My 31st Blog:

From Law to Life: How My Paralegal Skills Solve Everyday Problems

 

Early this morning, as I started my usual chores, I received a message from a fellow baker who runs a food delivery business using his motorbike. His message read:

"Te Beth, can I ask a question? Na-hulog kasi license ko kagabi sa pagde-deliver, di ko lang alam kung saan. Paano po ba gagawin ko? (English translation: "Sister Beth, can I ask a question? I dropped my license last night while making a delivery, but I don't know where it fell. What should I do?")

It was a classic case of an everyday setback—one that, fortunately, my paralegal knowledge could help resolve.

 

Step 1: Prepare the Required Documents

 

The most important document you’ll need is a notarized Affidavit of Loss, which serves as a formal declaration of how your license was lost.

 

Who Can Prepare an Affidavit of Loss?

 

Anyone can draft an Affidavit of Loss, even non-lawyers, as long as it is truthful, clear, and follows the proper format before being notarized. The affiant (the person making the statement) must sign the document.

Where can you have it notarized?

  • Law Offices & Notary Public Kiosks – Commonly found in malls, business districts, and near government offices.
  • Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) – Free notarization for indigent individuals.
  • Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Legal Aid Desks – Available in select Hall of Justice locations.

What's the Cost for Notarization?

In the Philippines, the notarization fee for an Affidavit of Loss in 2025 generally falls within these ranges:

  • Metro Manila / Highly Urbanized Cities: Around ₱100 per document.
  • Other Areas: Typically ₱50, unless the Executive Judge approves a higher fee.
  • Documentary Stamp Tax (DST): An additional ₱30 per original affidavit.

These fees are based on the latest Supreme Court circular on notarial fees. However, some notaries may charge higher rates depending on location and complexity.

 

What Makes an Affidavit of Loss Valid?

 

To be legally recognized, an Affidavit of Loss must include:

  • The full name and details of the affiant
  • A description of the lost item (e.g., driver’s license, ID, document)
  • A statement on when, where, and how the loss occurred
  • Confirmation that the item has not been recovered

 

Additionally, the document must be notarized to be legally binding. While lawyers can refine documents involving complex cases, many people simply modify freely available templates to suit their situation. Here’s a basic structure:

 

AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS

 

Republic of the Philippines              )

City/Province of [Your Location]    )S.S.

 

I, [Your Full Name], of legal age, Filipino, and a resident of [Your Complete Address], after having been duly sworn to in accordance with law, hereby depose and state that:

 

1.     I am the owner of a [Lost Item, e.g., Driver’s License, ID, Document], issued by [Issuing Authority, e.g., LTO, PRC, Bank].

2.    On [Date of Loss], I discovered that I had lost the said item while [Briefly Explain How It Was Lost].

3.    Despite diligent efforts, I have been unable to recover the lost item.

4.    I am executing this affidavit to attest to the truth of the foregoing facts and for the purpose of [State Purpose, e.g., requesting a replacement].

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this [Date] at [City/Province], Philippines.

 

[Your Signature]

[Your Printed Name]

Affiant

 

JURAT (Notary Section)

 

Subscribed and sworn to before me this [Date] at [City/Province], Philippines. The affiant exhibited [Valid ID] as proof of identity.

 

Notary Public

 

 

Doc. No. ____

Page No. ____

Book No. ____

Series of 202_

 

Step 2: Submit Your Application at the LTO

 

Once you have the notarized affidavit, gather the following documents: ✅ A valid government-issued ID (e.g., passport, national ID, UMID) ✅ A fully accomplished Application Form for Driver’s License (ADL), available online or at the LTO office

 

Then, proceed to the nearest LTO Office. Some branches require an appointment, so it’s best to check ahead.

 

Step 3: Pay the Necessary Fees

 

Fees may vary depending on the branch, but they typically include:

  • Certification Fee
  • Duplicate Fee
  • Computer Fee

Have at least Php500 to Php1,000 with you in payment of the abovementioned fees.

 

Step 4: Processing & Verification

 

Your documents will be reviewed for authenticity. If everything is in order, your replacement license will be issued.

 

Step 5: Claim Your New License

Once approved, you’ll receive your duplicate license, restoring your ability to drive legally.

 

For added convenience, you can check if online applications via the LTMS Portal are available in your location.

 

Proactive Tips to Avoid Losing Important IDs

  • Digital Copies & Cloud Storage – Keep scanned copies of essential IDs securely stored online.
  • Dedicated Safe Spot – Designate a consistent place for documents to reduce the risk of misplacement.
  • Protective Cases – Use wallets or organizers specifically designed for ID safekeeping.
  • Routine Checks – Make it a habit to check for your key IDs before heading out.

 

Conclusion

 

Losing an ID is like losing a sock in the laundry—completely inexplicable, deeply frustrating, and almost inevitable at some point. But unlike socks, your identification cards actually matter (unless, of course, you have a deep emotional attachment to your anime-themed socks—then all bets are off! 😂).

 

My work as a Paralegal isn’t just about navigating legal processes; it’s about applying practical knowledge to real-world situations. Whether it’s guiding a friend through an affidavit of loss or helping people safeguard important documents, even the smallest legal insights can make a big difference.

 


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