How do I replace important documents I lost in a disaster?

Disasters can destroy homes, storage units, garages and other places that you might have stored important documents. Or the disaster could make it impossible for you to locate, get to or access your documents. Read this to learn more about how to replace some of the most commonly lost documents after a disaster.

Yes. You can start your application for FEMA assistance without having your documents. After applying you may have to provide proof of your identity, your ownership or occupancy, or other personal information. You can send proof of your replacement documents to FEMA once you receive them. Usually you can upload the replacement copies to your Disaster Assistance account.

Learn more about the types of FEMA disaster aid programs that you can apply for in How can FEMA help me after a disaster?

Ask your utility company for a copy of your last bill. This can help prove your address or residency (where you live).

You can also ask your local planning and zoning offices for proof of your "E911/physical address" which could help prove where you live.

Ask your employer or school for any copies of your identity documents that they may have. Ask any accountant or tax preparation service you use for copies of your tax return. This can help prove your identity (that you are who you say you are).  

Contact your local or closest post office to make a change of address or ask how to pick up mail. If you can't access your local post office, call 1-800-ASK-USPS (275-8777).

Contact family or your employer first. They might have copies of these. If so, they might be able to get them to you faster than Vital Records or Statistics. Otherwise, contact the Vital Records or Statistics agency for the state you were born in.

Start the process of birth certificate replacement from Washington through the WA Department of Health Ordering a Vital Record page. If you were not born in Washington, use the CDC's Where to Write for Vital Records to get the information for the Vital Records agency for your birth state.

Your employer might have a copy of this. Contact them first. If they don't have a copy, contact the Department of Licensing (DOL).

The Department of Licensing (DOL) might be able to get you a replacement quickly. Learn more at the DOL Replace ID Card page.

Your employer might have a copy of your Social Security card. Contact them first.

Otherwise, you will have to contact the Social Security Administration (SSA). You can learn more at the SSA's webpage about Replacing Your Social Security Card. You can also go into the closest SSA office or call the national SSA helpline at 1-800-772-1213. For TTY users, the number is 1-800-325-0778.

No. To get your Social Security check, visit the SSA's Online Services. You may be able to get emergency payments if needed. To learn more call the nearest Social Security Administration office or check the SSA's updates on their page about Emergency Payments.

Your doctor might also have a copy of your Medicare card.

You can replace your Medicare card through your online account. You can order a replacement card over the phone as well. Call 1-800-633-4227 (TTY users, call 1-877-486-2048).

You can also ask for a replacement of your Medicare card when you replace your Social Security card.

If you do not have an ATM card, or the disaster destroyed your bank, contact your bank in-person, online or by phone.

Call the bank or company that gave you the card to get a new one as soon as possible. Ask them to waive (excuse you from paying) payments, late fees and over limit fees.  Ask if there are any emergency disaster assistance waivers that will pause or delay your payments while you recover.

For food stamps issued in Washington, call the EBT Card Vendor to report a lost card at 1-888-328-9271.

You can replace your permanent resident card or two-year card by filing a USCIS Form I-90. To learn more, visit Replace Your Green Card. For other immigration related documents, you should contact your immigration lawyer or the court of your most recent immigration hearing.

Contact your insurance agency or company. Your doctor might also have a copy of your medical insurance card.

Most medical and prescription records are kept electronically. Contact your medical provider or pharmacy.

Your County Clerk has these documents, if you recorded them for filing.  If the disaster destroyed your originals, you can probably get copies here if you need them.  You mortgage company, real estate agent or escrow company could also have copies.

Read more about how to replace your lost or destroyed auto title at the DOL's Lost Title or Registration page.

If you or your tax preparer don't have electronic copies of your recent returns, you can contact the IRS to get copies. Learn more at the IRS's Get Your Tax Record page.

Learn more at the Department of Health's Access Your Family's Immunization Information page.

Contact the VA facilities where you have received treatment. They might have copies of your VA ID cards and other IDs or paperwork. You can also contact the national VA help lines. Find out how to contact the VA on their Contact us page.

You can lean about how to request your military service records at the VA's Request Your Military Service Records page.