Affidavit of Loss in the Philippines_ Requirements, Cost, Samples, Templates, and How to Get One
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Affidavit of Loss in the Philippines: Requirements, Cost, Samples, Templates, and How to Get One

General information only — not legal advice. Procedures and fees are set by individual government offices, banks, and companies and change from time to time. Confirm current requirements with the specific agency or institution before you go.

Losing a wallet, an ID, a phone, or an important document is stressful enough without also having to figure out the paperwork that comes after. In the Philippines, almost every government office, bank, telecom provider, school, and private company asks for the same thing before they will issue a replacement: a notarized Affidavit of Loss.

An affidavit of loss is a short, sworn written statement in which you — the “affiant” — formally declare, under oath, that a specific item or document has been lost, describe how it happened, and confirm that you searched for it without success. Because it is signed under oath before a notary public, it carries legal weight: lying in it can expose you to perjury or falsification liability, which is exactly why institutions trust it enough to issue a replacement based on it.

What actually needs to appear in the affidavit — and what supporting documents you’ll need alongside it — depends on what was lost. A lost SIM card and a lost passport are not treated the same way. This guide walks through what an affidavit of loss is, when you need one, what to put in it, how much it typically costs, where to get it notarized, and document-specific requirements for the most commonly lost IDs, cards, and papers in the Philippines, along with ready-to-use templates.

Key Takeaways

  • An affidavit of loss is a sworn, notarized statement declaring that a document, ID, or item has been lost and can no longer be found despite a diligent search.
  • Almost every government agency, bank, telecom provider, and school requires it — usually notarized — before they will process a replacement.
  • The exact wording and required attachments (police report, valid ID, application form) vary depending on what was lost.
  • You can draft it yourself using a template, ask a notary/law office to prepare it, or hire a lawyer; either way, it must be signed in front of a notary public.
  • Notarization is typically inexpensive (roughly ₱100–₱500 for a simple affidavit), but each agency also charges its own separate replacement fee.

What Is an Affidavit of Loss?

Definition. An affidavit of loss is a written declaration, sworn to before a notary public, in which a person states that they owned a particular item or document, that it has been lost or misplaced, when and how it happened, and that despite reasonable effort they have been unable to locate it.

Purpose. Its main function is to give a receiving institution a formal, legally accountable basis for issuing a replacement without the original document or item in hand. Because Philippine affidavits are governed by the general rules on sworn statements under the Rules of Court and the Civil Code, and must comply with the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice (A.M. No. 02-8-13-SC, as amended) to be validly notarized, the affidavit shifts responsibility onto the affiant: if the statement turns out to be false, the affiant — not the institution — bears the legal consequence.

Why institutions require it. Replacing a lost ID, card, or document without some kind of accountability would make it easy to commit fraud (for example, claiming a card is “lost” while secretly planning to use both the old and the new one). A notarized affidavit closes that gap because notarization converts a private statement into a public document, verifies the signer’s identity, and creates a paper trail the institution can rely on — and, if needed, use against the affiant later.

Is it a legal document? Yes. Once notarized, an affidavit of loss is a public document admissible as evidence, and it exposes the affiant to potential criminal liability (such as perjury-related offenses) if the statements in it are proven false.

When Do You Need an Affidavit of Loss?

You typically need one whenever a replacement, reissuance, or cancellation depends on proving that the original item genuinely can’t be produced. The most common situations include:

  • Lost government IDs — UMID, PhilHealth ID, Postal ID, voter’s ID, and similar cards.
  • Lost driver’s license — for LTO duplicate license applications.
  • Lost passport — for DFA replacement of a valid or expired ePassport.
  • Lost SIM card — when requesting a replacement SIM or reporting the number as compromised.
  • Lost ATM card — for bank card replacement and to formally record that you no longer possess it.
  • Lost National ID (PhilSys/PhilID) — for PSA card replacement.
  • Lost PRC ID — for a duplicate Professional Identification Card.
  • Lost school records — diplomas, Form 137, or school IDs that a registrar needs re-issued.
  • Lost vehicle documents — Certificate of Registration (CR) or Official Receipt (OR).
  • Lost plate number — for LTO plate replacement.
  • Lost business documents — permits, registration papers, or official receipts a company needs reissued.

