Council and democracy

Important documents

Personal documents are very important and valuable and may have been destroyed by the fire or flood. Listed below are documents that you should find and advice on how you should go about obtaining a replacement if necessary.

Bank and building society books

Contact your bank or building society who will be able to issue replacement documents,

Birth and marriage certificates

You can obtain a duplicate at the original office of registration.

Divorce decree

Contact the original court offices where the decree was made.Your solicitor may also be able to help with this matter.

Driving licence and vehicle records.

Contact the DVLA at Swansea, SA99 1AB. (www.dvla.gov.uk).

Income tax records

Your local tax office holds details of each person's tax returns and records. Contact your district office.

Insurance policies

The office that originally issued your insurance documents will be able to provide a duplicate.

Medical records

The original documents are usually held at your doctor's surgery or local hospital.

Passports

Report details to the Passport Office, Aragon Court, Northminster Road, Peterborough, PE1 1QG.

Payment books

Master registers and accounts are held by the organisation that you are paying.

Benefits documents

Contact your local office of the Department of Social Security.

Stocks and bonds

Your broker may have details of the shares that you hold and a solicitor may be required to legally reconstruct the certificates. Your local Post Office will be able to give you details on how to obtain duplicate Post Office Bonds

Title deeds

You should contact your solicitor, who will reconstruct them.

Warranties and guarantees

Main registration cards or documents are held by the manufactures.

Wills

Contact your solicitor or your local Citizens Advice Bureau for advice

Fire Certificates

Premises that have a current fire certificate, will be able to get a replacement from their local fire safety office.