Starting October 15, 2025, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will enforce a nationwide policy requiring the same-day release of Official Receipt (OR), Certificate of Registration (CR), and license plates for brand-new vehicles. This move aligns with the President’s directive to improve government service delivery and address long-standing delays in plate distribution.
Previously, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and LTO targeted a three-day release timeframe, but the new guideline cuts this period down further. With the updated LTO Memorandum, car buyers will no longer face long waiting times before they can legally drive their newly purchased vehicles on public roads.
Background
The policy stems from the President’s 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA), which directed the DOTr and LTO to speed up the issuance of plates and registration papers. According to LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor Mendoza II, the agency assessed that releasing these documents and plates could be done on the same day a vehicle is handed over to its new owner.
This step also aims to prevent a repeat of the massive backlog in license plates, which once reached over 12 million but was cleared by June 2025. The LTO emphasizes that with this system, no brand-new vehicle or motorcycle will be released by dealers without its OR, CR, and license plates already included.
Legal Basis and Guidelines
The same-day release directive is outlined under LTO Memorandum Circular No. VDM-2025-4665. It reinforces Republic Act 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code), which requires vehicles to be registered before use, and Section 17 mandating the issuance of plates.
The policy also aligns with the Ease of Doing Business Act (RA 11032), which requires government agencies to streamline processes and reduce delays. Once the memorandum takes effect, accredited dealers must comply strictly—meaning units cannot leave showrooms without complete documentation and attached plates.
Benefits
Some of the benefits associated with this policy include:
- Faster vehicle registration: Car owners can receive their OR, CR, and license plates on the same day, allowing immediate legal use of their new vehicles.
- Reduced backlog: The system prevents the return of previous delays that once left millions of car owners waiting for plates.
- More efficient transactions: Streamlined procedures between LTO and accredited dealers minimize paperwork and waiting time.
- Improved accountability: Dealers are now responsible for proper documentation and plate release before turning over any vehicle.
- Enhanced transparency: Buyers can verify that their vehicles are officially registered and roadworthy upon release.
- Better compliance with the law: The policy enforces Republic Act 4136, ensuring that all vehicles on the road are properly registered.
- Convenience for buyers: Owners no longer need multiple visits to LTO offices, saving time and travel expenses.
- Boosted confidence in government service: The immediate release of documents reflects improved efficiency and reliability within the LTO system.
- Improved road monitoring: With all new vehicles properly tagged with license plates, authorities can better manage traffic and law enforcement.
- Support for business operations: Fleet and transport companies can deploy new units without delay, improving productivity and service delivery.
Who Needs This
This guide is especially useful for the following groups:
- Brand-new car buyers: Individuals purchasing new vehicles who want to understand how and when they will receive their OR/CR and license plates.
- Car dealers and sales agents: Accredited dealerships responsible for complying with the new LTO memorandum on same-day registration and plate release.
- Motorcycle buyers and dealers: Those selling or buying brand-new motorcycles who must also follow the same registration and release procedures.
- Fleet owners and car leasing companies: Businesses acquiring multiple vehicles that need efficient registration and plate release for operational use.
- Financing and car loan companies: Institutions involved in vehicle financing who must coordinate with dealers for timely registration and documentation.
- LTO-accredited representatives and liaison officers: Personnel tasked with submitting registration documents and ensuring proper implementation of LTO policies.
- Public transport operators: Owners of new taxis, UV Express, or TNVS units that must be registered immediately to start operations legally.
- Car insurance providers: Companies that issue insurance policies requiring proof of vehicle registration.
- Motor vehicle enthusiasts and advocacy groups: Individuals monitoring government reforms in transportation and registration systems.
- Media and motoring journalists: Reporters and content creators covering transportation policies, vehicle registration, and public service improvements.
Dealer Responsibilities and Requirements
Accredited dealers play a central part in implementing the same-day release system. Before they can process transactions, they must:
- Submit authorization letters, IDs of representatives, and enrollment forms to the LTO Central Office.
- Provide an Affidavit of Undertaking confirming the authenticity of all documents submitted.
- Manage their plate inventory through the Plate Management Information System (PRMIS) and Online Dealer Submission Facility (ODSF).
Dealers will also be accountable for reporting available plate stocks, requesting new inventory, and handling release procedures. Non-compliance can lead to suspension of accreditation, penalties, and even double-cost fines for lost or damaged plates.
How It Works
For new vehicle owners, here’s how the process will work under the same-day release system:
Step 1. Sales Completion
The dealer prepares a sales invoice with buyer details and assigned plate number.
Step 2. Document Submission
Dealers submit the Certificate of Stock Report (CSR), invoice, insurance, and other required documents to LTO through ODSF.
Step 3. Validation
The LTO validates the records and approves the initial registration.
Step 4. Payment of Fees
Registration fees are paid either online or over-the-counter.
Step 5. Release of OR/CR and Plates
Once approved, the OR/CR is issued, and plates are released and attached before the vehicle is turned over to the buyer.
This procedure ensures that buyers leave dealerships with all the necessary documents and plates on the same day.
Fees
The registration fee for brand-new vehicles under the same-day release system generally ranges from ₱1,000 to ₱2,000, depending on the vehicle type and engine displacement. This amount covers the issuance of the Official Receipt (OR), Certificate of Registration (CR), and license plates. All fees must be paid by the vehicle buyer, either directly to the LTO through online or over-the-counter payment, or through the authorized dealer, which may collect and remit the payment on behalf of the buyer.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The LTO has laid out sanctions for accredited dealers that fail to follow the guidelines. Violations such as withholding plates or releasing vehicles without OR/CR may result in suspension or deactivation of accreditation.
Dealers will also shoulder penalties for lost or damaged plates, with costs doubled as fines. For example, a lost car plate will incur a penalty of ₱900, while motorcycle plates will result in a ₱240 fine per unit.
Video: LTO Implements Same Day Registration and Release
In this video, we’ll walk you through the new LTO Memorandum on the same-day release of OR/CR and plates. You’ll see how the system works, what documents are required, and how dealers will handle transactions. This guide will help car buyers understand what to expect from October 15, 2025, when the policy starts to take effect: