Replacing Lost or Damaged Documents

Many Oklahomans may have lost important items in the wildfires and straight-line winds that occurred March 14-21, including documents that may be needed when applying for disaster assistance.

If vital papers are missing or damaged (like birth certificates, Social Security cards, driver's licenses, tax records, insurance policies, etc.) many can be replaced by contacting the appropriate government sources, such as vital records offices, Social Security agencies, insurance offices and other organizations or agencies.

Survivors need to provide documentation for citizenship, proof of property ownership or rental occupancy, Social Security numbers and other personal information when registering for disaster assistance. That documentation may also be submitted after applying for assistance.

Below are some sources to replace lost documents:

• Proof of address/residency: Contact your local utility company to obtain a recent bill.
• Birth certificates: These can be ordered online or by mail. For more information, visit the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
• Copies of insurance policies: Contact your insurance agent or insurance company.
• Driver's licenses and IDs: Replacement licenses and IDs can be obtained via the Service Oklahoma government portal.
• Social Security Cards: Call the U.S. Social Security office at 800-772-1213 anytime between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT on weekdays. For TTY users the number is 800-325-0778. Visit Social Security Number and Card | SSA for more information on how to replace your Social Security card.
• Medicare cards: Log into (or create) your secure Medicare account to print or order an official copy of your card. You can also call 800-MEDICARE to order a replacement card via mail. TTY users can call 877-486-2048.
• Federal tax records: Call the Internal Revenue Service at 800-829-1040 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. local time on weekdays, or visit IRS.gov.
• Military records: You can obtain military service records through the National Archives website.
• Green Card replacement: Replacement cards can be obtained through the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services website.
• Real Estate and property records: Contact your real estate or escrow agent, your mortgage company or your County Assessor's office.
• Medical and prescription records: Medical and prescription records are tracked electronically. Contact your doctor, clinic or pharmacy if you need replacement records.
• Saving family records: The National Archives has detailed technical information on how to salvage damaged records and other information of interest to disaster survivors.
• USDA Farm Services: The Farm Services Agency offers a variety of loans and grants to help agricultural producers recover from production and physical losses that result from disasters. Farmers can also call 979-680-5151 or 866-680-6069.

Preparing and Protecting Your Documents

Make list of your important documents and accounts. In the event of an emergency or disaster, having a record of your accounts and financial information can make the recovery process easier.

Make a backup copy of your important contact information, including friends and family, health care professionals, service providers, insurance agents, landlord or mortgage representatives, and others.

Take and print pictures of your important documents. Electronic copies of your documents can be password-protected and saved to a personal cloud storage online. Storage is available for free with many email accounts.

Keep your documents in a safe place. Purchase a lockable, waterproof and fireproof file box to keep at home -- or rent a safe deposit box.

For the latest information about Oklahoma's recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4866. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook.com/FEMARegion6