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Re-stamping of chassis number refers to the process of stamping the chassis number of motor vehicles with defaced chassis numbers. It is usually done by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) or its accredited manufacturer or rebuilder, but not before the registered owner of the motor vehicle (MV) subject for re-stamping has acquired all the requirements and authorization necessary for the procedure. After all, the LTO, as the regulatory body, needs to confirm that the vehicle and its parts are the MV’s original components by matching it with the unique identifiers embedded in the VIN which also includes serial numbers to ensure that no parts of a certain car has been involved in anything shady. Hence, the need for Certificate of Re-stamping from the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG). 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to secure a Certificate of Re-stamping from the PNP-HPG in order to be able to secure the authorization you need  to have the chassis number re-stamped, regardless if it is for vehicles of which the chassis number is unreadable due to corrosion or one which has been imported from a region that does not require the vehicle identification number (VIN) being stamped in the chassis/frame.

What is a Certificate of Re-stamping

A Certificate of Re-stamping refers to the document issued by the PNP-HPG to the registered MV owner or his/her authorized representative or any applicant for re-stamping. The certification is issued upon request, after the requesting party submits or comply with the documentary requirements necessary in filing of alarm. Its issuance is subject to the approval of the HPG Motor Vehicle Clearing Committee (MVCC) and the PNP-HPG Director and it usually follows actual chassis re-stamping procedures to ensure that the chassis number, also known as the vehicle identification number (VIN) or frame number, is visible and readable. 

The Certificate of Re-stamping is a document that ensures that the LTO as well as the Duty Inspector in charge of the MV’s Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR) will see that any stenciling or macro-etching procedure done on the subject MV is completed by LTO-accredited manufacturer or rebuilder legally. 

Re-stamping of Tampered, Defaced or Corroded Engine and Chassis Numbers of Motor Vehicles

There are two reasons why one would need to secure a certificate of re-stamping: One, when re-stamping recovered stolen motor vehicles with tampering, and two, for re-stamping of motor vehicles with no tampering. 

Re-stamping of Recovered Stolen/Carnapped Motor Vehicle with Tampering

Motor vehicles with tampered engine and/or chassis numbers whose identities are subsequently identified through expert findings of the PNP Crime Laboratory Group or any equivalent office of other law enforcement agencies should be re-stamped in order to restore their original identities. The recovered Motor Vehicles with tampered engine and/or chassis number included the Vehicle Information Management System (VIMS) must first apply for lifting of the alarm prior to the application for Re-stamping.

Re-stamping of Motor Vehicles with no Tampering (Re-stamping as a Result of Natural Deterioration)

Motor Vehicles with corroded and unreadable engine and/or chassis numbers as a result of their ordinary wear and tear, acts of nature, and other circumstances, incidents, or accidents that cause their serial numbers to be freckled and/or tarnished must also apply for re-stamping to reinstate their original identities.

Benefits of Securing a Certificate of Re-Stamping

The actual re-stamping of chassis numbers actually comes with certain benefits, sure. But the acquisition of a certificate of re-stamping ensures that the subject MV will have:

• Easier renewal of vehicle registration 
• A legal document showing the Clear and visible VIN for easier MV verification
• Visible chassis number for checking for apprehensions and alarm
• Clean MVIR
• Better chassis readability for verification of public authorities purposes

Who Needs to Request for a Certificate of Re-Stamping

The following people are the only ones who are eligible to or may need to request for and acquire a Certificate of Lifting of Alarm:

• Registered owner 
• Authorized representative of motor vehicle owner

Requirements For Processing a Certificate of Re-Stamping

Listed below are the complete documentary requirements that one must prepare prior to making a request for Certificate of Re-Stamping for the subject MV.

Re-stamping of Recovered Stolen/Carnapped Motor Vehicle with Tampering

• If MV was recovered by HPG: One (1) original copy of Recovery Report
• If voluntarily surrendered and/or recovered by a civilian: One (1) original copy of Affidavit of self-recovery
• If the subject MV was restored of its identity by the Car Manufacturing Company: One (1) original copy of Certification from Manufacturer
• One (1) original copy of Certified True Copy of MV’s record from LTO
• One (1) original copy of PNP-HPG VIMS Print out

Re-stamping of Motor Vehicles with no Tampering (Re-stamping as a Result of Natural Deterioration)