If in doubt, ask the specific office whether they require a notarized affidavit — most do, but some accept a simpler sworn statement or a police/barangay blotter for low-value or low-risk items.

What Information Should Be Included in an Affidavit of Loss?

Regardless of what was lost, a complete affidavit of loss generally contains six components:

  1. Personal information — the affiant’s full legal name, civil status, citizenship, age, and complete residential address, matching the ID you’ll present.
  2. Description of the lost item — what it is, identifying numbers (ID number, serial number, plate number, account number), date and place of issuance, and issuing authority, as applicable.
  3. Circumstances of the loss — when (approximate date), where, and how the item was lost or went missing.
  4. Efforts made to locate the item — a statement that the affiant searched for the item diligently but was unable to find it.
  5. Declaration of loss and purpose — an explicit statement that the item is considered lost, that it was not sold, pawned, or given away, and that the affidavit is being executed to support a request for replacement (or cancellation, or another specific purpose).
  6. Signature of the affiant and notarial section — the affiant’s signature over their printed name, followed by the jurat (the notary’s certification that the affiant personally appeared, was identified, and swore to the truth of the statement).

Affidavit of Loss Sample

Below is a general, all-purpose format. The bracketed portions are the parts you customize for the specific item you lost.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
[CITY/MUNICIPALITY OF ______] ) S.S.

                              AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS

I, [FULL NAME], of legal age, [civil status], [Filipino/other citizenship], and a
resident of [complete address], after having been duly sworn to in accordance with
law, hereby depose and state:

1. That I am the registered owner/holder of [describe the item, e.g., "a Philippine
   driver's license"] bearing [ID/serial/account number, if any], issued by
   [issuing authority] on [date of issuance];

2. That on or about [date], while [brief circumstances — e.g., "commuting from
   my workplace to my residence"], I discovered that the above-described item
   was no longer in my possession;

3. That despite diligent search and efforts to locate the said item, I have
   failed to find or recover the same, and I believe it to be irretrievably lost;

4. That the loss was not due to any fraudulent act, and the item was not sold,
   pawned, transferred, or given to any other person;

5. That I am executing this Affidavit to attest to the truth of the foregoing
   and to support my application for the issuance of a replacement/duplicate
   [item], and for whatever legal purpose this affidavit may serve;

6. That I undertake to surrender the original item to the proper authority
   should it later be found or recovered.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this [date] at [place].


                                    _________________________________
                                          [Affiant's Signature over Printed Name]
                                          [Valid ID No. and Date/Place Issued]

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this [date] at [place], affiant exhibiting to
me his/her [type of valid ID and number] as competent proof of identity.

                                    _________________________________
                                                Notary Public

Doc. No. ____
Page No. ____
Book No. ____
Series of ____.

Sample Affidavit of Loss for Different Documents

The overall structure above stays the same for every situation — only paragraph 1 (the description of the item) and, sometimes, paragraph 3 (search effort) change. Here’s how that opening paragraph is typically adapted:

Item LostHow paragraph 1 typically reads
Government ID (UMID, Postal ID, voter’s ID)“…the registered holder of a [name of ID] bearing ID No. [number], issued by [agency] on [date]…”
Driver’s license“…the holder of Philippine driver’s license No. [number], issued by the Land Transportation Office, [branch], valid until [expiry date]…”
Passport“…the holder of Philippine Passport No. [number], issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs on [date], valid until [expiry date]…”
ATM card“…the holder of [Bank Name] ATM/Savings account No. [account number], to which an ATM card was issued…”
SIM card“…the registered subscriber of mobile number [number] under [Telco], with the SIM card registered under the SIM Registration Act (RA 11934)…”
National ID (PhilSys/PhilID)“…a registered PhilSys member with PhilSys Number/Transaction Reference Number [number], to whom a PhilID/ePhilID card was issued…”
PRC ID“…a [profession, e.g., ‘Registered Nurse’] holding PRC License No. [number], to whom a Professional Identification Card was issued, valid until [date]…”
Plate number“…the registered owner of a [vehicle make/model] with Plate No. [number] and Certificate of Registration No. [number], registered with the LTO…”
School ID/records“…a [student/alumnus] of [school name] under Student/LRN No. [number], enrolled during School Year [year]…”
Business documents“…the [owner/authorized representative] of [business name], holder of [type of document, e.g., Mayor’s Permit No.] issued by [issuing office]…”

