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What is Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC)

The Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) is just one part of the Driving Enhancement Program (DEP) offered by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) or a duly accredited service provider to Filipino drivers. The course is especially designed as a corrective measure of sorts for license holders, professional or otherwise, who have had at least five (5) demerit points, and who intend to renew their licenses.

The course is also mandated by law as condition precedent to Driver’s License renewal of those with ten (10) accumulated demerit points or whenever the same violation is committed for at least three (3) times during the validity of the driver’s license.

Unlike the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) Course of the DEP, the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) is not a course for everyone. It is especially reserved for those with driving or traffic violations. It is also similar to the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) in the sense that the licensees need to apply for and complete the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) before they are allowed to renew their driver’s licenses. It also culminates with a written exam that attendees need to take and pass as well.

driver's reorientation course DRC

What is DRC

DRC stands for Driver’s Reorientation Course—a course designed in compliance with Section 14 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Republic Act No. 10930. It is a mandatory requirement for the renewal of a driver’s license with at least five (5) demerit points. It also serves as a condition precedent to driver’s license renewal for those who had accumulated at least ten (10) demerit points or who had committed the same violation for at least three (3) times during the validity of the driver’s license.

The DRC, unlike the CDE, requires a set number of training hours that must be completed before they can fully claim to have completed the DRC and secure a certificate of completion. As an intervention program, it is usually paired with the Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) and also culminates in a written examination. Meanwhile, public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers who have committed franchise-related violation shall be required to undergo another intervention program in the form of a training-seminar conducted by the PUV Drivers’ Academy of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) along with the DRC. Failure to complete the courses would entail license suspension until the required attendance to the courses is complied with.

Purpose

The Driver’s Reorientation Course is a refresher course meant to remind licensed drivers with a long list of violations about the basics of driving and road safety. It is given as a penalty and disciplinary education and was designed for drivers who accumulated five (5) or more demerit points within the validity period of their licenses. Through this, the agency hopes that the driver’s would be reminded of the responsibility attached to the privilege to drive by having them learn to be more careful on the road. 

Benefits

Some of the benefits associated with taking the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) includes:

  • Being able to secure the Certificate of Completion which is a requirement for driver’s license renewal
  • Getting a refresher course on the old rules of the road you may have already forgotten 
  • Getting a crash course on new LTO rules
  • Being able to serve at least one of the penalties for accumulated demerits without spending money
  • Being able to avoid possible suspension of driver’s license 30 days after committing a driving or traffic violation 
  • You can get a driver’s license which doubles as a valid photo ID that can be used when transacting in both public and private offices
  • The license renewal process requires this if you have demerit points

Eligibility

To take the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC), you must meet the following conditions:

  • Must be a holder of active Driver’s License 
  • Must be a holder of a Driver’s License that has expired but not for more two (2) years  
  • Must be holders of Driver’s License with accumulated five (5) to nine (9) demerit points
  • Must be holders of Driver’s License with ten (10) or more but less than forty (40) demerit points
  • Must be a holder of an LTO Driver’s License that has been expired for more than two (2) years and/or with ten (10) or more but less than forty (40) Demerit Points
  • Must be looking to renew their driver’s license
  • Must be physically fit to operate a motor vehicle
  • Must have sound mental faculties fit for operating a motor vehicle
  • Must be a Traffic violator
  • Must not have any unsettled traffic violation

Requirements

Before you can take the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC), you need to first prepare the following documentary requirements: 

  • Official Receipt (OR) as proof for the payment of fine/s
  • Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP) (Pink copy) or e-TOP;
    • In case of loss of TOP/e-TOP: an Affidavit of Loss
  • Document printout or screenshot from the system showing the violation and the corresponding number of demerit points from the Data Control Unit (DCU) at the LTO Central Office
  • Apprehension details from the Releasing Unit of the LTO Central Office

Procedures

To get into the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC), here are the steps that you need to follow:

Step 1: Visit your preferred LTO Office. You can choose from any of the following: 

  • Drivers Education Centers (DECs) at the LTO Regional Offices
  • Traffic Safety Division (TSD) at the LTO Central Office 

Step 2: Proceed to the TSD/DEC Service Counter and present and/or submit the requirements to the TSD/DEC Officer of the day so they can evaluate and check for authenticity and completeness evaluation.

