Changing the color of a motor vehicle is yet another one of the different ways one can modify their cars in the Philippines. As an important factor in car purchase, the color affects more than the car owner’s preferences, so such change is allowed by the Land Transportation Office (LTO). However, being allowed the freedom to change your car color isn’t free. Changing car color comes with a hefty price and a list of documentary requirements that you need to prepare and submit. It’s also time-consuming as car repainting may take days.
As an important factor when it comes to the car purchase process, the vehicle color is something that the automotive paint and coating companies spends a lot of effort to understand. They even use design and color experts to understand the trends and forecast the color that is likely to be popular in the coming years. With this much importance placed on colors, the LTO deemed it important that car owners are able to change them as they please, hence the LTO service that allows for change color in motor vehicles.
LTO Vehicle Modifications: Change Color
There are different types of car or vehicle modifications. However, for our purposes, we are only discussing the changes in color for private and for-hire motor vehicles in the country. Just like other types of changes in motor vehicles though, a change in the color of a motor vehicle inherently changes the factory original look and exchanges it for a unique-looking customized car tailor-made to your needs and preferences.
Changing the color of your vehicle naturally involves more than just aesthetics and personal preference. Depending on the color of your car, it can look new and shiny, ragged, or even expensive. Color can also affect insurance premiums, residual value, the car temperature, and even the risk value of the car itself. Even getting a paint job for your car may cost differently for different colors.
Benefits of Changing the Color of a Motor Vehicle
Being able to change your vehicle’s color at will means enjoying the following benefits:
- You may upgrade your vehicle into one that suits your color preferences.
- A change in vehicle color may give the car better resale value.
- Depending on the type of color you choose, you may be able to enjoy lower car insurance premiums.
- You may be able to get a safer car, if you believe that some colors actually make a car more risky.
- It gives you freedom to decide what you want your car to look like.
- You can enjoy a cooler temperature depending on the type of color you choose.
Eligibility to Change the Color of a Motor Vehicle
Just like when changing the body, changing the color of a motor vehicle is allowed to anyone who owns a registered motor vehicle and who intends to change his vehicle color for whatever reason. These changes are allowed by LTO, provided that those who are requesting for such change can present all the requirements and pay all the relevant LTO fees.
Requirements for Changing the Color of a Motor Vehicle
Car modifications resulting in changes in the car body design requires re-registration at the LTO to inform the relevant authorities of the changes. Like when you are applying to change the body of your motor vehicle, along with the steps, procedure requires the following list of documents from the applicants.
General Requirements
The basic requirements include the following:
- Original and photocopy of Certificate of Registration (CR) / Certificate of Registration – Encumbered (CRE) with conformity of the financing company interposing no objection as to the change of color
- Original Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificate
- Macro-etching report
- Special Bank Receipt (except for Motorcycle with sidecar)
- LTO Copy or electronically transmitted appropriate insurance Certificate of Cover (COC) / Endorsement of insurance
- Duly accomplished original Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR)
Additional Requirements
The need for additional documents may vary depending on the type of change the car owner wishes to apply for. For changes in the car body design, here’s a list of the additional requirements
- Original Joint Affidavit of Change Color of owner and painter
- Latest original Official Receipt (OR) of Motor Vehicle User Charge (MVUC) and other LTO fees payment
- Clearance from Philippine National Police-Traffic Management Group (PNP-TMG)
- Endorsement from the Insurance Company
- Actual inspection of MV with duly accomplished Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR)
- Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN)
How to File Application for Change Color of Motor Vehicles
Changing your vehicle color is a simple LTO process. Like other LTO transactions, it requires submission of the documentary requirements mentioned above.
Here’s the step-by-step procedure on how to apply for a change color for your vehicle:
Step 1: Visit the LTO Office closest to you.
Step 2: Secure a queue number at the LTO officer-in-charge and wait for your turn.
Step 3: Once your number is called, proceed to the transaction counters.
Step 4: Submit all the required documents to the Evaluator for evaluation and computation of fees.
Step 5: Once the evaluation is completed, get the actual inspection of motor vehicles with duly accomplished Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR) done.
Step 6: Once the MVIR is ready, proceed to the queue for the cashier window and wait for your turn.
Step 7: Once your name is called, pay for the necessary fees and secure an Official Receipt (OR).
Step 8: Once done, proceed to the Releasing Counter.
Step 9: Present the OR to get the new Certificate of Registration (CR), plates, stickers, and other requested documents.
Step 10: Once you have received the CR and other relevant documents, signs in the CR log book.
Where to File Application for Change in Vehicle Color
Filing for a change in color for your motor vehicle can be done in any LTO Office, district, or extension offices, whichever is more convenient.
Fees for LTO Change Color Transactions
The change color procedures for motor vehicles in LTO will require applicants to pay the following:
- A total of one hundred pesos (P100.00) for the color change fee.
- Other LTO fees (MVUC, etc.)
Video: Guide on the Requirements for Changing Color in LTO
You can learn more about the procedures on how to change color in LTO by watching this video from Kuya Kiw.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To help make your application for change in vehicle body design as painless as possible, we rounded up the most common questions and answers related to it.
1. Can I apply for the change in car color from any LTO branch office?
Yes. You may file the change color application at any LTO branch, provided that they offer the service.
2. Is there a difference when filing for applications for change of color between private and for hire vehicles?
Yes. Though the procedures may be similar, there are differences in documentary requirements so make sure you pay attention to it depending on your vehicle classification.
3. How much does it cost to get a paint job done on my car in the Philippines?
Depending on the type of paint job you require. For a whole-body repaint, it would cost anywhere between P30,000.00 to P50,000.00, depending on the auto paint shop and the paint to be used. On the other hand, if you decide to paint just a certain portion of your car, then it would cost a minimum of around P5,000.00 only.
4. Is LTO imposing a fee for changing the color of my car?
Yes. The LTO collects a P100.00 charge for changing the color of your car.
5. How long does it take to repaint my car?
It depends on the auto shop and the expertise of your car paint technician. However, on average, the process usually takes around two to three days.
6. Do I still need to pay for change color fees if I’m only painting my car hood?
No. However, you need to make sure that the main body color of your car is distinguishable and unchanged
7. What is the best paint for my car?
The common answer is white as paint is the easiest color to find and even take care of.
Summary
The vehicle color may not seem all that important to many people, but it actually is an important factor that affects safety and insurance prices. It also has an effect on how risky a vehicle is or how hot it gets. Those who value individuality and personal expression, may also do so by changing the color of their car. Good thing, changing car color is allowed by the LTO, and a minimal price too. However, do note that there might be other LTO fees and a hefty price for the paint job to worry about.