The Land Transportation Office (LTO) usually requires an Affidavit of Loss in cases of lost driver’s license, lost conductor’s license, lost motor vehicle official receipt and certificate of registration (OR/CR), or lost number plates. Sure, it’s not all that you’ll need, but in cases of lost anything, an Affidavit of Loss is one requirement you can’t afford to be without.
If you are at a loss on what to do or how to secure an Affidavit of Loss for use at the LTO Office, then you may learn more about how to secure or draft an Affidavit of Loss. In case you can’t, you may also use the following template, a sample Affidavit of Loss for LTO, to save you the hassle of writing one from scratch.
What is an Affidavit of Loss?
An Affidavit of Loss is a legal document declaring the loss of something, usually a license, an OR/CR, or a number plate (if the affidavit is to be used at the LTO). Regardless if the loss was due to theft, misplacement, or destruction, the Affidavit of Loss is a necessary requirement to obtain a replacement for your driver’s or conductor’s license, OR/CR, or number plates. It serves as an oath outlining that to the best of the person’s knowledge the license, OR/CR, or number plate is truly gone.
Anytime an individual loses a document that cannot be immediately replaced with a copy, there is usually a need to file for an affidavit of loss. At the LTO, this is usually upon the loss of a license, a duplicate OR/CR, or a duplicate number plate of a vehicle. As simple as it seems, many people confuse the affidavit of loss with a written document explaining as to how the item was lost. Ultimately, while the purpose is the same, an Affidavit of Loss is much more credible, as it is usually documented officially or notarized with the help of a licensed lawyer.
Content Format of an Affidavit of Loss
Though the LTO Affidavit of Loss may be used under different circumstances related to loss and the LTO, the affidavit itself is unchanging in its content, and must always contain the following information:
- Title of the document
- Personal information
- Full name
- Statement that affiant is of legal age
- Civil status
- Citizenship
- Residence address
- Residence Certificate Number
- A narration of the circumstances of the loss, which includes
- A description of the item or document lost
- A description of how it got lost
- The effort exerted to find it; and
- Your request for a replacement of the item or document lost.
- The signature of the affiant or the person executing/signing the document.
- The jurat or the oath or affirmation before the notary public that you have personally executed the document in the notary’s presence.
For Affidavit of Loss to be used at the LTO, the owner of the lost item must also provide information such as the make, model, and vehicle identification number for the vehicle associated with the missing documents. Though the rules and requirements regarding information required when filing an Affidavit of Loss may vary, it is always necessary to have the Affidavit of Loss notarized.
Who Can Get a Notarized Affidavit of Loss for LTO
A notarized Affidavit of Loss for LTO is something that only those who have lost LTO documents, OR/CR, license, or number plates, are required to have to be able to get duplicates or a second copy.
Requirements for Securing an Affidavit of Loss
To get a notarized Affidavit of Loss, one must prepare the following requirements:
- Presentation of Original and submission of one (1) photocopy of any of the following valid government issued identification card with photo and signature
- Philippine Identification (PhilID) Card
- Philippine passport
- Social Security System (SSS) Card,
- UMID Card
- PhilHealth ID
- TIN Card
- Postal ID
- Voter’s ID
- Barangay ID
- PRC ID
- OFW ID
- Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID
- National Council of Disabled Affairs (NCDA) ID
- Solo Parent ID
- Voter’s Certification
- Government Services and Insurance System (GSIS) e-Card
- Seaman’s Book
- Government Owned and/or Controlled Corporations (GOCC) ID,
- Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) or Pag-IBIG ID
- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Certification,
- Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID
- Presentation of Original Residence Certificate (cedula)
- Money for payment of notarial fees
How to Get a Notarized Affidavit of Loss
If, somehow, you find yourself in need of an LTO Affidavit of Loss, then here are the steps on how to get one:
Step 1: Prepare three (3) copies of the affidavit document (if you can) to help save money.
Step 2: If you can’t or you don’t mind the expenses, visit a notary public.
Step 3: With a government-issued photo ID and a residence certificate at hand, proceed to a licensed notary public office.
Step 4: Request for an Affidavit of Loss detailing when and how the driver’s license, OR/CR, or license plate was lost (if you don’t have a prepared affidavit document).
Step 5: Provide all the details, including the exact address indicated on your lost LTO documents.
Step 6: Wait for the affidavit to be printed, signed, and notarized (if you didn’t prepare it) or signed and notarized (if you prepared the document beforehand).
Step 7: Pay the necessary fees for the notarial service.
Fees
If you are worrying about the fees associated with the Affidavit of Loss, then you really shouldn’t as it doesn’t cost much. If you come with a prepared affidavit, the price ranges from P100.00 to P400.00. If you didn’t, however, the fees range from P500.00 to P800.00 depending on the notary public that you are visiting. If you are an indigent, you may visit the Public Attorney’s Office and secure a notarized Affidavit of Loss for free.
