Replacing Important Papers

After a emergency or disaster, important papers may be destroyed, lost, or damaged. The following information will help you replace those important documents.

 

Birth and Death Certificates

To replace a birth or death certificate for U.S. citizens who were born or died in the United States, visit www.vitalrec.com.

For birth records of U.S. citizens born abroad, visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first825_.html or request a copy of Form FS-240 (Consular Report of Birth Abroad) from:

U.S. Department of State
Passport Services
Vital Records Section
1111 19th Street, NW, Suite 510
Washington DC 20522-1705

This address is also used to obtain a “Report of the Death of an American Citizen Abroad” form for U.S. citizens who died abroad.


Passports

Call Passport Services at 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 (TTY). 

Complete form DS-64 (Statement Regarding Lost or Stolen Passport) from http://travel.state.gov/passport/lost/lost848.html.

Mail it to:

U.S. Department of State
Passport Services
Consular Lost/Stolen Passport Section
1111 19th Street, NW, Suite 500
Washington DC 20036


Citizenship and Naturalization Papers

For papers related to citizenship, immigration, permanent residency (green card), re-entry permit, employment authorization, etc., visit www.uscis.gov .

Complete Form N-565. You may also contact your county courthouse.


Driver Licenses or State ID Cards

The quickest way to obtain a duplicate driver's license is to apply in person at the Nebraska department of motor vehicles. You will need to complete an application for a license or identification card, which may be accessed at: dmv.nebraska.gov


Vehicle Titles

Contact Nebraska department of motor vehicles: https://dmv.nebraska.gov 

Complete a “Vehicle Application” form. Submit to the address given on the form.


Credit Cards

  • American Express: 1-800-528-4800
  • Discover: 1-800-347-2683
    • TDD/TTY: 1-800-347-7449
  • Master Card: Contact issuing financial institution or 1-800-622-7747

Visa: Contact issuing financial institution or 1-800-847-2911


Social Security Card

Visit https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp to find your local Social Security Administration office.

Obtain Form SS-5 (Application for Social Security Card) from this office or download it from: www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ss5.htm. Follow the instructions to complete the form.

For additional help, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, or write:

Office of Public Inquiries
Social Security Administration
Windsor Park Building
6401 Security Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21235


Insurance Policies

Contact the agent or company providing coverage. You may be required to complete a form, pay a fee for duplicate copies, or both. The policy number will expedite this request.


Military Discharge Papers

Request Standard Form 180 (SF-180) from any office of the Veterans Administration, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Red Cross, a veterans’ association, or military recruiter. You may also download the form from: www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/standard-form-180.html. Fax the completed form to 314-801-9195 or mail it to:

National Personnel Records Center
Military Personnel Records
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5011

To find out if you are eligible for veterans’ benefits, how to apply, and what it will cost. Call the VA Health Benefits Service Center at 1-877-222-8387. You may be able to complete an online application.


Savings Bonds/Notes

Call 304-480-7527 or visit www.treasurydirect.gov/forms/sav1048.pdf and complete Form PDF 1048E (Claim for Lost, Stolen or Destroyed U. S. Savings Bonds).

To replace Series HH/H Bonds, mail the completed form to:

Bureau of the Public Debt
P.O. Box 7012
Parkersburg, WV 26106-2188
 

To replace Series EE/E Bonds, mail the completed form to:

Bureau of the Public Debt
P.O. Box 7012
Parkersburg, WV 26106-7012


Marriage Certificates and Divorce Records

Copies of certificates of marriage are available from the county that issued the marriage license, and divorce decrees are available from the county that granted the divorce. For ordering and fee information, please contact the local registrar in the county where the marriage certificate was issued or the divorce granted.


Income Tax Returns

Call the nearest IRS office, or call 1-800-829-3676 and request Form 4506 (“Request for Copy of Tax Return”). To find your local IRS office, go to: www.irs.gov/help/contact-my-local-office-in-nebraska


Wills

Contact the attorney who prepared your will. If circumstances have changed, you may need to write a new will.


Property Deeds

Contact the Clerk of Court in the county where the property is located.


Mortgage Papers

Contact your lending institution (mortgage holder).


Pesticide Cards

To get a duplicate card, call the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 402-471-2351.


Chemigation Cards

For a replacement card contact the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) at 402- 471-4700. Be sure to provide your full name and current address. Please note that you do not need to carry the chemigation applicator certification card as it simply helps to serve as a reminder.


This information is from the “Customizing the Toolkit for your state” Replacing important papers template from the University of Minnesota Extension Recovery After Disaster: The Family Financial Toolkit

 https://extension.umn.edu/financial-recovery/recovery-after-disaster-family-financial-toolkit