Everything else in the affidavit — the search-effort clause, the non-fraud declaration, the purpose clause, and the jurat — carries over unchanged.

Affidavit of Loss Template

There’s no single government-mandated template; what matters is that the content covers the six elements above and that it’s properly notarized.

While free affidavit of loss templates are widely available online, many people choose to have a notarial or law office prepare the document for them. In practice, notarized law offices regularly draft affidavits of loss based on the client’s circumstances, ensuring that the facts are properly stated and that the document meets the requirements of the agency, bank, school, or government office requesting it. This can be helpful when the lost item involves important documents such as passports, IDs, titles, licenses, or bank records.

In practice, people use a few interchangeable formats:

  • General template — the all-purpose version shown above, usable for almost any lost item by editing paragraph 1.
  • Fill-in-the-blank template — a version with blank lines for name, address, item description, date, and place, meant to be handwritten or typed at a notarial office on the spot.
  • Printable template — a one-page, print-ready version formatted for A4 or short bond paper, matching what most notaries expect.
  • Editable template — a Word (.docx) or Google Docs version you can customize digitally before printing two copies for signing.

At minimum, any version — however it’s formatted — should let you fill in: your name, address, the item lost, the date lost, the place lost, the circumstances of loss, a declaration of diligent search and non-fraudulent loss, and a line for your signature above the notarial block.

Affidavit of Loss Word Format

A downloadable Microsoft Word (.docx) version of an affidavit of loss that can be edited to match your specific situation before printing and signing. This format is useful when you need to update details such as the lost item, date, place, and circumstances of the loss, or when a bank, school, employer, or government agency requires particular wording. Keep in mind that many notarial and law offices already provide professionally drafted affidavit of loss templates and can prepare the document on your behalf, making a separate Word file unnecessary unless you prefer to complete the draft yourself before notarization.

Download the Affidavit of Loss Word Format here

How to Get an Affidavit of Loss

  1. Gather information about the lost item. Collect any details you still have — ID numbers, account numbers, dates of issuance, photocopies, or photos — since the affidavit is more credible (and less likely to be questioned) when it’s specific.
  2. Draft the affidavit. Use a template, write it yourself, or have a notarial office or lawyer draft it for you based on the facts you provide.
  3. Prepare supporting documents. This usually means a valid government ID, and — if the item was stolen rather than simply misplaced — a police report or blotter.
  4. Visit a lawyer or notary public. Bring the unsigned draft; do not sign it beforehand, since you must sign it in the notary’s presence.
  5. Sign the affidavit under oath. The notary will verify your identity, ask you to affirm that the contents are true, and witness your signature.
  6. Obtain the notarized copy. Ask for at least two original notarized copies — one to submit, one to keep for your records.
  7. Submit it to the relevant agency. Bring the notarized affidavit along with any other required forms (application form, valid ID, police report, old/damaged item if applicable) to the office that will issue your replacement.

Where to Get an Affidavit of Loss

  • Law offices — draft and notarize the affidavit for you, usually for a combined drafting-plus-notarization fee.
  • Notary public offices — independent notarial services (often found near courts, municipal halls, and commercial areas) that notarize a document you bring already drafted, or draft a simple one on the spot.
  • Legal assistance centers and government legal aid programs — such as the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), which may assist qualified low-income individuals.
  • Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) chapter legal aid offices — some local IBP chapters offer free or low-cost legal aid, including help with simple affidavits.
  • Online legal document providers — websites that generate a draft affidavit for a fee; you’ll still need to have it signed before an actual notary public, since notarization requires personal appearance.
  • Law firms specializing in notarization services — some operate mobile or walk-in notarial desks specifically for high-volume documents like affidavits of loss.

