List each important paper, tick whether you have it, and write where the original and the copy are kept. A family member can then find the right paper without guessing.
Write only the place a paper is kept. Never write a full Social Security, passport or account number on the list.
Papers to track
- Birth certificates and Social Security cards.
- Passports, and any citizenship or immigration papers.
- Marriage or divorce papers, custody orders and adoption papers, if any.
- Military discharge papers, if anyone served.
- The deed or lease, vehicle titles and insurance policies.
Keep copies somewhere else
- Keep backup copies at a relative's home or in secure online storage.
- Put copies of IDs and insurance cards in your go bag.
- Note any missing paper and where you will request it.
Where replacements come from
- Birth certificate, the vital records office in the state of birth.
- Social Security card, the Social Security Administration.
- Passport, the U.S. Department of State.
- Driver license, state ID or vehicle title, the state motor vehicle office.
- Fees and steps vary by state and agency, so check the agency's own website.
Free pages to print
Important papers checklist
A blank single page you can print and fill in by hand.
General information for families, not legal, medical or financial advice. In an emergency, follow local officials and call 911.
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