Paperwork can pile up quickly, especially now that so much information is available online. Scanning a document and saving it to your computer might seem like a good reason to toss the original, but some records are worth keeping in their original form.
You might go years without needing a birth certificate, property deed, or old medical record. Then a sale, legal matter, insurance claim, or family emergency comes along, and suddenly that piece of paper is hard to do without. Replacing certain documents can take time, cost money, or involve several steps.
You don’t have to save every bill or envelope that arrives in the mail. These 19 records deserve a secure spot in your home.
1. Your Will
Your will explains how you want your belongings and assets handled after your death. Having a properly prepared will can help prevent confusion among family members during an already difficult time.
Keep the original in a secure place and tell the people who need to know where it is. Check the rules in your state, since some places have specific requirements for storing or presenting an original will.
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2. Property Deeds and Vehicle Titles
A property deed serves as proof of real estate ownership, while a vehicle title establishes who owns a car or other titled vehicle. You may need these documents when selling property, transferring ownership, refinancing, or settling an estate.
Keep the originals somewhere protected from fire, water, and unauthorized access. Having them easy to locate can save time during a sale or other major transaction.
3. Tax Returns and Supporting Documents
Tax paperwork may seem easy to discard once you’ve filed your return, but old records can come in handy if the IRS has questions or you need to verify past financial information. Save copies of your returns along with receipts, income statements, deduction records, and other documents used to prepare them.
The recommended retention period depends on your tax situation and the type of record. Check current IRS guidance or ask your tax professional before getting rid of older paperwork.
4. Immunization Records
Immunization records can be surprisingly difficult to track down, especially if you’ve received vaccines from several doctors, clinics, or schools. You may need them for school registration, certain jobs, travel, or medical appointments.
Keep a copy for each member of your household and store the records together. Having them ready can save you from contacting several offices to piece together someone’s vaccination history.
5. Insurance Policies
Insurance documents explain what your coverage includes, along with deductibles, limits, exclusions, and other terms. These details become particularly important after an accident, illness, property loss, or other emergency.
Save paperwork for health, auto, homeowners, renters, life, and any other policies your household carries. Keeping the information in one place can make it easier to contact your insurer and file a claim when you need to.
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6. Marriage Certificates
A marriage certificate may be required when changing your name, applying for certain benefits, or handling financial and legal matters. It can also be requested when updating accounts or proving your marital status.
Replacing a lost certificate usually means contacting the government office that issued it and providing the required information. Keep the original in a safe place and a copy with your other personal records.
7. Divorce Papers
Divorce paperwork can include court orders and agreements covering property division, child custody, support payments, and other legal decisions. You may need these documents years later when dealing with financial accounts, real estate, remarriage, or custody matters.
Keep the complete set rather than saving only the first or last page. Store the paperwork securely so you can find the specific order or agreement if a question comes up.
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8. Birth Certificates
A birth certificate is one of the main documents used to establish your identity and place of birth. It may be required for passport applications, certain government benefits, school enrollment, and proof of citizenship.
Protect the original from damage and consider ordering certified copies if you expect to need them for official matters. Keep track of birth certificates for every member of your household.
9. Social Security Cards
Your Social Security card contains personal information that should be kept out of the wrong hands. You may need it for employment paperwork and certain government or financial matters.
Avoid carrying the card in your wallet unless there’s a specific reason to have it with you. Store it somewhere secure with your other identity documents.
10. Passports
A passport is required for many international trips and can also serve as government-issued identification. Even an expired passport may be worth keeping if it contains old visas, travel stamps, or other useful information.
Store current and expired passports in a protected location rather than leaving them in an unlocked drawer. Check the expiration date before making travel plans so you have time to renew it if needed.
11. Important Medical Records
You don’t have to save every medical bill or routine appointment slip, but records about your health history can be useful for years. Keep information about major diagnoses, surgeries, treatments, allergies, medications, and immunizations.
These documents can help a new doctor understand your medical history and prevent important details from being overlooked. Store them securely and make sure you can access them if you need medical care away from home.
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12. Educational Records
Diplomas, certificates, transcripts, licenses, and other school records may be needed long after you’ve finished your education. Employers, colleges, licensing boards, and certification programs sometimes ask for proof of your qualifications.
Getting replacement copies of older records can take time, especially if a school has closed or changed its record-keeping system. Keep the originals in a safe place and consider saving digital copies for everyday reference.
13. Military Service Records
Military records can help veterans apply for healthcare, benefits, education assistance, housing programs, and other services. Discharge papers and service records may also be needed to verify dates of service or other details.
Keep these documents together in a secure location where you or your family can find them. They also provide a lasting record of your service history.
14. Power of Attorney Documents
A power of attorney gives someone legal authority to act on your behalf under certain conditions. Depending on the document, that authority may cover financial matters, legal decisions, or healthcare.
Keep signed documents in a secure place and tell the appropriate people where to find them. Make sure the people involved have access to the copies they may need if the authority is ever used.
15. Beneficiary Designation Forms
Beneficiary forms identify who should receive money from certain life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other financial assets. These choices can have a major effect on how assets are distributed after your death.
Keep copies of the forms and review your choices after major life changes, such as marriage, divorce, or having a child. The financial institution usually maintains the official designation, but your own records can help your family locate the information.
16. Stock and Bond Certificates
Paper stock and bond certificates are less common today, but some people still have them stored in old files or safe-deposit boxes. They may serve as proof of ownership and could be needed when selling or transferring certain investments.
Before throwing away an old certificate, check whether it’s still valid with the issuing company or a qualified financial professional. A document that looks outdated may still have financial value.
17. Important Contracts and Agreements
Don’t discard a contract just because you signed it years ago. Agreements involving your home, vehicle, employment, loans, rental property, major purchases, or other commitments may be useful if a disagreement arises.
Keep the signed versions along with any amendments or supporting paperwork. Having the complete agreement can help clarify what each party agreed to and what obligations remain.
18. Adoption Records
Adoption records establish the legal relationship between parents and children. They may be needed later for identification, inheritance matters, medical history, citizenship questions, or other legal purposes.
Store these documents in a secure location and limit access to people who have a legitimate reason to see them. Keep the paperwork together so important details aren’t separated or lost over time.
19. Appraisals for Valuable Belongings
If you own expensive jewelry, artwork, antiques, collectibles, or other valuable items, keep the appraisal paperwork. These records can help establish an item’s value for insurance claims, estate planning, or a future sale.
Save receipts, photographs, certificates of authenticity, and other supporting documents with each appraisal. Having everything together can make it easier to verify what you own and provide details if an item is lost, damaged, or stolen.
