What do I do if my social security, birth certificate, and all forms if ID are lost?
Question: What do I do if my social security, birth certificate, and all forms if ID are lost?Make sure to report credit cards or smart cards immediately to protect yourself. To make this easier, create a document separate from credit cards and such listing the number to call and the card number. These numbers are listed on the back of each card, but if you lose the card and failed to record it elsewhere, it can make a tough situation even tougher. I keep a password protected document containing all this information on my computer and update it accordingly.Replace Lost DocumentsReplacing documents that were lost or destroyed in a flood, fire, or other disaster can be a daunting task. The process varies state to state, but your local Vital Records Office can help you sort out the process. There is often a fee to replace these documents.Vital records documents consist of birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. State government vital records offices issue these documents. To get a copy of a vital record document, contact the vital records office in the state where the event occurred. They will be able to help you replace records and direct you how to get other lost or destroyed documents.Government agencies usually mail replacement vital documents. But if your home was destroyed in a disaster, you might not be able to get your mail. You can either request a temporary change of address through the post office and designate the date when the forwarding should stop or visit your local post office and ask if you can pick up your mail there. When our house burned we did not have to forward our mail since we lived in a rural area with the mailboxes on the road so we just picked up our mail every day while checking on the rebuild progress of our house.Birth CertificateTo replace your birth certificate contact the vital records office in the state where you were born. A few states don’t require a government-issued photo ID, or they will accept other documents proving your identity. Some states allow your mother or father whose name is on the birth certificate to submit a notarized letter with a copy of their photo ID. If you need to have a photo ID replace your Drivers License or state issued ID first.For a certified copy of your birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the state where you were born for instructions on how to request a copy and information and the fees. I ordered mine from the county where I was born.If you were born to American parents abroad, your birth should be registered with the U.S. Embassy or consulate in that country. Your parents should have received a ConReport of Birth Abroad. You can get a copy of this report from the U.S. Department of State. Depending on the country, a vital records office in the nation may also list the birth.If you were born on a military base abroad, and your parents did not register your birth with the U.S. Embassy, you may have to contact the hospital where the birth took place. You may also try contacting the base operator or public affairs office for the appropriate military branch.State ID or Drivers LicenseReplace your driver’s license. This task varies state to state. In some states, you can do it online. I found it beneficial to replace my drivers license first since I had to drive everywhere. However with the new Real ID drivers license you will need your birth certificate and go in person to the local Secretary of State office.Social Security CardTo replace your Social Security card you’ll need a government-issued photo ID, getting a replacement card is free. Many states allow you to request a replacement social security card online.PassportReplace your passport. Report your lost or destroyed passport to the Department of State. To apply for a new passport, you’ll need to fill out a form DS-11 and go to a passport acceptance facility or agency. You’ll need your birth certificate or a certified copy, and a government-issued photo ID.Replace other important documents. Your state or local election office can tell you how to replace your voter registration card. Contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to find out how to replace naturalization or citizenship documents.Student ID CardBe sure to deactivate your student ID if your school is set up for using your card to access school activities, library, computer labs, or meals. You must bring a government issued photo ID such as a US driver's license, passport or state ID. A replacement student ID usually has to be charged to the students account rather than by cash, debit or credit card.Marriage CertificateFor a certified copy of your marriage certificate, again, contact the vital records office in the state where you were married for instructions on how to request a copy and information on any fees.Even though the guidelines vary by state, all requests should include:Full names of both spouses at time of marriage,Month, day, and year of the marriage,Place of marriage (city or town, county, and state),Purpose for which copy of marriage certificate is needed,Relationship to persons whose marriage certificate is being requested,Daytime telephone number (include area code).Death CertificateYou can request a certified copy of a death certificate from the vital records office of the state or territory in which the death occurred. See the instructions for that state or territory for details such as fees, address to write to, and the required identification.In addition to your state’s requirements, all requests should contain:Full name of the person whose death certificate is being requested,Their sex,Their parents' names, including maiden name of their mother,Month, day, and year of their death,Place of death (city or town, county, and state; and name of hospital, if known/applicable),Purpose for which the copy is needed,Your relationship to the person whose record is being requested,Your daytime telephone number with area code.Permanent Resident (Green) CardsThe U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can help you replace a lost or stolen permanent resident (green) card.Vital Records by State
