Affidavit of Loss in the Philippines

Losing, misplacing, or accidentally destroying important items—such as a government ID, ATM card, checkbook, license plate, or any original document—can quickly become a major inconvenience. This is especially true when these items are needed for banking, identification, or other legal transactions. In such situations, the common remedy in the Philippines is to execute an Affidavit of Loss: a sworn statement that details the circumstances of the loss (or destruction) and asks the relevant authority to accept the incident as fact so you can obtain a replacement or be cleared of liability. Below is a concise guide on what an Affidavit of Loss is, why it matters, and how to prepare one.

What is an Affidavit of Loss?

An Affidavit of Loss is a written, sworn statement that confirms the loss of a document, item, or identification. It describes the lost item, when and how it was lost, and affirms that the person no longer has it in their possession.

What is an Affidavit of Loss used for?

The affidavit is often required when requesting a replacement for a lost document or item. This includes IDs, licenses, ATM cards, certificates, receipts, and official records. It serves as proof that the loss has been declared under oath and that the original item is no longer accessible. Institutions such as banks, government offices, and schools usually require it before processing a replacement.

Who can issue or make an Affidavit of Loss?

Only the person who lost the item (the affiant) can make and sign the affidavit, because it is a personal account made under oath. It must then be notarized by a lawyer or notary public, who verifies the identity of the affiant and confirms that the statement was made voluntarily. The notary does not issue or create the document, they only authenticate it through notarization.

How and where is an Affidavit of Loss used?

Once notarized, the Affidavit of Loss can be submitted to the institution that issued the lost document. It may also be attached to an application for reissuance or serve as part of a formal explanation. For example, government offices may need it before processing a duplicate of an ID. Make sure to follow any specific requirements the institution may have, as some may request additional attachments or a special format.

For a sample Affidavit of Loss, head over to https://www.dulaylaw.com/resources.

Need legal assistance? You can reach us at +63.927.487.0737, email us at contact@dulaylaw.com, or visit https://www.dulaylaw.com/contact-us to learn more about how we can help.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational and general educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship.