This content was last updated on 5/26/2026
- I lost a lot of paperwork during the disaster. How do I go about replacing it?
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Sometimes important documents get lost or destroyed in a disaster. It’s important to replace them as soon as possible. Make a list of the lost documents using the checklist below. You may wish to reach out to your local legal aid if you encounter problems. Many of these will require fees to replace, but there may be programs to waive fees for people impacted by disaster. Ask local disaster officials and organizations for help.
- Birth certificate
- Death certificates for immediate family members, especially if their death was recent and you are still settling their affairs
- Marriage license
- Divorce
- Social Security card
- Driver’s License or State ID/Real ID card
- Passport
- Military ID and service records
- Deeds and wills
- Insurance policies
- Tax records
- Proof of residency
- Medicare/Medicaid card
- Green card/Visa
- Where should I start?
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Visit a local Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) for in-person help replacing documents. Replace your driver’s license first, as it is often needed to obtain other documents.
- Where do I go to request replacements?
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- Birth, Death, Marriage, and Divorce Certificates: Contact the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics. They can be ordered online, by mail, or in person.
- Driver’s Licenses and IDs: Visit any Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Driver Licensing Regional Office.
- Social Security Card: Request a replacement online at Social Security Administration or find your local office here.
- Insurance Papers: Contact your insurance provider directly to request copies, including policy declaration pages.
- Property Deeds/Records: Contact the local county clerk's office.
- Tax Records: Contact the IRS to request past tax returns.
- Military Records: Request documents from the National Archives.
- Medicare Cards :Visit Medicare or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
- Green Cards (Permanent Resident Cards): Contact a local immigration attorney for help.
- Passport: Visit United States State Department for replacement information and instructions.