Can You Get an Affidavit of Loss in Barangay?

Not exactly — and this distinction trips a lot of people up.

Barangay certification vs. affidavit of loss. A barangay can issue a barangay certification or record an incident in the barangay blotter confirming that you reported a loss. That is a useful supporting document, especially for theft, but it is not the same thing as a notarized affidavit of loss, because a barangay captain or barangay official is generally not authorized to perform the notarial act (administering the oath and issuing a jurat) that makes an affidavit legally binding.

When barangay documents may help. For low-stakes situations — some barangay ID replacements, or as a supplementary proof of an incident — a barangay certification alone may be accepted by certain local offices. Practices vary by barangay and by receiving institution.

Why most institutions still require a notarized affidavit. Because a notarized document is a public document with evidentiary weight and exposes the signer to real legal consequences for false statements, most government agencies, banks, and companies specifically require notarization — a barangay certification typically won’t substitute for it when the item is a government ID, license, passport, bank card, or similar high-value document.

Bottom line: use the barangay for a supporting police-blotter-style record if the item was stolen, but plan on visiting an actual notary public — not the barangay hall — to get the affidavit itself notarized, unless the specific office you’re dealing with has explicitly told you a barangay certification is enough.

Notarized Affidavit of Loss

What notarization means. Notarization is the act of a duly commissioned notary public certifying that you personally appeared, presented valid proof of identity, and swore to the truth of the statements in the document in their presence.

Why it’s required. Notarization converts your affidavit from a private, unverified statement into a public document that institutions can rely on — and, importantly, it creates a formal, provable record that you assumed legal responsibility for the truth of what you wrote.

Documents needed for notarization. Typically just the unsigned draft affidavit and one valid, unexpired, photo-bearing government ID.

Valid IDs accepted by notaries. Common examples include a passport, driver’s license, UMID, PRC ID, PhilSys National ID (physical or digital), voter’s ID, and postal ID. Requirements can vary slightly by notary, so bring more than one ID if you have them.

How long notarization takes. For a straightforward, already-drafted affidavit, the actual notarization usually takes 15–30 minutes; add more time if the notary is drafting the document for you or if there’s a queue.

How many copies to request. Get at least two original notarized copies — most receiving agencies keep the original you submit, so you’ll want a spare for your own records or for a second agency if needed.

Affidavit of Loss Requirements

To have an affidavit of loss prepared and notarized, you’ll generally need:

  • A valid government ID matching the name and address on the affidavit.
  • Personal information — full name, address, civil status, and citizenship.
  • Details of the lost item — description, ID/serial/account number, and date and place of issuance, where applicable.
  • Supporting documents, if available — a photocopy of the lost item, old receipts, or registration records.
  • A police report, if the item was stolen rather than simply misplaced (not always mandatory, but strongly advisable and often required for financial cards, IDs, or vehicle documents).
  • The relevant replacement application form, since many agencies require you to submit the affidavit together with their own application form, not as a standalone document.
  • Additional agency-specific requirements — some offices ask for extra items, such as a birth certificate, a second valid ID, or a specific number of notarized copies, so it’s worth checking the receiving office’s checklist before your appointment.

How Much Is an Affidavit of Loss?

The cost of an affidavit of loss has two separate components that are easy to confuse:

1. Notarization/preparation cost. For a simple, single-page affidavit, notarial fees commonly range from about ₱100 to ₱500, depending on the notary and the region — Metro Manila rates tend to sit at the higher end, while provincial rates are often lower. Some notaries and legal commentators cite an even lower ceiling (around ₱200) for the notarization act itself under applicable notarial fee schedules, with anything beyond that considered a separate professional or drafting fee — but in practice, actual charges vary by notary, so it’s worth asking upfront. If you have a lawyer or notarial office draft the affidavit for you (rather than bringing your own draft), expect an additional drafting fee on top of the notarization fee.

