Replacing Essential Documents

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Table of Contents

Priority Documents

Driver’s License, REAL ID or State ID

  • To save time, use the online DMV services at: https://www.ca.gov/LAFires/ for quicker retrieval of your Real ID or CA DL. The DMV announced they are waiving the usual fees to fire victims.
  • If you are not able to complete your transaction online, you can call 800-777-0133 to facilitate the process.

Social Security Cards

  • Initiate the process by applying online at the Social Security Administration’s official website at https://www.ssa.gov/number-card.
  • Alternatively, you can call 800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office, where staff can guide you through the application process.

Birth Certificates

  • Contact the vital records office in the state where you were born. This is the official entity that manages birth certificates and can provide the copies you need.
  • Many states offer the convenience of online ordering through a service called VitalChek, allowing you to place your order from anywhere.

Marriage Certificates

  • Reach out to the county clerk’s office where your marriage license was issued. This vital record will serve as confirmation of your marital status.

Financial Documents

Credit Cards

  • Contact each of your credit card issuers without delay to inform them of your need for replacement cards.
  • Vigilantly monitor your account statements for unusual or fraudulent transactions, as this will help safeguard your finances.

Bank Documents

  • Visit the closest (other) local bank branch armed with identification to request new debit cards, checkbooks, and copies of your recent bank statements.
  • Make sure to update your online banking credentials immediately, ensuring they are secure and accessible as you navigate this transition.

Insurance Policies

  • Contact all of your insurance agents across different sectors, including home, auto, life, and health insurance, to request duplicates of your policies.
  • Clearly communicate any changes or, especially if you are temporarily relocated.
  • Consider maintaining digital copies of your insurance policies for easy access and safekeeping, which can save you time and stress in the future.

Property Documents

Property Deed

  • The quickest way to get a copy of your recorded deeds these days is a digital copy from a title insurance company. If you would like our assistance, we would be glad to help.

Vehicle Titles

  • To save time, use the online DMV services located at: https://www.ca.gov/LAFires/ for quicker retrieval of your vehicle title replacement. The state has announced they are waiving the usual fees to fire victims.
  • If you are not able to complete your transaction online, you can call 1-800-777-0133.

Medical Documents

Medical Records

  • Contact each of your healthcare providers directly to request copies of your recent medical records.
  • If you had not already, consider signing up for patient portals, which many healthcare systems offer, as these can provide easy digital access to all your medical records.

Immunization Records

  • Get in touch with the state health department, which maintains records of immunizations administered.
  • Alternatively, request your immunization records from your primary care physician for a complete history.

Additional Important Documents

Passport

  • If you have lost your passport, report it immediately to the State Department to prevent fraudulent use at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport.html, where you can also apply to replace your passport online if you already have one.
  • Ensure you provide adequate proof of citizenship and identity during this process, as this information is essential for issuing a replacement.

Military Service Records

  • To obtain your military service records, submit a request through the National Archives using the eVetRecs tool, which streamlines the process.
  • You can also contact your local Veterans Affairs office for further assistance and information on your records.

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