--- title: "Affidavit of Lost Document: What to Write, How to Notarize" description: "What an affidavit of lost document must say, who signs it, what ID to bring and how notarization works, in person or online by video." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/guides/lost-document-affidavit-notary-guide" --- Guide · Updated October 12, 2026 # Affidavit of Lost Document: Steps and Notary Role Losing an important paper is stressful. Many agencies and companies let you replace it by signing a sworn statement that explains what happened. A notary administers the oath. By [Matthew Coleman](/about), MCC Solutions **Quick answer.** A lost document affidavit is a sworn statement explaining what happened to a lost paper such as a vehicle title, stock certificate, savings bond, cashier's check, diploma or tax form. A notary administers the oath. Ask the issuer first, since some have their own form. Need this notarized? Sign online from home with no travel fee, or ask for a notary to come to you. The price is shown and confirmed before any work starts, and you can book in about two minutes. [See your price and book](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:9084446373) **Related:** [What ID you need for a notary](/notary/guides/what-id-do-you-need-for-a-notary) · [What to expect at a HELOC signing](/notary/guides/heloc-signing-what-to-expect) · [NJ notary fees](/notary/fees) **Free tools:** [Can I get this notarized online?](/notary/can-i-notarize-online) · [Apostille or embassy legalization?](/notary/apostille-finder) ✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials) ## Common lost-document cases Examples include vehicle titles, stock certificates, savings bonds, cashier's checks, diplomas and tax forms. Some agencies have a form for their own papers. Others accept a general affidavit. Ask the issuer first. Need this notarized? [Get it notarized online by a New Jersey notary over video](/notary/remote-online-notarization). The issuer may also have rules on replacement fees and waiting periods. ## What to say State your name and address, describe the item, give identifying numbers or dates, say when you last saw it, what you did to look for it and that you have not sold or pledged it. If you later find it, you will return it. Keep sentences short and factual. Do not add guesses. If you do not know a detail, say so. ## How the signing works Bring the unsigned affidavit and valid photo ID. You raise your hand and swear that the statements are true, then sign as the notary observes. The notary completes a jurat. Some issuers want a seal with a legible commission date. The notary does not search for the item and does not confirm that it is lost. ## Get it notarized online today Online notary: open now until 9 PM ET · sessions by appointment · times confirmed by email A New Jersey notary can notarize this with you on a video call, wherever you are in the U.S. $50 for the session, $10 for each extra signer. Any other fee shows in the booking form before you confirm. Open 7 am to 9 pm ET, every day, by appointment. **What you need** - A valid government photo ID - A computer or phone with a camera - The unsigned document [Book an online session](/notary/?service=ron#order) Our certificate states the act was performed using communication technology, as New Jersey law requires. [What it must say](/notary/remote-online-notarization-certificate-wording) Most U.S. recipients accept a remotely notarized document; check with whoever will receive it. [What to ask them](/notary/will-my-online-notarization-be-accepted) · [Several signers](/notary/online-notarization-multiple-signers) ## Extras the issuer may request Some institutions also want an indemnity bond or a stamp of approval on the signature from a financial firm, known as a medallion stamp. The notary cannot provide that. Those come from banks or brokers. A police report may be asked for a stolen item. Make copies of everything you send. ## Be accurate The sworn statement has weight. If the original resurfaces and is used, the issuer may be harmed, and you could face trouble. If you are unsure whether the item is truly lost, search again before signing. Keep your replacement documents together in a safe place afterward. ## Scenario: a lost stock certificate An older investor cannot find a paper stock certificate. The company's transfer agent sends a form for a lost certificate, which asks for an affidavit and an insurance bond fee. The investor fills in the details and swears to them before a notary. The agent asks for a medallion stamp as well, which the investor obtains from her bank. The notary's role stays limited to the sworn statement. The new shares are issued in electronic form after the agent processes the file. The lesson is that lost-document processes often have several parts. Read the whole instruction sheet, mark each piece, and complete them in the order the issuer lists. Missing even one piece sends the file back and costs weeks. Take a few days to search before you sign. Check files, safe deposit boxes, old coat pockets, mail piles and anywhere a family member might have stored papers. Ask relatives, too. If you find the item after the affidavit is filed, contact the issuer immediately so they can cancel the replacement process. Honest follow-up keeps a simple loss from becoming a dispute. ## Common questions **Can I use one affidavit for several lost items?** Usually each issuer wants its own. **Is a lost passport handled this way?** No. Passport replacement follows the State Department's process. **Is notarization always needed?** Only if the issuer requires it. ## More notary guides - [Insurance Proof of Loss: Notarized Sworn Statements](/notary/guides/insurance-proof-of-loss-sworn-statement) - [Notarizing a General Affidavit Step by Step](/notary/guides/how-to-notarize-a-general-affidavit) - [School Enrollment Residency Affidavit Notarization](/notary/guides/school-enrollment-residency-affidavit) This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and procedures change; check with the office involved or an attorney for your situation. Let us handle it [### Mobile Notary A mobile notary near you in New Jersey, at your home, office, hospital or job site. Affidavits, powers of attorney, vehicle titles and business documents. Book online. Mobile notary →](/notary/mobile-notary)[### Vehicle Title & MVC Paperwork Notary Mobile notary for car title transfers, out-of-state titles, powers of attorney for the MVC and odometer statements. We come to you, including after a death. Vehicle title notary →](/notary/vehicle-title-notary)[All guides](/notary/guides) Reach notaries, signing agents and people getting documents notarized or apostilled who read this guide: [advertise here](/advertise#notary). Do it yourself ### Family Records and Important Documents Organizer Write down where things are and who to call, so your family is not hunting for papers in an emergency. [See what's inside ($14)](/toolkits/family-records-organizer) [Free sample](/toolkits/family-records-organizer#free-starter)14-day full refund ## Rather have us handle it? Call the desk. [Book Now](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)