• One (1) original copy of Original OR/CR of the subject MV
• One (1) original copy of Vehicle Sales Invoice
• One (1) original copy of Deed of Sale
• If the MV is encumbered: One (1) original copy of Certificate of Encumbrance and one (1) photocopy of the OR/CR authenticated by the financing company
• If the MV is registered to a company: One (1) original copy of Secretary certificate or Board resolution stating the authorized user of the MV and giving authorization for the applicant to apply for Re-stamping
• One (1) photocopy of MV Inspection Report (MVIR) authenticated by the LTO and clearly showing the stencil of the engine and chassis numbers
• If MV is involved in a vehicular accident: One (1) original copy of police report from the local PNP unit who has territorial jurisdiction on the area where the incident occurred 
• One (1) original copy of Affidavit of Re-stamping  
• One (1) original copy of Affidavit of Mechanic 
• One (1) original copy of valid ID of Mechanic
• One (1) original copy of Certification from manufacturer if the same metal of chassis/engine number when it was manufactured. 
• Duly notarized and completely filled out Application Form 
• One (1) original copy of valid identification cards of the rightful owner  
• One (1) original copy of valid identification (ID) cards of the person who had control of the motor vehicle when it was seized
• Two (2) pcs of 2×3 picture of the rightful owner  
• Two (2) pcs of 2×3 picture of the person who had control of the motor vehicle when it was seized
• One (1) original copy of Spot recovery report of MV.
• One (1) original copy of Turnover release of MV.
• One (1) original copy of Certificate of no claim from insurance company or affidavit of no claim.
• One (1) original copy of Macro Etching Result
• One (1) original copy of First Endorsement from LTO
• One (1) original copy of Picture of MV showing the Rear, Front, Left, and Right sides 
• One (1) original copy of Picture of MV showing the affected area (Chassis or Engine Number)
• One (1) original copy of PNP-HPG VIMS Print out
• If the applicant is a representative of registered owner: One (1) original copy of Special Power of Attorney (SPA)
• For surviving spouse: One (1) original copy of Death Certificate and Marriage Certificate
• For surviving heirs: One (1) original copy of Extrajudicial Settlement  
• For authorized representatives: One (1) original copy of Special Power of Attorney (SPA) and One (1) original copy and one (1) photocopy of Valid ID

Procedures when Requesting for Certificate of Re-Stamping

For the complete procedures for securing a Certificate of Re-Stamping, please see the steps below:

Via the PNP-HPG MVCS

Step 1. Visit the nearest office of the PNP-HPG which is usually in close proximity to the nearest branch of the Land Transportation Office (LTO). 

Step 2. Head on to the Office of the Motor Vehicle Complaint Section (MVCS) and secure an Application Form for Re-stamping from the MVCS /RHPU’s Duty Investigator. 

Step 3. Fill up the Application Form for Re-stamping from MVCS /RHPU and have the duty investigator check the form.

Step 4. Secure a copy of the Notary of Re-stamping form from the Duty Investigator or have it downloaded and printed from the PNP-HPG website.

Step 5. Have the Re-stamping request form notarized.

Step 6. After getting the Application Request form for Re-stamping notarized, submit it, along with the other photocopies of the requirements to the duty investigator for review and evaluation of completeness.

Step 7. Upon approval, head on to the Duty PI Examiner of the PNP Crime Laboratory for the Macro-Etching Examination.

Step 8. Secure the order of payment from the Duty PI Examiner of the PNP Crime Laboratory.

Step 9. Settle the fees for the Macro-Etching examination at Landbank.

Step 10. Once paid, bring the motor vehicle in for the Macro-Etching examination and wait for the release of the Macro-Etching examination and PI results.

Step 11. Submit the documentary requirements to the Duty Investigator and wait for the completeness evaluation to be finished. 

Step 12. Wait while the duty investigator prepares the Investigation Report (IR) or Memorandum (SOD-MVCS/RHPU’s) and get it approved by the Chief of MVCS. 

Step 13. Once approved, wait until the IR is signed by the signatories for endorsement of the lifting request to HPG MVCC and Director of HPG for approval. 

Step 14. Once approved, wait for the Re-stamping certificate to be issued by the Record Section of the DDO Office.

Via the Regional Highway Patrol Unit (RHPU)

Re-stamping as Result of Carnapping with Tampered Engine and/or Chassis

Step 1. Visit the nearest Regional Highway Patrol Unit (RHPU). 

Step 2. Go to the Receiving Section and secure an Application Form for Re-stamping Certificate. 

Step 3. Completely fill up the Application form for Re-stamping and submit it to the Action Officer who will send it over to the HPG headquarters.

Step 4. Wait for the First endorsement from the LTO.

Step 5. Once you have the first endorsement, proceed to the Investigation Section and have the designated investigator retrieve the application for lifting of alarm. 

Step 6. Come back after six (6) working days and proceed to the releasing section to claim the HPG Second Endorsement Letter with the approved Investigation Report.

