In order to get my “Real ID”, I had to show up with a few of my own personal documents. There will be several times in your life when you are going to need these papers and most likely, will have to provide a color copy.
Most agencies require color copies because they are more difficult to alter.
Caregivers know how important having access to health insurance cards and personal documents like birth certificates can be. There were many instances when I needed to have copies of my parent’s military, social security, birth and marriage certificates. I also needed a host of personal documents as their Executor.
Take ten minutes to go to the color copier you probably already have at home to make copies of your
- Birth certificate/naturalization documents
- Social Security card/number/statements
- Marriage license/divorce /child custody documents
- Driver’s license
- Military identification/service records
- Passport/green card
Put them in the same place you have stored your other important papers and estate plans. The good news is that once this is done, you really don’t have to do it again. Just make sure they can be easily found when you need them. Encouraged.