How to Replace a Lost SIM Card with an Affidavit of Loss in the Philippines: A Comprehensive Guide

Losing your Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card can be a frustrating experience—especially in the Philippines, where the SIM card often serves as a lifeline for communication, online transactions, banking notifications, and various other essential services. In some cases, Filipino telecommunications companies (“telcos”) require an Affidavit of Loss when you request a SIM card replacement. This article explains everything you need to know—from understanding what an Affidavit of Loss is, to the step-by-step process of replacing your SIM card in the Philippine context.

1. What Is an Affidavit of Loss?

An Affidavit of Loss is a legally notarized statement declaring that you have lost a specific item and are unable to locate it despite reasonable efforts. In the Philippines, an Affidavit of Loss is often used for lost IDs, licenses, official documents, and in some cases, SIM cards.

By executing an Affidavit of Loss, you:

Acknowledge the loss of the SIM card (and, if applicable, the inability to retrieve it).
Detail the circumstances surrounding the loss (e.g., when and where it was lost).
Certify under oath that the information you provide is true and correct.

Once notarized, this document becomes legally binding and is typically accepted by Philippine government agencies, private institutions, and telecommunication companies as proof of your claim.

2. Why Is an Affidavit of Loss Required for Replacing a SIM Card?

While not all telcos or branches require an Affidavit of Loss, many do so for fraud prevention and verification purposes. Since your SIM card can be linked to personal accounts (banking, digital wallets, social media accounts with two-factor authentication), telcos want a formal statement that you are the legitimate owner who truly lost the SIM card.

An Affidavit of Loss also serves as a legal safeguard for both you and the telco. It helps:

Prevent unauthorized access to your old SIM card.
Protect against identity theft or misuse of your old number.
Establish a clear record of the circumstances of the loss.

3. Preliminary Steps Before Securing an Affidavit of Loss

Before you proceed with getting an Affidavit of Loss, do the following:

Contact Your Telco’s Customer Service.
- Inform them of your lost SIM card.
- Ask if they require an Affidavit of Loss for replacement.
- Verify what other documents they will need.
Block or Suspend the Lost SIM (if applicable).
- Some telcos allow you to temporarily suspend or block a lost SIM to prevent unauthorized use.
Check for SIM Replacement Policies.
- Visit the telco’s official website or customer service hotline to confirm if you can do the replacement online or if you need to visit a physical store or service center.

4. How to Prepare and Execute an Affidavit of Loss

If your telco confirms that they need an Affidavit of Loss for a SIM replacement, here’s how to prepare one:

A. Draft the Affidavit of Loss

Personal Details. Include your full legal name, address, and other contact information.
Item Description. State the phone number of the lost SIM card, the telco provider, and any relevant details (e.g., was the SIM card postpaid or prepaid?).
Circumstances of Loss. Provide a concise account of how, when, and where the SIM was lost or stolen.
Statement of Good Faith. Declare that despite diligent efforts, you have been unable to recover the SIM card.
Purpose of the Affidavit. Clearly state that the purpose is to obtain a replacement SIM from the telco provider.

B. Notarization of the Affidavit

Sign the Document. You (the Affiant) must sign the Affidavit in front of a notary public.
Provide Valid ID. Present a government-issued ID (e.g., Passport, Driver’s License, Philippine National ID, or UMID) to confirm your identity to the notary.
Pay the Notarial Fee. Fees vary depending on the notary public’s office and location. (Typical fees can range anywhere from PHP 100 to PHP 300 or more for simple Affidavits of Loss.)
Receive the Notarized Affidavit. The notary will attach a seal and signature, and usually issue a notarized copy.

C. Additional Notes

Multiple Copies. It’s advisable to have at least two notarized copies (some telcos might keep the original; you’ll want an extra copy for your own records).
Validity Period. An Affidavit of Loss does not usually expire, but the telco might request a document that is “recently notarized,” typically within the last six months.

5. Replacing Your Lost SIM Card: Step-by-Step Guide

Below is a general process followed by most Philippine telcos (Globe, Smart, TNT, DITO, etc.). However, always check the specific instructions on your provider’s official website or via customer service.

