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List of LTO Driver’s License Restriction Codes and Meanings

When you get a driver’s license, it is a must to know which types of motor vehicles you are only allowed to drive legally. This is where the old driver’s license numerical restriction codes apply. However, in 2021, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) rolled out a new alphanumeric code set called Driver’s License (DL) codes and condition codes to specify which vehicle/s you are licensed to drive.

The new DL codes now have nine DL codes, ranging from A to CE, to represent the general types of vehicles. Each DL code is further subdivided into more specific alphanumeric subcategories called Vehicle Category codes to indicate the types of vehicles each DL code holder may operate. These Vehicle Category codes are found on the right of the DL codes at the back of the license. Each alphanumeric code set corresponds to a specific type of vehicle that the license holder may operate.

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What are Driver’s License (DL) Codes

Driver’s license (DL) codes refer to the new alphanumeric codes used by the LTO in place of the old numerical driver’s license restriction codes. It comes in nine different categories, ranging from A to CE, which corresponds to the general types of vehicles. These nine DL categories all have subcategories called Vehicle Category codes which indicate the specific type of vehicle that the license holder may legally operate in the Philippines.

These DL and condition codes are indicated in an individual’s license, regardless if it’s a Professional or a Non-Professional Driver’s License. These codes tell the authorities if the license holder is authorized to drive certain vehicles. Likewise, it tells them if the driver is l operating a vehicle they shouldn’t be touching on Philippine roads, which may lead to hefty LTO fines and violations. More than the fines and penalties, the violations that come with driving vehicles you aren’t l1pl to be driving may keep you from acquiring the 10-year validity license or may get your vehicle impounded.

What are the Different Driver’s License (DL) Codes and Vehicle Category Codes, and What Do They Mean

For your reference, here are the nine Driver’s License (DL) codes together with the respective vehicle category codes under them.

DL Code A: Motorcycle

DL Code A refers to the license code reserved for drivers who want to drive motorcycles. This code covers any motorcycle model in the Philippines (e.g., Mio, Aerox, NMax, Smash, Barako, etc.), as well as all types of transmissions, from Automatic to Semi-automatic and Manual transmissions.

License holders with DL Code A may also be eligible to drive the following Vehicle Category Codes:

L1

Two-wheeled vehicle with a maximum design speed not exceeding 50 kph

L2

Three-wheeled vehicle with a maximum design speed not exceeding 50 kph

L3

Two-wheeled vehicle with a maximum design speed exceeding 50 kph

DL Code A1: Tricycle

This DL Code covers all three-wheeled motor vehicles, including motorcycles with sidecars. As it covers three-wheeled vehicles, this license code also allows drivers to operate transport tricycles and e-tricycles such as Bajaj Re, Yamaha Tricity4, and tuk-tuk (or bokyo). On top of the three-wheeled motor vehicles, this code also covers four-wheeled vehicles with limited unladen mass—meaning, when the vehicle has limited weight when not carrying passengers or other items—and maximum design speed.

All license holders with DL Code A1 may also acquire legal permission to drive the following Vehicle Category Codes:

L4

Motorcycle with sidecar and with a maximum design speed not exceeding 50 kph

L5

Three-wheeled symmetrically arranged vehicles with a maximum design speed exceeding 50 kph

L6

Four-wheeled vehicles with unladen mass of not more than 350 kg and with a maximum design speed not exceeding 45 kph

L7

Four-wheeled vehicles with unladen mass of not more than 550 kg and with a maximum design speed of not exceeding 45 kph

DL Code B: Passenger Car

This Driver’s License Code covers all car models with up to 8 seats and a mass of not more than 5000 kg. This category allows license holders with DL Code B to drive hatchbacks, coupes, sedans, and SUVs.

It covers one Vehicle Category Code under it, the M1.

M1

This Vehicle Category refers to all vehicles with fewer than eight seats and a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of not exceeding 5000 kg.

