Having lost my wallet (presumed stolen) the other day, I have been having fun canceling cards and obtaining new identification.  Having few accounts to take care of, this was not a difficult task.  6 phone calls to notify the institutions I work with and the credit bureaus.

In the modern world, think about how difficult life could be without any form of identification.  Since the only identification that I have used for a while has been my driver’s license, I thought I might be in for some difficulties getting replacements.

It was nearly the case, as my driver’s license was the old, laminated style – not the new digital ones that can be easily looked up at the DMV.  My backup picture id is my passport, but it expired last year. So,it was with trepidation that I proceeded to the local office and prepared to make my case.

I had the fortune to be going in on Halloween.  At the door was the number machine.  I punched in my request, and even before my ticket had printed that number was being called.  As I approached the terminal for assistance, I saw that it was being manned by a witch – spiderwebs included.

Fortunately, she was not the wicked witch of the west.  With a sympathetic ear and an acceptance of my expired passport, I was able to not only get a replacement license, but was able to renew it out to 2016.  This one is the new style, so if it gets stolen again, there will not be a problem getting it replaced.

Still, I wonder what would have happened if I did not have my passport available.   Getting a replacement social security card, driver’s license, or birth certificate would have been significantly complicated.  Has anybody had to deal with that nightmare?  How did it work out?  Any tips that you have?

The only thing I can suggest is to get a passport, even if you do not plan on traveling outside the country.  It is $67 well spent.  Just store it in your safe deposit box or safe to protect it.  That way you have backup and have something to start from if you too lose all of your identification.  It sure saved me.

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