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How to Get LTO Vanity License Plate (Personalized Plate Number)

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in the Philippines is the agency in charge of regulating and issuing license plates. These number plates are segregated into three types: private, public, and official use. The agency also issues personalized or vanity license plates (VLPs), officially called Optional Motor Vehicle Special Plates (OMVSP), if the price is right.

Vanity License Plates are also known as customized plates, personalized plates, or special plate numbers.

The issuance of vanity license plates or LTO Personalized Plate Numbers is quite controversial in the country for several reasons. One, it costs a lot of money, and two, there are also some non-standard vanity plates that are not issued by the LTO.

There are also some procedures to complete before a vehicle can be legally allowed to bear a custom plate number. To learn about these procedures, as well as the requirements, pricing, and everything else you need to know about getting an LTO Vanity License Plates, then keep reading this guide.

Table of Contents

What is an official LTO Vanity Plate?

An official LTO vanity license plate (VLP), also known as Optional Motor Vehicle Special Plates (OMVSP), is a vanity plate or a personalized plate issued by the LTO. Like the regular VLPs, the official plates are customized, allowing the motorist to choose any letter or number combinations, though with the following restrictions:

It contains a unique combination, with no registered duplicate anywhere else in the country.
The plate is not in the same format as those of the special plates reserved for government vehicles.
The motorist pays the fee for VLPs.

What are the different types of VLPs?

The LTO offers three different types of vanity plates: limited, premium, and select editions. Unfortunately, the limited and premium editions are no longer being offered, but the select edition still is, though it comes with a not-so-commoner-friendly price tag.

Limited edition VLPs

The Limited Edition is exactly that – a limited edition type of customized number plate. It is so limited that the agency has not produced any since 2005. The last piece was offered through a public auction at a floor price of P50,000. Limited Edition VLPs have four to six characters containing either identical numbers or identical characters. Note that for this type, combining both numbers and letters on one plate is not allowed. Along with the unique number plate, the Limited Edition VLP offers the motorist an exemption from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program, which is more commonly known as the number coding scheme. By far, the most expensive limited edition number plate on Philippine roads has 88888 stamped on it and it costs just slightly cheaper than a Chinese car at P400,000.

Premium Edition

The Premium Edition VLP is the more affordable version of the specially customized plate issued by LTO at P15,000. The characters on the premium plate have six characters, consisting of three numbers and three letters just like a regular number plate. The only difference is, the characters are in reversed order, like 888 IOU. Note that the cars carrying this type of plate are not exempted from the coding system. Unlike the Limited Edition, the Premium Edition VLP is still available in the market, though the last VLP of this type was sold in 2007.

Select Edition VLP

Unlike the Limited edition VLPs, the Select Edition VLP is also still available in the market, at P10,000. With the Select Edition VLP, motorists are allowed to use a unique combination of their choice of characters and numbers with a minimum of three and a maximum of six characters. But while you can use this type of vanity plate to proclaim to the world how vain you are with plates that say IMSEXY, this type of VLP does not offer the privilege to dodge traffic enforcers when you violate the coding scheme.

What vehicles are eligible for a VLP?

The officially issued OMVSPs or Optional Motor Vehicle Special Plates (OMVSP) are available for private vehicles like SUVs, AUVs, pickups, and more. It doesn’t have to be intended for a brand new vehicle either as an official vanity license plate can be issued even to older registered vehicles.

Here’s a list of vehicles under the four-wheel category that is eligible for a VLP, according to the LTO:

Existing motor vehicles

Cars (sedans, hatchbacks, wagons)
Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV)
Vintage and Collectors
Asian Utility Vehicle (UAV)
Sports pick up
Commuter vans

New motor vehicles

Cars (sedans, hatchbacks, wagons)
Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV)
Vintage and Collectors
Asian Utility Vehicle (UAV)
Sports pick up
Commuter vans

Meanwhile, public utility vehicles as well as any vehicle above the four-wheel category are not allowed to bear a vanity plate.