2. The agency’s replacement fee. This is charged separately by whichever office is issuing your replacement and is not included in the notarization cost. For example, as of recent guidance: LTO duplicate driver’s licenses run roughly ₱500–₱600 total (replacement, certification, clearance, and duplicate fees combined); PSA National ID card replacement is around ₱150; and PRC duplicate Professional ID cards run roughly ₱200–₱450 depending on the profession and current PRC fee schedule. These figures change periodically, so treat them as ballpark estimates and confirm the current amount with the specific office.

Factors that affect pricing include whether you need the notary to draft the document from scratch, how many notarized copies you request, whether certified true copies are needed later, and whether you’re using a walk-in notarial service versus a full-service law office.

Affidavit of Loss for SIM Card

When you need it: if your SIM was lost, stolen, or your phone (with the SIM inside) went missing, and you want a replacement SIM under the same registered number.

Information required: your name and address as registered under the SIM Registration Act (RA 11934), the mobile number, and the approximate date and circumstances of the loss.

Requirements from telecom providers: a notarized affidavit of loss, a valid ID matching your SIM registration record, and — for some telcos — a police report if the phone was stolen.

Steps: report the loss to your telco’s hotline or app to have the number temporarily suspended, prepare and notarize the affidavit, then visit an authorized SIM registration/business center with your ID to request a replacement SIM.

Additional documents: proof of your original SIM registration (screenshot or reference number) speeds up the process if you have it.

Affidavit of Loss for ID

Lost government IDs: UMID, PhilHealth ID, Postal ID, voter’s ID, and similar cards each have their own issuing office and replacement form, but all typically require a notarized affidavit of loss plus a valid secondary ID.

Lost company IDs: usually handled internally through HR, which may ask for an affidavit for accountability and security purposes, especially if the ID doubles as a building access card.

Lost school IDs: processed through the registrar’s office, generally requiring the affidavit, a replacement fee, and sometimes a parent/guardian’s signature for minors.

Replacement procedures generally follow the same pattern: submit the affidavit and application form, pay the replacement fee, and either receive the new ID on the spot or after a processing period ranging from same-day to a few weeks depending on the issuer.

Agency requirements vary in the number of copies and secondary IDs required, so check the specific issuing office’s checklist beforehand.

Affidavit of Loss for Driver’s License

Requirements for LTO replacement: a notarized Affidavit of Loss, a duly accomplished Application for Driver’s License (ADL) form, a valid government-issued ID, and — if the license was stolen — a police blotter copy (not always mandatory, but strengthens the application).

Information to include: your license number (if remembered), the LTO branch that issued it, and the approximate date, place, and circumstances of the loss.

Supporting documents: a photocopy of the lost license if you have one, plus another valid ID if the license was your only ID.

Steps: get the affidavit notarized (make sure your address on the affidavit matches your ID to avoid verification issues), book an appointment through the LTMS Portal (not a mall-based renewal center — those don’t process duplicate applications), then go to your appointed LTO District Office to submit your documents, pay the applicable replacement, certification, clearance, and duplicate fees, and receive your license, which typically retains the same expiry date as the original.

Affidavit of Loss for Passport

When it’s required: for a lost valid ePassport, a lost expired passport being surrendered during a renewal, or a lost/stolen passport reported while abroad (through a Philippine embassy or consulate).

DFA requirements: a notarized Affidavit of Loss, a police report (typically required for a lost valid passport, though this requirement has been relaxed for some expired-passport cases), a photocopy of the lost passport’s data page if available, a confirmed DFA appointment, and personal appearance for biometrics.

Additional documents needed: a PSA-issued birth certificate if you don’t have a photocopy of the lost passport’s data page, and valid secondary ID.

