Getting a Land Transportation Office (LTO) Certification of No Pending Apprehension or Alarm is a step required in several LTO transactions to prove that the applicant has already cleared all violations with the LTO. It is usually issued to apprehended drivers/operators who need to prove that he has completely settled his responsibility in connection to LTO driving violations committed for the period prior to the LTO-related transaction where the certification will be used.
The LTO Certification of No Pending Apprehension or Alarm is a required document for several LTO transactions including motor vehicle (MV) renewal and insurance and duplicate plates. It shows how clean or messy your driving record is, which may affect the success of the LTO transaction.
What is an LTO Certificate of No Pending Apprehension
The LTO Certificate of No Pending Apprehension is a document issued to apprehended drivers to prove that they have already settled all apprehension or violation with the LTO. It is a requirement for many LTO transactions that requires a document that shows you have paid for penalties and fines incurred due to previous violations or misconducts.
Issuance of Certificate of Non-Apprehension are given to apprehended drivers for whatever legal purpose it may serve him/her. It involves checking records for unsettled apprehension or violation of the driver or motorist from the LTO database.
Benefits of Having a Certificate of No Pending Apprehension
Normally, a Certificate of No Apprehension is requested to prove that the driver or vehicle has no unsettled violations with the LTO. That is particularly important because:
- It proves that you have a clean record, which is the deciding factor on whether or not you can get a driver’s license with 5- or 10-year validity.
- It makes it easier to conduct certain LTO transactions, like when requesting for duplicate plates, motor vehicle (MV) renewal, and insurance.
Eligibility for a Certificate of No Pending Apprehension
To apply for the Certificate of No Pending Apprehensions or Alarm, you must:
- Be a holder of an LTO Driver’s License of any classification
- Has had apprehensions or violations in the past
- Need to request for certain LTO service like duplicate number plates and motor vehicle (MV) renewal and insurance from LTO
- Require proof that the DL holder has no unsettled or pending violation, apprehension, or alarm
Requirements for a Certificate of No Pending Apprehension
Here are the requirements for the Certificate of No Pending Apprehension or Alarm requested by driver’s license holders or operators to ensure that the former has no pending record of apprehension or alarm.
For local and abroad employment
- One (1) photocopy of Driver’s License
- One (1) letter of request
For lost plate
- One (1) letter of request
- Affidavit of Loss (for lost number plates)
- One (1) photocopy of Official Receipt (OR) / Certificate of Registration (CR)
- Presentation of the original and submission of one (1) photocopy of any issued ID with photo and signature of the applicant
Other requirements (for representative)
- Special Power of Attorney (for individual)
- Secretary’s Certificate (for Corporation and other entities)
- Presentation of original and submission of one (1) photocopy of any issued ID with photo and signature of the applicant and representative
Procedures for Getting an LTO Certification of No Pending Apprehension or Alarm
Here’s how you can secure an LTO Certification of No Pending Apprehension or Alarm:
Online, via the LTMS Portal
To conveniently secure an LTO Certificate of No Pending Apprehension or Alarm online via the Land Transport Management System (LTMS) portal, you can follow these steps:
Step 1: Log into your LTMS portal account at https://portal.lto.gov.ph/.
- If you have a registered account, login using your email address and password.
- If you do not have one, you may register for an LTMS account online.
- At the LTMS portal website, click “Register Now.”
- Read and agree to the terms of the agreement by clicking Yes.
- Click “Next.”
- Click “Enroll as an Individual.”
- Key in the required details. If you already have an existing license, you may just double check your personal information on the personal page of the registration portal;
- Click next until you reach the option to click “Create Account.”
- You should see a window pop-up confirming successful registration.
- Check your email and click the link to verify your account.
- Click “Set Password for Login,” when prompted and update your password.
Step 2: Go to the Dashboard and Click Documents.
Step 3: Click No Apprehensions.
Step 4: Click Apply for Certificate, whether driver’s license-related or vehicle-related.
Step 5: Enter the required information.
- Requester’s Name
- Purpose of Clearance
- Vehicle Plate Number (if requested for vehicle clearance)
- Vehicle Plate No. type
Step 6: Make a payment through any of the LTO online Payment Partners.
Step 7: Once the payment is successful, your clearance certificate will be sent to your registered email address. You may also check it online via the LTMS Portal in the documents page under “No Apprehension,” and print.
In Person, at the Law Enforcement and Traffic Adjudication System Office in the LTO Central Office
To obtain a Certification of No Pending Apprehension from the LTO, the applicant has to follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the LTO Central Office in East Avenue Quezon City (if in Metro Manila) or any LTO Offices with DL transactions (if in the provinces).
Step 2: Secure an application form from the concerned LTO officer.
Step 3: Fill out the form with all the necessary details. (Incomplete applications are not accepted)
Step 4: Attach all the necessary documents along with the application form and submit.
Step 5: Once submitted, the form and the requirements will be checked and evaluated and a billing form will be issued.
Step 6: Go to the cashier and pay for the applicable fees..
Step 7: Once paid, keep the receipt and the acknowledgement receipt issued to you while the LTO processes your request.
Step 8: Wait for the application process to be completed.
Step 9: Once the process gets completed, you will get a call from the office regarding the application.
