Essential Document Checklist

Emergencies can happen at any time. To be ready for anything, it’s important to make sure that your essential documents are valid and unexpired. Here’s a quick rundown of the most important documents to keep on hand.
1. Passport
Possibly the most important document to keep updated is your passport, which proves your rightful citizenship and allows you to travel internationally. Passports are valid for 10 years for adults 16 years and older. Children 15 years or younger grow rapidly, so they’ll need to renew every 5 years.
Passport applications can take a few weeks to process – it’s wise to check your expiration dates now before summer vacation starts! To apply for or renew a passport, visit USAGov, the official guide to government information and services.
2. Driver’s License/State ID
Next up is your driver’s license or state ID, which declares you a legal resident of the state you live in.
Beginning May 7th, United States residents aged 18 and older will need a REAL ID to board domestic flights and enter certain federal spaces. To check if your ID card or driver’s license is REAL ID certified, look for a star in the upper-right corner.

Check out the Commonwealth’s guide to getting, renewing, or replacing a REAL ID in Massachusetts.
3. Social Security Card
A social security card provides access to a wealth of resources and programs. Most agencies only require a social security number, but it’s always good to have your physical card on hand in case of emergencies.
Be careful! The Social Security Administration discourages laminating your social security card. Laminating it prevents the detection of security features on the card, which may cause processing delays.
If your social security card is lost or damaged, you can apply to receive a new one through the Social Security Administration’s website here.
For those receiving social security benefits through direct deposit, the Social Security Administration has updated its policy on identity verification when changing direct deposit information. To learn more, visit the Social Security Administration’s FAQs.
4. End of Life Documents
It can be hard to talk about end-of-life care with an older adult. But making these plans ahead of time makes all the difference in emergencies, and ensures that your loved one’s wishes will always be honored.
The National Council on Aging has an excellent, comprehensive list of steps for end-of-life planning. Here are some of the most important documents you’ll want to prepare together with your loved one:
- A will for estate planning
- A power of attorney for finances
- A power of attorney for healthcare
- A living will
- An advanced directive
Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS) offers discounted or pro-bono services for older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income families and individuals. Learn more and contact GBLS through their website here.