Recover Lost and Stolen Documents

Contact the Archival Recovery Program

The listing of missing items on this website is non-exclusive and may not include all items missing from NARA holdings.

If you are missing personal documents pertaining to your military service please click here: Veterans' Service Records

Have you learned about historical materials that may be U.S. government documents (federal, congressional, and presidential records) and belongs to the National Archives? Please tell us about it. Contact us by:

  • E-mail:   MissingDocuments@nara.gov
     
  • Surface mail:

    Archival Recovery Program
    National Archives and Records Administration
    Room 3500B
    8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740

  • Telephone by calling:

    (301) 837-3153 (Washington, D.C. Metro area)

Please be ready to provide as much of the following information as possible:

  1. Your full name and contact information (E-mail, Daytime Telephone Number, Fax Number, Mailing Address).
     
  2. A description of the document(s) and why you believe it is a U.S. government document, including the document creator, creating agency, addressee, date, and physical description (e.g., size, format, type, and any signatures or markings that helped you determine it was a U.S. government record).
     
  3. Where the document is now, including the name, address, telephone, web site, and e-mail addresses of the individual or organization holding the document.
     
  4. Whether the document is about to be auctioned, transferred, or disposed of in some way, provide the nature of the action (e.g., auction, ownership transfer), the proposed date and nature (e.g., online, in person) of the auction, and who has transferred or placed the materials at the auction (if known).
     
  5. Why you believe the document may belong to the National Archives: Please provide a description of the document.
     
  6. Other Information: List any additional information that would be helpful in determining whether the historical document is a U.S. governmental record such as Federal agency file code markings, signatures, or address lines to governmental officials.

Privacy note:   NARA encourages and welcomes anonymous tips on lost or stolen documents. It is the policy of NARA to protect the identity of any source who provides information regarding lost or stolen documents.

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