There are certain documents that are key to helping you prove your identity. These include your driver’s license, passport, birth certificate and social security card. So what if they get lost or misplaced? It happens to all of us. Many of us have these vital documents in more than one place, scattered around the house. Below you will find help to replace four of the identifiers.
Organizing Your Life
You know me by now, I’m an organizer at heart and my first bit of advice to you is to gather all those important pieces of paper in one place and put them in an order that you can understand for ease of use and peace of mind. Our Life at Hand® organizing system is a terrific product that helps you collect, organize and secure your vital information easily and thoroughly. However, even a folder will work, as long as you know where it is and you can access it when you need it.
Replacing Vital Documents
All right, what is the next step? As you are gathering these vital documents replace anything missing right now! Here is a list of some of the must-haves and how to get a copy if you cannot find your original.
Social Security Card – A social security number acts as an identifier for you and is a requirement if you work within the US. To get a replacement card go to the Social Security Administration’s website. There is not a fee to replace your lost card and you are allowed up to 10 replacements during your lifetime.
Driver’s License – A driver’s license can be replaced relatively quickly by going to your nearest Motor Vehicle Division. Remember you will most likely need proof of identity, most likely the original birth certificate and Social Security card to get a replacement. It is safest to check your particular state Division of Motor Vehicles to find out what is required. For a list of the DVM’s in your state go to onlineDMV.com.
Birth Certificate – According to Erik Jackson’s article in Real Simple, a birth certificate is generally required when “enrolling in schools, the military; to obtain a passport; to get a drivers or marriage license and to apply for government and private benefits.” A birth certificate can take a while to replace. The National Center for Health Statistics can give you contact information about whom to contact in your state.
Passport – I wrote about this before in our travel blog but it is worth repeating. A passport acts as your identifier abroad, not only to support who you are, but also to support where you are from. To replace your Passport go to U.S. Department of State to obtain the required form for replacing lost or stolen Passports or visit the Life at Hand® resources page. The replacement process could take a month or two, so if you are planning travel, allow yourself at least this amount of time to ensure that your new passport is in hand. All right then, let’s recap. Be sure to have original or notarized copies of your birth certificate, social security card, driver’s license and passport if you travel. Keep them in a secure place where you can locate them on a moment’s notice. If you don’t have them, get them! I suggest you keep a photo copy of your driver’s license in your glove box, photo copy of your passport in the lining of your luggage or another secure location separate from your travel documents. While copies rarely suffice, you may find the information on the copies helpful in a pinch. Are you prepared?