In Short
- You swear that what you wrote is true, so you must sign it in front of the notary.
- Say what was lost, its number, when and where you noticed, and what you did to find it.
- For a lost Philippine passport, the DFA asks for an Affidavit of Loss in English, and a police report if the passport had not yet expired.
- Each office has its own list of what to bring. Check it before you have the affidavit notarized.
When You Need One
Offices that give out IDs and documents usually want a sworn explanation before they give you a new one, so the lost item cannot be misused in your name. People commonly need one for:
- a lost Philippine passport
- a lost Driver's License, vehicle plate, or Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration
- a lost ATM card, bank passbook or checkbook
- a lost PRC ID, SSS or UMID card, or other government ID
- lost school records, titles or receipts
Not every office needs one, and some have their own form. Ask the office first.
What to Include
- Your full name, civil status (single, married, widowed and so on), citizenship and address.
- What was lost, with its number and who issued it (for example, passport number and DFA).
- When you noticed it was missing, and where it was probably lost.
- A short account of what happened, written as "I".
- That you searched for it and could not find it.
- That you have not sold, pawned (pledged) or given it to anyone.
- What the affidavit is for, such as the replacement of your passport.
Write only what is true. You will swear to it, and a false affidavit can lead to a perjury charge (the crime of lying under oath). Our Affidavit of Loss template follows this outline.
Lost Philippine Passport
The DFA's passport requirements page says:
- Lost valid ePassport: treated as a new application. Bring a police report in English and an Affidavit of Loss in English, each in original and photocopy. There is a penalty fee of ₱350 and an extra 15 business days of waiting while the DFA checks the loss (the clearing period).
- Lost expired passport: an Affidavit of Loss in English and the ₱350 penalty fee.
- Frequently lost passport: treated as a new application, with a police report, an Affidavit of Loss and the penalty fee.
- Minors: the police report is filed, and the affidavit signed, by the parent, legal guardian or authorized person who accompanies the child.
The penalty is on top of the regular passport fee. If you are abroad, ask the Philippine embassy or consulate. Each one has its own list.
Government fees can change. Always check the current amount with the office before you pay. Last checked October 8, 2026.
Other Offices
The LTO, banks, the PRC, SSS and other agencies set their own rules for replacing a lost license, plate, card or ID. Many ask for an Affidavit of Loss, and some also ask for a police report, a valid ID or an application form. Check the office's current checklist and fee before you go, so you notarize the affidavit once.
Getting It Notarized
Bring the affidavit unsigned, with your valid ID. You sign it and swear to it in front of the notary. This kind of notarization is called a jurat. See getting a document notarized for what to bring, and what notaries charge for affidavits in your area.
If the lost document was your only ID, ask the notary whether they will accept another ID, or credible witnesses (people with valid IDs who know you and can vouch for who you are).
Common Questions
Do I Need a Police Report as Well as an Affidavit of Loss?
It depends on the office. For a lost passport that had not expired, the DFA asks for both a police report and an Affidavit of Loss. For a lost expired passport, it asks for the affidavit only. Other offices set their own rules.
How Long Is the Waiting Period for a Lost Passport?
The DFA lists an extra 15 business days of waiting (the clearing period) for a lost passport that had not expired, plus a ₱350 penalty fee.
Government fees can change. Always check the current amount with the office before you pay. Last checked October 8, 2026.
Can I Write the Affidavit of Loss in Filipino?
The DFA asks for the Affidavit of Loss in English. Other offices may accept Filipino. Ask the office that will receive it.
Can Someone Else Sign the Affidavit of Loss for Me?
The person who owned the lost item normally signs it. For a minor's passport, the DFA asks for the affidavit to be signed by the accompanying parent, guardian or authorized person.
Not legal advice. This is general information. For advice on your own situation, consult a lawyer. If you cannot afford one, the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) or an IBP legal aid office may help for free.
Government fees, rules and requirements change, so always check with the office concerned before you go. Last reviewed October 8, 2026.