An Affidavit of Loss of ID is a legal document in which a person (the "affiant") declares under oath that a specific identification card—such as a driver's license, passport, or national ID—has been lost, stolen, or destroyed. This document is crucial because it serves as a formal "sworn statement" that can be used to request a replacement from government agencies or private institutions. To be legally binding, the affidavit must be notarized, meaning you sign it in the presence of a Notary Public after presenting proof of your identity. The document typically includes the circumstances of the loss, a description of the ID, and a statement that the ID is not being used for any fraudulent purpose. In 2026, many jurisdictions allow for "Remote Online Notarization" (RON), where you can sign this affidavit via a video call. This document is often the first step in protecting yourself from identity theft, as it creates a legal "paper trail" showing that you no longer possess the original document as of a specific date.