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Replacing Documents Lost in the Colorado Floods

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 IdentityProof 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 BringProof 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 ReceiptSecure 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 marriagecivil 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. PassportStatement 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.