If you've lost your passport, driver's license, land title, or another important document in the Philippines, one of the first practical steps is usually getting a properly notarized Affidavit of Loss. This sworn statement declares under oath that the item is missing despite diligent efforts to recover it, and it serves as official proof for replacement applications with government agencies and private institutions. People searching for this topic often want clear answers on the notary fee, the exact process, and what actually works in real life.

This article explains what an Affidavit of Loss is, when you need one, current typical notary costs as of 2026, the complete step-by-step process, agency-specific requirements, common pitfalls, and answers to the questions Filipinos and foreigners most frequently ask.

What Is an Affidavit of Loss?

An Affidavit of Loss is a written statement in which you (the affiant) declare under oath before a notary public that a specific document or item has been lost. It includes details such as a full description of the lost item, when and how it was lost, the efforts you made to find it, and the purpose for which you are executing the affidavit (for example, to apply for a replacement passport or duplicate vehicle registration).

Once notarized, it becomes a public document with a presumption of regularity in its execution. Government agencies and banks accept it as evidence that you have formally reported the loss in good faith. It does not prove ownership by itself but supports your application for a replacement or other remedies.

Note that a simple barangay certification or blotter report is often helpful as supporting evidence (especially if the item was stolen), but most agencies require the full notarized version executed before a commissioned notary public.

Legal Basis

The notarization of affidavits is governed by the Supreme Court’s 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice (A.M. No. 02-8-13-SC), as amended, including updates through Office of the Court Administrator circulars in 2025 that prohibit notaries from charging extra for digitization, storage, or transmission of documents.

A notary public (a lawyer with a current notarial commission from the Executive Judge of the Regional Trial Court in the area of practice) administers the oath, verifies your identity through competent evidence of identity (usually a government-issued photo ID), and records the act in the notarial register. The document must contain the proper jurat (the notary’s certification that you signed and swore to the truth of the statements).

Making a false statement in an affidavit can expose you to perjury under Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code. Agencies rely on the truthfulness of these statements, so accuracy matters.

When Is an Affidavit of Loss Required?

You typically need one when applying for a replacement of a lost official document. Common situations include:

Lost passport — Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) requires a notarized Affidavit of Loss (plus police report for valid passports) when treating the application as a new one.
Lost driver’s license, Official Receipt (OR), or Certificate of Registration (CR) — Land Transportation Office (LTO) requires it for duplicate issuance.
Lost land title or tax declaration — Registry of Deeds often requires it as part of a petition for reconstitution or annotation of loss (this process is more complex and usually involves publication and possible court proceedings under Presidential Decree No. 1529).
Lost bank cards, passbooks, or ATM cards — Banks request it before processing replacements or claims.
Other cases — Insurance claims, certain PhilHealth or SSS benefit applications, or lost company IDs.

For minor personal losses, a barangay certification may sometimes suffice locally, but for anything involving government replacement or financial institutions, the notarized version is the standard requirement.

How Much Does It Cost to Notarize an Affidavit of Loss in the Philippines?

There is no single fixed statutory fee for a simple affidavit or jurat under the Notarial Rules. Notaries may charge a reasonable fee and are required to post their schedule of fees conspicuously. In practice across the country in 2025–2026, costs fall within these ranges:

Item	Typical Cost (2026)	Notes
Notary fee for jurat/affidavit	₱100 – ₱400	Lower in provinces; higher in Metro Manila and major cities. Many notaries charge ₱150–₱250 for a standard one-page affidavit.
Documentary Stamp Tax (DST)	₱30	Required on most affidavits; must be affixed and cancelled before notarization per BIR rules (RMC 056-2025). Often included in the quoted fee or paid separately.
Drafting/preparation (if needed)	₱0 – ₱500	Many notaries prepare a basic affidavit on the spot for a small add-on or as part of a package. Complex cases (e.g., lost title with multiple details) cost more.
Total typical all-in cost	₱150 – ₱600	Most people pay ₱200–₱450 for a straightforward affidavit. Confirm the exact amount upfront.

Key points on pricing:

Fees are higher in urban centers and lower in provinces.
Some notaries offer package rates that include drafting and multiple copies.
Additional copies usually cost a small extra fee (₱20–₱50 each).
There are no official “public notary” offices that charge standardized low fees for this service; you go to any commissioned lawyer-notary.
Always ask for the total before signing. Overcharging can be reported to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) chapter or the Executive Judge.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Affidavit of Loss Notarized

Check the specific requirements of the agency you will submit it to (DFA, LTO, Registry of Deeds, bank, etc.). Call them or check their website, as requirements can include a police report, specific wording, or additional documents.
Gather the facts — Write down: exact description of the lost item (including numbers, dates issued, issuing authority), date/place/circumstances of loss, what efforts you made to locate it (e.g., “I searched my home, car, and retraced my steps”), and the exact purpose (“to apply for a replacement passport at the DFA”).
Draft the affidavit — Use a standard format. You can prepare it yourself or have the notary prepare it (recommended for first-timers or complex cases). Many notaries will draft a basic version during your visit.
Prepare your ID — Bring at least one valid government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, UMID, etc.). The notary must verify your identity.
Locate a commissioned notary public — Any lawyer with a current notarial commission. Look for “Notary Public” signage, ask friends or the local IBP chapter, or use directories. The notary must practice in the city or municipality where commissioned.
Appear in person — You must sign and swear to the truth of the statements in the notary’s presence. A representative cannot usually do this for you.
Pay the fee and complete notarization — The notary enters the details in the notarial register, affixes the seal, completes the jurat (including Doc. No., Page No., Book No., and Series of 20__), and cancels the DST stamp if required.
Receive your copies — Get the original notarized document plus extra copies as needed. Keep the original safe.