Here’s a list of Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) that are ineligible for vanity plates:

Cargo Trucks (private/for hire)
Service vehicle (hotel, limousines, tourist vehicles, rent-a-car, ambulance, and funeral hearse)
Vintage Vehicle
Government Vehicle
Diplomatic/OE Vehicle
Used Imported/Surplus MV
MV with more than 4-wheel category

What are the benefits of owning an LTO vanity license plate?

Some of the benefits that come with getting an LTO vanity license plate include:

Better investment for personal or business branding
Better expression of individual personality
Unique character and look to your car
Available to most private vehicle types

What are the requirements for securing a vanity license plate from LTO?

When applying for a vanity license plate at your preferred LTO branch anywhere in the country, you need to check first if they entertain vanity license plate applications or if they issue vanity license plates. Once you’ve confirmed this, you need to prepare the following documentary requirements:

Duly accomplished OMVSP (Request for Vanity Plate) application form by the owner or duly authorized representative.

Note: The OMVSP application form is available for download at https://lto.gov.ph/lto-forms/file/3-application-for-optional-motor-vehicle-special-plates.html.

A certified true copy of the latest Official Receipt (OR) issued by the Transacting district office (TDO)
Certified true copy of the Certificate of Registration (CR), issued by the TDO
Certificate of No Plate Issued from the TDO to prove that no plates have been issued to the motor vehicle together with the official receipt of payment of the certification fee
Sales Invoice (in lieu of other documents to authenticate the year model or to determine whether the motor vehicle is brand new)
The ID of the Authorized Representative or Owner
Authorization Letter from Owner (If Applicable)

How to get a vanity plate from the LTO?

Here’s a complete step-by-step procedure on how to secure an LTO vanity license plate (VLP):

Step 1: First, your car needs to be registered with the LTO, which means you need to go through the entire process of how to register a motor vehicle.
Step 2: Visit the LTO office, and submit the documentary requirements listed above to the Secretariat, Bids, and Awards (BAC) Committee located in LTO, East Avenue, Quezon City
Step 3: If the request is approved, pay the applicable fees and charges to the Treasury Section of the LTO office.
Step 4: Once paid, bring your receipt and proceed to the MID-Computer Section for transmittal to the Administrative Division.
Step 5: Assuming that all the submitted documents are in order, wait for at least seven (7) working days (if you are within Metro Manila) or longer (if you are in the provinces) to secure the vanity plate.

LTO Vanity Plate Number Request Application Form

The LTO Vanity Plate Number Application Form is a document that needs to be filled out by a vehicle owner who wishes to apply for a personalized or vanity plate number. The form requires personal information, such as the applicant’s name, address, contact details, and email address. Check out the application request form below:

The form asks for vehicle information, such as the make, model, year, and other identifying information about the vehicle. The applicant must also provide their desired vanity plate number and a reason for the request. After the application has been submitted, the applicant must wait for LTO’s review of their request.

Where to get a vanity license plate (VLP)?

You may visit the MID-Computer Section of the LTO Central Office located on East Avenue, Quezon City, or at any LTO regional or district office nationwide.

How much does it cost to get a vanity license plate in the Philippines?

Under this program, the owner of the covered brand-new motor vehicle or its duly authorized representative may apply at any authorized LTO Regional/District Offices for an OMVSP pair. The plate number fees for these plates are as follows:

PHP 15,000.00 for plates with three (3) alpha and three (3) numeric characters except 000, or any three (3) alpha combination + any three (3) numeric combinations which are not yet issued as series.
PHP 25,000.00 for number plates with three (3) alpha and two (2) numeric characters except 00.
PHP 35,000.00 for plates with three (3) alpha and four (4) numeric characters except 0000 or any three (3) alpha combination + any four (4) numeric combination which are not yet issued as series.