Passport replacement process: treat it as a new application — book an appointment, prepare all documents, appear on your scheduled date, and be aware that replacing a lost valid passport typically takes longer than a routine renewal (DFA has cited an additional processing period specifically for lost valid ePassports).

Important reminders: report a lost passport to DFA promptly, since delays can complicate travel plans and, in some cases, penalties may apply for lost valid passports (though these have occasionally been waived during declared calamities).

Affidavit of Loss for ATM Card

Why banks require it: to formally document that you no longer have the card, protecting both you and the bank from liability if the lost card is later used fraudulently.

Information to include: your account number, the issuing bank/branch, the card type, and the approximate date and circumstances of the loss.

How to block your card first: before anything else, call your bank’s hotline or use its mobile app to block the lost ATM card immediately — this matters more than the paperwork, since it stops fraudulent use right away.

Replacement procedures: after blocking the card, bring the notarized affidavit of loss, a valid ID, and your passbook (if any) to your branch to request a replacement card; most banks charge a small card-replacement fee.

Additional bank requirements: some banks accept their own in-house sworn statement instead of requiring a separately notarized affidavit — ask your branch which they prefer.

Affidavit of Loss for National ID

When it’s needed: for a misplaced or stolen PhilSys National ID (physical PhilID/ePhilID card).

Information required: your full name, PhilSys Number or Transaction Reference Number (TRN) if known, and the approximate date and place of loss. If you don’t know your PhilSys Number, the PSA can typically retrieve it using your name and birth date.

Supporting documents: for a card that was stolen, a police blotter is generally required; for a card that was simply misplaced (no theft involved), a notarized affidavit of loss is accepted instead and is usually faster to obtain. You typically only need one of the two, not both, unless the receiving office asks for extra assurance.

National ID replacement process: submit your affidavit (or police blotter), a valid ID or PSA birth certificate, and the accomplished replacement form at a PSA regional/field office or authorized PhilSys registration center; pay the replacement fee. While waiting for the physical card, the digital PhilID on the eGovPH app is generally accepted as valid proof of identity in the meantime.

Affidavit of Loss for PRC ID

PRC requirements: a notarized Affidavit of Loss and an online Duplicate Professional Identification Card (PIC) application filed through the PRC’s LERIS system.

Supporting documents: a valid government ID, a recent passport-sized photo, and — for stolen cards — a police report.

Renewal and replacement procedures: if your PRC ID is still within its validity period, file for a duplicate card; if it has also expired, you’ll process a renewal instead, which issues a new card anyway (covering both the loss and the expiry in one transaction).

Additional fees: duplicate PIC processing typically costs roughly ₱200–₱450 depending on the profession and the PRC’s current fee schedule, separate from the notarization cost of the affidavit itself — always check PRC’s updated schedule before paying.

Affidavit of Loss for Plate Number

When you need it: if your vehicle’s license plate was lost, stolen, or fell off and could not be recovered.

Vehicle ownership documents required: your Certificate of Registration (CR) and Official Receipt (OR), which prove you’re the registered owner.

LTO requirements: a notarized Affidavit of Loss describing the plate number and circumstances of the loss, plus a police report if theft is suspected (recommended, since a missing plate carries a higher risk of misuse than most lost documents).

Plate number replacement process: submit the affidavit, CR/OR, valid ID, and application form at your LTO District Office; processing and fees depend on whether you’re getting a replacement of the same plate or a new plate number assignment.

Additional supporting documents: a certificate of registration verification or MVIR (Motor Vehicle Inspection Report) may be requested by some LTO offices as an added precaution.