The entire process at the notary’s office usually takes 15–45 minutes once the draft is ready.

Sample Format (General Purpose)

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES)
CITY/MUNICIPALITY OF ________ ) S.S.

AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS

I, [Full Name], of legal age, [civil status], Filipino, and a resident of [complete address], after having been duly sworn in accordance with law, do hereby depose and state:

1. I am the lawful owner/holder of [precise description of lost item, e.g., “Philippine Passport No. XXXXX issued on [date] by the DFA Manila”].

2. On or about [date of loss], the said [item] was lost/misplaced under the following circumstances: [brief factual account].

3. Despite diligent efforts to locate the same, including [specific efforts], I have been unable to recover it.

4. I am executing this affidavit in good faith and for the sole purpose of [e.g., applying for a replacement at the DFA / securing a duplicate OR/CR from the LTO].

5. I have not executed any similar affidavit for the same purpose.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ___ day of ______________ 20__ in _______________, Philippines.

______________________________
[Signature over Printed Name]
Affiant

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this ___ day of ______________ 20__ in _______________, Philippines. Affiant exhibited to me his/her competent evidence of identity [type of ID and number].

______________________________
Notary Public
Doc. No. _____;
Page No. _____;
Book No. _____;
Series of 20__.

Adapt the wording to your exact situation. For DFA passport loss, include passport number, date/place of issuance, and expiry date.

Agency-Specific Requirements and Additional Steps

DFA (Lost Passport): Notarized Affidavit of Loss + police report (for valid passports) + other standard new-application documents. Treated as a new application with possible additional clearing period and penalty fee in some cases. Check dfa.gov.ph for the latest.

LTO (Lost DL, OR/CR): Notarized Affidavit of Loss + other requirements (sometimes police report if stolen). You then pay LTO fees for the duplicate.

Registry of Deeds (Lost Title): The affidavit is only the starting point. You will likely need to file a petition, publish a notice of loss in a newspaper of general circulation (significant added cost), and possibly go through court proceedings. Consult the Registry of Deeds or a lawyer experienced in property registration.

Banks and others: Usually just the notarized affidavit plus their own forms and ID.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Using vague descriptions (e.g., “my ID” instead of full details with numbers) — agencies may reject it.
Inconsistent information with official records.
Going to an uncommissioned person or using online/remote “notarization” services that are not yet standard or accepted for this purpose.
Assuming a barangay certification is enough — it usually is not for DFA, LTO, or banks.
Delaying the process — execute the affidavit soon after discovery while details are fresh.
For foreigners: If you are in the Philippines, the process is the same (your foreign passport is usually accepted as ID). If executed abroad for use in the Philippines, it may require authentication or apostille.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the notary fee for an affidavit of loss in Manila or other cities?
Most notaries in Metro Manila charge ₱200–₱400 total (including DST) for a standard one-page affidavit. Provinces are often ₱100–₱250. Always confirm the exact amount when you call or visit.

Can I get an affidavit of loss notarized at the barangay?
Barangays can issue certifications or blotter reports, which are useful supporting documents. However, DFA, LTO, banks, and most other institutions require a notarized affidavit executed before a commissioned lawyer-notary.

Do I need a police report together with the affidavit?
It depends on the agency and whether the item was stolen. DFA usually requires one for valid lost passports. LTO sometimes does for OR/CR. Ask the specific agency.

How long is an affidavit of loss valid?
It does not have an expiration date, but agencies prefer recent ones (within a few weeks or months of the loss). Execute it promptly and use it soon.

Can a foreigner execute an affidavit of loss in the Philippines?
Yes. Bring your valid foreign passport or other acceptable ID. The process is the same.

Do I need a lawyer to draft the affidavit?
Not necessarily. Many notaries prepare simple affidavits on the spot. For lost land titles or complicated situations, having a lawyer prepare it reduces the risk of rejection.

Can I do this online or by mail?
Standard notarization requires personal appearance before the notary. Remote or electronic notarization is not yet widely available or accepted for ordinary affidavits of loss.

What if I lost multiple items at once?
You can include them in one affidavit if they were lost under the same circumstances, but separate affidavits are often cleaner for different agencies.

Is there a standard template I can download?
Many notaries and some government sites provide templates. The sample above covers the essential elements. Always tailor it to your facts and the agency’s expectations.

Key Takeaways

A properly notarized Affidavit of Loss is the standard official document needed for most replacement applications in the Philippines.
Typical total cost in 2026 ranges from ₱150 to ₱600, with ₱200–₱450 being most common for a simple case.
The process is straightforward: gather facts, draft or have it drafted, appear before a commissioned notary public with valid ID, pay the fee, and receive the notarized document the same day.
Requirements vary by agency (DFA, LTO, Registry of Deeds, banks) — always verify directly with them.
Accuracy and good-faith disclosure are essential; false statements carry legal risks.
For simple ID or passport losses, the process is quick and affordable. For lost land titles, expect additional steps, costs, and professional help.
Barangay documents are supportive but rarely sufficient on their own.

Losing documents is stressful, but following these practical steps will help you move forward efficiently with the correct paperwork in hand. For high-value or complex matters such as property titles, consider consulting a lawyer familiar with the specific agency involved.