Important Reminders

Here are some things you need to remember when acquiring a vanity license plate from LTO:

Regular LTO license plate still a requirement even if you are paying for an official vanity license plate from LTO.
You will need your OR/CR to make the request for vanity plates.
While the cost of vanity is high, it is especially so when it comes to getting a vanity plate for your car.
The cost of a vanity license plate is approximately 20 to 50 times more than the regular LTO license plate.
The LTO vanity plates come in two editions: the Premium Edition and Select Edition.
To reserve a particular combination for your vanity plate, you need to pay a P1,000 reservation fee to keep the combination reserved for 30 days.
LTO Vanity Plates take a long time before it is released.
The temporary suspension on the release of LTO vanity plates implemented in December 2017 has already been lifted (as of April 2023).
Getting a vanity plate doesn’t exempt you from the number coding scheme, unless you already secured the Limited edition VLP which is no longer being sold. Otherwise, these custom plate numbers are simply for vanity and aesthetics.
The vehicle coding applies to the regular license plate number where the vanity plate is attached.
Offensive, sexual, lewd, racist, or plate requests with bad or inappropriate connotations will be denied.
Duplicate vanity plates (in case of damage or loss) shall only be allowed once.

Video: How to Get an Optional Motor Vehicle Special Plate (OMVSP) from LTO

Check out this video clip as shared by Pinoy about the process of getting an OMVSP (Optional Motor Vehicle Special Plate) from LTO. We hope this will give you a better idea about the procedures:

Video: Vanity Plate stamped with AA8 fetched P499 million at an Auction in the UAE

In other countries, there are costlier prices when getting a personalized car plate number. Such is the case in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Watch this video from Mohammed Bin Rashid al Maktoum Global Initiatives and see for yourself how some ultra-rich car enthusiasts in the Middle East readily let go of 35 million United Arab Emirates dirham (P499 million Philippine peso) for plate number AA8 at an auction.

Memo on Vanity Plate Numbers in the Philippines

The LTO Vanity Plate Request Memo is a communication from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in the Philippines notifying vehicle owners that they are now accepting applications for personalized or vanity plate numbers. The memo provides valuable information such as how to apply for the vanity plate through the LTO Vanity Plate Number Application Form and the conditions applicants must meet to have their request approved.

lto vanity plate number application form memo

This memo is an important resource for vehicle owners who are interested in obtaining a personalized license plate number.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions and answers about the LTO Vanity License Plates like

1. What types of vanity plates are available and how much do they cost?

Right now, there are two (2) available vanity plate categories: the Premium Edition, which costs P25,000 and the Select Edition which costs P10,000.

2. Can I give the official LTO vanity license plate as a gift?

Yes, but you need to ensure that the recipient of the gifted vanity plate is a registered owner of a motor vehicle, either existing or brand-new.

3. How long does it take to secure an official VLP?

If all the necessary documentations are in order and after the payment for the request is received, it will take about fifteen (15)-working days if the application is made within Metro Manila. In the provinces, it might take a little longer.

4. I bought a new motor vehicle but have not yet been issued a license plate, can I avail myself of the vanity plate?

No. LTO vanity plates can only be issued to a motorist who has a registered motor vehicle already issued with a regular LTO license plate.

5. Can I reserve my preferred vanity plate?

Yes. You only need to make a reservation and pay the reservation fee amounting to P1,000. Do note that the reservation fee is only valid for 30 days. If the vanity plate combination remains unclaimed after 30 days, the reservation fee will be forfeited in favor of the government.

6. Do VLPs exempt motorists from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) number coding scheme?

No. The Lto vanity plates are mostly for aesthetics, especially the Premium and Select Editions. Unless you have a Limited Edition Vanity plate, then you can’t dodge the number coding scheme in Metro Manila which is based on the regular license plate number where the VLP is attached.

7. What vehicles are eligible for the VLP Program?

The following classes of motor vehicles, whether existing or brand-new, under the four (4) wheel category duly registered with the LTO shall be eligible to avail of the program:

Cars
Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV)
Vintage and Collectors
Asian Utility Vehicle (UAV)
Sports pick up

8. In the event that a vanity plate is lost, is it possible to get a replacement?

Yes. However, you will need to submit the gollowing documents to the Bids and Awards (BAC) Committee of the LTO to process a request for a duplicate VLP and get a replacement plate:

Sworn Affidavit of Loss
Law Enforcement and Traffic Adjudication System (LETAS) Alarm Report
Police report
Original Official Receipt (OR) on payment of the lost VLP
Original VLPt Certificate of Title
Photocopy of Certificate of Registration (CR) of Motor Vehicle
Photocopy of the latest OR of Registration

9. What is the prerequisite for securing a vanity plate?

The private motor vehicle must already have a regular LTO license plate.

