Lost Deed of Sale for Motor Vehicle: What to Do Next

Question:

The client lost the Deed of Sale for their motor vehicle and is unsure of how to go about getting a replacement. What steps should be taken to obtain a new one?

Answer:

Obtain an Affidavit of Loss:

Draft the Document: The first step is to draft an Affidavit of Loss, stating the circumstances surrounding the loss of the original Deed of Sale.
Notarize the Affidavit: The drafted Affidavit of Loss must be notarized by a licensed notary public.

File a Police Report:

Although not always required, filing a police report can help in establishing a record of the loss, which may be useful in certain circumstances.

Contact the Seller:

Reach Out: Contact the person or entity from whom you purchased the motor vehicle.
New Deed of Sale: Request a duplicate copy of the Deed of Sale if they have it, or have a new one drafted and notarized.

Register the New Document:

Once you have a new Deed of Sale or a duplicate copy, go to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to update your records and show proof that you are the legal owner of the vehicle.

Secure Additional Copies:

It's advisable to secure additional copies of your new or duplicate Deed of Sale and have them notarized. Keep these copies in a safe place and consider having digital copies as well.

Legal Advice:

For complex situations, or if the seller is uncooperative or unavailable, consult a legal advisor for specific guidance on how to proceed.

Disclaimer:

This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Consult a lawyer for case-specific guidance.