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LTO Storage of Motor Vehicle

Storage of motor vehicles is a service offered by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to those who wish to avoid having to pay for motor vehicle registration and other LTO  fees for scrapped vehicles. It is particularly useful if you wish to be a law-abiding citizen but you have a car you can’t or don’t want to use anymore. It helps save money on motor vehicles you won’t be using but needs to register simply because the law says that “All motor vehicles and other vehicles must be registered.”

Because of the LTO storage service, it is possible to avoid being liable for the LTO fees once you have determined that you do not want to keep your vehicle as a running vehicle on public roads. This applies regardless if you want to totally scrap your car or you simply do not wish to keep a dilapidated or accident-damaged vehicle running on public roads. In such a case, it would be wise to avail of the LTO’s storage service.

lto storage of motor vehicle

What does LTO Storage of Motor Vehicle Mean?

The LTO storage service refers to the transaction where the Motor Vehicle (MV) or Motorcycle (MC) plates, Certificate of Registration (CR), and Official Receipt (OR) are all surrendered to the LTO and the vehicle shall not be used or operated for a period of time until reactivated. Once stored, such a vehicle cannot then be used on public roads, but at the very least, it means that the vehicle will not accrue any fees for the time it is in storage (or the time it has been scrapped).

Though it is uncommon for Filipinos to scrap a car as they usually simply sell it off, there does exist another option. This option to store vehicles allows you to keep a car and surrender the license plates to avoid any delinquency in payments of registration fees. It is a particularly useful service in cases when one gets into an accident that wrecks his vehicle or wishes to scrap his dilapidated or accident-damaged vehicle so it doesn’t run on public roads ever again.

Benefits

Some of the benefits associated with the LTO storage of motor vehicle service includes:

  • Allowing you to free up the space occupied by the car when you decide to scrap it.
  • Helps keep your LTO records clean and free from violations. 
  • In case you can’t decide whether to keep or scrap it just yet, you still do not have to worry about paying for LTO registration fees and other related fees while the car is in storage.
  • There is an option for reactivation from storage, in the event you wish to use the car again.
  • You may still be able to drive the car, if only around the village or as a practice vehicle.

Who May Avail

The LTO storage of motor vehicles is available to all motor vehicle owners. It is a particularly useful service for those with old vehicles which they can’t let go either for practical or sentimental reasons.

Requirements

If you decide that you do not wish to be held liable for not paying LTO registration and other fees for a vehicle you no longer use, then you’d want to surrender it to LTO for storage. Before you can do so, however, you will need the following documents:

  • Original Certificate of Registration (CR)
  • In the absence of CR: Submit affidavit of loss
  • Motor Vehicle / Motorcycle plates
  • In case of a lost plate: Submit an affidavit of loss
  • For non-availability of plate: Submit Certification

Procedures

The actual process to store a car and surrender the license plates to avoid any delinquency in payments of registration fees is simple. 

Here are the steps you will need to follow:

Step 1: Visit your preferred LTO Office, whether an LTO District / Extension Offices that processed the storage transaction.

Step 2: Proceed to the Customer Service Counter and have your requirements checked for completeness.

Step 3: Secure an Application Form for storage of motor vehicles.

Step 4: Secure a queue number and wait for your turn.

Step 5: When your number is called, proceed to the transaction counters.

Step 6: Submit the application form along with all your documentary requirements to the Evaluator.

Step 7: Once the requirements are retrieved and verified, you will be issued a billing form.

Step 8: Proceed to the cashier for payment of fees.

Step 9: Wait for the official receipt (OR) to be released.

Step 10: Once paid, present your OR and surrender your number plates, Certificate of Registration (CR), and Official Receipt (OR) of Return Plate and Licenses for storage.

Once stored, the vehicle associated with the plates and OR/CR can no longer be used on public roads again, but at the very least, it means that the vehicle will not accrue any fees for the time it is in storage (or the time it has been scrapped).

