Affidavit of Loss for a Lost SIM Card (Philippine Context): A Complete Legal Guide

What is an Affidavit of Loss?

An Affidavit of Loss is a sworn written statement, executed by a person (“affiant”) before a notary public, declaring the facts surrounding the loss of a thing—in this case, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card. In the Philippines, it’s commonly required by mobile network operators (MNOs) to deactivate a lost SIM and issue a replacement SIM that retains the original number (subject to telco policies).

Because it’s an affidavit, it’s a jurat (the notary certifies that you personally appeared, were identified, and swore to the truth of your statement), not an acknowledgment.

Why it matters

SIM Registration Act (R.A. 11934) requires SIMs to be registered to a real person. When a registered SIM is lost, the owner must promptly arrange for deactivation and (if desired) replacement under their identity to prevent misuse.
Telcos may rely on the affidavit as part of their KYC and risk control when restoring your number, and some may require it to process SIM change or re-issuance requests.
It documents facts if the SIM was tied to banking, e-wallets, 2FA/OTP, or other sensitive accounts.

When do you need one?

Your registered SIM is lost, stolen, or destroyed and you want the same number issued on a new SIM.
Your SIM is bound to financial services or platforms that require number continuity.
Your telco’s process explicitly requires an affidavit (requirements vary by telco and branch; some accept alternative proofs, others do not).

Who may execute it?

Individual owner who registered the SIM.
Authorized representative (with a Special Power of Attorney and valid IDs) if the owner is unavailable.
Parent/guardian for a minor (include child’s birth certificate if the SIM is in the child’s name).
Corporate officer/authorized signatory for a company-registered SIM (attach Board Resolution/Secretary’s Certificate and IDs).

Core contents of the affidavit

Keep it factual, specific, and consistent with telco records:

Affiant’s identity: full name, citizenship, civil status, date of birth, address, and valid government ID details.
SIM details: mobile number, telco/network, SIM brand (prepaid/postpaid), date and place of purchase/activation if known.
Registration info: confirm that the SIM is registered under the affiant (or the represented entity/minor).
Circumstances of loss: date, time, place, and manner (e.g., misplaced, theft, robbery, accident).
Immediate actions taken: attempts to locate, contact with telco, request for temporary blocking.
Statement of non-possession and non-recovery: that the SIM has not been found to date.
Purpose clause: for deactivation and issuance of a replacement SIM with the same number (or for record/insurance/police purposes).
Undertakings: to return or surrender the original SIM if found; to hold the telco harmless for actions based on the affidavit; acknowledgement of liabilities for false statements.
Attachments: ID copies; proof of ownership (e.g., SIM purchase receipt, account statement, prior SIM pack, contract), police or barangay blotter if available/required; SPA/Board Resolution if applicable.

Notarization essentials

Appear personally before a Philippine notary public (bring original ID).
The notary will administer an oath and have you sign the affidavit in their presence.
You’ll receive a notarized copy bearing the notary’s details and Document No./Page No./Book No./Series of [Year].
Fees vary by location; expect a modest fee for a simple jurat.
If you’re abroad, execute the affidavit before a Philippine consular officer (consularized) or in accordance with local law then apostille/legalize as required.

Typical telco process (what to expect)

Report the loss immediately to your telco to block the SIM (limit fraud/OTP capture).
Gather requirements (usually):
- Valid government ID (and two IDs if the number is high-risk/linked to finance)
- Affidavit of Loss (notarized)
- SIM number and account details; for postpaid: account number/contract
- Proofs of recent usage (last load/transactions, last dialed numbers, recent SMS or call timestamps)
- SPA/Board Resolution if using a representative or corporate SIM
Visit a service center or follow the telco’s online/branch workflow.
SIM replacement: telco issues a new SIM and reprovisions your number. Some fees may apply.
Re-secure your accounts: update/reinforce OTP channels, reset passwords.

Note: Exact requirements and turnaround differ by telco and branch. Some waive the affidavit for straightforward replacements; others require it—especially if the number is linked to sensitive services or if identity checks fail.

Data protection & legal cautions

Your affidavit contains personal data; handle copies carefully and submit only to legitimate recipients.
False statements in an affidavit can constitute perjury under the Revised Penal Code (as amended) and may lead to criminal liability, civil claims, or account sanctions.
If the SIM was used in a crime (scams, unauthorized transactions), promptly file a police report and notify affected institutions (banks/e-wallets).

