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Lost Document Affidavit

Affidavit declaring loss of original documents (PAN card, Aadhaar, degree certificate, property papers, etc.).

Legal basis: Notaries Act 1952 / Indian Evidence Act
₹199|All-inclusive|100% refund if rejected
📋What's Covered in This Document(3 legal provisions · 2 relief types)
⚖️ Legal Provisions Invoked
  • Oaths Act 1969 — sworn declaration
  • Passport Rules 1980 — Rule 6 (for lost passport)Where loss relates to passport
  • Motor Vehicles Act 1988 — Section 58 (for lost RC/DL)Where loss relates to vehicle documents
🎯 Relief / Remedy Claimed
  • Declaration of loss to enable duplicate document issue
  • Protection against fraudulent use of lost document
📂 Evidence Requirements Covered
  • Police complaint / FIR copy (recommended)
  • Identity proof of deponent
  • Any remaining copy/scan of the lost document
🗺️ Jurisdiction Confirmed

Notary Public or Executive Magistrate. Submitted to the issuing authority of the lost document.

Limitation Period Verified

File promptly after discovery of loss. Issuing authorities may specify time limits.

This coverage is provided by a practicing advocate. Specific sections cited depend on the facts you provide during drafting.

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What is a Lost Document?

A lost document affidavit is a sworn statement made by a person declaring that a specific original document — such as a passport, PAN card, Aadhaar card, degree certificate, marksheet, cheque book, property title deed, driving licence, or vehicle RC book — has been lost or misplaced. It is required to apply for a duplicate/replacement and is typically submitted alongside an FIR or police complaint about the loss.

When Should You Use This?

Make this affidavit when you need to apply for a duplicate of a lost or stolen document. It is required by passport offices (for duplicate passports), banks (for lost cheque books, passbooks, or debit cards), educational institutions (for duplicate certificates), Regional Transport Offices (for duplicate driving licence or RC book), government departments (for lost certificates or permits), and property registrars (for certified copy of a lost title deed).

Legal Framework

Lost document affidavits are made under the Oaths Act, 1969 and attested by a Notary Public under the Notaries Act, 1952. For passports, the Passport Manual under the Passports Act, 1967 requires both an FIR and an affidavit. For lost property documents, the Registration Act, 1908 and state-specific rules govern the procedure for obtaining certified copies.

What Happens If It Is Ignored?

Without a lost document affidavit, you cannot apply for a duplicate. Institutions and government departments will not process duplicate requests without this sworn declaration of loss. For lost property title deeds, delay in applying for certified copies can create complications in property transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to file an FIR before making a lost document affidavit?

For important documents like passport, PAN card, and driving licence, an FIR from the local police station is typically required alongside the affidavit. For less critical documents, some authorities may accept just the affidavit. Check the specific institution's requirements.

What should a lost document affidavit include?

It must state: your full name and address, the document type and number (if known), the date and circumstances of the loss, that you have searched for the document but cannot find it, that you have filed an FIR (if applicable), and that you indemnify the issuing authority against any misuse.

Can I get a duplicate passport without an FIR?

For a lost passport, both an FIR and a notarised affidavit are required by the Passport Office. Additionally, you must submit a newspaper advertisement (in one English and one vernacular newspaper) announcing the loss and requesting finders to return it.

How do I get a duplicate driving licence for a lost one?

Apply at your RTO with Form LLD (or the relevant state form), submit the lost document affidavit, a police report (FIR), your passport-size photographs, and pay the prescribed fee. The process typically takes 7–15 working days.

Can someone misuse my lost documents?

Yes, lost identity documents (PAN, Aadhaar) can be misused for identity fraud. File an FIR immediately upon discovering the loss, as the FIR creates an official record that the document was not in your possession at the time of any misuse.

What stamp paper is required for a lost document affidavit?

Typically ₹20–₹50 non-judicial stamp paper, depending on the state and the document type. For valuable documents like property title deeds, some states require higher stamp duty. A notary will advise on the correct value.

Is an affidavit sufficient to apply for a duplicate educational certificate?

For duplicate degree/marksheet from a university: submit the affidavit, FIR copy, and the prescribed application form. Some universities also require a newspaper advertisement. The process varies by institution — contact your university registrar.

Can I use a lost document affidavit to get a certified copy of a property title deed?

Yes. If you have lost a sale deed or other registered property document, apply to the Sub-Registrar's office where the document was originally registered for a certified copy. You will need to submit the affidavit, FIR copy, and pay the prescribed fee.

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