Step 3: Once the records of your driver’s license violation is retrieved and verified, the TSD/DEC Officer of the day will inform the licensee to register to the Client’s Attendance Sheet and fill out the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) Form.

Step 4: Register on the Client’s Attendance Sheet and fill out the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) Form.

Step 5: Once registered, attend the Driver’s Reorientation Course facilitated by the TSD/DEC proctor. 

Step 6: After completing the course, take the examination facilitated by the TSD/DEC proctor. 

  • If passed: The proctor shall take your picture and prepare DRC Certificate of Completion.
  • If failed: The proctor will tell you to retake the exam on the following regular working day or any day convenient for you.

Step 7: Once the Certificate of Completion is signed and uploaded to the Law Enforcement and Traffic Adjudication Service (LETAS)-Seminar Penalties to settle the seminar requirement, your Certificate of Completion will be released by the TSD/DEC Officer of the day.

Fees

There are no fees associated with the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC). It’s free, except, perhaps,  for the expenses related to paying for the requirements and travel and personal needs. 

Where to Avail

To take the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC), you will first need to visit either of the following LTO offices:

Important Reminders

For your reference, here are some important reminders:

  • The Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) is an intervention program tha serves both as a refresher course and a penalty for driver’s license holders with violations.
  • It is a mandatory requirement for driver’s license renewal.
  • The Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) is free of charge.
  • Failure of the driver to complete the said intervention program within thirty (30) days from the date of the last apprehension shall cause the suspension of the driver’s license upon prior notice until the required attendance to the course is complied with. (Section 15, par. 2 of IRR of R.A. No. 10930.
  • Just like the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE), the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) also culminates with a written exam. 
  • The Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) course and the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) together makes up the LTO Driver’s Education Program (DEP).

Video: Driver’s Education Program—Driver’s Reorientation Course

Learn more about the Driver’s Reorientation Course—the other half of the Driver Education Program (DEP) imposed by the LTO to both Filipino and foreign driver’s license holders in the country. Watch this video!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For more information on the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC), here are the most common questions and answers related to it:

1. Do I need to take the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) every time I renew my license?

Not necessarily. The Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) is only required for license holders who have accumulated at least five (5) demerit points due to driving and traffic violations withing the duration of the license validity. 

2. How much does it cost to enroll in the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC)?

The course itself doesn’t cost anything. It is given by the LTO for free. You might need to spend for the requirements or for personal expenses, though. 

3. Can I take the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) anywhere? 

No. It isonly offered for free at the LTO Drivers Education Centers (DECs) at any of the LTO Regional Offices nationwide and at the Traffic Safety Division (TSD) at the LTO Central Office in East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City. 

4. When should I take the LTO Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC)? 

The Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) must be taken within thirty (30) days from the date of the last apprehension. 

5. What happens if I fail to take the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) on time?

Failure to take the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) on time, which is within 30 days of the last apprehension, means the possibility of getting your license suspended until the course required is completed.

6. How would I know that I need to take the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC)?

The driver or license holder will receive a notification from the LTO stating the he is required to undergo a mandatory Driver’s Reorientation Course to be conducted by the Land Transportation Office or a duly accredited service provider for every ten (10) accumulated demerit points or whenever the same violation is committed for at least three (3) times during the validity of the driver’s license.

7. Is the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) the same as the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) course? 

No. These are two different course required by the LTO from drivers who wish to renew their licenses. The two makes up the LTO Driver Education Program though.

Summary

All driver’s license holder who wish to apply for the renewal of license to operate any motor vehicle legally buy has accrued at least five (5) demerit points during the license validity period are required to complete a Driver’s Reorientation Course to be conducted by the LTO DEC or any LTO-accredited service provider. It is a condition precedent to Driver’s License Renewal, especially for traffic violators in the country. Despite the hassle, it is a good chance to refresh your knowledge of the rules on the road, while the LTO hopes that such knowledge will keep you and the others safe while you drive. It’s a free course too, so there really is no reason not to comply.