DL Code B1: Passenger Van or Jeepney

This DL Code covers all passenger van models like Honda Odyssey, Toyota Hiace, Ford Transit, etc. as well as the popular mass transport jeepney model.

The Vehicle Category Code under B1, includes:

M2

This Vehicle Category Code refers to passenger vehicles with more than eight seats and a GVW of less than 5000 kg.

DL Code B2: Light Commercial Vehicle

This DL code allows drivers to operate all cargo four-wheelers transporting goods and other items for business or commercial purposes. Some vehicle models under this category include Suzuki Carry, Hyundai H100, Isuzu Travis, and Mitsubishi L300.

The Vehicle Category code under B2 is N1.

N1

This vehicle category code refers to vehicles used for the carriage of goods, with a maximum GVW of not exceeding 3500 kg.

DL Code C: Heavy Commercial Vehicle

Drivers with this DL Code are allowed to drive large trucks such as garbage, containers, and fire trucks.

There are two Vehicle Category codes under this DL Code:

N2

The vehicles under this category are generally used for the carriage of goods, with a maximum GVW of more than 3500 kg but less than 12000 kg.

N3

The vehicles under this category are used for the carriage of goods, with a maximum GVW exceeding 12000 kg.

DL Code D: Passenger Bus

The drivers with this DL Code on their licenses are allowed to operate any bus model in the Philippines.

There’s only one Vehicle Category code under the DL Code D:

M3

M3 refers to vehicles with more than eight seats and a maximum GVW of more than 5000 kg.

DL Code BE: Light Articulated Vehicle

The driver’s license with this DL code is allowed to drive light articulated vehicles that have permanent or semi-permanent pivot joints with lower GVW, like cars with trailers.

The Vehicle Categories under this DL Code are:

O1

Articulated vehicles with GVW of less than 750 kg.

O2

This code allows the license holder to drive articulated vehicles with GVW not exceeding 3500 kg.

DL Code CE: Heavy Articulated Vehicle

The only difference between this DL Code and the previous one is that this has a higher Gross Vehicle Weight requirement. The Vehicle Categories under this DL Code are

O3

Articulated vehicles with GVW exceeding 3500 kg but less than 10000 kg

O4

Articulated vehicles with a GVW of over 10000 kg.

Why is it Important to Know the DL Codes

Knowing the Driver’s License (DL) code you are licensed to drive means you can avoid facing penalties and charges for getting caught driving a type of vehicle that you’re not licensed to drive. This saves not only time and money, but also ensures that you can avoid hefty LTO fines and the possibility of getting your vehicle impounded. Plus, it keeps the possibility of getting a 10-year validity license upon renewal.

What are the Equivalent DL Codes of Previous Restriction Codes?

The basis for vehicle classification in the previous restriction codes is the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and clutch type only. This makes the old system open for misinterpretation. With the new DL codes, the LTO has implemented a more comprehensive restriction system based not only on GVW and clutch type, but also on seat number and maximum vehicle design speed to create a more standardized restriction system.

Here’s a list of the equivalent DL codes with the old LTO restriction codes, according to LTO:

Restriction Code 1

The old Restriction Code 1 (RC 1) allows license holders to drive motorbikes or motorized tricycles. In the new DL codes, it is equivalent to two DL Codes: A and A1.

Restriction Code 2

RC 2 allows drivers the legal permission to drive motor vehicles with up to 4500 kg of GVW. In the new DL code, this is equivalent to DL codes B, B1, and B2, but only those with manual transmission.

Restriction Code 3

RC 3 refers to the restriction code that only allows drivers to operate motor vehicles with above 4500 kg of GVW. It was replaced by DL Codes C and D, though only those with manual transmission.

Restriction Code 4

RC 4 refers to the old restriction code that allows drivers to operate motor vehicles with automatic transmission with a GVW of up to 4500 kgs. It is equivalent to the new DL codes B, B1, and B2, but only those with automatic transmission.

