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Chassis modification is one of the things that the Land Transportation Office (LTO) generally doesn’t allow. After all, most cars have rigid dimensions and modifications that change the dimension and weight of the chassis and wheelbase may affect its handling. Changing the chassis of the motor vehicle may also   cause the chassis to flex in weird places if the modification compromises its rigidity and structural integrity. 

However, changing the chassis is something that some car enthusiasts like to do. Whatever their reason for doing so, chassis modifications are being done in many places, so the LTO makes it a point to require registration and run official physical inspection and testing to guarantee roadworthiness and a safe experience and environment for drivers, passengers, and operators. 

LTO Vehicle Modifications: Change Chassis

The car’s chassis, or frame, refers to the very foundation for every other component that the motor vehicle carries. It serves as the basis where everything else is built on and could be either a unibody or a body-on-frame style. Despite its functionality, the chassis, especially its parts, are often neglected unless there’s a broken or badly worn part. 

As the chassis the car handling and consequently the torsional rigidity and stability of the vehicle, worn out steering and suspension parts of the chassis may cause potential dangers to both drivers and pedestrians. Before that happens, the chassis needs to be modified, changed, or replaced. In some cases chassis modification is simply a result of personal preferences and aesthetics. 

Whatever the reason is for your interest in changing your car’s chassis, it’s best to remember that these changes need permission from the LTO. Hence, it needs to be applied before you can drive the car on public roads again. 

Benefits of Changing the Chassis of a Motor Vehicle

Being able to change your vehicle’s chassis at will means enjoying the following benefits: 

• You may upgrade your vehicle into one that suits your speed and performance preferences.
• A change in vehicle chassis may give the car a longer lifespan.
• Depending on the type of chassis you have, you may be able to make changes to other parts for better aesthetics.
• You may be able to get a bigger car, or one with more spaces if you add length to your chassis.
• It gives you freedom to decide how you want your car to perform.
• You can save more money as chassis modification also involves getting its parts checked for wear and tear.

Eligibility to Change the Chassis of a Motor Vehicle

Just like when making any other type of motor vehicle (MV) modifications, changing the chassis of a motor vehicle is allowed to anyone who owns a registered motor vehicle and who intends to change chassis for whatever reason. These changes are allowed by LTO, provided that those who are requesting for such change can present all the requirements and have the ability to pay all the relevant LTO fees.

LTO Requirements for Chassis Modification

Car modifications resulting in changes in the car’s chassis may be allowed, but it has to be declared and permitted by the LTO. As such, the car owners need to prepare and submit the following list of documents, depending on the class of the vehicles they own and other conditions.

General Requirements

The basic requirements for application for chassis modification in LTO includes:

• Original and photocopy of Certificate of Registration (CR) / Certificate of Registration – Encumbered (CRE) with conformity of the financing company interposing no objection as to the change of color
• Original Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificate
• Macro-etching report 
• Special Bank Receipt (except for Motorcycle with sidecar)
• LTO Copy or electronically transmitted appropriate insurance Certificate of Cover (COC) / Endorsement of insurance
• Duly accomplished original Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR)

Additional Requirements

The need for additional documents may vary depending on the class of change the car as well as other conditions regarding the motor vehicle being modified. 

In such cases, there are additional requirements listed as follows: 

For Hire Vehicles

• Confirmation of Franchise from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) with copy of Decision/Order
• Original Certificate of Registration (CR) and latest original Official Receipt (OR) of payment
• Original copy of Sales Invoice of Chassis
• Plates
• Affidavit of Change of Chassis
• Clearance from Philippine National Police-Traffic Management Group (PNP-TMG)
• Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR)
• Copy of Dealer’s Report duly authenticated by the Assistant Secretary with Official Receipt (OR)
• Confirmation of CR/OR (CIR-91-137) if issued by other LTO Agency
• Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN)

Private Vehicles

• Original Certificate of Registration (CR) and latest original Official Receipt (OR) of payment
• Original copy of Sales Invoice of Chassis 
• Affidavit of Change of Chassis 
• Clearance from Philippine National Police-Traffic Management Group (PNP-TMG)
• Actual inspection of MV with duly accomplished MVIR (Motor Vehicle Inspection Report)
• Confirmation of Dealer’s Report from Registration Section / Regional Office
• Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN)

