Dear Savvy Senior: How do I replace important documents that were lost when our home burned down? We lost everything including our house deed, car titles, tax returns, Social Security and Medicare cards, birth certificates, marriage license and passports. — Suffering in SoCal
Dear Suffering: I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your home, but you’ll be pleased to know that replacing most of the lost documents is easy once you know where to look. Here are the resources to help you get started.
Birth certificates
If you were born in the United States, contact the vital records office in the state where you were born (see for contact information). This office will give you specific instructions on what you need to do to order a certified copy and what it will cost you — usually between $10 and $30.
Car titles
Most states offer replacements through a local department of motor vehicles office. You’ll need to complete a replacement title application form and pay the application fee, which varies by state. You’ll also need to show ID and proof that you own the car, such as your vehicle registration or your license-plate number and vehicle identification number.
Property deed
To access your house deed, contact your county clerk’s office, where deeds are usually recorded. You may be charged a small fee to get a copy.
Marriage certificate
Contact the vital records office of the state you were married in to order a copy (see ). You’ll need to provide full names for you and your spouse, the date of your wedding, and the city or town where the wedding was performed. Fees range from $10 to $30.
Social Security cards
In most states, you can request a replacement Social Security card online for free at . When you get there, click on “Replace your Social Security Card” and answer a few questions to verify your identity.
Medicare cards
If you’re enrolled in original Medicare, you can replace a lost or damaged Medicare card by calling Medicare at 800-633-4227, or by logging into your account, where you can print or request a new card to be mailed to you for free. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, such as an HMO, PPO, or PDP, you’ll need to call your plan to get your card replaced. And, if you get Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you can get a replacement card by calling 877-772-5772.
Tax returns
To get copies of old tax returns start with your tax preparer, who usually keeps copies of your returns on file. You can also get copies of federal returns directly from the Internal Revenue Service. You’ll need to fill out and mail in IRS form 4506. To download this form or call 800-829-3676 and ask them to mail you a copy. The cost is $30 for each return requested.
And to get copies of your state tax returns, contact your state’s department of revenue who will also require a request form. See for state contact information.
Passports
If your U.S. passports were valid, you’ll need to first report them as lost or stolen so they can be canceled. You can do this online at or in person when you apply for a new passport at a Passport Application Acceptance Facility, which are located in many U.S. post offices. See to locate one near you. You’ll also need to submit Form DS-64 and Form DS-11. The replacement fee is $130 per passport.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit . Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
