Replacing your important documents that were lost or destroyed in a flood, fire, or other disaster can be overwhelming. Although the process varies from state to state, these general steps can help you get started. Please keep in mind that this list does not include every detail of the process. Some entities will waive fees for replacing lost documents or cards if the loss or damage was due to a disaster. Some creditors will waive late fees, extend payment deadlines and make other payment accommodations, if the reason for the delayed payment is due to a disaster. If you need a fee waiver or more time to pay bills, JUST ASK.
What Are Your Rights?
- Keep originals in a waterproof and/or fireproof safe or safe deposit box.
- Store copies in a trusted, secure location outside your home.
- Scan and upload files to a secure cloud account or take photos and back them up online.
- Always use password protection for digital copies.
- Storing your documents in a large resealable plastic bag can help protect them from water damage.
- If you use a safe deposit box, make sure a trusted person is also authorized to access it in case you can’t.
- Wills, trusts, and powers of attorney
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Identification (driver’s license, state ID)
- Social Security card
- Passport
- Naturalization or residency papers
- EBT Cards (SNAP, TANF, and WIC)
- Pet health records
- Insurance policies (health, life, home, auto)
- Property deeds, closing statements, vehicle titles, appraisals
- Household inventory with photos or receipts
- Recent bank and credit card statements, utility bills, loan agreements
- Diplomas and transcripts
- Medical records
- Funeral plans
- Tax returns
Before a disaster strikes, it’s important to protect your key documents. Having backups makes recovery faster and less stressful.
Tips:
Tip: Include your pet health records because many shelters only accept pets that are up to date on vaccinations.
What Do You Need to Do?
- Report lost or damaged cards stolen cards immediately.
- Call your bank or credit card company’s customer service line (usually a 24-hour number on their website).
- Ask them to cancel the lost card and issue a replacement.
- Request that they monitor or freeze your account to prevent unauthorized charges.
- Debit Cards (Bank Accounts):
- Contact your bank directly. Many banks can overnight a replacement card in disaster situations. Some may allow you to get cash or a temporary debit card at a local branch.
- Credit Cards:
- Contact the card issuer (e.g., Visa, Mastercard, AmEx). They can send a replacement card to your current mailing address (or an alternate if you’ve been displaced).
- Set Up Temporary Access
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- Wire transfers or Zelle/ACH transfers to another account.
- Cash withdrawals at a branch with ID, even without your card.
- Temporary digital cards (some banks offer them through mobile apps).
- Once you receive new card numbers, remember to update:
- Utility bills
- Insurance payments
- Subscriptions (phone, internet, streaming, etc.)
- Any autopay set up for rent, mortgage, or loans
- Monitor your accounts daily for suspicious charges.
- Ask if your bank can flag disaster-related fraud alerts (many do after hurricanes, floods, or wildfires).
- Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) if your wallet/ID was lost with your cards.
- Ship to a branch office for pickup,
- Send to a trusted friend or relative’s address, or
- Provide a digital card until you get settled.
Losing important documents in a disaster can be stressful, but you can replace them by following these steps
Can be replaced by the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics Amendments and Correctionhttps://www.vitaldocumentmart.com
You can replace your driver’s license online at https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/renew-or-replace-your-florida-driver-license-or-id-card/ or find a location near you at https://www.flhsmv.gov
If you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States, you may apply for a replacement Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). You will need to complete and file Form I-90, either online or by mail.
Visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/after-we-grant-your-green-card/replace-your-green-card to learn more about the process.
If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen, you can apply to replace your naturalization or citizenship documents. Visit USCIS https://www.uscis.gov/n-565 to learn how to file your application.
If you do not have a copy of your original documents to submit with your application, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services at https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/contact-us
You can also find information on the USCIS website about the costs and steps involved in replacing your document at Explore my Options | USCIS
If your passport is lost or destroyed, report it to the U.S. State Department immediately at How to Report a Passport Lost or Stolen.
If you lost your valid U.S. passport in a natural disaster, you may be able to replace it for free through the Disaster Recovery Reform Act. Find out if you are eligible at Replacing your U.S. Passport after a Disaster.
If a foreign passport was lost or destroyed, reach out to the nearest embassy or consulate of the country for guidance on replacing your passport. Most foreign missions provide specific procedures and requirements for lost passports.
In Florida, your county Supervisor of Elections can issue a replacement card—not the state office Contact information for your county Supervisor of Elections can be found here.https://dos.elections.myflorida.com/supervisors/
Important Note: You don’t need the card to vote. It’s only informational and not valid as ID at the polls. On Election Day, ensure you bring an acceptable form of photo ID, as required by Florida law (e.g., driver’s license, passport, military ID, etc.)
Florida Medicaid: The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) oversees Medicaid in Florida. You can print a temporary Medicaid card instantly by logging into your MyACCESS account at https://myaccess.myflfamilies.com/
If you need a replacement card mailed to you, Florida does not offer a direct online request. Instead, call the DCF Medicaid Helpline at 1-866-762-2237 (toll-free), and they will send a new card to your address.
Medicare: The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues Medicare cards. You can request a replacement by logging into your My Social Security account, calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778), or visiting your local Social Security office. Your new Medicare card will be mailed to the address on file.
Secure Your Accounts
Order Replacement Cards
If you need immediate funds, ask your bank about:
Update Recurring Payments
Protect Against Fraud
Tip: If you’ve been displaced and don’t have a stable mailing address, ask your bank or card company if they can:
Tip: If your cards were lost during a disaster, many banks and card issuers will waive replacement fees as part of their disaster-relief policies—be sure to ask.
What to Consider Before Taking Action?
In the Florida counties of Orange, Volusia, Osceola, and Seminole, the non-profit assistance organization named IDignity may be able to help you with a replacement plan or costs.
Replacement Social Security cards are free, and your Social Security number will not change.
Be cautious of websites that look official but charge a fee for replacement cards. While not illegal, these sites often use misleading tactics. The official website is ssa.gov.