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How to Request for Re-Stamping of Chassis Number in LTO

Re-stamping of chassis number is a service offered by the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Though it is usually done on motor vehicles whose chassis numbers have been defaced, it isn’t something you can do on your own. Instead, you make a request for authorization from the LTO to have the procedures done at an LTO-accredited manufacturer or rebuilder.

Making such a service request means the motor vehicle owners are trying to seek authorization to have the chassis number re-stamped for vehicles of which the chassis number is unreadable due to corrosion or has been imported from a region which does not require the vehicle identification number (VIN) being stamped in the chassis/frame. It’s a simple process, too. All you need is to prepare the documentary requirements and get started with the procedures at your preferred LTO office. 

restamping chassis number in lto

What is Chassis Number Re-Stamping?

Chassis re-stamping refers to the process of stamping the chassis number of motor vehicles with defaced chassis numbers. It ensures that the chassis number, also known as the vehicle identification number (VIN) or frame number, is visible and readable. After all, the LTO, as the regulatory body, needs to confirm that the vehicle and its parts are the MV’s original components by matching it with the unique identifiers embedded in the VIN which also includes serial numbers. 

Other than being an identifier for original motor vehicle components, ensuring that the chassis number is visible is a particularly important item in the Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR). The stencil or macro-etching procedure for chassis numbers may no longer be mandatory for renewing MV registrations under the same owner but if you intend to sell, the new owner will need the chassis numbers to at least be visible and to match the one on record. As such, it is an important step that can’t be done just anywhere. It has to be at an LTO-accredited manufacturer or rebuilder and it requires authorization from the LTO itself.

Benefits of Chassis Number Re-stamping

Re-stamping of chassis number actually comes with certain benefits like:

  • Easier renewal of vehicle registration for second-hand car owners
  • Clear and visible VIN for easier MV verification
  • Visible chassis number for checking for apprehensions and alarm
  • Clean MVIR
  • Better chassis readability for when needed by verification of public authorities

Qualifications for Chassis Number Re-stamping

Requests for re-stamping of chassis numbers are usually made by the following:

  • Motor Vehicle Owners

Requirements for Chassis Number Re-stamping

When requesting for the re-stamping of chassis number in motor vehicles, applicants will need to prepare the following documentary requirements:

  • Original Certificate of Registration (CR)
  • Affidavit of Owner stating the reason/s or need for re-stamping

Other Documentary Requirements

  • Latest original Official Receipt (OR) of payment
  • Endorsement of District Office that issued the latest Certificate of Registration (CR)
  • Approval of the Regional Director
  • Result of laboratory examination from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Crime Laboratory
  • TMG recommendation
  • Affidavit of Mechanic who performed the re-stamping
  • Actual inspection of MV with duly accomplished MVIR (Motor Vehicle Inspection Report)
  • Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN)

Procedures for Chassis Number Re-stamping

To request for a re-stamping of the chassis number from the LTO, here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Visit your preferred LTO Regional Offices Operations Division or LTO District Offices near you.

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

Step 3: Secure a Conductor’s License Application Form.

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 for re-stamping with all your documentary requirements to the Evaluator.

Step 7: Wait for the CR to be confirmed and the endorsement to the concerned LTO District Office. 

  • If the issuing LTO DO is within the region, they will inspect and retrieve the record upon submission of requirements.
  • If the issuing LTO DO is elsewhere, then you will get an endorsement to the issuing DO for endorsement.

Step 8: Once the records are retrieved and verified, you will be issued an endorsement and instruction to go to the Philippine National Police – Traffic Management Group (PNP-TMG) for the Laboratory examination of the motor vehicle.

Step 9: Proceed to the PNP-TMG for the Laboratory Examination of the motor vehicle.

Step 10: After receiving the PNP/TMG Crime Laboratory Report, proceed to the transacting DO and submit it along with the other requirements for evaluation and approval of re-stamping request.

Step 11: Proceed to the LTO accredited manufacturer/ rebuilder to effect re-stamping of motor vehicles.

Step 12: Submit the stencils of the re-stamped engine/chassis and pay for the re-stamping fee. 

Step 13: Wait for the certificate of re-stamping to be released along with the official receipt (OR). 

Fees for Chassis Number Re-stamping

Requesting for chassis number re-stamping generally only entails paying the LTO the amount of P 90.00 for re-stamping purposes. However, it may require the payment of other LTO fees depending on the requirements you need to secure.

Where to Get it Done

Requesting for chassis number re-stamping can be done at any of the following LTO offices in the Philippines:

  • Regional Offices Operations Division 
  • District Offices

Important Reminders

If you are requesting for chassis number re-stamping, then you can keep these things in mind to make the transaction easier.