Restriction Code 5

RC 5 refers to the old restriction code that allows licensed drivers to operate vehicles with automatic transmission and with a GVW of above 4500 kgs. It was replaced by DL Codes C and D, though only those with automatic transmission.

Restriction Code 6

The old RC 6 allows license holders to operate articulated vehicles with GVW of 1600 kg & below. The new DL Code BE replaces the old DL restriction code 6.

Restriction Code 7

RC 7 refers to the DL restriction that allows drivers to operate articulated vehicles with GVW of 1601 kg up to 4500 kgs. It is replaced by the new DL Code BE.

Restriction Code 8

RC 8 refers to the old restriction code that allows licensed drivers to operate articulated vehicles with GVW of 4501 kg & above. Since 2021, it has been replaced by DL Code CE.

Where to Find LTO Driver’s License Codes

The new DL codes can be found at the back of your driver’s license and directly on the right of each DL code consist of three components:

How to Read the New DL Codes in Your License

The first set of alphanumeric codes indicates the vehicle categories you can operate. In the second set of codes, you can find license classification. “PL” refers to a professional license, whereas “NP” means non-professional license. The last set of alphanumeric codes in the line indicates the transmission type or clutch. “MT” refers to a manual transmission, while “AT” refers to an automatic transmission. Note that if the restriction indicates “MT,” you can operate both manual and automatic transmissions, but if the restriction is “AT,” you may only drive automatic transmissions.

New LTO Condition Codes

Aside from the restriction codes, the LTO also rolled out new condition codes to identify the driver’s conditions and help them drive safely, depending on their needs and ability to operate a vehicle, as judged by the LTO driver evaluator. While the old condition codes used letters, (A, B, C, D, E), the new condition codes use numbers (1, 2, 3, 4’5.

Here’s the updated list of condition codes that may or may not be indicated in your driver’s license:

Condition Code 1

The condition code 1 replaced Condition Code A and requires license holders to wear corrective lenses. It is for individuals wearing contact lenses or eyeglasses to drive the vehicle.

Condition Code 2

The condition code 2 replaced Condition Codes B and C and requires license holders to drive only w/ special equipment for upper/ lower limbs. It is for individual drivers with upper or lower limb impairment, whereas the old system puts them under two different codes depending on which parts are affected.

Condition Code 3

The condition code 3 requires license holders to drive customized motor vehicles only. It is a new addition. It refers to motor vehicles personalized to address the unique disability of an individual not belonging to other conditions.

Condition Code 4

The condition code 4 only allows daylight driving to registered license holders. It is unchanged and was the same as the old Condition Code D.

Condition Code 5

The condition code 5 requires license holders to wear hearing aids. It used to be Condition Code E, but it has been updated to allow individuals with hearing loss to drive a car without the aid of a person with normal hearing.

Important Reminders

For your reference, here are some important tips to remember:

In the old LTO system, Restriction Codes 1, 2, and 4 only apply to non-professional driver’s license used mainly for private vehicles.
Drivers who wish to earn a living out of driving must apply for a professional driving license.
The new DL code restriction code system is based on the European and United Kingdom version.
Drivers who are approved of driving a manual transmission (MT) vehicle is allowed to also drive automatic, whereas those approved for automatic transmission (AT) can not drive manual.
Drivers with licenses issued by ASEAN member-state government are allowed to drive in the Philippines.

Video: Understanding LTO DL Codes

You can learn more about the restriction codes and their meanings by watching this explainer video posted by Jeff Ski.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To help you better, we rounded up the most common questions and answer related to restriction codes here:

1. Can I get additional restriction codes when changing the classification of my Non-Professional Driver’s License into a Professional Driver’s License?

Yes. It is possible to get additional restriction codes in your driver’s license when you request for a change in classification (from your Non-Professional to a Professional Driver’s License). Naturally, you will be charged Php 100.00 for the Additional Restriction.

2. Can I retain the same restriction code when converting my foreign license into a Philipine License?

No. When converting a foreign driver’s license, you are only allowed to convert one vehicle category at most. You are, however, allowed to get additional restriction code after a month unless the driver’s license to convert is a Professional Driver’s license in countries with right hand drive.

