One of the many requirements needed by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for different LTO-related transactions like transfer of ownership, change color, change body design, and cancellation of Chattel Mortgage is the Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificate (MVCC) from the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG). It’s not that hard to acquire, but it can be quite scary if you do not know anything about it.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about securing a PNP-HPG MV Clearance Certificate. From the qualifications to the requirements, step-by-step procedures, and where the certificate is needed, this guide will make this step as painless as possible.
What is a PNP-HPG Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificate (MVCC)
A Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificate (MVCC) is an official document issued by the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) to certify that the vehicle you have is not on the list of wanted or stolen vehicles as of the clearance certificate date of issue. It is an important requirement for many LTO transactions and it proves to the authorities that the vehicle you’re using, regardless if it’s secondhand, assembled, or imported, has neither been carnapped nor used in the commission of crime.
The clearance certificate is issued after the PNP-HPG inspects your car or motorcycle. During the inspection, a PNP-HPG sends a representative to verify your engine and chassis numbers through a process called stenciling or macro-etching—a verification procedure that uses a paint remover to check that the numbers are valid and not tampered with.
How Long is the Validity of an MV Clearance Certificate
The PNP-HPG Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificate (MVCC) is valid for at most, seven (7) working days only. Since it’s one of the LTO requirements for transactions like transfer of ownership, color or body design change, or cancellation of mortgage, you need to make sure to use it to file your application or complete your LTO transaction within this period.
Where Can I Get a PNP-HPG MV Clearance Certificate
Securing a PNP-HPG MV clearance certificate can be done at any PNP-HPG motor vehicle clearance satellite station. These stations are usually located within the LTO offices and are usually open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (no noon break), Mondays to Fridays, to make the procedure more convenient.
Aside from the satellite stations, the PNP-HPG MV clearance certificate is also available at the PNP-HPG main headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City. For convenience, it’s best to apply for the MV clearance there as all LTO branches nationwide accept the certificate issued at Camp Crame. If you are securing the PNP-HPG MV clearance certificate from a satellite station, you can only submit the certificate to the LTO branch in the same area of jurisdiction.
Who can Request for a PNP-HPG MV Clearance Certificate
Any licensed driver who intends to obtain a Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificate (MVCC) is eligible to make this application. However, the following are almost always the requesting party for a PNP-HPG Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificate (MVCC):
- Local dealers of Motor Vehicles
- Owners of Brand New Imported Motor Vehicles
- Owners of Secondhand Imported Motor Vehicles
- Owners of Completely Knocked-Down (CKD) Imported Motor Vehicles
- Owners of Imported Motor Vehicles – Voluntary Payment
- Owners of Rebuilt Motor Vehicles
- Owners of Motor Vehicles Acquired Through Bidding
- Owners of Motor Vehicles for Transfer of Ownership
- Owners of Motor Vehicles for Change Engine/Chassis
- Owners of Motor Vehicles for Change Color
- Owners of Motor Vehicles for Change Body Design
- Owners of Motor Vehicles for Shipment
- Owners of Motor Vehicles for Record Check
- Owners of Motor Vehicles for Permit to Assemble
Where to Get a PNP-HPG MV Clearance Certificate
To get a PNP-HPG Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificate (MVCC), you will need to visit the PNP-HPG Motor Vehicle Clearance Division (MVCD) or any of its clearance offices/stations will conduct physical inspection and status verification of motor vehicle thru an updated Vehicle Information Management System (VIMS) prior printing of Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificate (MVCC).
What are the PNP-HPG Requirements for Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificate
Though the documentary requirements for the PNP-HPG Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificate (MVCC) may vary depending on the reason for such a request, we have rounded up the list of documents that motorists are required to submit.
For Original Registration (Brand New – Local)
- Original Sales Invoice
- Original LTO Sales of Stock Reported
- TIN of Dealer and New Owner
- Stencil of Engine and Chassis Number
For Original Registration (Brand New – Imported)
- Original BOC Certificate of Payment
- Original LTO Certificate of Stock Reported
- Informal Entry
- Bill of Lading
- Stencil of Engine and Chassis Number
- TIN of Dealer and New Owner
For Original Registration (Secondhand – Imported)
- Original BOC Certificate of Payment
- Original LTO Certificate of Stock Reported
- Informal Entry
- Bill of Lading
- Physical Inspection Report or Macro-Etching Certificate
- TIN of Dealer and New Owner
For Original Registration (Completely Knocked-Down – Imported)
- Original BOC Certificate of Payment
- Original LTO Certificate of Stock Reported on the Engine, Chassis, and Body
- Original Affidavit of Rebuilt (duly notarized and to be executed by the owner and rebuilder)
- Informal Entry
- Bill of Lading
- Physical Inspection Report or Macro-Etching Certificate for vehicles with Gross Weight of 4500 kgs and below or Stencil of Engine and Chassis Number for Vehicles over 4500 kgs.