Annotation and Cancellation of Mortgage for Motor Vehicles 

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) also offers services like annotation and cancellation of mortgage for motor vehicles (MV). This service is particularly important as doing so will officially transfer the ownership of an encumbered motor vehicle to your name, making you the official MV owner. 

This service is particularly important in the advent of secured and credit auto loans. Nowadays, many vehicles are acquired through loans, which means a lot of them are encumbered, requiring the owner to process the annotation and cancellation of [chattel] mortgage and get their name placed as the owner of the vehicle.

annotation and cancellation of mortgage of car motor vehicle

What is ‘Certificate of Registration Encumbered’ (CRE)

Vehicles bought through the bank or via a lending company do not get a regular Certificate of Registration (CR). Instead, the owner gets a Certificate of Registration Encumbered (CRE)—an MV registration document that puts the lender as the owner of the vehicle instead of the buyer until such time that the buyer has completely repaid the loan.

The CRE is issued to prove that the motor vehicles or other items of movable personal property, or chattel, is subject to Chattel Mortgage or is used to secure the loan. It also means that the lender who released the funds needed to purchase the vehicle holds an ownership interest in it. Once the buyer has fully repaid the loan, then it is the only time that their name will be placed as the owner of the vehicle. Until then, the MV is registered in the Chattel Mortgage Register as security for the performance of an obligation. 

How to Check if a Car is Encumbered

To check if the vehicle is encumbered, you simply need to check the Certificate of Registration (CR). You can tell that the CR is actually a CRE if there is an annotation on it that says “encumbered.”

Where to File for the Annotation and Cancellation of Mortgage 

Cancellation of the Mortgage is done at the Registry of Deeds, but filing for annotation and cancellation of Chattel Mortgage can be done at the LTO. However, it can’t just be any LTO office. Changing the registration status of your motor vehicle has to be done at the originating LTO branch office, or the LTO office stated on the Certificate of Registration (CR). This means that if the CR says LTO Manila, it has to be done at LTO Manila. Going to any other LTO branch will simply make you waste your time, effort, and money.

Requirements for Filing for Annotation and Cancellation of Mortgage

Before going to the LTO, you will need to secure and prepare the following documentary requirements to avoid the hassle of having to come back to continue the process. 

The requirements are as follows:

  • Original and a photocopy of the Loan Contract

  • Chattel Mortgage Form

  • Two (2) of the following valid government-issued photo ID from the registered car owner
    • Driver’s License

    • Philippine Passport

    • Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID

    • SSS ID

    • GSIS ID

    • BIR ID

    • TIN ID

    • Voter’s ID

  • Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN)

Once these documents are ready, you may now go to the bank or the lending company who financed your loan to obtain these additional documentary requirements:

  • Original Certificate of Registration (CR) of the vehicle 

  • Latest original and photocopy of the Official Receipt (OR) of payment for the vehicle

  • Chattel Mortgage Contract duly-annotated or stamped by the Registry of Deeds (RD)

  • Original Registered Promissory Note with Chattel Mortgage

  • Two (2) copies of the Release of Chattel Mortgage 

  • Official Receipt (OR) of payment of the annotation with Registry of Deeds

  • Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR) (Motor Vehicle Inspection Report)

  • Confirmation of CR/OR (CIR-91-137) if issued by other LTO Agency

Note: You will need to have some funds at hand as you will be charged for the notarial fee to get the documents notarized before it can be released. The notarial fee ranges from P300.00 to P400.00.

How to File for Annotation and Cancellation of Mortgage for Motor Vehicles

To file for annotation and cancellation of Chattel Mortgage for your vehicle upon paying off your auto loan, then here are the steps to follow: 

Step 1. Make sure that your registration is up-to-date and that there are no pending penalties on the documents. 

Check whether the registration is up-to-date and if the vehicle is free from violations and penalties. Do not forget to also check for any discrepancies on the documents. Get the bank or the lending company to correct the documents (if needed) and confirm its availability for pick-up. Some buyers, especially for pre-owned vehicles, forget to check these things, resulting in more problems and hefty fees later on.

