What to Do If You Lose Your CAC Certificate: Replacement Guide

The Importance of Your CAC Certificate

Your Certificate of Incorporation (for companies) or Certificate of Registration (for business names) is the most critical legal document your business owns. You need it to open a bank account, apply for visas, bid for contracts, and prove your business's legal existence.

Losing this document can feel like a disaster, but the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has a clear process for obtaining a replacement, officially known as a Certified True Copy (CTC).

Steps to Take Immediately After Loss

1. Police Report

The first step is to visit the nearest police station and report the loss or theft of the document. You must obtain a formal Police Report signed by the DPO or a designated officer.

2. Affidavit of Loss

Next, you must visit a High Court or Magistrate Court to swear an Affidavit of Loss. This is a legal declaration under oath stating that the document was lost and has not been used for any illegal purposes.

3. Newspaper Publication (Optional but Recommended)

In some cases, especially for Incorporated Trustees, it is advisable to publish a "Loss of Document" notice in a national daily newspaper to protect the organization against fraudulent use of the lost certificate.

The Application Process for CTC

With your Police Report and Affidavit ready, you can proceed with the CAC application:

1. Online Portal: Log in to the CAC Post-Registration portal.
2. Select Service: Choose "Application for Certified True Copy (CTC)".
3. Upload Documents: You will be required to upload scanned copies of the Police Report, Affidavit of Loss, and a cover letter explaining the situation.
4. Payment: Pay the prescribed fee for CTC through Remita.
5. Approval: Once reviewed and approved by the CAC, a digital copy of the CTC (which has a QR code for verification) will be available for download.

Can I Get the Original Certificate Back?

The CAC does not issue a "new" original certificate. Instead, they issue a Certified True Copy (CTC). Legally, a CTC has the same legal value as the original and is accepted by banks and government agencies globally.

How Abakon Consult Simplifies the Process

Handling post-registration applications on the CAC portal can be technically challenging for many business owners. We help you manage the entire replacement process, from advising on the right affidavit wording to the final application submission.

Lost your papers? Don't let your business operations stall. Get in touch with us on WhatsApp to start your recovery process.