- TIN of New Owner
For Original Registration (Imported – Voluntary Payment)
- Original BOC Certificate of Payment
- Original LTO Certificate of Stock Reported
- Physical Inspection Report or Macro-Etching Certificate
- TIN of Dealer and New Owner
For Original Registration (Assembled – Rebuilt)
- Original Sales Invoices of the Engine and Chassis
- Original LTO Certificate of Stock Reported on the Engine and Chassis
- Original Affidavit of Rebuilt (duly notarized and to be executed by the owner and rebuilder)
- Original Deed of Sale of the Engine and Chassis (if engine/chassis was acquired from a private person or company)
- Original Certificate of Registration and LTO Official Receipt Covering the Acquired Engine/Chassis
- Physical Inspection Report or Macro-Etching Certificate for vehicles with Gross Weight of 4500 kgs and below or Stencil of Engine and Chassis Number for Vehicles over 4500 kgs.
- TIN of Applicant and Rebuilder
For Original Registration (Acquired thru Bidding)
- Original Sales Invoice (Official Receipt)
- Certificate of Award
- Physical Inspection Report or Macro-Etching Examination
- Certificate of Assignment of LTO Number (if tampered)
- TIN of Dealer and New Owner
For Transfer of Ownership
- Original Deed of Sale or Writ of Execution from Court Authorizing the Transfer
- Original LTO Certificate of Registration and Official Receipt (OR/CR)
- Original Copy of Cancellation/Release/Assumption of Mortgage (if vehicle is mortgaged)
- Original Copy of Secretary’s Certificate (if Vehicle was acquired from a company/corporation)
- Original Copy of Special Power of Attorney (if sale was made through a representative)
- Certificate from Insurance Company that subject MV was not declared a total loss/wrecked prior to sale (if vehicle was acquired from an insurance company)
- TIN of the Vendor and Vendee
For Change Engine/Chassis
- Original Sales Invoices of the Engine and Chassis
- Original LTO Certificate of Stock Reported on the Engine and Chassis
- Original Affidavit of Change Engine/Chassis (duly notarized and to be executed by the owner and mechanic)
- Original Deed of Sale of the Engine and Chassis (if engine/chassis was acquired from a private person or company/corporation)
- Original LTO Certificate of Registration and Official Receipt covering the acquired engine/chassis
- Physical Inspection Report or Macro-Etching Certificate
For Change Color
- Original LTO Certificate of Registration and Official Receipt
- Original Affidavit of Change Color (duly notarized and to be executed by the owner and painter)
- Physical Inspection Report or Macro-Etching Certificate
For Change Body Design
- Original LTO Certificate of Registration and Official Receipt
- Original Affidavit of Change Body Design (duly notarized and to be executed by the owner and builder)
- Physical Inspection Report or Macro-Etching Certificate
For Shipment
- Original LTO Certificate of Registration and Official Receipt
- Proof of Ownership (for industrial machines, farm equipment, and others not requiring LTO registration)
- Bank/Mortgagor Approval/Consent (for encumbered vehicles)
- Physical Inspection Report or Macro-Etching Certificate
For Record Check
- Original Certificate of Registration and Official Receipt
- Macro-Etching Certificate
For Permit to Assemble
- Statement Under Oath by the Owner (containing the type, make, and serial numbers of the engine, chassis, and body, if any)
- Complete List of the Spare Parts of the motor vehicle to be assembled or rebuilt together with the names and addresses of sources thereof
How Long is the Processing Time for PNP-HPG MV Clearance Certificate
To acquire a PNP-HPG MV Clearance certificate, you need to process it and allot at least three (3) working days for the certificate to be released.
How to Get a Vehicle Clearance Certificate
To process the MV Clearance Certificate, you simply need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Drive to the nearest PNP-HPG MV Clearance Division (MVCD) and secure an MVCC application form or download it from the PNP-HPG website (http://hpg.pnp.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Motor-Vehicle-Clearance-Application.pdf).
Step 2: Submit the original and photocopies of the documentary requirements at the MVCD Receiving Station.
Step 3: Once you have submitted the requirements, the action officer will then review your submissions. Once approved, a Landbank of the Philippines (LBP) order of payment form will be issued to you. (30 minutes)
Step 4: Go to the nearest Landbank branch to pay the clearance fee amounting to ₱200.00 for the physical inspection, along with the other relevant LTO fees which would depend on the LTO transaction. Make sure you prepare a photocopy of the payment slip.
Step 5: Return to the PNP-HPG office and present the validated payment slip from the bank.
Step 6: Fill out the Motor Vehicle Clearance (MVC) application form and action slip that will be handed to you by the police officer. (5 minutes)
Step 7: Proceed to the PNP Crime Laboratory or Motor Vehicle Inspection Area for the vehicle inspector’s physical inspection (30 minutes) and macro-etching examination of your vehicle conducted by the Crime Laboratory Service Technician. (2 hours)
Step 8: A processing officer will take your application for initial processing. (1 hour)
Step 9: A Verifier will check your records and evaluate your application. (8 hours)
Step 10: The process is followed by the encoding of your clearance certificate and picture-taking together with your car or motorcycle and license plate. (2 hours)
Step 11: After the processing officer completes the final processing (1 hour), sorting, and stamping of the printed Clearance Certificate (1 hour), you can receive your claim stub, which indicates the date when you can get your MV Clearance Certificate. Clearance processing usually takes one to three working days.