Step 2. Secure and prepare the documentary requirements.

Prepare the required documents and make sure you get them duplicated properly. Some documents need to be photocopied so make sure you have enough duplicates for record keeping and for submission. You will also need to get the other documents notarized, so make sure you have enough funds to do so. 

Step 3. Check the office of the Registry of Deeds (RD) where you should cancel the mortgage.

Once you have the documents prepared, proceed to the Registry of Deeds (RD) where the mortgage was registered. You should see this in the stamp on the original Registered Promissory Note with Chattel Mortgage. If it isn’t, it should also be in the original CR under the space for RD.

Step 4. Accomplish the necessary forms and submit the requirements at the designated RD.

At the RD office, you will be asked to fill out a form then submit it together with the following documents:

  • Original Registered Promissory Note with Chattel Mortgage

  • Release of Chattel Mortgage 

  • One (1) copy of your two (2) valid IDs (Driver’s License, Philippine Passport, PRC ID, SSS ID, GSIS ID, BIR ID, TIN ID, Voter’s ID).

Step 5. Before it can be processed, you will be asked to pay for some fees at the cashier—the amount of which will vary depending on the amount of your mortgage.

Processing Time for Cancellation of Mortgage

The processing time for the cancellation of the chattel mortgage may vary depending on the branch and whether the person who will sign is present at the time. That said, the processing time for the cancellation of the chattel mortgage at the Registry of Deeds could range anytime from a few hours to about two to three days.

Step 6. Once you receive the official document for the Cancellation of Chattel Mortgage, you may proceed to the designated Land Transportation Office (LTO) branch to have it removed from your vehicle’s Certificate of Registration (CR). 

Step 7. At the designated LTO branch, tell the personnel that you would like to process the cancellation of encumbrance for your vehicle.

Step 8. Proceed to the transaction counters and submit all the following documents to the Evaluator for evaluation and computation of fees. 

  • Release of Chattel Mortgage (duly stamped by the Register of Deeds) 

  • Official Receipt from when you paid for the cancellation.

Step 9. Once completed, proceed to the actual inspection of motor vehicles with duly accomplished MVIR (Motor Vehicle Inspection Report).

Step 10. Proceed to the Cashier when your name is called for the necessary fees and obtain an Official Receipt (OR).

Step 11. Surrender the Original LTO Certificate of Registration with “Encumbered” on it.

Step 12. Wait for the LTO personnel to print out a new LTO Certificate of Registration (CR) without the “Encumbered” annotation on it.

Step 13. Proceed to the Releasing Counter when your name is called to obtain the Certificate of Registration (CR), plates, stickers, and other requested documents.

Note: You will also need to pay for the new Certificate of Registration (CR) without the “Encumbered” annotation. The price ranges from P280.00 to P350.00.

Important Reminders

For your reference, here are some reminders worth taking note of. 

  • The annotation and cancellation of mortgage officially transfers the ownership of a motor vehicle acquired through a loan from the lender to the buyer. 

  • The process involves two (2) steps: cancellation of mortgage and official removal of the encumbered annotation from the LTO Certificate of Registration. 

  • The process requires the cancellation of mortgage first as it is a requirement before the encumbered annotation can be removed from the CR and a new CR can be issued.

  • There’s a separate fee for the cancellation of mortgage and for the removal of the encumbered annotation on the LTO CRE and conversion to LTO CR.

  • New MV plates, stickers, and other documents will be issued along with the LTO CR without the encumbered annotation.

Video: Annotation and Cancellation of Chattel Mortgage

Learn more about how to process the annotation and cancellation of chattel mortgage for motor vehicles by watching this video from MamiZang Vlog:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To help you complete the annotation and cancellation of chattel mortgage for motor vehicles, here are some common questions and answers about it. 

1. What is the annotation of Chattel Mortgage?

The annotation of chattel mortgage refers to the conditional sale of personal property, in this case, a motor vehicle, as security for the payment of a loan to purchase the motor vehicle, given by a bank or a secured loan provider, under the condition that the sale shall be void upon the seller paying to the purchaser a sum of money. 