Common Mistakes When Preparing an Affidavit of Loss

  • Providing incorrect information — a mismatched address, misspelled name, or wrong ID number can get the affidavit rejected by the receiving agency.
  • Omitting important details — vague descriptions of “how” or “when” the item was lost often trigger requests for a revised affidavit, causing delays.
  • Using an outdated template — some agencies periodically update the specific wording or clauses they expect; a template from several years ago may miss a now-required statement.
  • Failing to notarize the affidavit — a signed-but-unnotarized document is not a valid affidavit and will almost always be rejected.
  • Not reporting lost financial documents immediately — waiting too long to block a lost ATM card or report a lost passport increases your exposure to fraud and can complicate the replacement process.
  • Submitting incomplete requirements — bringing only the affidavit without the agency’s own application form, valid ID, or police report (when required) is one of the most common reasons for a wasted trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an affidavit of loss? A sworn, notarized statement declaring that a specific item or document has been lost and cannot be found despite a diligent search, typically used to support a request for a replacement.

How do I get an affidavit of loss? Draft it yourself using a template, or have a notary/law office prepare it, then sign it in person before a notary public who verifies your identity and administers the oath.

Where can I get an affidavit of loss? Law offices, independent notary public offices, legal aid centers (like PAO or IBP chapter legal aid), and some online legal document services (which still require in-person notarization).

Can I get an affidavit of loss in barangay? Not in the fully notarized sense — a barangay can issue a certification or blotter entry, but a properly notarized affidavit generally requires an actual notary public, since most barangay officials aren’t authorized to perform notarial acts.

How much is an affidavit of loss in the Philippines? Notarization typically costs around ₱100–₱500 for a simple affidavit; the agency issuing your replacement then charges its own separate fee on top of that.

Do I need a lawyer to prepare an affidavit of loss? No — you can draft it yourself from a template, though a lawyer or notarial office can help if the situation is complex or if you’re unsure about the required wording.

Is a notarized affidavit of loss required? Yes, for nearly all government, bank, and institutional replacement requests; some low-stakes situations may accept a simpler certification, but notarization is the standard requirement.

Can I create my own affidavit of loss? Yes, as long as it’s accurate and includes the essential elements — it must still be signed before a notary public to be legally valid.

What should be included in an affidavit of loss? Your personal information, a description of the lost item, the circumstances and approximate date of loss, a statement of diligent search, a declaration of purpose, your signature, and the notarial jurat.

How long is an affidavit of loss valid? It generally has no fixed expiration date, since it documents a one-time factual event, but some agencies may ask for a recently dated one (for example, within the last few months) if significant time has passed.

Is there a standard affidavit of loss template? There’s no single government-mandated form, but the general structure shown in this guide is widely accepted and can be adapted for any lost item.

Can I use a Word format affidavit of loss? Yes — many people draft it in Microsoft Word or Google Docs, print two copies, and bring them to a notary public for signing and notarization.

Ready-to-Use Affidavit of Loss Templates

Use the General Affidavit of Loss Template in the sample section above as your base, then swap in the appropriate opening line from the table below for the item you lost. Print at least two copies before heading to a notary public.

  • General Affidavit of Loss Template — for any item not specifically listed elsewhere; describe the item, its identifying details, and issuing party in paragraph 1.
  • Government ID Affidavit of Loss Template — identify the ID type, ID number, and issuing agency.
  • SIM Card Affidavit of Loss Template — identify the mobile number, telecom provider, and registration details.
  • ATM Card Affidavit of Loss Template — identify the bank, account number, and card type.
  • Driver’s License Affidavit of Loss Template — identify the license number, LTO issuing branch, and expiry date.
  • Passport Affidavit of Loss Template — identify the passport number, DFA issuing office, and validity dates.
  • PRC ID Affidavit of Loss Template — identify your profession, PRC license number, and card validity date.
  • Plate Number Affidavit of Loss Template — identify the plate number, vehicle details, and CR/OR numbers.

Bottom Line

An affidavit of loss is a small but essential piece of paperwork — a sworn statement, not a complicated legal filing — that stands between you and getting a replacement ID, card, license, passport, or document. Understanding what it needs to say, what it costs, where to get it notarized, and what each specific agency additionally requires will save you a wasted trip and get your replacement issued faster. When in doubt about a specific institution’s exact requirements or current fees, a quick call to that office before you go is the fastest way to make sure you bring everything you need the first time.

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