Replacing Important Papers/Documents

Adoption Papers

  • To open a file, contact your local Department of Social Services Office using the following link.
  • Adoptees may also file a petition by contacting the Division of Child Protection Services’ Adoption Unit at (605) 773-3227.
  • Only the adoptee and the adoptive parents can open sealed adoption files according to South Dakota law SDCL 25-6-15.

Birth, Death, Marriage, & Divorce Records

  • Birth, death, marriage, and divorce records can be replaced by visiting your County Register of Deeds office. Valid photo ID (Federal, State, or Tribal) and fee are required.
  • If you were not born in South Dakota, you can visit the National Center for Health Statistics website for contact information for other states. www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/index.htm
  • Tribal marriage and divorces can only be obtained directly from the affiliated tribe.

Credit Cards

  • Most credit card companies will require your name, address, and Social Security Number to obtain a new card.
  • For American Express call (800) 528-4800 or go online.
  • For Discover call (800) 347-2683 or go online
  • For MasterCard call (800) 627-8372.
  • For Visa call (800) 847-2911or go online.

Driver Licenses

  • New Driver
    • Visit any DMV office with your acceptable identification and proof of address. New drivers must pass written knowledge exam and road skills test. Fee is required.
    • You will need proof of your date of birth, identity, and legal status (Passport, Birth Certificate, or Certificate of Naturalization).
    • You will need proof of your Social Security Number (Social Security Card, 1099 form, W-2 form, pay stub with full name and full SSN).
    • You will need two proofs of state residency that are less than one year old (utility bill, pay stub, rent receipt, bank statement, transcript from accredited school, mortgage document).
  • Renewal
    • To renew your license, you may need to pass a vision screening test, have your photograph taken, and pay a service fee.
    • You must also present an existing license, proof of Social Security Number (Social Security Card, 1099 form, W-2 form, pay stub with full name and full SSN), and two proofs of residency (utility bill, pay stub, rent receipt, bank statement, transcript from accredited school, mortgage document).

Immigration Documents

  • For citizenship, immigration, permanent resident card (green card), employment authorization, re-entry permit and more, go to the S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ website at uscis.gov or visit your local office.
  • Find your local office using the following website.

 Insurance Policies

  • Contact the insurance company for replacement papers.

Medicaid Card

  • Contact your state Medicaid agency (in South Dakota, that is the Department of Social Services Economic Assistance)

Medicare Card

  • Request a replacement Medicare card via your online my Social Security account (https://secure.ssa.gov/RIL/SiView.action). You can use this site, even if you aren’t currently receiving Social Security benefits. If don’t already have a Social Security on-line account, you can create one online. There is a “Replacement Documents” tab. The replacement card will arrive in the mail in 30 days. If you can’t or prefer not to use the online service: Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), 7:00am – 7:00pm, Monday – Friday or Contact your local Social Security office.

Military Records

  • Veterans or next-of-kin of deceased veterans can request military records from the Veterans Administration at: www.va.gov/records/get-military-service-records/. Other options include the American Legion, VFW or Red Cross, County Veteran Service Officer, and the County Register of Deeds.

Mortgage Papers

  • Contact your lending institution.

Passport

  • To apply for or renew your passport, visit your local post office or complete form at www.usa.gov/passport.
  • Visit the following website to find passport offices in your area https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/. Many post offices require an appointment, so book ahead to confirm.
  • The application process, including expedited orders, can take several weeks, so plan ahead.

 Property Deeds

  • Contact the recorder’s office in the county where the property is located.

 Savings Bonds/Notes

 Social Security Card

  • Go to a Social Security Administration office or request a copy of your Social Security statement online ssa.gov
  • Two separate documents that prove citizenship and identity are required, such as a passport, birth certificate, or driver’s license.
  • Use the following website to find a social security office near you.

Transcript of Your Tax Return

Vehicle Registration & Title Application

  • Contact your local DMV office.
  • To register a vehicle, you will need an application, proof of identity, evidence of the vehicle purchase, and proof of auto insurance for the vehicle. Fees administered by county.
  • To obtain a title, you will have to fill out an application, provide details about the vehicle, and pay a fee. All applications must be submitted at the local county treasurer’s office.
    • You must provide a driver’s license, copy of application, and an auto insurance card.

For more information on how to replace important documents, call 211 or search our online database:

www.helplinecenter.org/2-1-1

  • Enter your zip code
      • Select Government category

Sources

 Disclaimer: This HelpSheet is developed by the Helpline Center. Helpsheets provide a brief overview of the designated topic. For more information, call 211 or text your zip code to 898211.

Updated: June 2022