How Do I Replace My Records and Legal Documents?

Table of Contents

(ie… SSN, Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Passport, Etc.)

UPDATE: Contact the FEMA recovery hotline here at 800-621-3362 or go to https://www.disasterassistance.gov/. You can also use the FEMA app here: https://www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products. And a temporary FEMA site is located at UCLA Research Park 10850 W Pico Blvd if you wish to talk with someone in person.

Typically, FEMA will establish a service center to help with much of this. President Biden declared a Major Disaster Declaration so we will keep you updated with where the stations will be set up.

When the center is established, your local representative will check off a list of all the documents you need replaced. We received our documents within a month after filing.

In the meantime, the DMV and the California Department of Public Health are available to help you with record replacement. Find out more here: https://wildfirerecovery.caloes.ca.gov/general-info/record-replacement/?cat=81

Establish an Address for Documents:

In order to replace your documents it’s important you have an address for the state/government to send your files. If you do not have a stable address yet we recommend setting up a P.O. box as quickly as possible as inventory runs low quickly.

Importance of a FEMA Number:

With a FEMA number, you have access to many benefits and we highly suggest you take advantage of them as we did. Some of your benefits may include: Housing Assistance, Childcare, Healthcare, Transportation, Displacement funds.

Find out more of what FEMA covers here: https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual

We also found that you can use your FEMA number at many local stores to receive discounts.

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