16 Jun How to Publish a Lost Document Ad in Mumbai Newspapers: Step-by-Step Guide
How to Publish a Lost Document Ad in Mumbai Newspapers: Step-by-Step Guide
A lost document advertisement is a crucial public notice often required when applying for a duplicate document. It acts as a safety measure to prevent misuse and is essential for legal or institutional verification.
Required Documents for Lost & Found Ad
Start by filing an FIR (First Information Report) at your local police station. Most newspapers require this as proof of loss before accepting your advertisement.
Popular Newspapers in Mumbai
- The Times of India (English)
- Maharashtra Times (Marathi)
- Navbharat Times (Hindi)
- Mumbai Mirror (Local English)
- Free Press Journal (English)
- Navshakti (Marathi)
Format of the Advertisement
Title: Lost Document Notice / Lost and Found
Details: Mention document name, number, brief description (e.g., “Lost PAN Card No. XXXXXXXX”)
Place & Date of Loss: Clearly specify when and where the document was lost
Contact: Name, mobile number, email
Cost of Advertisement
The cost typically ranges from ₹400 to ₹1500 depending on ad size, newspaper choice, and duration. Classified text ads are usually the most affordable.
Online Booking Platforms
Websites like Ads2Publish allow you to:
- Select your newspaper
- Enter your ad text
- Upload FIR
- Pay online
Why Publishing a Lost Document Ad Matters
- Legal Protection: Helps protect against fraudulent use
- Required Step: Often mandatory before issuing a duplicate (passport, certificates, IDs)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not mentioning full document details or number
- Omitting contact info
- Failing to upload FIR copy (when required)
Recommended Ad Duration
Standard ads run for 7–14 days. For high-value documents like sale deeds or passports, you may extend the run.
Enhancing Reach with Digital Platforms
Use social platforms (Facebook, WhatsApp), classifieds (OLX, Quikr) to supplement newspaper visibility and accelerate recovery.
Affordability of Newspaper Ads
Compared to legal agents or social ads, newspaper ads are budget-friendly, legally valid, and accessible to a wide audience.
Helpful Contacts for Duplicate Recovery
- Passport Seva Kendra: Visit official website or call support
- CBSE/ICSE Boards: For school mark sheets
- Registrar Office: For lost property documents
Lost & Found Ad Samples
Ad Sample 1: I, Rajesh Kumar, residing at Hno. 203, Green Park, New Delhi, have lost my Passport, No. F21345XY. Finder can contact: 9812345678.
Ad Sample 2: ABC Pvt. Ltd., GIDC Industrial Area, Surat, lost Company Legal Documents issued by Viraj Ltd., Vadodara. Contact: 9876543210.
Ad Sample 3: I, Suman Reddy, residing at 19-1-123, Hyderabad, lost Original Certificates (10th, Inter & Degree) at Secunderabad Station. Call: 9556677889.
Ad Sample 4: I, Priya Singh, residing at A-35, Jaipur, lost 10th Class Certificate, Year 2000, Roll No. J-459876. Contact: 9922334455.
Ad Sample 5: I, Arjun Soni, lost my Class 10th Certificate, Year 2004, Roll No. D/1010/153/002, on Mumbai local train. Call: 9000XXXXXX.
Ad Sample 6: Lost Secondary Exam Certificate, 1989, Roll No. 555987, CBSE Patna. Finder contact Anil Kumar: 9712345678.
Ad Sample 7: XYZ Pvt. Ltd., Pune Industrial Area, lost Company Legal Documents issued by Indu Ltd., Nashik. Contact: 9523456789.
Ad Sample 8: I, Ramesh Babu, KPHB, Hyderabad, lost Original Certificates at Hyderabad Airport. Contact: 9445678901.
Ad Sample 9: I, Meenakshi Sharma, Diamond Enclave, Guwahati, lost 10th Certificate, Year 1995, Roll No. G-459876. Contact: 9834567890.

