Lost Documents Affidavit in UAE: Your 2026 Guide to Legal Recovery

What is a Lost Documents Affidavit?

A Lost Documents Affidavit is a sworn, written statement made under oath before an authorized official. In it, you declare that a specific document has been lost, stolen, or destroyed. Crucially, you also confirm that the document is not in your possession, custody, or power. This affidavit serves as your legal proof of loss. Consequently, it is a mandatory prerequisite for most government bodies, embassies, and educational institutions before they will process a request for a duplicate or replacement document.

Vesta Solutions’ expert notary services team can draft, attest, and legalize your Lost Documents Affidavit accurately, ensuring it meets all judicial department requirements on the first attempt.

Legal Basis and Importance in the UAE

The requirement for a sworn affidavit is grounded in the UAE’s civil procedures and notary public laws. The UAE government places a high priority on document integrity and legal accountability. Therefore, submitting a false declaration in an affidavit is a serious offence, potentially leading to fines or legal penalties under UAE law. The affidavit process adds a necessary layer of verification to maintain trust in official records and personal identifications.

Why You Cannot Skip This Step

Imagine trying to get a replacement passport from your embassy without a police report or affidavit. Or attempting to re-issue a property deed from the Dubai Land Department. In almost every case, the officer will ask for the notarized affidavit first. It is the foundational document that authenticates your claim and initiates the official replacement protocol. Without it, your application will be considered incomplete.

When is a Lost Documents Affidavit Required?

You will need this affidavit for virtually any original document whose loss hinders your legal, administrative, or personal affairs. Common scenarios include:

• Passport Loss: Essential for embassy applications and UAE immigration procedures.
• Title Deed or Property Document Loss: Required by the Land Department for re-issuance.
• Academic Certificate Loss: Needed by the university and for attestation by the Ministry of Education.
• Vehicle Registration (Mulkiya) Loss: Necessary at the RTA or relevant traffic department.
• Company Trade License or MOA Loss: Crucial for DED or free zone authority re-issue processes.
• Bank Cheque Book Loss: Required to inform the bank and stop payment on missing cheques.

Our integrated legal services can advise on the specific affidavit requirements for complex cases, such as lost shareholder agreements or commercial licenses, ensuring all corporate governance angles are covered.

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Lost Documents Affidavit in the UAE (2026)

The process involves several authorities. While straightforward, attention to detail is vital. Here is the typical workflow:

Step 1: Draft the Affidavit Content

The affidavit must contain precise details. It should clearly state your full name, nationality, passport number, and UAE residence visa number. Furthermore, it must describe the lost document (type, reference number, issuing authority, issue date) and the circumstances of loss (date, location, suspected cause—e.g., lost, stolen). Finally, you must include a solemn declaration that the document is genuinely lost and not in your control. Professional assistance here avoids rejections due to incorrect phrasing.

Step 2: Get it Typed in Arabic

For submission to UAE courts and notary publics, the affidavit must be in Arabic. Some authorities may accept bilingual formats, but the Arabic version is legally binding. A certified legal translation is often needed if your draft is initially in English.

Step 3: Notarization at the Court or Notary Public

You must sign the Arabic affidavit in the presence of an authorized notary. This is typically done at:

• Dubai: Dubai Courts Notary Public or Dubai Legal Affairs Department.
• Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD).
• Other Emirates: The respective emirate’s main court or notary public office.

You will present your original Emirates ID and passport. The notary will verify your identity, witness your signature, and apply the official stamp and seal.

Step 4: Attestation (If Required for External Use)

If you need to use the affidavit outside the UAE (e.g., to send to a foreign university), you may need further attestation: from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and then the embassy of the destination country. For internal UAE use, the notary’s seal is usually sufficient.

📋 Process Flow Overview

Managing this documentation alongside other business needs can be overwhelming. Our comprehensive PRO services handle the entire affidavit process, including liaison with police, courts, and translators, saving you valuable time and ensuring compliance.

Costs, Timelines, and Authorities

Costs are not fixed nationwide but are generally reasonable. They vary by emirate and document complexity.

• Notary Fees: Typically range from AED 200 to AED 500 for the attestation service.
• Legal Translation: If needed, can cost AED 100 to AED 250 per page.
• MOFA Attestation: Adds approximately AED 150 to AED 300.

Timelines: If all documents are ready, notarization can be completed within 1-2 working days. Adding translation and attestation may extend this to 3-5 working days. Processing can be faster through authorized typing centers or service providers.

🏛️ Key Authorities by Emirate (2026)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Errors can cause significant delays. Avoid these frequent pitfalls:

1. Incorrect Document Description: Missing the document number or issuing authority. Always use a copy for reference.
2. Language Issues: Submitting an English-only draft to the court notary.
3. Missing Police Report: For theft or passport loss, this is a standard prerequisite.
4. Inconsistent Personal Details: Ensure your name matches exactly across your passport, Emirates ID, and affidavit draft.
5. Assuming One Affidavit Fits All: Some authorities (e.g., RTA for a vehicle) may have a specific template. Always check first.