2. What does it mean to have an “encumbered” vehicle?

An “encumbered” vehicle refers to a motor vehicle purchased via a bank or a secured auto loan. This means that the ownership of the vehicle is under the lender until such time that the buyer repays the amount paid for the vehicle in full. 

3. Does LTO process cancellation of mortgage? 

No. The actual cancellation of chattel mortgage is done at the Registry of Deeds. The LTO only handles the removal of the “encumbered” annotation from the LTO Certificate of Registration.

4. How much does it cost to cancel the Chattel Mortgage?

There is no specific amount to pay for the cancellation of Chattel Mortgage as it will depend on the amount of the mortgage. Other expenses include payments for notarial services. 

5. Is the removal of the encumbered annotation in the Certificate of Registration at the LTO free?

No. There is a fee and it ranges from P280.00 to P350.00 to remove the encumbered annotation in the Certificate of Registration at the designated LTO branch. 

Summary

Annotation and cancellation of Chattel Mortgage is an important step to take especially for those who acquired their vehicle through a bank or a secured loan. This process ensures that the vehicle ownership is transferred to the buyer after paying for the loan in full. It also ensures that the motor vehicle is removed from the Chattel Mortgage Register and that it would no longer serve as the collateral for the loan taken out by the buyer. Not only that, it is also a required procedure in order to replace your LTO CRE with an LTO CR.

The process for annotation and cancellation of Chattel Mortgage involves both the procedure for cancellation of mortgage and the official removal of the encumbered annotation from the LTO Certificate of Registration. It starts with the cancellation of the mortgage first so the car owner will have the requirements for the removal of the encumbered annotation from the CR and a new CR can be issued.

Contact Information

For more information or to address your concerns or inquiries regarding the Annotation and Cancellation of Chattel Mortgage, you may reach out to LTO via the following contact information:

Land Transportation Office (LTO)

LTMS portal: Visit the LTO’s official website and fill out their Contact Us form at https://portal.lto.gov.ph/ords/f?p=PUBLIC_PORTAL:CONTACT_US:115716301949471.
Phone call: You may contact them at their 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 offices closest to you.

How to Get an LTO Plate Number in Philippines

LTO license plate numbers are essential parts of every motor vehicle. It serves as a unique vehicle identifier and is issued as a set of numbers and letters on a metal plate by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in a bid to help protect the security of both drivers and car owners. Together with your car or motorcycle’s OR and CR, the LTO license plate number serves as the vehicle’s ID which allows law enforcers to track and tell whether a vehicle has the right to be used and driven on public streets or if it’s carnapped or stolen from someone else.

LTO license plates are essential for safety and security reasons. Unfortunately, many motorists are still waiting for their plate number to be released, despite already going through the motions of securing one. Thanks to the ever-increasing number of cars hitting the roads every year, LTO continues to have a hard time catching up, which incites anger among vehicle owners given the LTO’s No Registration, No Travel policy.

how to get lto license plate number lto philippines

What is an LTO License Plate Number

An LTO license plate number refers to the set of alphanumeric characters printed on a slim metal plate and attached to the front and back side of a motor vehicle. It serves as a vehicle’s ID, proving its legitimacy and giving the motor vehicle a unique identifier in terms of registration, road violations, and compliance with government laws. 

The LTO license plate and plate number works as a unit. After all, there can’t be one without the other. It is also an imperative for drivers and car owners to ensure that they initiate the process of securing one as driving around without a license plate number is illegal. It is be flagged down anytime and to be asked to present a Certificate of Registration (CR) and Official Receipt (OR) which could lead to hefty LTO fines and a lot of trouble for transgressors.

Use of Plate Number in Philippines

A license plate number is akin to a government-owned legal identification document, but only for motor vehicles. It comes in the form of a slim piece of metal that car owners and drivers are expected to place onto the car’s front and rear bumpers for several reasons:

  • It signals to law enforcers and other motorists that the vehicle has been duly registered and has therefore earned the right to traverse public roads. 