Fees

Some of the fees associated with LTO Storage of Motor Vehicle service includes the following:

Storage Fee – P45.00 

Legal Research Fee – 10.00 

Total: P55.00 + surcharge (if applicable)

Where to Avail

If you are interested in availing of the LTO storage service, then you may visit any LTO District or Extension Offices that process storage transactions.

Reactivation from Storage

If by chance the car needs to be used on public roads once again, the LTO does allow for reactivation from storage. Just make sure to prepare to submit the following requirements:

  • LTO Copy and electronically transmitted insurance Certificate of Cover (COC)
  • Original Certificate of Emission Compliance (CEC) 
  • Original Receipt (OR) of Return Plate and Licenses
  • Actual Motor Vehicle Inspection 
  • Valid Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR)

With these documents, you may reactivate your motor vehicle from storage and renew its registration. It means that the vehicle has been restored to road-worthy condition and should be allowed for the retrieval of the plates that you have had stored.

Important Reminders

If you are processing a request to store your motor vehicles’ number plate and OR/CR, you need to keep the following tips in mind:

  • It is mandated by law to pay for registration fees and other LTO fees of all cars, regardless if it’s in good running condition or scrapped.
  • It ensures that the owner of a vehicle is always identifiable in case of any accidents or untoward incidents that require such to be found out. 
  • The LTO storage of motor vehicles allows you to avoid liability from fees, penalties, and delinquencies in case you decide to scrap your motor vehicle.
  • Though scrapping is rare in the Philippines, it still pays to know that there is an option other than reselling for parts or as a second-hand vehicle.
  • It is also possible to reactivate motor vehicles from storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

For your reference, here are some common questions and answers regarding motor vehicle storage:

1. What happens if I decide to keep my car and not have it stored?

By law, you will need to keep renewing the vehicle registration by going through the renewal procedures and paying for the associated fees. 

2. Will I need to have my plates and OR/CR stored if I decide to scrap my car?

Yes, unless you prefer to have it transferred to another vehicle (usually in case of vanity plates) or keep paying for the renewal of your vehicle registration faithfully even when the car is no longer being used. 

3. What if I want to use the car on public roads again? 

If by chance the car is needed to be used once again on public roads, the LTO does allow for reactivation from storage. It requires the vehicle to be restored to road-worthy condition and have its registration renewed before the retrieval of the plates that you have had stored is allowed.

4. How much do I need to pay to avail of the LTO storage service?

To avail of the LTO storage service, you will only need to pay a total of P55.00 along with the applicable surcharge. 

5. Can I still drive my car around after surrendering the number plates for storage?

By law, publicly driving a car without plates and OR/CR is not allowed. You may, however, drive it within your private property and nobody will complain.

Summary

Say you got into an accident and ended up with your vehicle at a total loss, then you’ll either hope for insurance to kick in or end up with a scrap of unusable metal. Once you have determined that you do not want or you are unable to keep your vehicle as a running vehicle on public roads, it would be wise to avail of the LTO’s storage service.

The LTO storage service allows you to store a car and surrender the license plates, avoid delinquency, and avoid paying for the hefty LTO fees associated with owning a vehicle. It’s a simple process and it saves you from burning your money unnecessarily too while you decide what to do with your crappy or old vehicle.

The important lesson here is to know exactly what you will do with a dilapidated or accident-damaged vehicle. When you do, getting on with the actual procedures isn’t always as hard as it seems.

How to Change Chassis of Motor Vehicle in LTO

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 change chassis motor vehicle car

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:

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

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.

How to Lift LTO Alarm Tag on Motor Vehicle

LTO alarm tags are placed on vehicles with bad records at the Land Transportation Office (LTO). This may be because its driver was apprehended, or because the vehicle is a “hot car” that was previously carnapped. When a vehicle is involved in circumstances like accidents, theft, or other situation that calls for an investigation, the vehicle is tagged and placed under an alarm with the LTO. When it happens, it is impossible to register or renew the motor vehicle’s registration since the payment for fines could not be accepted. To resolve such problems, one would need to request that the LTO lifts the alarm tags on the vehicle. 

