Police report for lost documents, filled in for you
When documents are lost, most offices that issue duplicates ask for a police report of the loss. Fill this letter to the Station House Officer with the list of documents, where and when you lost them, and submit it at the police station or on your state police website. Keep the report copy or number for every duplicate application.
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This is a general format to save you time, not legal advice. Read every clause, change what does not fit your situation, and for a dispute or a large amount, consult a lawyer.
What is a lost documents police report?
A short letter to the SHO that lists each lost document with its number, says where and when it was lost, records that you are not responsible for misuse, and asks for a lost report you can show to the issuing offices. Aadhaar and PAN numbers you type are masked in the report so only the last four characters show.
When do you need a lost documents police report?
- You lost a wallet or bag with ID cards, a licence or bank cards.
- Marksheets, certificates or a passport were lost while travelling or moving house.
- A bank, RTO, university or passport office asks for a police report before issuing a duplicate.
- You want a record that you are not responsible if the documents are misused.
Documents needed for a lost documents police report
- Numbers of the lost documents, from photocopies, scans or old emails if you have them.
- Your identity proof (any document you still have).
- Photocopies of the lost documents, if available.
How to make a lost documents police report: stamp paper, signing, submitting
- Fill the form with your details, the list of documents and where and when you lost them.
- Check whether your state police website takes lost article reports online. Many do, and the online report is often enough for duplicates.
- Otherwise print two copies, sign them and submit one at the police station. Get the other stamped as received, or note the report number.
- Block bank, debit and credit cards with your bank straight away, separately from this report.
- Apply for duplicates at each issuing office with the report copy. Keep copies of everything you submit.
Common mistakes
- Listing documents without numbers when you could find them. Offices match the report against their records.
- Writing the full Aadhaar number in a paper that many people will handle. This form masks it for you.
- Not blocking bank cards and cheque books immediately.
- Losing the report copy. You may need it for several duplicate applications.
Questions people ask
Is an FIR needed for lost documents?
Usually not. Losing a document is not an offence, so stations record a lost article report rather than an FIR. If you believe the documents were stolen, say so and ask for an FIR under section 173 of the BNSS 2023.
Can I file a lost documents report online?
Many state police websites have a lost article report service, and the report it gives is accepted by many offices. Rules vary by state, so check your state police website first.
Do I need a police report for a duplicate Aadhaar or PAN?
Not always. A copy of Aadhaar can be downloaded from the UIDAI website and a PAN reprint ordered online. Banks, RTOs, universities and the passport office often do ask for a police report.
Is my data safe?
Yes. The form, preview, Word and PDF are made inside your browser on this device. Nothing you type is uploaded, and Aadhaar and PAN numbers are masked in the document. This is a drafting aid, not legal advice.
Sources and last check
- Police complaints and FIRs under the BNSS 2023 (verified 30 Oct 2026)
Since 1 July 2024 FIRs are registered under section 173 of the BNSS (it replaced section 154 CrPC). Information can be given at any police station whatever the place of the offence (zero FIR), or by electronic communication, which is taken on record once the informant signs it within three days. The informant gets a free copy of the FIR. Many state police websites accept a lost article report online; that report is often enough for duplicate documents and SIM replacement.
India Code: Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, section 173 · Ministry of Home Affairs: new criminal laws
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