Step 12: Claim your vehicle clearance. Visit the PNP-HPG MV Clearance Division where you applied for the clearance and present your claim stub to the Releasing Officer at the Releasing Section. (10 minutes)
How Much Does it Cost to Secure an MV Clearance Certificate
Aside from the MV Clearance fee amounting to ₱200.00 for the physical inspection, you also need to pay the following LTO fees depending on the LTO transactions:
- Permit to Assemble – ₱150.00
- Original Registration – Local and Imported – ₱200.00
- Original Registration – Motorcycle – ₱100.00
- Transfer of Ownership – ₱300.00
- Change Engine/Chassis – ₱300.00
- Change Color – ₱300.00
- Change Body Design – ₱300.00
- For Shipment – ₱300.00
- Record Check – ₱300.00
- Original Registration – Imported Secondhand – ₱400.00
- Original Registration – Completely Knocked-Down (CKD) – ₱400.00
- Original Registration – Imported Voluntary Payment – ₱400.00
- Original Registration – Acquired Thru Bidding – ₱400.00
- Original Registration – Assembled-Rebuilt – ₱550.00
Tips and Reminders on Getting an MV Clearance from PNP-HPG
For your reference, here are some important tips and reminders to remember when processing your PNP-HPG MV Clearance Certificate:
- Aside from paying manually at the bank, you can also pay for the MV clearance fee online via the Landbank Electronic Payment Portal (EPP). Simply select the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) as the merchant name as well as the LTO transaction type.
- If the vehicle is registered at the LTO main office at the LTO East Avenue branch, you can secure a certified true copy (CTC) of the requirements at the LTO main office before applying for the PNP vehicle clearance.
- As with most government offices, the official business hours of the MVCD are from 8am-5pm, Mondays to Fridays, though Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are usually the best days.
- Pay attention to your car especially when the stencil is being taken.
- You may either visit the nearest PNP-HPG Motor Vehicle Clearance Division (MVCD) or any of its clearance offices/stations to acquire an MVCC but it has to be in the same territorial jurisdiction as the LTO office where you will process your LTO transaction.
Video: How to Secure a PNP-HPG MV Clearance Certificate
To learn more about how to secure a PNP-HPG MV Clearance, you may check out this explainer video from Don don explorer vlog:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For your reference, here’s a list of the most frequently asked questions and answers regarding the PNP-HPG Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificate (MVCC):
1. When do I need a PNP-HPG Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificate?
You need a PNP-HPG Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificate for the following instances:
- Original Registration – Local and Imported
- Original Registration – Motorcycle
- Transfer of Ownership
- Change Engine/Chassis
- Change Color
- Change Body Design
- For Shipment
- Record Check
- Original Registration – Imported Secondhand
- Original Registration – Completely Knocked-Down (CKD)
- Original Registration – Imported Voluntary Payment
- Original Registration – Acquired Thru Bidding
- Original Registration – Assembled-Rebuilt
2. For how long can I use the PNP-HPG Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificate?
The PNP-HPG Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificate can be used for, at most, seven (7) working days. If unused after seven (7) days, you will then need to secure a new one for your LTO-related transactions.
3. Is there any other payment channel aside from the Landbank of the Philippines (LBP)?
No. You may only pay for the PNP-HPG MV Clearance Certificate via Landbank, whether over-the-counter by physically visiting the bank or online via the Landbank Electronic Payment Portal (EPP).
4. Can I go to any PNP-HPG office to secure the PNP-HPG Clearance I need for my LTO transaction?
No. You need to go to the PNP-HPG satellite office within the same territorial jurisdiction of the LTO office where you need to transact. However, if you intend to go to the LTO Central Office in East Ave., Quezon City, then you may secure your PNP-HPG MV Clearance from any PNP-HPG office.
Summary
As one of the many requirements for various LTO-related transactions the Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificate (MVCC) issued by the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) is an important document that car owners would need at least once, especially if they are buying or selling secondhand or imported vehicles. Despite it’s name, it’s not scary or hard to acquire, though it takes more than one documentary requirement and the eocumentary requirements may vary depending on the LTO transaction it will be used for. Plus, it’s not free, so you need to prepare at least ₱300.00 to ₱750.00 to secure one. The price may vary depending on the vehicle type and the LTO transaction it will be used for as well.
Contact Information
For more information, inquiries, or other concerns, you may reach out to PNP at:
Philippine National Police (PNP)
PNP National Headquarters, Camp BGen Rafael T Crame
Office Address: Camp Crame, EDSA, Quezon City
Hotline Number: 09063745375