Lost ID/driving licence/documents
4 tasks in suggested order
1. First distinguish between loss and theft
Depending on the document, different reporting procedures apply to simple loss and to theft. If theft is suspected, a theft report must be made to the police.
As soon as the loss or theft is discovered.
Depending on the document, contact the passport authority, lost property authority, police or the body responsible for the document; the official overview page links to the respective procedures.
Any available proof of identity and details of the lost document or item.
Do not report every lost document to the same body as a blanket rule. Passports, identity cards, driving licences, registration certificates and number plates each have their own procedures.
Official source: oesterreich.gv.at
2. Block payment cards and compromised payment access
If bank or payment cards are lost or stolen, the affected cards or access credentials must be secured using the blocking channels provided by the respective institution.
Immediately after discovering the loss or theft.
Through the official blocking channels of the relevant bank or card provider.
Account details or card information where available; follow the provider's identity-verification requirements.
A police loss or theft report does not replace blocking the card or payment access with the card or payment provider.
Official source: oesterreich.gv.at
3. Replace lost identity documents and travel documents using the correct procedure
Passports, identity cards and other identity documents have their own loss/theft and replacement procedures. The competent authority depends on the document.
Report and replace them as soon as possible; for travel documents, especially before planned travel.
For passports/identity cards, generally the passport authority; in the event of theft, also the police where required by the applicable rules.
The proof of identity, photographs and loss/theft evidence required for the particular replacement document.
If a travel document reported lost or stolen is found again, this must also be reported to the passport authority without delay.
Official source: oesterreich.gv.at
4. Replace a driving licence, registration certificate or number plates under the separate procedure
There are separate procedures for lost or stolen vehicle documents and number plates. For a registration certificate, a declaration to the registration office is sufficient in the event of loss; in the event of theft, a police report must be made without delay.
After loss or theft, start the steps prescribed for the specific document without delay.
Depending on the case, the driving licence authority, a registration office authorised for the district of residence/company seat, or the police.
Proof of identity plus the loss/theft evidence required for the specific vehicle document and, where applicable, a power of attorney.
The rules differ substantially by document. Do not automatically apply the rules for a registration certificate to a driving licence or number plates.
Official source: oesterreich.gv.at