  • Chassis modification is something the LTO doesn’t usually allow except for certain circumstances. 
  • Re-stamping is usually done for a defaced chassis number. In cases of chassis modification, a request for changing chassis number is required. 
  • The car’s chassis, or frame, refers to the very foundation where every other component that the motor vehicle carries is built on. As such, it is an important part that needs strict monitoring, which is something that the LTO does.
  • Note that chassis re-stamping requires clearance from the PNP-TMG, so requests for such are subject to laboratory examination which checks for signs of tampering.
  • You may only request for chassis number re-stamping at LTO Regional Offices Operations Division or LTO District Offices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For your reference, here are some common questions and answers regarding re-stamping of chassis numbers in LTO.

1. Are engine numbers and chassis numbers the same?

No. Both the numbers are stamped in the motor vehicle to provide different identification of the car’s model and the engine number. While the Chassis Number or VIN provides details such as the manufacturing date, car model, engine type, fuel type, etc., the engine number is exclusive to the engine block.

2. Should engine and chassis numbers match?

Not necessarily. Engines have serial numbers specific to the production run of that engine. The VIN number has identifiers specific to the car frame and its components and will always be different from the engine number, except in certain cases. Aftermarket reman engines often have heat tabs on the freeze plugs while collector cars will always have the engine and chassis numbers matching.

3. Is the engine information included in the VIN?

Yes. The VIN number, or vehicle identification number, has information on the size of the engine. In the series of numbers and letters in the VIN, the tenth from the left denotes the model year and the eighth is the engine code.

4. Where can I find the chassis number and engine number?

Usually, the Engine Number of a motor vehicle is printed on the outer covering or engine casing of the vehicle’s engine. On the other hand, the car’s chassis number is usually found in the engine bay or beneath the plastic trim around the driver or passenger door opening. Both are used for identification purposes, but they are not the same. They are two different and unique numbers that are equally important identifiers of a motor vehicle.

5. Is it possible to change the VIN or chassis number?

No. VINs, or Vehicle Identification Numbers or chassis numbers, are like the fingerprints of a vehicle and are unique to every car despite similarities in the make and model. 

6. Can I punch the chassis number on my vehicle by myself, like when I get it repaired after being broken?

No. These things need to be declared with the LTO and only after an LTO authorization or approval can you get the chassis number stenciled and stamped. However, you can’t do it by yourself either, as it needs to be done by LTO-accredited manufacturers or rebuilders.

7. Where can I get more information about re-stamping chassis numbers? 

For more information, you may check with the LTO, via the LTO via the LTO Regional Offices Operations Division or LTO District Offices which handle approval of re-stamping chassis number requests.

Summary

Re-stamping of chassis number is a service offered by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for those who own motor vehicles whose chassis numbers have been defaced. With this service, the agency ensures that the chassis numbers match the original document as registered and that no tampering has been done on it. As such, the motor vehicle is usually subjected to a laboratory examination and only after being cleared will it be approved for re-stamping at LTO-accredited manufacturers or rebuilder in the country. 

LTO License Check: How to Verify Driver’s License Validity Online

Checking to ensure that your LTO Driver’s License, whether it is a Student Permit, a Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL), or a Professional Driver’s License (PDL), is valid is one of the responsibilities of every driver or car owner. As such, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) ensures that every driver or car owner would remember to check for validity of driver’s license by allowing them the ability to do so online. 

In the advent of faster Internet connectivity and more accessible computing devices like smartphones and laptops, it has become so much easier to get connected and to do things online. However, not everyone feels compelled to take advantage of or learn more about the things that can be done over the Internet. For some, transacting face-to-face is better in terms of getting their needs met. That’s why, despite the convenience and ease offered by being able to check LTO Driver’s License validity online, some still don’t know that it is an option or even how it’s done.

lto drivers license verification check

What is an LTO Driver’s License

Driver’s licenses are explicit permits in the form of plastic palm-sized cards issued by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), via the Land Transportation Office (LTO), in a bid to prove that an individual is legally allowed to handle and operate specific motor vehicles on Philippine roads.

It not only proves that you have taken the necessary step to be able to secure the government’s approval to drive, but it also proves that the government finds you roadworthy enough to be allowed behind the wheels. It proves that you aren’t a road hazard, both to yourself and to others, as determined by the relevant authorities. It also functions as a valid ID, which can be used to prove that a person is who he claims to be when transacting with both government and private institutions. 

LTO Driver’s License Check

The LTO driver’s license verification is an LTO service especially designed to allow drivers to check the validity of their driver’s license. This service is meant to help them keep their licenses in check and ensure that they have sufficient reminders on when they need to get their licenses renewed. Though the expiry date is also printed on the driver’s license itself, this LTO service also ensures that they don’t have any reason not to remember when they are expected to renew their licenses.

Benefits of Having a Valid LTO Driver’s License

Having a valid driver’s license and getting the ability to check the license validity online can be considered good public service from the agency. It means that the agency cares enough to ensure that the licensee enjoy the following benefits:

  • 24/7 access without the need to go to any of the LTO offices to check on the license validity.

  • It’s time-saving as you don’t have to take time off from work or family to complete the verification.

