Replacing a lost land title is important to secure ownership of your property and to avoid any

illegal claims. There are 2 processes involved: administrative or jurisdiction.

There are many reasons for losing an original copy of the land title. The most common of
them are fire, flood and any natural disaster, or as simple as misplacing it. When you lose a
land title, it is important to have it replaced as soon as possible as it can cost you your
property. It will also avoid any inconveniences caused by illegal claims of fraudsters who
take advantage of properties with lost land titles. Here are the necessary steps to take when
replacing a lost land title.

2 Options in Replacing A Lost Land Title | A Guide

 Jurisdiction Process

This takes about 6-9 months and hiring a lawyer is needed since the replacement of a land
title through the judicial process will go through the court. This means additional expenses
but it is all worth it once the original copy of the land title has been reissued.

1. File for Annotation of the Affidavit of Loss.

2. Request a Certified True Copy (with annotation of loss).
3. File a petition at the Regional Trial Court.
4. Attend the jurisdictional hearing.
5. Submit proof or evidence.
6. Wait for the issuance of a Court Decision.
7. Wait for the Certificate of Finality to be issued.
8. File a Court Decision and Certificate of Finality at the Registry of Deeds.
9. Wait for the issuance of Replacement of Owner’s Land Title.

 Administrative Process

The LRA (Land Registration Authority) issues an order for request of a new title to the
Register of Deeds. The entire process is shorter and doesn’t require the owner to go to the
court. But you may do this only if not less than 500 titles are lost or damaged at the
Registry. If it is less than 500, the only option is to go through the jurisdiction process.

Why is it Important to Replace a Lost Land Title ASAP?

Fraudsters can claim as false owners of your property and might sell it to buyers who are
unaware of the illegal claim. It is not only the risk of fraudsters claiming ownership over
your property that may arise. But if you plan to sell the property in the future, an original
copy of the land title is required as proof of your ownership over the property. A title transfer
is not sufficient enough to claim ownership.

Also, it will be difficult to transfer the property to heirs without the original land title. Or if in
cases of deceased owners, the heirs need to file for an Extra-Judicial Settlement of Estate
before applying for reconstitution or reissuance of land title. The situation is even more
difficult in cases wherein the heir is also deceased.  

How to Keep Your Original Copy of Land Title Safe and Secure?

The Land Registration Authority has a new alternative in keeping original land titles secure.
This is through the Voluntary Title Standardization Program which allows you to convert
your physical land title to an “e-Title.” The land titles are stored in its electronic original form
which is backed up regularly. In cases of fire or any natural disaster in the Registry, the
owners now have an easier option of title reconstitution.

Another option is to keep the copy of the original land title via an SDB (Safety Deposit Box)
in a bank that is not that far nor that near from your home and situated in a high location.
This will ensure any owner the safety of their legal documents considering the security at
the bank and its flood-free location.

Though some owners would opt to have their own vault for their important documents,
there is no assurance in keeping them all safe and dry when a fire breaks out or during a
flood. If you would still go for this option, the documents must be tightly sealed in a
container that’s both fireproof and waterproof.  

The original copy of a land title is very important even if you have made several duplicates.
Securing it the best way you can lessen all the inconveniences you’ll encounter when having
it replaced or reconstituted. For property owners who do not have the luxury of time to
process the replacement of a lost land title, they can seek for assistance from companies
offering services when it comes to reconstitution and reissuance of a land title.