  • It also helps the authorities monitor if every vehicle on the road is adhering to traffic rules and regulations.

  • It serves as a visible identifier.

  • With a visible number plate, motorists are assured that violators can be caught and penalized. 

  • It does away with the possibility of having law enforcers on your tail as they would usually need to chase or flag down vehicles just to check the registration and driver’s license.

  • Having a valid and legal number plate enables both drivers and aspiring car owners to avoid as many legal problems and safety problems as possible.

Qualifications

According to the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the following can get any new motor vehicle or motorcycle registered so the car owners, drivers, and operator may get the OR/CR and secure an LTO license plate number:

  • Accredited importers

  • Accredited dealers

  • Motor vehicle owners 

Requirements

Because license plate numbers may be acquired from the LTO after the initial registration of motor vehicles, hence, the process requires the same set of requirements as such.  

For a complete list of motor vehicle registration requirements, you may learn more by reading this guide on how to register your motor vehicles at the LTO. 

In case you wish for a unique and customized LTO license plate, then the agency also offers vanity license plates. You may be able to get the list of requirements for this one when you learn about how to secure an LTO vanity license plate. 

In case of loss, the requirements for securing a duplicate license plate is detailed in this guide on how to secure a duplicate plate. 

Procedure: How to Get an LTO License Plate Number

As mentioned earlier, the process for securing an LTO license plate number starts with the registration of a motor vehicle or a motorcycle. Along with the OR/CR, the agency also releases the car sticker, plate number, and RFID sticker, though they aren’t given out all at the same time. In fact the LTO plate numbers are clearly stated in the OR/CR, but the slim metal plate where it is embossed for visibility usually takes much longer to be released. With the current backlog for license plate numbers at the LTO, it now takes even longer before one is released. 

For the detailed procedure on how to get an LTO license plate number, then you can follow these steps:

In Person, at the LTO Office 

Step 1: Gather and prepare all the required documents for registering the type of motor vehicle you have. 

Note: There is a different set of car registration requirements for brand new cars depending on the type—whether it is Locally, Imported, Registration of Light Electric Vehicle (LEV) (AO-2006-01), Registration of Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV), Three Wheeled Vehicle, or Tax Exempt.

Step 2: Visit the nearest LTO office that processes new vehicle registrations as not all LTO branches do so.

Note: You may always call the customer hotline of the nearest LTO branch from you to ask if they process new vehicle registration and save yourself the trouble of having to go there only to find out that they don’t process car registrations.

Step 3: Once there, go to the appropriate transaction counter.

Step 4: Submit all the documentary requirements you have gathered so the LTO evaluator can assess if the documents are complete and compute the fees based on the information that they have regarding your vehicle.

Step 5: Have the MV tested for emissions and submit the Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR) containing the results.

Step 6: Pay all the necessary fees at the cashier and wait for your OR (official receipt).

Step 7: Once done, wait for your turn at the Releasing Counter to obtain the Certificate of Registration (CR), plates, and stickers.

Using the LTO LTMS Online Portal 

Here are the steps you should follow if you want to register your vehicle with the help of LTO Land Transport Management System (LTMS) portal online:

Step 1: Visit the LTO LTMS Portal online.

Step 2: Log into your account, or if you do not have one yet, register for an LTMS portal online account.

Step 3: Once done, you can then start using the LTMS portal for your specific needs with LTO, like paying off your traffic violation fines as well as your car registration and renewal fees. 

Step 4: Take note of the payment reference number (PRN) if you pay the fees online. 

Note: You may also schedule an online appointment to visit your preferred LTO branch to streamline the process for your car registration and renewal.

For a detailed guide on acquiring an LTO vanity plate, you may read about how to secure an LTO vanity license plate. 

For lost plates, the procedures are listed in this guide to securing a duplicate plate. 

Fees: How Much Does it Cost to Get an LTO License Plate Number

Since the registration procedure for motor vehicles is the same procedure for securing an LTO license plate number, then the price you will need to pay when you go through the procedure remains the same as when you register your car for the first time. It may vary depending on a few factors, but it typically costs somewhere around P1,000.00 plus additional fees for the license plate, the stickers, vehicle tags, and the inspection.