For Vehicles under Chattel Mortgage

• Chattel Mortgage Contract duly annotated by the Registry of Deeds
• Official Receipt (OR) issued by the Registry of Deeds

For Vehicles Owned By A Corporation

• Board Resolution or Secretary’s Certificate

For Motor Vehicles Owned By A Single Proprietor

• Registration of Business Name issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

How to File Application for Change Chassis of Motor Vehicles

Changing your vehicle’s chassis isn’t simple. It’s typically overlooked during maintenance but it does serve as one of the vehicle’s most important parts.  Like other LTO transactions, however, chassis modification or changes requires submission of the documentary requirements mentioned above and execution of the step-by-step procedure listed below:

Step 1: Visit the LTO Office closest to you. 

Step 2: Secure a queue number at the LTO officer-in-charge and wait for your turn.

Step 3: Once your number is called, proceed to the transaction counters. 

Step 4: Submit all the required documents to the Evaluator for evaluation and computation of fees.

Step 5: Once the evaluation is completed, get the actual inspection of motor vehicles with duly accomplished Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR) done.

Step 6: Once the MVIR is ready, proceed to the queue for the cashier window and wait for your turn.

Step 7: Once your name is called, pay for the necessary fees and secure an Official Receipt (OR).

Step 8: Once done, proceed to the Releasing Counter.

Step 9: Present the OR to get the new Certificate of Registration (CR), plates, stickers, and other requested documents.

Step 10: Once you have received the CR and other relevant documents, signs in the CR log book.

Where to File Application for Change in Vehicle Chassis

Filing for a change in chassis for your motor vehicle can be done in any LTO Office, district, or extension offices, whichever is more convenient.

Fees for LTO Chassis Modification

The procedures for engine swap for motor vehicles in LTO will require applicants to pay the following:

• A total of one hundred pesos (P100.00) for the color change fee.
• Other LTO fees (MVUC, etc.)

Important Reminders

For your reference, here are some things you need to remember when applying for a permit to change chassis:

• Note that all types of changes are subject to inspection as it needs to be checked for safety and to ensure that the change will not cause harm to yourself and to others.
• That said, the procedure always comes with other fees. 
• Changing the chassis of a motor vehicle is an optional procedure, though it’s best to always keep it in check for worn out parts.
• It can be done at any of the LTO offices in the Philippines.
• Chassis modification is only possible if it doesn’t involve adding length or changing the weight of the frame, which may affect torsional rigidity, stability, and handling of the motor vehicle.

Video: Guide on the Requirements for Changing Chassis in LTO

You can learn more about the procedures on how to change chassis in LTO by watching this video from Mivec Man Challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To help make your application for change in vehicle body design as painless as possible, we rounded up the most common questions and answers related to it.

1. Can I apply for the change in chassis from any LTO branch office?

Yes. You may apply for chassis modification and have it registered at any LTO branch, provided that they offer the service. 

2. Is there a difference when filing for applications for change of engine between private and for hire vehicles?

Yes. There are differences in documentary requirements, but the procedures remain the same. The restrictions remain the same as well, in the sense that it is allowed so long as it doesn’t cause change in vehicle classification or affect the vehicle’s handling and safety.

3. How much does it cost to modify or change chassis in the Philippines?

The price may vary depending on the type of chassis—material, design, etc.—you require. 

4. Is LTO imposing a fee for changing the chassis of my car?

Yes. The LTO collects a P100.00 charge for changing the chassis of your car.

Summary

Chassis modification is a tricky procedure. Make it too long or too heavy that it affects the alignment and handling of the vehicle, resulting in accidents. Ignore the chassis and you might end up with worn or torn parts, resulting in the same kind of danger. It’s a sensitive procedure that may affect the safety of the drivers and passengers, which is why this kind of change is heavily regulated by the LTO. Despite the regulation, it is possible to get it done, so longa s you are willing to spend money to pay for the LTO fees and time to process the numerous documentary requirements.