As the shock of the 2013 Colorado flooding wears off and the focus shifts to re-building, one of the immediate concerns is to replace lost documents in order to receive aid assistance. For low-income, disabled, homeless, or elderly citizens, the Colorado Collaborative ID Project helps secure documentation of identity and citizenship in order to receive public benefits.
For everyone else, here’s a list of where to find those essential papers:
FROM A LOCAL SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE (Find a Location Here):
Social Security Card
Things to Submit: Proof of Identity; Proof of U.S. citizenship or current work-authorized immigration status (A noncitizen not permitted to work must show a letter from a federal, state or local government agency that explains you need a number and meet all the requirements for a benefit); an Application for a Social Security Card.
To replace a child’s social security card, you must submit proof of the child’s identity and U.S. citizenship or immigration status, as well as documents proving your identity and relationship to the child.
Cost: Free!
Medicare Card
You will need to contact the Colorado state Medicaid office, or visit a local social security office in-person.
Cost: Free!
FROM THE DMV (List of Locations):
Driver’s License or ID Card
Things to Bring: Proof of Identification; Proof of current address.
Cost: $21 for driver’s license; $10.50 for ID card
*You may be eligible for “Exception Processing” if you cannot provide the required identification documents. You may also apply for a new driver’s license if you did not previously hold a Colorado-issued ID.
Colorado Motor Vehicle Title
Things to Bring: Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and/or Colorado title number; Duplicate Title Request and Receipt; Secure and Verifiable Identification for vehicles purchased on or after July 1, 2006; a power of attorney when applying on behalf of the owner of record.
Cost: $8.20 for duplicate title
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE STATE REGISTRAR OF VITAL STATISTICS:
Vital Records Section
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
HSVRD-VS-A1
Denver, CO 80246-1530
*This information pertains to Colorado vital records only. For obtaining vital records from other states, please see this detailed list of resources.
Birth Certificates (Order Online)
Things to Submit: A photocopy of a document that proves identity, either ONE from this “Primary List” (expired documents will not be accepted), or TWO from this “Secondary List” (documents expired more than six months will not be accepted).
Cost: $17.75 (Make personal check or money order payable to “Vital Records Section)
Death Certificates (Order Online)
Things to Submit: A photocopy of an identifying document that proves relationship or tangible interest, either ONE from this “Primary List” (expired documents will not be accepted), or TWO from this “Secondary List” (documents expired more than six months will not be accepted).
Cost: $20.00 (Make personal check or money order payable to “Vital Records Section)
Marriage, Divorce, and Civil Union Verifications
Verification of a marriage, civil union, or dissolution of a marriage may be ordered online. For all other certificates, contact the county clerk (addresses here) of the county in which the marriage or divorce was decreed.
Cost: $17.00 for verification
FROM THE COLORADO PASSPORT AGENCY (Location information here):
Passports
Things to Submit: Proof of U.S. Citizenship; Proof of Identity; Recent Color Photograph; Application for a U.S. Passport; Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport.
Cost: $165
FROM THE U.S CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES WEBSITE:
Green Cards
Things to Submit: E-file form I-90.
Cost: $450
To replace other important documents, such as damaged money, savings bonds, or military service records, please visit this comprehensive website.