Abstract: A central depository for secure storage and rapid retrieval of important documents and information, such as living wills, durable powers of attorney, testamentary wills, authorization for organ donation, authorization of bone marrow donation, and insurance information. The depository includes a data storage facility having a computer and Write Once, Read Many (WORM) drive CD-ROM player connected to an optical scanner. The documents are scanned by the optical scanner and stored on the CD-ROM player. Other information is entered into data storage facilities connected to the computer. Requests for information can be received by the depository from remote locations by data transmission devices, such as telephone, facsimile, postal service, or electronic mail. The system also provides a procedure for updating the information and documents as legislation regarding the stored information and documents changes. Also, the system monitors for changes in residence which may affect the information and documents.