How to Replace Lost or Damaged Records After Sandy

While Jersey Shore residents continue the rebuilding process following Hurricane Sandy, replacing lost or damaged records is just another step in recovering.

“While it can seem like a challenging task, the good news is that many vital records are relatively easy to replace,” a news release from FEMA says.

Below is a list of places to obtain official copies of lost or damaged documents:

Insurance: Contact your insurance agent for copies of your policies, recent billing records and cash-value statements.

Financial Records: Contact your bank, credit union, credit card company, brokerage firm and credit bureau for copies of account statements, loan applications, credit reports and other records.

Social Security Cards: Find the location of the nearest Social Security Administration office by calling 800-772-1213 or check online at www.socialsecurity.gov. To obtain a replacement card, you will need proof of identity such as a driver’s license, state-issued identification card or U.S. passport.

Birth, death or marriage certificates: Call the New Jersey Vital Records bureau at 866-649-8726 or 609-292-4087. Information on how to order replacement records is also online at state.nj.us/health/vital/gen.shtml or by mail at State of New Jersey, Vital Records Bureau, P.O. Box 370, Trenton, NJ 08625.

Divorce Decrees: Call the Superior Court of New Jersey Records Center at 609-421-6100.

Savings Bonds: If your savings bonds have been lost, visit treasurydirect.gov to download PDF Form 1048. Mail the completed form to: Bureau of the Public Debt, P.O. Box 7012, Parkersburg, WV 26106-7012.

Federal Tax Returns: Visit irs.gov for information on obtaining expedited copies of past tax returns and extended tax deadlines for business owners impacted by Hurricane Sandy.

State Tax Returns: To order copies of your state tax returns, call the New Jersey Division of Taxation at 609-292-6400 or visit state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/phonenos.shtml

Motor Vehicle Titles:  Visit any New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission agency in the state to obtain duplicates of your driver’s license, motor vehicle title or registration. There is one at Airport Plaza in Hazlet. You will need several proofs of identification. Call the DMV toll-free in New Jersey at 888-486-3339 (TTY 609-292-5120) for detailed instructions or visit the agency online at nj.gov/mvc/ for further information.

Green Cards: Contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services online at uscis.gov to fill out an online application to replace your permanent resident card or download a mail-in form.

Voter Registration: Contact your county Superintendent of Elections to replace your voter registration card.

Damaged Money:  Contact the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing online at moneyfactory.gov/damagedcurrencyclaim.html or call them at 866-575-2361 (toll-free) or 202-874-2141 for information on replacing your hurricane-damaged currency.