You will need to keep copies of various documents such as birth certificates, identification (ID) and social security cards, transcripts, diplomas, certificates, etc. If you don’t currently have a copy of one or more of these, don’t worry, it’s usually a straightforward process to request a copy. 

Keep your originals in a safe place. 

Take photos of them and keep them in an easy-to-find album on your phone or computer so you can easily access them. 

Here is a list of the most common records you’ll need and how to get them:

VITAL RECORDS AND SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS

Some examples of vital records are birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates and Social Security cards. You may need these records for a variety of tasks related to your job, your school or when navigating support or benefits.

• Get a copy of your birth certificate if you were born in North Dakota;

• If ND isn’t your state or you need more than a birth certificate, search the CDC vital records site for your state’s record request;

• Apply for or request a copy of your Social Security card.

ID CARDS

• State ID: Follow the link to learn how to get a state ID card

  • You do not need a state ID card if you have a state-issued driver’s license. Your driver’s license also functions as a state ID, but your state ID does not license you to drive;

• Tribal ID: Contact your tribal office if you need to renew, replace or request a tribal ID card. MHA members can click here;

• REAL ID: Beginning May 3, 2023, you’ll need a REAL ID to fly domestically within the United States and to visit any federal facility. Learn more about REAL ID and determine if you’ll need one by following the link.

DRIVER’S LICENSE

Having a state-issued driver’s license can make it easier to get to and from work or school and can even open up new job possibilities for you. You can get your driver’s license at any Department of Motor Vehicles office (DMV).

Watch this for tips on taking your Driver’s Test 

CAREER AND EDUCATION RECORDS

• Diplomas, Certificates, Transcripts: Contact your high school or college’s registrar office to request copies. For NHSC, use their transcript request form;

• GED: Request your GED transcripts or GED certificate;

• Resume: See our article What Is A Resume And How Do I Make One?;

• Letters of Recommendation: See our article How Do I Ask For A Letter Of Recommendation?

What Documents Do I Need To Have? by Iman Moore and Dyana Valentine is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Thumbnail image by Romain Duncre via Unsplash