Contrary to popular belief, there are actually a significant number of motor vehicle owners and buyers whose vehicles were tagged and placed under an alarm with the LTO. It doesn’t necessarily mean that these vehicles are stolen or were in an accident, but it does affect the renewal of their registrations, consequently causing trouble for the car owners. 

how to remove lift lto alarm tag on vehicle

What are LTO Alarm Tags

Alarm tags on vehicles refer to the active LTO records of existing or pending traffic violations or apprehensions. Having an alarm tag on your vehicle means the vehicle may be previously involved in an accident or in the commission of a crime or it may be on the watch list of the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP – HPG) for stolen or carnapped vehicles. It may also mean that the vehicle has an active complaint against it or an active case with either the Department of Health (DoH), the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), or the Internal Investigation Division (IID). 

How to Check if the Car has an LTO Alarm Tag 

There are two ways to check if a vehicle has an LTO Alarm tag or not: via the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or by using the LTO’s Mobile Query Facility. 

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

All cars come with its own specific vehicle identification number (VIN)—a unique 17-character code that serves as a serial number of sorts for better identification. It includes numerical identification for country of manufacture, vehicle manufacturer, vehicle’s production number, and more and is found in some places in your car. The most common places you can locate your car’s VIN are on the dashboard, under the hood, and on the driver’s side door pillar. 

With just the VIN, you can see all the history reports of its previous owners including information on accidents, repairs, and more. All events that happen in a car are recorded in its VIN code. It’s best to run a VIN check first in order to verify the car’s real status.

LTO’s Mobile Query Facility

The use of the LTO’s Mobile Query Facility allows an individual an easy way to verify a vehicle’s status. It allows one to verify whether the physical attributes of the car matches the one on LTO records via the following information:

  • Plate number

  • Make

  • Model

  • Year of Manufacturing

  • Color

  • Date Last Registered in LTO

  • LTO Apprehension

  • Records

  • LTO Alarm

To check for alarms using the LTO Mobile Query facility, simply type in “LTO VEHICLE [Plate Number]” and send to 2600 from any network. It costs P 2.50 to all cellular networks in the country and works during office hours only.

Who may Avail of the Service

Checking of Alarm tags on vehicles can be done by anyone with access to pertinent information like the VIN or the Plate Number. The lifting of alarm tags, however, is particularly important for drivers and operators, those who intend to buy a car from the used car market as well as those who need to renew their vehicle but can’t due to the LTO alarm tags. 

Requirements

Requesting to lift LTO alarm tags requires an individual to present and submit the following documentary requirements before the LTO Alarm tags can be lifted.

General Requirements

  • Original letter request addressed to the Director of Traffic Adjudication Service (TAS)

  • Any valid Government issued ID/Deed of Sale, if not the registered owner

  • Original Special Power of Attorney, if representative

Additional Requirements

For special cases, the following additional requirements might be needed as well:

PNP-HPG Report involved in vehicular accident

  • Original letter request to lift alarm from the investigator

  • Original Affidavit of Desistance

PNP-HPG watch list alarm to Stolen/carnapped motor vehicles

  • Original Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) Letter of endorsement

  • Original Official Receipt (OR) /Certificate of Registration (CR) of the motor vehicle or certified true copy of the same from issuing agency

  • Original Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) Recovery and Disposition Report

  • Original Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) Crime Laboratory Marco -Etching Report

  • Original Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) Lifting of alarm

  • Original Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) MV Clearance

  • Original duly accomplished Land Transportation Office (LTO) Motor Vehicle Inspection Report

Department of Health (DOH) Alarm

  • Original Confirmatory Test

  • Original Medical clinic letter of Endorsement

Complaint/s at Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB)

  • Original Resolution to lift alarm

Complaint/s at Internal Investigation Division (IID)

  • Original Resolution to lift alarm

Procedures for Removing / Lifting of Alarms in Traffic Adjudication Service (TAS)

To process the request for lifting of LTO Alarm tags, you may follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the Office of the Traffic Adjudication Service (TAS) in the LTO Central Office located at the LTO Compound in East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.