10. How many VLP and VLP stickers will I receive, and how do I place the VLP and stickers on my vehicle?

You will receive only one (1) VLP and it will be installed at the space allotted for the rear license plate of the motor vehicle. You will also get one (1) sticker that will be installed at the upper right hand corner of the inside rear windshield of the motor vehicle.

11. Is it possible to transfer my VLP to another vehicle? How will I do it and how much will it cost me?

Yes. It is possible to make the request or apply for transfer of VLP to another vehicle, but this will be subjected to the given processes and rules of issuance and the related fees assigned by the LTO.

12. When I sell my vehicle does the VLP remain in the vehicle?

You may opt to keep the vanity plate attached to the vehicle or remove your VLP upon sale of the motor vehicle and have it transferred to another one of your eligible vehicles at LTO.

13. Can a foreigner acquire or secure a vanity plate for a souvenir?

No. The issuance of LTO vanity license plates is limited only in the Philippines and can only be issued to a Filipino motorist with a duly registered motor vehicle.

14. If I still have a commemorative plate, can I avail of the Vanity plate?

If you did not disclose that you have a valid commemorative plate and you install your vanity license plate at the rear of the motor vehicle as prescribed, both your vanity plate and your commemorative plate might be confiscated and a fine will be imposed if caught.

Summary

Sure, a vanity license plate issued officially by the LTO can definitely boost your vehicle’s character and even make it stand out. But, before you shell out thousands over a piece of steel, take some time to think if your idea makes your car laudable or laughable and if it’s worth the price. After all, once you’ve paid for the vanity plates, you can only choose to use it or waste the money you’ve already spent.

LTO TDC: Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) Certificate

The LTO Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) gives all attendees an in-depth 15-hour seminar or classroom session on the fundamentals of driving and road safety. It’s divided into three distinct sessions, each involving a variety of topics from introductory LTO information to complex conversations about using motor vehicles safely. Additionally, practical driving activities are incorporated when undertaken through private instruction schools.

Also read: How to Register Car in LTO and Get Certificate of Registration

This is the latest addition to the list of requirements for a Student-Driver’s Permit at the Land Transportation Office (LTO), according to LTO Memorandum Circular 2019-2176. This new mandate took effect on April 6, 2020, and applies to all new drivers who want to obtain a Student-Driver’s Permit.

This new additional requirement is the government’s latest attempt to keep the roads safe and ensure that everyone who is getting a driver’s license would be disciplined. The TDC requirement also ensures that all drivers would learn everything they need to know about driving safely on the road. If you are one of them and you need to learn more about what TDC actually is, then this guide is for you.

Table of Contents

What is TDC

LTO’s TDC refers to the Theoretical Driving Course, a 15-hour seminar or classroom session where all attendees are expected to learn about the basics of driving and road safety. The course is split into three sessions, covering numerous topics or modules—from the LTO basics to the comprehensive discussion on the safe use of motor vehicles. It also comes with actual driving practices, especially when taken in private driving schools.

As the most recent addition to LTO’s mandatory requirements from all new drivers, it is a must to complete the TDC either at an LTO branch, online, at an LTO Driver Education Center (DEC), or at any LTO-accredited institution.

It is particularly important to attend this course, especially if you are seeking to secure a Student Driver’s Permit. Once you secure a Student-Driver’s Permit, you may already be allowed to get a non-professional driver’s license after one month, provided that you complete all the necessary steps set by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) of the Philippines for Non-Professional Driver’s License application.

The TDC curriculum is divided into classroom/theoretical instructions and actual driving sessions. The classroom sessions cover the following topics:

The progress and role of the LTO in our society’s growth

The organization and operation of the LTO

Requirements and process of getting a driver’s license

Traffic regulations that include signs, road markings, and right of way

Specific directives and laws designed by the LTO

Scanning of danger to reduce road crash risks

Operations of automotive parts and related accessories

Effective driving with proper maneuvering

Different parking skills

Techniques and tips on how to save fuel

The correct way of checking the safety of a vehicle

Practicum on basic troubleshooting

Defensive driving, road discipline, and other related practices

Comprehensive discussion regarding the safe use of motorcycles and light motor vehicles

Benefits

Aside from being a requirement when applying for a Student Driver’s Permit, the TDC also offer the following benefits those who take it:

It promotes safer roads.

