Many of our records are available online now, but paper documents still matter. Some serve as official proof of your identity, property ownership, education, medical history, or legal arrangements.
Replacing a lost document can take time and money. You may need to contact a government office, pay a fee, submit an application, and wait weeks for a new copy.
Here are 14 documents worth keeping safe.
1. Will and Testament
Your will states how you want your property and assets handled after your death. It can also name the person responsible for managing your estate and include guardianship wishes for your children, depending on your circumstances.
Keep the original in a secure location and tell the people who may need it where to find it. If your family cannot locate the will when the time comes, settling your estate could become more difficult.
Related: 19 Important Documents You Should Never Throw Out
2. Property Deeds and Titles
Property deeds and titles serve as official records of ownership for assets such as your house, land, and vehicles. You may need these papers when selling a property, refinancing a home, transferring ownership, or handling other legal matters.
Keep the originals somewhere secure and save digital copies for reference. Having both can make it easier to find the information when a transaction comes up.
3. Annual Tax Returns
Tax returns and their supporting paperwork are worth keeping, even after a filing year has passed. Getting rid of them too soon could leave you searching for records if the IRS has questions or you need information for a financial matter.
The IRS has different recordkeeping periods depending on your circumstances and the type of filing. Check current guidance to learn how long to keep each document.
4. Immunization Records
You may need vaccination records when children start school, adults begin certain jobs, or someone enrolls in college or prepares for travel. They can also help during medical appointments.
Tracking down older records can be difficult, especially after several moves or changes in healthcare providers. Keep copies for each family member with your other important papers.
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5. Insurance Policies
Your insurance documents explain what your policy covers, its limits, and how to contact the company if you need to file a claim. Keep copies of your health, auto, homeowners, renters, life, and any other policies you carry.
Keep the insurer’s phone number and policy details somewhere easy to access. You may need them quickly after an accident, property loss, or other emergency.
6. Marriage Certificates
You may need a marriage certificate for a legal name change, insurance updates, financial accounts, government benefits, and other official matters. You may not be able to complete certain applications without an official copy.
Store the original somewhere safe and keep a digital copy for reference. That way, you won’t have to take the original out every time you need to check a detail.
7. Divorce Papers
Divorce records may include court orders and agreements covering property division, child custody, child support, and spousal support. You may need these papers years after the divorce is final.
Keep the final orders and other important records together in one folder. Having them on hand is easier than tracking down replacement copies later.
8. Birth Certificates
A birth certificate is a primary document that establishes your identity and date of birth. You may need it for passport applications, school enrollment, certain government benefits, employment paperwork, and other official matters.
Keep the original in a secure place rather than carrying it in your wallet. Take it out only when an application or official request requires it.
Related: 16 Things You Should Always Store Somewhere Other Than the Kitchen Counter
9. Social Security Cards
Your Social Security card contains personal information that should be kept out of reach of anyone who has no reason to access it. While you may need the number for employment, tax filings, and government paperwork, you usually don’t need to carry the physical card every day.
Store it securely and be careful about sharing your number. If the card goes missing or you suspect someone used your information, report it and watch for signs of identity theft.
10. Passports
A passport is an important travel document and an accepted form of identification. Keep it somewhere secure at home when you are not using it.
Check its expiration date regularly, especially if you have travel plans coming up. Replacing a lost passport can take time and may require extra paperwork.
11. Medical Records
You don’t need to save every medical form or appointment summary, but certain records are worth keeping. Copies of major diagnoses, surgeries, treatments, medications, allergies, and immunizations can be useful if you change doctors or need care from a new provider.
Keep these records together so you can find them when you need them. A clear medical history can also help you answer questions during appointments.
Related: 12 Important Survival Skills Every Child Should Have
12. Educational Records
You may need diplomas, degrees, transcripts, professional certificates, and other school records long after you finish school. Employers, colleges, licensing boards, and certification programs may ask for proof of your qualifications or training.
Store original documents somewhere safe and keep digital copies when possible. Replacing older school records can involve contacting the institution and paying for official copies.
13. Military Records
You may need military paperwork when veterans apply for healthcare, education, housing, disability, or other benefits. You may also need discharge papers and service records for certain official matters.
Keep these records with your other long-term documents and save secure digital copies. Losing the originals can mean a lengthy process to obtain replacements.
14. Power of Attorney Documents
A power of attorney gives someone legal authority to act on your behalf in certain situations. Depending on the document, this may include handling financial matters, managing property, or making healthcare decisions.
Keep the signed paperwork in a secure place and tell the people who may need it where to find the originals. Review the documents from time to time, since state requirements and your personal circumstances may change.
