Topic 16 of 20
IDs and important documents: get them, guard them
You will need your birth certificate, Social Security number and photo ID at moments you cannot schedule: a new job, a lease, a passport for a family emergency. Knowing which documents you have, where they are and how to replace them turns a crisis into an errand.
IDs and important documents guides
The core documents
| Document | What it proves | Who issues it |
|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate | Age, place of birth and, for many people, citizenship | The vital records office of the state where you were born |
| Social Security card | Your Social Security number | Social Security Administration |
| Driver's license or state ID | Identity and address | Your state's motor vehicle agency |
| US passport or passport card | Identity and citizenship | US Department of State |
Many applications ask for two or three of these at once, which is why one missing document can hold up several others. If something is lost, start with the document that unlocks the rest, often a certified birth certificate or a passport.
REAL ID in plain terms
A REAL ID is a driver's license or state ID that meets federal security standards. Since enforcement began on May 7, 2025, you need one, or another acceptable ID such as a passport, to board domestic flights and enter some federal facilities. A REAL ID-compliant card usually has a star in the upper right corner. Getting one generally means an in-person visit with documents proving identity, Social Security number and address, so check your state's list before you go. TSA notes that travelers without acceptable ID may face extra screening and a fee.
Storing documents safely
Keep originals at home in one place: a folder in a fire-resistant box is enough for most people. Keep a scan or photo of each in an encrypted or password-protected account so you can act quickly if something goes missing. Carry only your ID and the cards you use; a Social Security card in a wallet is a gift to an identity thief.
When you change your name or address
Changing a name involves an order of operations, usually Social Security first, then your license or ID, then everything else. Address changes start with your state ID and voter registration. Make a list of every account and document that shows your old name or address before you start, so nothing is missed.
Ordering certified copies
Agencies usually want certified copies, not photocopies, of vital records such as a birth or marriage certificate. Order from the official vital records office of the state where the event happened; USA.gov links to each one. Third-party sites may charge extra service fees, so check you are on the official government site before paying.
Documents checklist
Tick items as you go. Ticks stay on this page only and clear when you leave.
Questions people ask
Do I need a REAL ID to fly?
REAL ID enforcement began on May 7, 2025. To board a domestic flight you need a REAL ID-compliant license or state ID, marked with a star in the upper right corner, or another acceptable ID such as a valid US passport.
What should I do if I lose my Social Security card?
You often do not need the card itself, just the number. If you do need a replacement, the Social Security Administration lets many people request one online. Watch for signs of identity theft if the card was stolen.
Where should I keep important documents?
Keep originals together in one secure place, such as a fire-resistant box at home. Keep copies separately, and do not carry documents you rarely need.