It promotes better driver attitude.

It promotes more technical understanding of road signages.

It promotes clearer driver intuition.

It supports the government’s resolution to “fix” and “resolve” the unrelenting traffic issues that thousands of Filipinos experience on a regular basis.

It gives the student driver a better understanding on how to develop better driving attitude.

It also offers more technical understanding of road signages.

It restricts the acquisition of Student Driver’s Permit, ensuring that only the most qualified get a license to operate a motor vehicle.

Requirements

Whether it is to be taken at a driving school, an LTO Driver Education Center (DEC), or any LTO-accredited institution, the first step to taking the TDC is to book a schedule. Once you have a schedule booked for the Theoretical Driving Course at any LTO office, then you can work on securing the following documentary requirements:

Original and one (1) photocopy of the PSA/NSO Certificate of Live Birth;

Original and one (1) photocopy of one (1) valid government-issued identification card;

If married: Original and one (1) photocopy of the PSA marriage contract;

One (1) piece of 2×2 ID picture; and

A printed copy of the Theoretical Driving School Student List with the student’s name highlighted.

How to Attend TDC Course and Get a TDC Certificate

So, you already secured your requirements and you are now raring to get started in securing your LTO driver’s license. Unfortunately, there’s still the need to acquire a TDC certificate. To get one, here’s what you have to do:

Step 1: Locate one of the LTO-accredited driving centers in your region (if you wish to take the TDC for free) or pick an LTO-accredited driving school (if you don’t mind shelling out the fees).

Step 2: Once you have found a place to take your TDC, let them know that you’re looking to be scheduled for the theoretical driving course or the TDC.

Step 3: Then, wait for them to confirm when your schedule will be.

Step 4: Once you have your schedules confirmed, attend the three-session lectures.

Step 5: After the lecture, you need to take the TDC exam and score at least 80% to pass.

Step 6: After you’ve successfully passed the TDC exam, you may now secure your TDC certificate at the place where you took the course.

Note: In the event that you fail the TDC exam, you can simply retake it where you took the first one until you pass.

LTO Free TDC Course at Selected Driver’s Education Centers

LTO has announced a free 15-hour TDC Course specifically designed for first-time drivers. This course is available at selected Driver’s Education Centers across the country and aims to equip new drivers with the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitude to become safe and responsible road users. The TDC course covers topics such as driving laws, traffic signs, vehicle control techniques, defensive driving strategies and other important topics.

To participate in the free TDC Course, applicants must contact and register in selected driver’s education centers by LTO. Take note that not all centers offer this FREE TDC course so please make sure to check first. After passing the training, participants will receive a course completion certificate that can be used to apply for student driver’s license.

Important Reminders

If you are taking the face-to-face TDC, regardless of the venue, here are a few things you’d want to keep in mind:

Come on time.

Do not miss your chosen schedule to avoid getting your name taken off the class list.

Bring an original copy of your PSA birth certificate or PSA marriage certificate along with one valid government-issued ID. School IDs and proof of enrollment are also accepted for student applicants.

Bring your vaccination card.

Bring a black or blue-inked pen.

Wear your face mask properly.

Check if they require face shields.

Get there early as only 40 applicants will be accommodated per day.

Make sure you personally go for the class as sending a proxy to sit in for you.

Do not wear shorts, sleeveless shirts, and slippers.

Bring your own snacks.

Video: How to Enroll in TDC to Get a TDC Certificate

Watch as Mervs, a self-declared adventurer, mountaineer, and rider, gets himself enrolled in TDC to secure the TDC certificate he needs in this Youtube Video posted by PinoyAdventurista himself.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here’s a list of common questions and answers related to the LTO Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) and TDC certificate for your reference:

1. What is the LTO Theoretical Driving Course (TDC)?

The Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) is a 15-hour, three seminar session workshop on LTO and the basic of driving and road safety. It offers lectures that gives the student driver a better understanding on how to keep our roads safe, develop better driving attitude, more technical understanding of road signages, and develop a clearer driver intuition while fulfilling a Student Driver’s Permit requirement.

