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.