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A Affidavit of Loss (Verlusterklärung in German) is a sworn statement that legally documents the loss, theft, or destruction of important items or documents. When your passport, share certificates, or other valuable papers go missing in Germany, this formal declaration helps protect you from liability and enables replacement of the lost items.

Under German Civil Code (BGB), filing this affidavit with proper authorities creates an official record of the loss and often serves as a prerequisite for getting replacement documents. Banks, government offices, and corporations across Germany typically require this sworn statement, along with your ID and police report, before issuing new versions of lost items.

File an Affidavit of Loss immediately when important documents or items go missing in Germany. This applies to lost passports, identification cards, share certificates, insurance policies, bank documents, or valuable contracts. Quick action helps prevent unauthorized use of your documents and starts the replacement process faster.

German banks and authorities need this affidavit alongside a police report (Polizeianzeige) before issuing replacements. For example, if your savings bond certificate disappears, filing the affidavit protects your ownership rights and lets the bank start processing a new certificate. The same applies for lost company documents, where prompt filing helps maintain legal compliance and business continuity.

• Personal Document Loss: Most common type for lost ID cards, passports, or driver's licenses - requires details about the document and circumstances of loss
• Financial Instrument Loss: Used for missing bank certificates, shares, or bonds - includes specific security numbers and ownership proof
• Corporate Document Loss: Covers lost company records, contracts, or official seals - needs additional business registration details
• Educational Document Loss: For missing diplomas, certificates, or transcripts - requires verification from issuing institution
• Property Document Loss: Used when property deeds, titles, or insurance papers are lost - must include property identification details

• Individual Document Holders: Private citizens who need to report and replace lost personal documents, from passports to bank certificates
• Legal Professionals: Notaries and lawyers who verify and authenticate Affidavits of Loss, ensuring they meet German legal requirements
• Government Authorities: Police departments and administrative offices that process these affidavits and issue replacement documents
• Financial Institutions: Banks and investment firms that require these statements before replacing lost financial instruments
• Corporate Entities: Companies needing to document lost business records, contracts, or official company seals

• Document Details: Gather exact information about the lost item - serial numbers, issue dates, and identifying features
• Loss Circumstances: Document when, where, and how the loss occurred, including last known location and discovery date
• Identity Verification: Prepare current valid ID and proof of ownership of the lost item
• Police Report: File a police report (Polizeianzeige) and get the reference number
• Notarization Planning: Schedule an appointment with a German notary (Notar) for official verification
• Supporting Documents: Collect any related paperwork proving your connection to the lost item

• Declaration Statement: Clear statement under oath (Eidesstattliche Versicherung) about the loss circumstances
• Personal Information: Full legal name, address, and identification details of the declarant
• Item Description: Detailed description of lost item including serial numbers, dates, and distinguishing features
• Loss Details: Specific date, location, and circumstances of the loss
• Legal Consequences: Acknowledgment of penalties for false statements under German law
• Notarization Block: Space for notary's seal and signature (Notariell beglaubigt)
• Indemnification Clause: Statement protecting relevant parties against future claims

An Affidavit of Loss differs significantly from a regular Affidavit in both purpose and scope under German law. While both are sworn statements, they serve distinct functions in legal proceedings.

• Purpose and Scope: An Affidavit of Loss specifically addresses missing documents or items, while a general Affidavit can cover any factual declaration under oath
• Legal Requirements: Affidavits of Loss require additional documentation like police reports and proof of ownership; standard Affidavits may not need supporting documents
• Processing Authority: Affidavits of Loss often need submission to specific institutions (banks, government offices) for replacement documents, while general Affidavits serve broader legal purposes
• Timing Considerations: Affidavits of Loss must typically be filed promptly after discovering the loss; regular Affidavits have no such time constraints