When you apply for FEMA assistance after the Los Angeles County wildfires, you will need to provide proof of identity and residence and other documentation. Below are ways to replace those and other important lost documents. A good place to start is a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC), where you can replace a California Driver’s License and many other vital records, including property deeds, Social Security cards and U.S. Passports.

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How to Replace Documents Lost in the LA Fires

When applying for FEMA assistance after the Los Angeles County wildfires, you’ll need proof of identity, residence, and other documentation. The following list and in-person Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) can help replace many vital records, including California Driver’s Licenses, Social Security cards, and U.S. Passports.

California Documents You May Need to Replace

Driver’s license and ID cards

 The California Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV)can help provide replacements for lost driver’s licenses, ID cards and vehicle titles. Visit CA DMV – Natural Disaster Assistance online; call 1-800-777-0133 (or TTY 1-800-735-2929 or 1-800-368-4327) for hearing or speech impaired) or visit a DRC.

Vehicle titles

Fees are waived for titles lost in the fires. You can also call 1-800-777-0133 (or TTY 1-800-735-2929 or 1-800-368-4327 for hearing or speech impaired).

Birth, death, and marriage records

Birth, death, and marriage records should be requested from the county recorder’s office in the county where the event occurred. For a list of county recorders, visit County Registrars and Recorders or call 916-445-2684; call 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services, or 1-800-735-2929 or visit 711 TRS.

Other Types of Documents You May Need to Replace

Social Security Cards

Contact the SSA online or you can visit your local Social Security office or DRC and fill out an application for a Social Security card in person with a valid ID. 

Green Card

Visit U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to complete Form I-90, the application to replace a Permanent Resident card. 

Medicare Cards

Call 800-633-4227(TTY 877-486-2048), visit your local Social Security Office (see above) or visit MyMedicare.gov.

Passports

To report a lost U.S. Passport, visit the link below. Passport services personnel are also available at DRCs.

Federal Tax Returns:

Request Form 4506 for a copy of your tax return

Military Records

Obtain information on how to submit a request from the National Archives

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