Sample Affidavit of Loss LTO Template Form
To give you an idea about how an Affidavit of Loss looks like on paper and to help you draft a copy for personal use, you may check this sample Affidavit of Loss for lost LTO driver’s license:
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES)
CITY OF MAKATI ) S.S.
x—————————-x
AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS
I, ___________________, of legal age, Filipino, (single/married/widow) and a resident of _______________________________, after having been duly sworn to in accordance with law, depose and state THAT:
1. I am a duly-licensed driver in accordance with pertinent Land Transportation laws, rules and regulations, and was issued a corresponding (Non) Professional Driver’s License with number _____________ which is valid until _____________;
2. Sometime on ____________, said driver’s license was misplaced and got lost;
3. Efforts were exerted to locate said driver’s license, but in spite of diligent search, it could not be found and the same is now beyond recovery;
4. Said Driver’s License has not been confiscated by the LTO, Police or other Traffic Enforcers for any traffic violation;
5. As such, I am executing this Affidavit of Loss to attest to the truth of the foregoing and to support my application for the issuance of a new (Non) Professional Driver’s License, in lieu of the one that was lost;
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ___________________ in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines.
Affiant.
ID No.: _________________.
SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me this ___________________ in _________________, Philippines, affiant exhibiting to me his/her competent evidence of identity by way of __________________ issued at ______________ on __________________.
Doc. No. _____;
Page No. _____;
Book No. _____;
Series of 2023.
Important Tips and Warnings
For your reference, here are some important reminders you might want to take note of:
- Some government offices and private institutions (e.g., banks) have their Affidavit of Loss template, so it is best to check their website and use their pro forma template to save you time and money. You simply need to fill it out and bring it to the notary.
- The Affidavit of Loss is different from a regular written statement explaining the loss, though it does give out details regarding the lost item.
- Securing an Affidavit of Loss usually entails making payments, but indigents may get it for free.
- As an Affidavit of Loss is a sworn statement, it is a must to be truthful and accurate in executing one.
- If the authorities find out that you have executed a false affidavit, you might face legal repercussions later on.
- The LTO does not have their own pro forma template for the Affidavit of Loss so you may simply make one or have the Notary Public make one for you.
- If you wish to save money, you might want to have an affidavit document prepared beforehand so you will only need to pay notarial services.
Video: How to File an Affidavit if Loss at the LTO
Learn more about the fees, requirements and procedures of executing and filing an Affidavit of Loss for lost license plates at the LTO. Watch this video from Mr. BI Vlogs today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To learn more about executing an Affidavit of Loss for lost LTO documents or number plates, here are some common questions and answers that might help:
1. Should an Affidavit of Loss be notarized?
Yes. The Affidavit of Loss should be notarized as the affidavit only becomes a legal document if it is executed under oath. Having it notarized means you are attesting to the whole truth of the contents of your affidavit. That is the purpose of the jurat, which starts with the words “SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO..”
If your statement is false, you can be prosecuted for perjury.
2. Will the notary public notarize my affidavit even if I do not have an ID?
Yes. The notary public may notarize your document if your situation falls into any of the following conditions:
a. The notary public personally knows you;
b. The notary public does not know you, but one credible witness who is personally known to the notary public can confirm your identity;
c. If you can bring two credible witnesses who have IDs, and they can confirm your identity to the notary.
3. How much does the Affidavit of Loss cost in the Philippines?
The going rate for notarizing the affidavit of loss usually starts at P100.00. The cost varies depending on the place and the notary public itself. If they will also prepare the document, it can go up to P500.00 to P800.00 depending on the notary public.
4. Can I get a free Affidavit of Loss?
Yes. You may also get a free Affidavit of Loss if you are indigent. Indigents can get their Affidavit of Loss notarized for free at the Public Attorney’s Office, as the latter offers notarial services to indigent persons.
To be considered indigent, your family income should not exceed P14,000.00 per month if you reside in Metro Manila, P13,000.00 for other cities, and P12,000.00 for all other places. You may also check the Legal Office or the Councilor’s Office of your city or municipality, as they sometimes offer free notarial services to their constituents.
5. How long is the validity period of the Affidavit of Loss? Does it expire?
An Affidavit of Loss has no specific expiry date, but it is only valid for the specific incident where the document is lost, so you can only use it once. It means once you obtain a replacement for the lost document and lose it again, you’ll have to execute another Affidavit of Loss and can no longer use the previous one.
6. I lost my bag containing several documents and IDs. Should I execute one Affidavit of Loss for each item/document lost, or can I execute just one Affidavit for all?
You do not need to make one Affidavit of Loss for each. One affidavit for all will suffice.
7. I already found my lost license but I have already declared it lost and executed an Affidavit of Loss with LTO. How can I cancel or withdraw the Affidavit of Loss?
If you have already received a replacement license, then you can simply surrender the old one or just keep it until it expires. By then, it won’t matter whether or not you have two copies of driver’s license anyway.
8. Can I get an Affidavit of Loss for lost professional driver’s license at the barangay hall?
Yes. You may check the barangay for free notarial services that they sometimes offer to their constituents. In case there isn’t one available, then there’s no way to execute an Affidavit of Loss from there.
Summary
Getting an Affidavit of Loss is a simple matter. It can be done by printing the document yourself or by simply making a short visit at a notary public’s office. Though it seems easy to make dishonest statements using this affidavit, do note that if the authorities find out that you are being dishonest when you execute your affidavit, you may face legal repercussions which might lead to hefty fines or penalties.