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Lost or stolen documents: 3 essential steps

Identity card, bank card or residence permit lost or stolen? Follow these 3 steps in order to prevent fraud and replace your documents.

Before you start

  • A telephone (yours or a social service).
  • If you have them: a copy or photo of your old documents, and a recent identity photo (about 8 €).

The steps, in order

  1. Call DocStop: 00800 2123 2123

    Call 00800 2123 2123 immediately, free of charge, day or night. DocStop blocks your Belgian identity card so that no one can use it to impersonate you. If the 00800 number does not work through your operator, call +32 2 488 2123; this call is charged. Bank card also lost? Call Card Stop on 078 170 170.

  2. Go to the police station

    Report loss or theft to the nearest police station. You leave with a certificate of loss or theft: this paper temporarily replaces your document and will be required to redo it. In case of theft, the declaration is also used for insurance.

  3. What to know firstNo money for the photograph or the card? Ask the CPAS for help before giving up: no one should remain without identity documents because of 30 euros.

    Apply to the municipality for a replacement document

    Go to the population department of your municipality with the police certificate and a recent identity photograph. A new card usually costs between 20 and 35 €, depending on the municipality, and arrives within 2 to 3 weeks. An emergency procedure exists but costs much more, so avoid it if you can wait. If you lost a residence permit, the municipality also handles the replacement; if in doubt, first seek advice from a free legal service.

This guide offers guidance, never legal advice. Practice differs from one commune to another: call before you go. If you are in immediate danger, call 112.