Q1094. Where can duplicate replacement copies be requested if an original legalized foreign document is lost?

Answered by the NYC Visa & Translation legalization desk

Replacement usually starts with the authority that issued the underlying foreign document, not with the Thai MFA. Request a new certified copy from the relevant civil registry, court, university, company registry, or other issuing institution. If you are in Thailand, ask your country’s embassy whether it can facilitate the request or identify the correct office. Then check whether the replacement must undergo the authentication and legalization chain again. If only the legalization endorsement or attached sheet is missing, contact the authority that issued that endorsement to ask about its replacement procedure. Keep scans, reference numbers, and any loss report available if requested. A common pitfall is assuming a photocopy of the lost legalized document carries the same legal status as a newly issued certified copy. Verify replacement requirements with the relevant official authorities before filing.