Re-stamping as a Result of Natural Deterioration

Step 1. Visit the nearest Regional Highway Patrol Unit (RHPU). 

Step 2. Go to the Receiving Section and secure an Application Form for Re-stamping Certificate. 

Step 3. Completely fill up the Application form for Re-stamping and submit it to the Action Officer who will send it over to the HPG headquarters.

Step 4. Wait for the First endorsement from the LTO.

Step 5. Once you have the first endorsement, proceed to the Investigation Section and have the designated investigator evaluate the completeness and authenticity of the documentary requirements. 

Step 6. Come back after six (6) working days and proceed to the releasing section to claim the HPG Second Endorsement Letter with the approved Investigation Report.

Processing time

When filed with the PNP-HPG MVCS, the processing of the request for Certificate of Re-stamping takes approximately thirteen (13) days and twenty-six (26) minutes to complete, after the complete documentary requirements have been submitted. When done via the RHPU, then it takes at least seven (7) working days. 

Fees

It’s free, though you may have to spend some for the requirements like the notary fee, macro-etching, and photocopy and certification of certified true copies of required documents.

Where to file the Request

To file the request for cancellation or lifting of the alarm certificate, you will need to go to the PNP-HPG Office of the Motor Vehicle Complaint Section (MVCS). It may also be processed at any of the various Regional Highway Patrol Units (RHPUs).

Downloadable Request Form

The forms for Request For Certificate of Re-Stamping, along with other forms used when making requests involving the PNP-HPG and any of its departments, can be found via this link: http://hpg.pnp.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Request-for-Lifting-of-Alarm.pdf

Important Reminders

If you are among those who need a Certificate Of Re-stamping for a particular vehicle, then here are some things you’d want to remember:

• There will be separate application forms for Tampered Motor Vehicle included in the Nationwide Alarm/Watchlist and Motor Vehicles with no Tampering and not included the alarm and watchlist;
• For Tampered Motor Vehicle included in the Nationwide Alarm/Watchlist: The applicant needs to first secure a certificate of lifting of alarm prior or simultaneous to the application for  re-stamping;
• Applications for re-stamping may be submitted and processed either before the Motor Vehicle Concern Section (MVCS) or the Regional Highway Patrol Units (RHPUs).
• In case the application for re-stamping originated from the RHPUs, the application will be processed and approved by the respective Regional Chief of the RHPUs; if, and only if that Tampered Motor Vehicle applying for re-stamping is approved by the Director, HPG upon recommendation of the MVCC;
• There shall be two (2) copies of Claim Stub, one copy (1) for the applicant and another copy to be attached to the case folder.
• Claim stub shall contain the following:
  • Nature of Application 
  • Name of the applicant 
  • The applicant’s contact number;
  • Date of filing and date of release;
  • Name of investigator
  • Telephone number of the HPG office/unit responsible in releasing the result of the application
  • Name of the HPG office/unit responsible in releasing the result of the application

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For more information, here are some common questions and answers regarding the processing of requests for Certificate of Re-Stamping: 

1. What is an Identity Transfer?

Identity transfer in motor vehicles refers to the act of transferring the engine number, chassis number, body tag number, plate number, and any other identifying marks of a motor vehicle declared as “total wreck” or is beyond economic repair by concerned car Insurance companies and/or law enforcement agencies after its involvement in a vehicular accident or other incident and registers the same into another factory-made body or vehicle unit, of the same classification, type, make or model. 

2. Is Re-stamping of motor vehicles illegal?

No, but it has to be authorized by the relevant agencies like the LTO, PNP-HPG, and HPG MVCS first before it is done. 

3. Is a certificate of lifting of alarm necessary before re-stamping?

It depends. If the motor vehicle was tampered with and included in the Nationwide Alarm/Watchlist, then yes, the registered owner needs to first secure a certificate of lifting of alarm. However, it can be done prior or simultaneous to the application for re-stamping.

4. Is it better to process the request for Certificate of re-stamping from the Regional Highway Patrol Unit (RHPU)? 

Not necessarily. The procedures for processing re-stamping requests via the Regional Highway Patrol Unit (RHPU) may seem simpler but the requirements remain the same. Plus, it will still need the approval of the MVCS and the Director of the PNP-HPG, so they’re kind of the same thing. 

Summary

The Certificate of Re-stamping is an important document issued to the registered owner or his/her authorized representative or any applicant requesting for the lifting of alarm on a motor vehicle. It proves that a recovered motor vehicle can be released to the owner or party entitled to the possession of the subject MV upon submission of the required documents. It is issued after an application for the lifting of alarm is processed and approved by the Director, HPG, upon the endorsement of the HPG Motor Vehicle Clearing Committee.