2. What topics are discussed in the Theoretical Driving Course (TDC)?

The TDC lectures cover information on the LTO, traffic regulations that include signs, road markings, and right of way, specific directives and laws designed by the LTO, scanning of danger to reduce road crash risks, and operations of automotive parts and related accessories.

3. How much does TDC cost?

If you are taking the TDC at an LTO branch or any of the LTO DEC nationwide, then the course is free. However, if you prefer going through a driving school, the price for face-to-face sessions range from Php 1,500.00 to Php 2,500. Online TDC offered by driving schools come with a fee ranging from Php 1,000.00 to Php 1,500.00.

4. How long is the Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) and TDC certificate valid?

After one (1) year, the TDC certificate can no longer be used for purposes of the practical driving course. However, it can be used to apply for Non-Professional Driver’s License if the practical driving course has been completed within the one (1) year validity period.

5. What is the passing score of the TDC exam?

The randomized quizzes after every module requires getting 80% correct answers to pass. The course is valid for 30 days so the exam can be retaken until then.

6. How many hours does the TDC take?

According to an announcement issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) via its official Facebook page, the Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) has a 15-hour duration and is free to take at any LTO Driver Education Centers. It is divided into three sessions of five (5) hours each.

7. How many modules are there in theoretical driving course?

The number of modules is undisclosed, but the 15-hour course is divided into three sessions and should cover everything about LTO and road safety, from traffic regulations to LTO mandated special laws.

8. Where can I enroll for a TDC session?

To take the TDC, you may enroll at any of the following:

Driver’s License Renewal Office (DLRO)

District Offices (DO)

Licensing Centers (LC)

Extension Offices (EO)

9. Is the TDC required for a student permit?

Yes. You will need to present your Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) Certificate before you can apply for and be issued a student permit. To get the certificate, you must first complete the 15-hour course at any LTO Driver’s Education Center or LTO-accredited driving school and pass the TDC exam.

10. What happens if you fail the TDC exam?

If you failed the TDC exam, then you must schedule a retake at the same place where you completed the 15-hour TDC lecture sessions.

11. What is the difference between TDC and PDC?

These certificates may only be issued by LTO-accredited driving schools, authorized instructors and administrators, and Driver Education Centers (DECs) in LTO offices. There are two different types of certificates: one for the Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) and the other for the Practical Driving Course (PDC)

Summary

The Theoretical Driving Course requirement for securing a Student Driver’s Permit at the LTO office may seem like a hassle especially because doing so at a driving school costs money, but this additional requirement is for a good cause. It signifies the good intention of the Philippine government to keep the public roads safe for both drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Not only that, it is also the government’s way of ensuring that only the qualified and knowledgeable drivers are issued the authority to operate motor vehicles on public roads.

Though taking the TDC at a driving school costs money, the government has also started offering them for free. You simply need to choose to do it at either an LTO office or an LTO Driver Education Center to attend the seminar and get the TDC certificate for free. Before you can do so, however, you need to book a schedule and get your requirements in order first. In any case, there is at least one LTO DEC center per region so you don’t have to go too far in search of a free TDC certificate. It is also now available online, so that’s another option you can look into when you decide that you want to get your TDC certificate already.

Contact Information

For more information or to check if there are LTO DECs nearby or if there are available TDC schedules, you may reach out to LTO via:

Land Transportation Office (LTO)
LTMS portal: https://portal.lto.gov.ph/ords/f?p=PUBLIC_PORTAL:CONTACT_US:115716301949471
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 closest to you.

How to Renew Car Registration in LTO

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is the prime agency in charge of road safety through driver and vehicle licensing, registration, and renewal. It is the agency that regulates roadworthy vehicles on the road, by requiring them to go through a series of stringent registration renewal procedures to check its roadworthiness every year, after the initial registration validity of three years has expired.

