or the individual representing the applicant for the issuance of a birth, death or stillbirth certificate.
  • For more information, visit CDC: Where to Write for Vital Records.

Social Security Card

If your Social Security card is lost or stolen, or you need a corrected card because of a name change, there is no fee, but you must fill out a Form SS-5.  Download a form by clicking here:

You’ll need proof of your identity and of your U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if you were born outside the United States. Acceptable proof of identity may include:

  • Driver's license
  • Marriage or divorce record
  • Military records
  • Adoption record
  • Life insurance policy
  • Passport
  • Health Insurance card (not a Medicare card)
  • School ID card

Most forms of proof of citizenship are acceptable.  If born outside the United States, show a consular report of birth, a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Citizenship, or a Certificate of Naturalization.

For more information about replacing your Social Security card, click here:

Tax Returns

Need a copy of your tax return?

Passport

If your passport is lost or stolen in the United States, the first step to take is to report the loss.

Click here for the necessary form:

Fill in as much information as you can, then mail the form to this address:

U.S. Department of State
Passport Services
Consular Lost/Stolen Passport Section
1111 19th Street, NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036

Once your passport has been reported lost or stolen, it is invalid and cannot be revalidated.  If you recover the passport, mail it to the address above.

To find the closest place to apply for a new passport, click here:

Damaged Currency

Money is commonly damaged by fire, water, chemicals, explosives, animal, insect or rodent damage, or damage caused by burying.  Such currency may be exchanged at face value if:

  • more than half of the note is identifiable
  • or if less than half is identifiable, there must be sufficient evidence concerning how the money was damaged to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the U.S. Treasury that the missing portions were totally destroyed.

For More Information:

Currency that is defaced, torn, worn, or badly soiled and is clearly more than one-half of the original note, and the value of the currency is apparent without special examination should be exchanged through your local bank.