Step 2: Once there, secure a queue number and wait for your turn.

Step 3: Submit the documentary requirements along with the letter request form and the queue number so the LTO personnel can evaluate it for completeness and authenticity.

Step 4: Proceed to the cashier window for payment of Administrative fines in cases involving vehicular accidents.

Step 5: Once paid, wait until you are issued an Official Receipt (OR).

Step 6: Wait for the approval of your request and the lifting of the LTO alarm tags. 

Fees

To request for a lifting of the LTO Alarm tags, one would need to pay the price. The fee includes payments for LTO fines and penalties along with the following:

  • Administrative Fee: P2,000.00

  • LRF: P10.00

Total: P 2,010.00

Where to Process the Request to Lift the LTO Alarm Tags

To process the request to lift the LTO alarm tags, the individual/driver/operator would need to visit the Office of the Traffic Adjudication Service in the LTO Central Office located at the LTO Compound in East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.

Important Reminders

If you are among those who need the LTO to lift the LTO alarm tags on a particular vehicle, then here are some things you’d want to remember:

  • An LTO Alarm on the text message indicates if a car is stolen or not. 

  • If the LTO text message says that the vehicle ‘has no alarm,’ then you have a strong indicator that the used car you are about to buy is completely legal.

  • LTO alarms may be caused by apprehended drivers or because the vehicle is a “hot car” that was previously carnapped.

  • Owners and/or buyers of used cars with LTO alarm tags may now renew and/or transfer their registration with the LTO after the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) requests that the Stradcom Corporation temporarily lift the tagging and alarm of the affected motor vehicles under the MMDA’s No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP).

  • The license can be confiscated and revoked by the LTO if you are found to be a perennial violator.

  • LTO alarm tags can be applied to both vehicle and driver’s license. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For your reference, here are the common questions and answers regarding lifting of LTO Alarm tags:

1. What is the vehicle identification number (VIN)?

The vehicle identification number, or VIN, is 17 unique character codes implanted on every manufactured vehicle in the world. It contains the histories and reports on a car that can be used for verification, identification, and many more.

2. What can I do to verify if a used car isn’t stolen?

In the Philippines, there are two ways to verify a car’s alarm status: to do a VIN check and to use the LTO’s Mobile Query Facility.

3. What is Motor Vehicle PNP-HPG clearance?

A Motor Vehicle (MV) Clearance Certificate issued by the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) is an official document that certifies that the vehicle is not on the list of wanted or stolen vehicles as of the issue date.  

4. Did LTO remove NCAP alarms?

Yes. Just recently, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) temporarily removed the apprehension alarms on thousands of vehicles with violations under the No Contact Apprehension Program (NCAP) so drivers with outstanding traffic violations could still register their vehicles.

5. What is NCAP violation?

NCAP refers to capturing traffic violations without the need of physical apprehension by traffic enforcers. It is implemented 24/7 by the City Government using traffic enforcement cameras and other technology.

Summary

LTO alarm tags may mean many different things, but the main point is that it means the vehicles with alarm tags have bad records at the Land Transportation Office (LTO). It may be because its driver was apprehended, or because the vehicle is a “hot car.” With an active LTO alarm tag, it is not possible to register or renew your vehicle registration at the LTO. If you have nothing to do with the vehicle’s issues, or you wish to have it cleared to renew your vehicle’s registration or your driver’s license after the problem has been resolved, then you may request to have it lifted at the LTO office of your choice. However, you will need to get the documentary requirements ready and process it at the LTO office for a fee. When the LTO alarm tags are lifted, you may now proceed with whatever LTO transaction you need to do. 

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