Gather Required Documents.
- Affidavit of Loss (original or notarized copy, depending on telco’s instructions).
- Valid Government-Issued ID (the same ID you presented for notarization).
- Other Supporting Documents (like your reference number if you have pre-lodged a request online).
Visit the Telco’s Store or Authorized Center.
- Some telcos require that you visit a specific “Business Center” or “Customer Service Center.”
- Bring your documents in a secure folder to ensure nothing gets lost.
Inform the Customer Service Representative (CSR).
- Explain that you lost your SIM card and present the required documents.
- Provide your old mobile number and account details if you’re a postpaid subscriber.
Fill Out Any Required Forms.
- Some telcos have a SIM replacement form or a quick application form you must fill out on-site.
Pay Replacement Fee (if applicable).
- Prepaid SIM replacement fees might vary.
- Postpaid users sometimes get a free replacement, but it can depend on your contract or plan. Confirm the cost beforehand.
Receive Your New SIM Card.
- The CSR will link your old number to the new SIM card (if the number is still recoverable in their system).
- Wait for activation—this can be immediate or can take up to 24 hours, depending on telco protocols.
Test the New SIM.
- Insert the new SIM card into your phone to check signal, call, text, and data functionality.
- If there are any issues, contact customer service.
Update Important Linked Accounts.
- Update any online services or banking apps that use your mobile number for Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or verification.

6. Special Considerations Under the SIM Registration Act

In 2022, the Philippines enacted the SIM Registration Act (Republic Act No. 11934) to mandate SIM registration. If you have already registered the lost SIM, the following may apply:

Proof of Registration. Telcos may verify your SIM registration details to ensure the same user is requesting the replacement.
Re-registration of the New SIM. The telco might require you to update or confirm your registration details for the replaced SIM card.
Privacy and Data Protection. Rest assured that telcos are required to protect your personal data in compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is an Affidavit of Loss always required?

Not always. Some telcos may allow you to replace a lost SIM by presenting valid identification and filling out a customer service form. However, many branches insist on an Affidavit of Loss for formal documentation, especially in cases of theft or if the SIM is postpaid.

Q2: Can I draft my own Affidavit of Loss or do I need a lawyer?

You can draft your own Affidavit of Loss using a template or writing it from scratch. You do not necessarily need a lawyer to write it for you, but it must be notarized by a licensed notary public to be valid.

Q3: How long does the notarization process take?

Typically, notarization can be done within minutes if you bring a properly drafted Affidavit. Just ensure you have valid identification with you.

Q4: Can I send someone else to process the replacement for me?

It depends on the telco’s policies. Generally, if you must send a representative, they should bring a notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA) authorizing them to act on your behalf, along with your notarized Affidavit of Loss, copies of both your IDs, and the representative’s valid ID.

Q5: How much will a SIM replacement cost?

Fees vary depending on whether your account is prepaid or postpaid, and which telco you’re using. Some telcos do replacements for free, while others charge around PHP 40-150 for prepaid replacements. Postpaid accounts might have different fees or requirements as stipulated in the service contract.

8. Key Takeaways

Check First – Confirm with your telco if an Affidavit of Loss is required.
Draft Carefully – Write a clear, concise, and honest account of how you lost the SIM.
Notarize the Document – Have the Affidavit notarized to make it legally valid.
Bring All Requirements – Prepare IDs, your Affidavit of Loss, and any fees.
Activate and Secure – Once you get your new SIM, update your contacts, accounts, and immediately secure all essential verifications.

9. Legal Disclaimer

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws, regulations, and telco policies may change over time. For specific questions or concerns about your lost SIM card, Affidavit of Loss requirements, or related legal matters, consult a licensed attorney or contact your telco directly.

Conclusion

Replacing a lost SIM card in the Philippines often involves obtaining a notarized Affidavit of Loss to comply with telcos’ policies. Although it may seem like an extra step, it provides an added layer of protection against fraud and safeguards both you and the telco. By following the steps outlined in this guide—drafting and notarizing the affidavit, visiting a service center, and updating your important accounts—you’ll be able to regain control of your phone number with minimal hassle.