  • It supports longer family time since there’s no need to wait in line at the agency branches.

  • It’s convenient as they just need a mobile or computing device—be it a desktop or laptop computer or even a tablet or a smartphone—to run the LTO license check any time of the day.

  • It helps promote administrative procedures since this service helps them do away with a trip to the department registry to get the information they need.

  • It helps them avoid potential penalties and legal repercussions associated with driving without a license or with an expired license. 

  • It offers a valid photo ID that can be used when transacting in both public and private offices.

  • It obliges the licensees to watch their due date for renewal to ensure roadworthiness and safety while driving.

Who Needs to Check LTO Driver’s License Status

This LTO service allows users to verify the validity of driver’s licenses. It can be done by any individual in the Philippines who wishes to check or verify the status of a specific Philippine driver’s license. However, it is particularly effective and helpful to the following groups:

  • People who are looking to hire a person they don’t really know as their driver;

  • People who need to rent a car with driver service; and

  • Drivers who wish to avoid being asked or having to answer too many questions when apprehended by the police

  • People whose jobs involve driving another person’s car

  • Car owners who wish to check whether the driver of their car to whom they would let out or lend

  • Authorities who need to check the legitimacy and validity of an apprehended driver’s license

Read This: If you Need to track the delivery of your driver’s license or plate number, you can use the LTO Tracker tool for that.

What do You Need to Verify Your LTO Driver’s License Validity Online

Running a driver’s license check or verification online is a simple process that doesn’t require much except for the following:

  • An active Internet connection

  • A computing device—preferably a smartphone

  • Active network service and load balance

What are the Requirements to Verify License Validity Online

To check or verify the status of an LTO driver’s license, you must have the following: 

  • An LTO driver’s license to check

  • First and Last Name

Step-by-step Procedures to Verify LTO Driver’s License Validity Online

To  learn how to verify the status of an LTO driver’s license, these are the steps you need to follow: 

Online, via the LTO website

Verifying the status or validity of an LTO driver’s license online is no longer available via the Online Inquiry tab on the LTO official website. You may, however, check on your LTO profile by logging into your Land Transport Management System (LTMS) portal online account and checking your information. 

If you do not have an LTMS account yet, you may register for an LTMS account. 

Via SMS

Step 1: Draft a text message to the LTO according to the following pattern:

LTO LICENSE [Driver’s license number] 

Step 2: Send it to 2600. 

Step 3: Wait for the system-generated message from the LTO once the text message was sent. 

The reply will give the following details

  • Period of license validity

  • If there has been any apprehension.

  • If there is any LTO alarm.

Fees

A charge of Php 2.50 is charged for the SMS service. Accessing the LTMS portal is free though.

Important Reminders

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

  • Non-professional driver’s license issued for the first time is only valid for five (5) years.

  • Holders of license with five-year validity must take the PME within 60 days before their 3rd birthdate from the issuance of their license.

  • Those with a ten-year license, must undergo their PME before their 4th and 7th birthdays from the issuance of their license.

  • License holders are also required to submit a medical examination certificate from LTO-accredited clinics each time they renew their licenses.

  • License holders whose DL has expired for 10 years or longer are no longer allowed to drive and will be required to apply for a student permit again.

Video: How to Check the Status of Your LTO Driver’s License 

Learn more about how to check the validity of your driver’s license with LTO by watching the video from Ricardo Ronaldo:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most common questions and answers regarding checking the validity of the LTO driver’s license:

1. How long is the validity period of an LTO driver’s license?

The validity period changes depending on the license type. For Student Permits, the validity period is one year. On the other hand, first-time professional and non-professional driver’s licenses, as well as those who are renewing with traffic violations, get licenses that are valid for five years. If the licensee has a clean record, then he or she can renew his or her license and secure one with a 10-year validity period as per Republic Act 10930.

2. When will my license expire?

If you are looking for the expiration date of your driver’s license, then you can find it on the card’s front side. The validity period of your DL will also depend on whether your license is issued before or after your birthday. If your license was issued before your birthday, the current year is included in the validity period. Otherwise, the current year is not included when counting the validity period. 

3. Where can I find the information on my license type? 

If you need to check your new LTO driver’s license for the license type and restrictions, you may check the back of your license card. The license type information is in there, but unlike the old one, it is no longer on the front side.

4. Who do I reach out to for inquiries and concerns?

For more information or other concerns, you may contact the LTO at:

Land Transportation Office
Office Address: LTO Compound, East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, 1100 Philippines
Tel. No.: 89229061 to 63
Email Address: ltomailbox@lto.gov.ph
Official website: https://lto.gov.ph/

Summary

Whether you are a holder of a Student Permit, a Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL), or a Professional Driver’s License (PDL), ensuring its validity is one of the responsibilities of every driver or car owner towards road safety. After all, a valid driver’s license proves that the driver is roadworthy and that it is highly likely that the drivers and passengers of the vehicle will be safe during the trip. 

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.

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