• If your wallet has ever been lost or stolen, you know what a pain it is to replace your driver's license. That goes double when other vital documents like your, passport, birth certificate or car registration are misplaced or destroyed in a natural disaster. Without the proper ID, you can't start a new job, buy a house, apply for insurance or a host of other common transactions.
• Here's a guide on how to get copies or replacements for many common documents:
• Birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates. These records come from the states where the events occurred. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a handy directory that provides links to the appropriate agencies in all U.S. states and territories, including costs and mailing instructions (www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w.htm).
• Passport. Immediately report lost or stolen passports to the U.S. State Department by calling 877-487-2778. If it happens overseas, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/lost/lost_848.html for further instructions.
• Driver's license, car registration. To learn how to replace your driver's license, vehicle registration or car title (which you'll need to transfer ownership), or to access other motor vehicle services, contact the Department of Motor Vehicles. Go to www.usa.gov/Topics/Motor-Vehicles.shtml for links to each state's DMV.
• Social Security card. These days, you may not actually need to replace a misplaced Social Security card. If you know your Social Security number, you generally can still collect Social Security benefits, get a job and apply for government benefits and services. However, if you do want to replace the card, you'll need to gather documents proving your identity and citizenship and complete an application (www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf); then mail or take the paperwork to your local Social Security office.
• Military service records. Veterans often need copies of their military service records to apply for government programs, including health care, retirement or educa

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