Lost your OR/CR? Here's how an affidavit of loss can help

Have you misplaced your vehicle's Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration (OR/CR)? And despite the best efforts, it is impossible to get them back. Don’t worry, LTO (Land Transportation Office) and its nationwide branches issue duplicate documents, as the OR/CR are two of the most important documents for a motor vehicle owner in the Philippines. Why? It proves the vehicle is registered with the LTO and checked for roadworthiness. Thus having the OR/CR is inevitable for a motor vehicle owner at all times.

Luckily, acquiring a duplicate OR/CR is not that complicated. You just need some time and documents. One prerequisite is the Affidavit of Loss, which a car or motorcycle owner must submit to get the replacement OR/CR.

Why an Affidavit of Loss for lost/stolen OR/CR, you ask? The LTO requires this piece of document as proof that the applicant’s OR/CR is irrevocably lost and is irretrievable despite the owner’s best efforts.

In this article, we’ll be discussing the Affidavit of Loss for lost/stolen OR/CR in detail, discussing its content, benefits, requirements, procedure, fee, etc in depth. So, without further delay, let us begin.

Also Read: Printing your LTO Official Receipts: A step-by-step guide

Understanding Affidavit of Loss for Lost OR/CR

What is an Affidavit of Loss? It is a legal document that declares the loss of something, like a document or certificate. In the case of OR/CR, it explains in writing how the documents were lost, further, this allows the event to get documented and notarized by a licensed lawyer.

When a vehicle owner loses the LTO OR/CR and needs a duplicate OR/CR, he/she first needs to get an Affidavit of Loss serving as an oath or sworn statement that the OR/CR is irretrievable. Thus, it was deemed lost for good by the motor vehicle owner and the agency.

Affidavit of Loss for Lost OR/CR - What Information does it hold?

The Affidavit of Loss is not limited to the lost OR/CR; its usage extends to applicants who lose items like IDs, documents, and valuables. In all cases, the content of the Affidavit of Loss remains the same.

The infographic below gives a brief idea about the content of an Affidavit of Loss -

In addition, the licensee must also fulfill other documentary requirements at the LTO to get the duplicate OR/CR.

Affidavit of Loss for Lost OR/CR What are the advantages of getting one?

Yes, securing an Affidavit of Loss will allow you to secure a duplicate OR/CR which in turn has several benefits including -

• A legal proof that the motor vehicle is legally acquired, registered, and roadworthy.
• It acts as a shield when traffic inspectors stop it for inspection.
• You can renew your motor vehicle (motorcycle & car) registration, as OR/CR is a prerequisite.
• You can sell your motor vehicle without any hassle, as OR/CR comes with complete paperwork.
• In case of a dispute due to a collision or accident, it will be very helpful; to make sure you aren’t at a disadvantage.
• It serves as a motor vehicle’s unique identification.

Also Read: Common mistakes to avoid when renewing your OR/CR in the Philippines

Affidavit of Loss for Lost OR/CR Who can get it?

Anybody can get a notarized Affidavit of Loss to acquire duplicate OR/CR from the LTO, it is just that they need to own a registered motor vehicle in the Philippines and have lost or damaged the original documents.

Affidavit of Loss for Lost OR/CR Requirements to secure it?

It doesn’t matter what item or document you lost; to get a notarized Affidavit of Loss, you must fulfill a few requirements. The list includes several documents, from proof of identity and residence certificate to inspection report.

Affidavit of Loss for Lost OR/CR How can I get it?

Follow the below-mentioned steps to procure an Affidavit of Loss -

Step 1: Get three copies of the affidavit document if you can to save money. Else visit a notary public.

Step 2: Head to a licensed notary public office. Do take along a government-issued photo ID and a residence certificate.

Step 3: Request for an Affidavit of Loss and give details regarding when and how the OR/CR was lost.

Step 4: Provide all the required details like the exact address mentioned on your lost OR/CR.

Step 5: Wait for the affidavit to get printed, signed, and notarized (if documents are not prepared); or signed and notarised, if prepared beforehand.

Step 6: Pay the necessary fees.
Affidavit of Loss for Lost OR/CR: How much fees will I be required to pay?
The fees that an applicant of duplicate LTO OR/CR is required to pay to secure a Notarized Affidavit of Loss depend on the degree of preparedness. The table below discusses different scenarios and their corresponding fees.

Note, that individuals with monetary trouble are given a notarized Affidavit of Loss for free by the Public Attorney’s Office.

Affidavit of Loss for Lost OR/CR - Essentials tips to consider

• To save time and money, it is advised to make use of the pro forma template of the Affidavit of Loss template available on the websites of some government offices and private institutions. Just fill that form out and bring it to the notary.
• The Affidavit of Loss is not the same as a regular written statement that explains the loss of the LTO OR/CR.
• Remember, the Affidavit of Loss is a sworn statement, so you must ensure that everything mentioned is accurate and truthful.
• To secure an Affidavit of Loss, an applicant needs to make a few payments; however, indigents can get it for free from the Public Attorney’s Office.
• If you want to save money, make sure to have an affidavit prepared beforehand. This will entail you to only notarial services which are around PHP 100 to PHP 400.
• The LTO does not have its own pro forma template of the Affidavit of Loss which leaves the applicant with two choices - either make one or have the Notary Public prepare one for you.
• If the LTO gets to know that an applicant procured a false affidavit to secure a duplicate LTO OR/CR, he/she is at risk of being penalized.

Bottom line

It is a well-known fact (we hope so) that the LTO OR/CR are two of the most important documents for a motor vehicle owner. Together they prove that the vehicle is legal, registered, and roadworthy. Therefore, it becomes crucial for a vehicle owner to keep the OR/CR well secure, otherwise, they end up in trouble. In cases where the LTO OR/CR gets lost or stolen, one needs to request a duplicate copy which requires securing an Affidavit of Loss. This document includes several information about the lost document, and vehicle owner’s info, along with details on how & when the OR/CR was lost. The procedure of securing duplicate copies is simple and hassle-free.

Also Read: Stay road-ready: Why you must have your OR/CR in the Philippines