Step 10: Visit the LTO office to do the biometric procedures.
Step 11: Wait for the Certificate of No Pending Apprehension to be released.
Note: The entire process may take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks or as per the timeline advised by the respective department authority.
Where to Get the LTO Certificate of No Apprehension
The LTO Certificate of No Pending Apprehension or Alarm can be secured online, via the LTMS portal, or through the LTO Law Enforcement and Traffic Adjudication System (LETAS) Office building. It is located at the LTO Central Office Compound in East Avenue, Quezon City. But if you are coming from the province, you may still make the request at any licensing center or any District Office with DL transactions, though the processing time will take much longer, from two to three weeks.
Note: If you are printing the Certification from the LTMS portal, you may need to switch to desktop mode (if using your mobile phone) to see the “Print” icon.
Processing time
The process for application for an LTO Certificate of No Pending Apprehension or Alarm can be quite fast, ranging from minutes (if done via the LTMS) to up to 15-30 days when done at any LTO District office in the provinces.
Important Reminders
For your reference, here are some important reminders regarding the LTO Certification of No Pending Apprehension or Alarm that is worth taking note of.
- Using the LTMS online portal has its perks, but you need to ensure that you keep your information updated.
- If you choose to visit an LTO office in person, make sure you bring all the required documents to avoid having to come back again in case you miss anything.
- If you are processing the request for LTO Certification of No Pending Apprehension from a district office in the province, you might have to wait much longer, from two to three weeks for its release.
- Between the LTMS and the LTO office, it’s much easier to apply for the certificate online.
- If you are in Metro Manila, you will have to visit the Law Enforcement and Traffic Adjudication System (LETAS) Office in the LTO Central Office to make this request.
Video: How to Request for a Certification of No Pending Apprehension
To learn more about the procedures, requirement, and everything else you need to know about securing an LTO Certification of No Pending Apprehension or Alarm, you may check this video from Ka-ano! TV.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To help you secure an LTO Certification of No Pending Apprehension or Alarm, we rounded up the most common questions and answers related to it.
1. Can apprehended drivers or operators settle his violations from any LTO Regional or District Office?
No. If you are an operator, the place for settlement of apprehension is usually indicated in the middle portion of the temporary operator’s permit (TOP) issued upon apprehension. If you are a driver based in Metro Manila, you are only allowed to settle your violations at the LTO Law Enforcement and Traffic Adjudication Service (LETAS) Office, LTO Central Office, East Avenue, Quezon City. If you are a driver apprehended in the provinces, then you may settle your violations at the concerned LTO Operations Division of the concerned LTO Regional or District Office as specified in the TOP. If the violation is included in the list of “LETAS Settle Anywhere” then you may settle from any LTO Regional or District Office as determined through the LTO-IT system by the concerned Traffic Adjudication Service (TAS) / Operations Division officer.
2. What is a TOP?
TOP refers to the Temporary Operator’s Permit issued to the apprehended driver/operator at the site and time of apprehension, pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 515-2004 dated 25 May 2004. TOP is generally used in apprehension of all violations.
3. How does the apprehended operator/driver determine the amount of the fines/penalties as well as the accessory penalties of the violation/s indicated in the TOP?
The corresponding amount of the fines/penalties as well as the accessory penalties are determined by the Traffic Adjudication Service based on the violations specified in the TOP and through the LTO-IT system. It is also visible on the Violations tab of the LTMS portal accessible through an LTMS portal online account.
4. Can the confiscated items such as the driver’s license and/or motor vehicle plates be immediately released to the apprehended operator/driver after the payment of the fines/penalties?
Yes. Confiscated items may be immediately released after the payment of the corresponding fines/penalties as long as there are no accessory penalty/s and/or suspension indicated in the Resolution and/or Judgment.
5. Are all apprehended operators/drivers required to attend the seminar and take the exam?
No. Not all apprehended operators/drivers are required to attend the seminar and take the exam. Seminars and exams is usually given as an accessory penalty and is only for apprehended operators/drivers of private or for hire motor vehicles who committed running violations such as but not limited to Disregarding Traffic Sign (DTS), Reckless, Obstruction, Illegal Parking.
Summary
An LTO Certificate of No Pending Apprehension is an all-important document used to prove that drivers and operators of private or for-hire vehicles are free from pending violations. It proves that any violation they have committed has been settled at the time of the request for the document. It involves checking of your LTO records, and can be done online or in a designated LTO office depending on where the apprehension happened.
Contact Information
For more information, concerns, or inquiries regarding the LTO Certification of No Pending Apprehension or Alarm, you may reach out to LTO via the following contact information:
Land Transportation Office (LTO)
LTMS portal: Visit the LTO’s official website and fill out their Contact Us form at https://portal.lto.gov.ph/ords/f?p=PUBLIC_PORTAL:CONTACT_US:115716301949471.
Phone call: You may contact them at their telephone number (632) 922-9061 to 66.
Email: You may also send them an email at clientcare@lto.gov.ph.
LTO Text Hotline Service: You may use LTO’s nationwide SMS service for drivers and vehicle owners by typing LTOHELP and sending it to 2600
LTO office: For information, you may check the LTO branch offices closest to you.