Replacing Lost Documents

Note about replacement fees and late payments: 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 disaster. If you need a fee waiver or more time to pay bills, just ask.

​Texas Department of State Health Services–Vital Statistics

• Form VS 142.3 Application for Certified Copy
• Form VS 142.21 Expedited Application for Certified Copy

County Clerk (Marriage) or District Clerk (Divorce) in the county or district in which it was obtained.

To locate a Texas County or District Clerk: County and District Clerks, Local Registrars, and Remote Access Issuance Listings

Notes:

• Copies are often priced by the page, and copy costs may vary by county.
• Certified copies typically cost at least $1 a page.

The Vital Statistics Unit of the Texas Department of State Health Services can issue a letter verifying whether a Texas marriage or divorce was recorded, based on information reported to Vital Statistics by the county or district clerk. 

Depending on your needs, verification letters might not be adequate substitutes for marriage licenses or divorce decrees. Check in advance to see if a verification letter will satisfy your intended use. Visit Texas.gov Vital Records Application to learn how to request these verification letters. 

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles: FORM VTR-34 - Application for Certifed Copy of Title

Manufactured Housing Division of the ​​Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs​

• ​​Statement of Ownership And Location (SOL) application form and instructions

​Texas Department of Public Safety

• Notes
  • You must be ready to confirm personal information (date of birth, social security number, or documents verifying social security number).
    • Bring these documents with you.
  • But, verification of your social security number is not required for identification cards.
  1. Apply in person at any driver license office.
  2. Bring completed application (form DL-43) (also available at any driver license office)
  3. Pay the required fee.
  4. Provide documents to verify identity (for example, unexpired passports, marriage licenses, birth certificates, etc.).
  5. Provide lawful presence documents (non-U.S. citizens).
• See also:
  • Replace Your Driver License or ID Card
  • Search for a Driver License Office

• U.S. Department of State
  • Form DS-11
  • Form DS-64
• ​Lost or Stolen U.S. Passports
• Other Information
  • If you are in the United States and are not traveling within two weeks, submit Forms DS-11 and DS-64 in person at an authorized Passport Application Acceptance Facility. Visit Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page​ to search for office nearest you by zip code.

• ​​U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
  • Replace a Green Card 
    • Form I-90
• ​​Other Information
  • ​​If you are a permanent resident who needs to replace your green card, or a conditional resident who needs to replace your two-year green card—for any of the reasons listed below—you may begin the application process for a replacement green card by: 
    • Online E-Filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, or filing a paper Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card by mail.​

• Social Security Administration
  • Application for Social Security Card
• Other Information
  • No online replacements.
  • In person or by mail only.
  • To locate the nearest office, go to the Social Security Office Locator
    1. Show the required documents. The documents required depend on your citizenship status, and the type of card requested. See Learn What Documents You Need. 
    2. Complete and print the Application for a Social Security Card
    3. Take or mail your application and documents to your local Social Security office.
    4. See Social Security Number and Card for more instructions.

• Texas Health and Human Services

  • Visit Learn how Your Texas Benefits can help you​.

• Notes
  • For quick proof of Medicaid eligibility: 
    • HHSC staff can generate a ​Form 1027-A - Temporary Medicaid Eligibility Verification.
    • Must apply for temporary form in person at an HHSC benefits office.
      • Call 2-1-1 to find the nearest office
    • For replacement card: Will need proof of coverage.
      • Provider can verify patient’s eligibility for Medicaid by checking provider website; by calling (800) 925-9126, or by visiting TexMedConnect on the TMHP website. 

• ​​Social Security Administration

  • ​​Online: Login or set up an account at https://secure.ssa.gov/RIL/SiView.do. Select "Replacement Documents" tab, then “Mail my replacement Medicare Card.” Medicare card will arrive by mail in about 30 days at the address on file with Social Security.

  • In person: Contact your local Social Security office.​

  • By phone: Call (800) 772-1213, TTY (800) 325-0778 weekdays 7 a.m.–7 p.m. 

• Internal Revenue Service
• Form 4506
• Other Information
  • Exact Copies - For Disaster Victims
    • The IRS will waive fees and expedite the request for taxpayers in a federally declared disaster area.
    • For an exact copy with attachments (including Form W-2) complete IRS Request for Copy of Tax Return, Form 4506.
  • If not in federally declared disaster area, requires $50 fee for each return requested and can take up to 75 business days to process.

    • On jointly filed tax returns, both spouses may request a copy and only one signature is required.
       

• Internal Revenue Service
• Other Information
  • ​​A transcript of your tax return will satisfy most requests, and it’s free.
  • IRS can generate different kinds of transcripts depending on what you need it for.​
    • By phone: call (800) 908-9946 and follow the prompts.​
    • Online: Go to Get Transcript on www.IRS.gov.​
    • Forms are available on IRS.gov or by calling (800) TAX-FORM (800-908-9946). ​
       

• United States Treasury
  • FS Form 1048
• Other Information
  • Replacement bonds are no longer issued in paper form; they come in electronic format only. You can either accept payment for lost bonds or order electronic replacements.
  • You will need to provide the bond serial number. If you don’t have the serial number, provide:
    • Specific month and year of purchase;
    • Social security number;
    • Names (include middle names or initials;
    • Mailing address. 
  • Complete Form 1048 (download or order).
    • Take completed form to your financial institution to sign and certify your signature.
      • Mail the completed form to: Treasury Retail Securities Site, PO Box 214, Minneapolis, MN 55480-0214.

• National Archives, Veteran's Service Records
  • ​Form SF-180
• Other Information
  • Includes DD 214/Separation Documents, Personnel Records, and/or Medical Records.
  • Online: Request through eVetRecs.
  • By mail: Complete Form SF-180 and send to address indicated on form.

• Contact the issuer of the card.
• Obtain list of your accounts.
• Other Information
  • ​​Federal law allows you to get a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each credit reporting Company (TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian). See www.annualcreditreport.com.
    • Useful for gathering account and creditor information in order to report the loss, ensure that the information on your credit reports is correct, and protect against identity theft. Order free report online at www.annualcreditreport.com.