Special scenarios

Minor’s SIM: Parent/guardian executes an affidavit on behalf of the minor; attach proof of relationship.
Deceased owner: Heir/representative executes the affidavit; attach death certificate and proof of authority (e.g., SPA from heirs, extrajudicial settlement where applicable).
Corporate SIMs: Officer/authorized signatory executes; attach Board Resolution/Secretary’s Certificate and company ID.
Phone lost with SIM: Include the device IMEI (if available) and mention any police or barangay blotter. Consider requesting the telco to IMEI blacklist the handset (separate process).
Overseas loss: Execute before a PH consulate or follow apostille procedures; coordinate with telco on remote processing and delivery of the replacement SIM.

Practical checklist

Notarized Affidavit of Loss
Government ID(s) (original + photocopy)
Mobile number and telco/network
Proofs of usage/ownership (receipts, bills, screenshots)
Police/barangay blotter (if required or if theft)
SPA/Board Resolution (if applicable)
Reference numbers from any prior telco reports

Model template: Affidavit of Loss (Lost SIM Card)

Affidavit of Loss

I, [Full Name], of legal age, [citizenship], [civil status], and a resident of [complete address], with government-issued ID [type and number], after having been duly sworn in accordance with law, depose and state that:

I am the registered owner/user of mobile number [+63-XXX-XXX-XXXX] under [Telco/Network], associated with SIM card previously used in my device.

On [date] at around [time] in [place], I [lost/misplaced/was a victim of theft/robbery] of said SIM card. Despite diligent efforts, I have been unable to locate or recover it.

Immediately upon discovering the loss, I [reported/contacted] [Telco/Branch/Hotline/Reference No.] to request blocking and to prevent unauthorized use.

The lost SIM is registered under my name pursuant to the SIM Registration Act, and may be linked to certain online accounts and services.

I execute this Affidavit to attest to the foregoing facts and to request deactivation of the lost SIM and issuance of a replacement SIM bearing the same mobile number, and for any other legal and valid purpose it may serve.

If the original SIM is later found, I undertake to surrender or cause its destruction and to hold [Telco] free and harmless from any liability arising from reliance on this Affidavit.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this [date] in [city/municipality], Philippines.

[Affiant’s Printed Name] Affiant

Gov’t ID: [Type/No.] • Date/Place Issued: [—]

JURAT SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this [date] at [city/municipality], Philippines, affiant exhibiting [ID type/number] issued on [date] at [place].

[Notary Public’s Name] Notary Public for [City/Province] PTR No. [—]; IBP No. [—]; Roll No. [—]; MCLE [—] Doc. No. [—]; Page No. [—]; Book No. [—]; Series of [Year]

(Tip: Replace bracketed fields carefully; keep the language simple and factual. Avoid speculation and legal conclusions.)

Frequently asked questions

Do I always need an affidavit? Not always. Some branches accept other proofs; others insist on a sworn statement—especially for high-risk numbers or when records are incomplete. Bring one if you’re unsure; it rarely hurts to have it.

Is a police or barangay blotter mandatory? Often optional unless there was theft/robbery or the telco’s checklist requires it. When in doubt, secure a blotter; it supports your narrative.

What if the SIM was never registered? You’ll need to satisfy the telco’s identity and ownership checks. Registration compliance is still required for replacement/activation.

Can I e-notarize? The standard, safest path is in-person notarization in the Philippines or consular notarization abroad. Remote options may be limited or process-specific; verify with your notary and telco.

How fast is replacement? Varies by telco/branch and completeness of your documents. Having the affidavit and IDs ready speeds things up.

What if someone uses my number while it’s lost? Report and block immediately; notify banks/e-wallets and update credentials. Consider separate affidavits for fraud disputes if required by your bank or provider.

One-page summary (for printing)

Prepare: Affidavit of Loss (notarized) + valid ID(s) + proofs of usage/ownership (+ SPA/Board Resolution if applicable).
Report: Block the SIM with your telco ASAP.
Replace: Visit service center/official channel; request same-number reissuance.
Secure: Reset passwords, update OTP settings, and monitor accounts.

If you want, I can convert the template into a fillable PDF or a DOCX you can print and sign.