Losing an important document or going through the process of replacing one can feel overwhelming, but these documents may be needed to start a new job, open a bank account, file taxes, apply for benefits, or verify your identity.

Below is information on how to replace some common documents, along with general tips for requesting replacements and keeping important documents safe.
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Identification Documents

If you’re missing your U.S. birth certificate, Social Security card, driver's license, or state-issued ID, Medicare/Medicaid card, US passport, Green card, naturalization certificate, or military ID visit USA.gov’s Replace Vital Documents page which lists who to contact and how depending on the type of ID you are missing. 

For identification or vital records issued by another country, contact the local embassy consulate. Here is a list of foreign embassies and consulates in the U.S., which you can look up by in each state. 
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Tax and Income Documents

If you are missing any W-2s, 1099s, or other income documents, your first step should be to contact the employer or entity (e.g., bank, state agency) that issued them. Request a copy of the missing document, ask for a replacement, or seek a correction if the information is incorrect. Many issuers offer digital access or reprints upon request.If the employer or payer is unresponsive, you can contact the IRS for assistance. The IRS can contact the issuer and request the missing or corrected form on your behalf. 

If you’ve lost your tax return, start by revisiting how you originally filed. Access may depend on how much time has passed since you filed.

For more details visit our affiliate website MyFreeTaxes.org.
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Tips When Going through the Replacement Process:

  • Make a plan for what to replace first. If several documents need to be replaced, start by making a list of what is missing and what is needed to replace each one. Think about which documents are most important to have right now and whether replacing one may help with getting another. From there, you can decide what order makes the most sense for your situation.
  • Break the process into smaller steps. Replacing several documents at once can feel overwhelming. Breaking each replacement into smaller steps, such as finding out what is required, gathering paperwork, making an appointment, or submitting a request, can make the process more manageable.
  • Check for fees and fee waivers. There may be a fee for a replacement, but there may also be fee waivers available. For example, fees may be waived for documents lost during a natural disaster or in some cases of financial hardship. Check with the agency issuing the document to see what options are available.
  • Keep confirmation information. Save confirmation numbers, emails, receipts, or other information related to the request in case follow-up is needed.
  • Ask if assistance is available. If the process is unclear or difficult to complete on your own, consider asking the issuing agency what assistance is available. A local library, community organization, benefits navigator, or other trusted service provider may also be able to help with steps such as accessing a website, scanning documents, or completing an online request.
  • Advocate for yourself. If a conversation becomes judgmental, dismissive, or is no longer focused on helping you move forward, you can redirect the conversation to what can be done next or ask to speak with someone else or a supervisor. Check out our tips for advocating for yourself when navigating services and other systems for more ideas.
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Tips for Keeping Important Documents

  • Keep documents in a secure place. Store original documents somewhere protected from theft, fire, water, or other damage when possible. If you are unhoused, move frequently, or do not have a secure place to store them, you may need to carry important documents with you. Consider keeping them in a waterproof folder or container to help protect them from damage. 
  • Keep copies. A photocopy or a digital copy may not replace an original or certified document, but it can help you keep track of important information. If you store any documents digitally, make sure to protect them with a strong password or other security features.
  • Create online accounts. Some government agencies, employers, financial institutions, and benefits programs allow documents to be accessed or downloaded through a secure online account.

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Not Sure Where to Start?

Use our free MyMoneyPath goal-setting tool to create a SMART goal and keep track of the steps needed to replace important documents.

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