These additional fees include:

  • Metal license plate – Php 450.00

  • Stickers and tags – Php 50.00 each. 

  • Inspection fees – Php 90.00 to Php 115.00

  • Penalty fee if you fail to show up during the schedule of your car’s registration – Php 50.00

Where to Get an LTO License Plate Number

The date and location for the release of the metal plates are usually found when you verify your LTO license plate numbers online. However, it is usually at the originating LTO office where you process your initial registration, which could be at the following LTO offices:

  • New Registration Units of the Regional Offices (ROs) 

  • New Registration Units of the authorized LTO District Offices (DOs) 

  • New Registration Units of the LTO Extension Offices (EOs)

  • For exempt Motor Vehicles (MVs), Under bond, and MVs under written commitment: LTO Diliman District Office

  • For Used Imported MVs: From Subic Freeport – LTO SBMA Extension Office

How to Verify Your LTO License Plate Number

Since the LTO license plate is usually released much later than the OR/CR, you may check for the license plate number via the following channels:

By checking the OR/CR

The LTO license plate number is actually printed out on the OR/CR issued by the transacting LTO office upon completing the MV registration procedures

Via the LTO plate number verification online

A plate number verification for private vehicles can be done online, via the LTO SMS plate number verification system to see if the plate number and registration are legitimate. It is unclear if public utility jeepneys (PUJs) and other public utility vehicles (PUVs) such as taxis, tricycles, motorcycles, and trucks are included in the LTO’s verification system database. 

Via SMS

There’s an option for LTO SMS plate number verification, too, and it works regardless of network service (Globe, TNT, Smart, Sun Cellular, Dito, or Gomo). Likewise, it costs the same across all networks and is only serviceable during regular office hours, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

Important Reminders

For your reference, here are some important reminders you need to keep in mind when getting an LTO license plate number:

  • The LTO license plate number is usually issued after the LTO registration procedures for motor vehicles are completed.

  • The LTO plate number can be verified through the LTO verification system online or via SMS.

  • Getting the LTO plate number verified is extremely helpful if you do not want to stay too long at a police or a military checkpoint as you can just show them the message from the LTO proving that your car is totally clear of any apprehension and records.

  • This service is also quite useful for the police force, especially if they are out to get crooks and carnappers in a checkpoint.

  • The costs for the actual license plate (P450.00) is included in the fees paid for during registration.

  • Securing a duplicate plate is possible, in cases of loss, theft, or mutilation. 

Video: How to Get a License Plate in case of Loss

Learn more about how to get a new LTO license plate in case of loss or theft, watch this video posted by Tongbits TV:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You may also check on the common question and answers regarding how to get an LTO license plate here: 

1. Can I use a temporary plate before my license plate is released by the LTO?

Yes. You may get a temporary plate from the dealer where you purchased the motor vehicle or simply use your car’s conduction stickers as the temporary plate. Both are allowed by the LTO anyway.

2. How can I check if the LTO license plates are available for pickup?

You may use the 15-digit Motor Vehicle (MV) number on the OR/CR on the LTO verification system online or via SMS to check if the license plates are ready for release. Of course, you may always reach out to LTO directly, either by making a phone call, sending a message, or making a personal trip to the LTO office where you processed your MV’s registration.

3. Where can I find the 15-digit Motor Vehicle (MV) number?

The 15-digit Motor Vehicle (MV) number can be found in the original official receipt/certificate of registration (OR/CR). If you check your OR/CR, you will see your Motor Vehicle (MV) number on the top-left side. You will need this to run plate number checks. Once the system recognizes the status, it will tell you all the registration information as well as when and where you can pick your plate up from an LTO office, if it has not yet been released.

Summary

If you are still reading, we’re pretty sure you are no longer wondering why there’s so much clamor to speed up the release of the LTO plate numbers. After all, the license plates are necessary to drive vehicles both for identification and safety and security reasons.

Moreover, together with your car or motorcycle’s OR and CR, your LTO plate number serves as your vehicle’s unique identifier, making it easier to track in cases of accidents. 

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