Also Read: LTO Renewal of Car Registration: Renew Motor Vehicle License Online

Needless to say, it is also the LTO offices, located in various places in the country, that are tasked with carrying out the regulatory procedures related to registration renewal. It is also the LTO that imposes fines and penalties in cases when someone fails to renew their car registrations. To learn more about what to expect when your car registration expires, how to renew, and what requirements to prepare to do so, keep reading this guide.

Table of Contents

Renewing Your Car Registration

As a car owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your motor vehicle (MV) will not pose a danger to yourself, to others, and to the property of others. It is by religiously going through the annual registration renewal procedures that you get to have a complete check on your vehicle, along with a safety stamp provided by the government to prove that it is safe and roadworthy. However, renewing your car’s registration is not as simple as it involves numerous steps in the registration process as well as strict guidelines and different renewal dates.

With that, we have made a complete guide to help you prepare for your MV registration renewal when it is about to expire. We also added information on the things you need to keep in mind like designated registration date and documentary requirements for your convenience.

Why Do You Need to Go Through the LTO Renewal Process for Existing Vehicles

Your initial LTO car registration is valid for three years. Once the three years are up and the registration expires, then you will need to renew on schedule for the following reasons:

To avoid having to pay hefty fines.
- A week’s delay means a fine of ₱200
- If the delay goes beyond a month, the fine is equivalent to 50% of the Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC)
- If you get caught driving an unregistered vehicle, you’ll pay a hefty fine of ₱10,000
- Other penalties resulting from non-renewal of car registration renewal

When Should I Renew my LTO Car Registration

You can’t just walk into an LTO office and apply for a vehicle renewal as you please. The LTO actually uses a plate number-based system to determine the schedule to renew your car registration in the Philippines. All motorists must stick to this schedule for your LTO car registration renewal as it will cost you some of your hard-earned money when delayed.

To determine the schedule and deadlines for renewing your car registration, you must take a look at the last two digits of your plate number. The last digit corresponds to the monthly deadline, whereas the second to the last digit of your plate number corresponds to the weekly deadline for your car registration renewal.

With this scheduling scheme, it is easy to plan your renewal. There shouldn’t be an excuse, as everything is dictated by your plate number. To avoid hassles and delays, you can renew your car registration a month before its deadline, for at least one month in advance.

LTO Requirements for Car Registration Renewal

There are numerous LTO requirements for the renewal of car registration. These requirements are important as they are intended to help LTO regulate the sale and acquisition of illegal cars and to ensure that the vehicles on the roads are roadworthy and will not cause accidents.

These requirements for car registration renewal are as follows:

General Requirements

Original LTO copy or electronically transmitted Appropriate Insurance Certificate of Cover (COC) (Third Party Liability)

Original copy of the Certificate of Emission Compliance (CEC)

Photocopy of Certificate of Registration (CR) and Official Receipt of payment

Duly accomplished and approved Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR)

Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN)

Early warning device (may be required during vehicle inspection)

Additional Requirements

Depending on the type of motor vehicle, there may be additional documentary requirements that car owners need to present to renew their car registration.

These additional requirements are listed below:

Additional Requirement for Tax-Exempt Vehicle

Original Endorsement with control number

Additional Requirement for Other Exempt Vehicle (OEV) under Special Economic Zones

Original certification that proves the motor vehicle is still classified as an OEV

Additional Requirements for Vehicles Used for Rentals (For Hire Units)

Electronically transmitted franchised confirmation or Provisional Authority (PA) or petition for an extension of validity duly received by the LTFRB with OR

Certified copy of the Valid Motorized Tricycle Operator’s Permit (MTOP) with Official Receipt

Additional Requirements for Stolen and Recovered Vehicles

Original and photocopy of the Lifting of General Alarm

Presentation of the original and submission of a photocopy of the Report of Recovery

Presentation of the original and submission of a photocopy of the Alarm Sheet

Original Certificate of re-stamping in case of tampered engine/chassis

Original PNP Crime Laboratory (macro etching report) or National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) report fully identifying the motor vehicle and stating therein the tampering done on the engine or chassis, if any

LTO Renewal Fees

The fees for LTO renewal are exactly the same as that of the initial registration, with the addition of the following:

A renewal fee of ₱400.00.

The Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC) or road user tax

How to Renew Your LTO Car Registration

The LTO car registration renewal procedure is practically the same as the process for registering the car for the first time.

For MV registration in person, here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Prepare the documents.

Step 2: Go to the LTO office and submit your documents to the receiving clerk in your preferred LTO branch.

Step 3: Get an estimate of the fees you need to pay.

Step 4: Pay the fees amounting to the same fee as when you first register your vehicle with the addition of ₱400.00 renewal fee and wait for your Official Receipt (OR).

Step 5: Go through your vehicle’s inspection either via LTO-accredited private inspection center or by the LTO inspection center to ensure that it’s still road-safe after all these years.

Step 6: Get your inspection report (MVIR). If your inspection went well, then you’ll have finished with the entire renewal process by then.

Renewing your vehicle’s registration can also be done online, via the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) portal. It’s quick and easy and takes only a few minutes. Here’s how:

Step 1: Subject your vehicle to an inspection and an emission test so the owner can acquire a Certificate of Emission Compliance (CEC).

Step 2: You need to get a Certificate of Coverage (COC) from the insurance company of your choice. The insurance company will then electronically transmit the COC to the LTO.

Step 3: Bring your vehicle to a Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Center (PMVIC) to check its roadworthiness and secure an inspection report. The PMVIC will then electronically transmit the inspection report via the LTMS.

Step 4: Log in to the LTMS portal to initiate the online registration renewal.

Step 5: Pay the fees online and wait for the system to generate a receipt via your email.

Important Reminders

For LTO registration renewals, here are some conditions that need to be met:

For online renewals

The LTO registration renewal online is only applicable to plain renewals.

You need to create an LTMS account and an LTO Client ID, regardless if you are renewing your vehicle registration as an individual or as a member of an organization.

You need to have had your last vehicle renewal transaction accomplished using the LTMS.

The vehicle due for renewal must be linked to the registered LTMS account.

The vehicle owner registered in the Certificate of Registration (CR) must be the current owner.

The Certificate of Coverage (COC) must be validated and transmitted by the Insurance Commission.

The inspection report must be issued and transmitted electronically by the PMVIC.

The details of the vehicle must be updated to include the latest plate issuance.

For personal visit to any LTO office

Make sure you have an LTO Client ID to prove that you have registered to the LTMS portal.

Come early to avoid long lines that form as the day progresses.

Bring your early warning device (EWD), a mandatory car accessory (except for motorcycles and tricycles), as you might need it during your vehicle inspection.

Keep your car in good running condition to prepare it for inspection.

Keep your documents and receipts in duplicates to avoid delaying the process.

Video: Renewing your Vehicle Registration

Learn how to renew your car or motorcycle registration online by watching Pinoy Car Guy walks you through the entire process in this video:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Got some questions on LTO car registration and renewal? Check out this list of common questions and answers before heading out:

1. Is it possible to change my plate number?

No, changing your plate number isn’t allowed. The identification and letters of any plate number of a motor vehicle are permanently assigned, except in special cases when there is a change in denomination/classification (e.g., change of private vehicle to rental or government vehicle to private).

2. I want to check if the OR/CR of the pre-owned vehicle I want to buy is authentic. How do I do it?

To check the authenticity of the OR/CR of a pre-owned vehicle, you just need to go to the LTO Property Section at East Avenue, Quezon City.

3. Is it possible to get a duplicate OR/CR in case I lose my own copy?

Yes. But first, you need to prepare a Notarized Affidavit of Loss. Then, you need to head to your originating district office and present the affidavit, along with two (2) valid IDs for identity verification. Once all the requirements are validated, the originating district office will issue you a duplicate OR/CR.

Summary

The LTO car registration and renewal process can be quite complicated. But, with the creation of the LTMS online portal, the agency sure is taking steps to streamline the process and make it less burdensome and more convenient for the people who need them. The vehicle registration renewal process is just one of the numerous LTO services that has been revamped with the new online process. Though it may still cause some inconvenience, the benefits of going online far exceeds the inconvenience of having to sign up for an account online..