3. What is Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)?

Gross vehicle weight (GVW) refers to the motor vehicle’s maximum operating weight as specified by your car’s manufacturer. The average GVW for most passenger vehicles out in the market is 1,814 kg. This means that your car falls under restrictions 2 and 4.

4. Am I allowed to drive an automatic transmission vehicle if my driver’s license doesn’t have restriction code 4?

No. According to the LTO, license holders with restriction 2 and 3 are allowed to drive both an automatic and manual transmission operated vehicle. However, those who have restrictions 4 and 5 are not allowed to drive a manual transmission operated vehicle, hence an automatic transmission operated vehicle only.

5. What is an articulated vehicle?

Articulated vehicles refer to a type of vehicle that comes with a permanent or semi-permanent pivot joint in its construction. These include buses, trucks, trams, and trains. Restriction code for articulated vehicles is usually only present in professional driver’s licenses only.

6. Can I still drive without a 20/20 vision?

Yes, you can still drive even if you do not have a 20/20 vision. LTO will most likely add Condition Code 1 on your license which states that you should wear eyeglasses/corrective lenses while driving.

7. Can I operate vehicles for hire if my driver’s license has Condition Codes?

LTO states that license holders with conditions 2, 3, 4, or 5 are not allowed to operate for-hire/public utility vehicles or commercial vehicles unless they get expressly allowed in writing by a qualified medical specialist.

Summary

Whether it is the old restriction codes or the new DL codes, driver’s license restrictions are in place to regulate drivers and vehicles. With the help of these codes, people without proper knowledge and experience are prohibited by the LTO from driving vehicles that might endanger themselves, the pedestrians, and the other motorists around.

What are Protocol Plates (Low-Numbered License Plates)

Protocol plates, like regular vehicle license plates, are issued and regulated by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), a government agency under the Department of Transportation (DOTr). As the name suggests, it is not a number plate available for everyone. It is reserved only for a select group of people of high-ranking government officials in particular, though it still needs to be secured from the LTO like any regular number plate.

Note that protocol plates are also known as low-numbered license plates issued in the Philippines. It is reserved for top government officials in the country, and bears the same paint scheme as that of private vehicles. These number plates are plainly marked with the official designation, with some types allowed to bear distinguishing flags, stars, and emblems.

The low-number or protocol plates may also be used by other officials with equivalent rank or position as the designate of such numbers, though such use is subject to the approval of the Secretary of the Department of the Transportation upon the recommendation of the Assistant Secretary of the Land Transportation Office.

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What are Low-Numbered Plates

Low-numbered plates, also known as protocol plates, are motor vehicle license plates designated and reserved for use by top government officials of the Republic of the Philippines, and have the same paint scheme as private vehicles. These number plates are issued in pairs for motor vehicles duly registered in the name of the designated officials or to their respective spouses. These plates are supposed to help with the security and traffic access of high-ranking government officials. They are also often accompanied by armed uniformed escorts.

Like the ability to drive in the Philippines, the use of protocol plates are also regulated, despite being offered as a privilege like regular and special LTO license plates (e.g. vanity license plates). However, there is a different set of guidelines or criteria for regulation and use of these low-numbered license plates.

Who Can Use Low-Numbered/Protocol Plates

The use of protocol plates was originally established and governed by law, thanks to Executive Order (EO) 287. Under this law, all motor vehicles purchased or owned by any department, bureau, office, division, branch, or unit thereof, or of any agency or instrumentality of the Government, including those of the corporations owned and controlled by the Government, shall be promptly registered in the Motor Vehicles Office and shall bear at all times official registration number plates with the official designation “PI” and a government shield.

This law also provided a uniform system for the registration of motor vehicles and assignment of motor plates to motor vehicles used by officials of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and duly-accredited officials of foreign states to the Philippines. The law governing such use of protocol plates has been updated several times, in 1960, 1978, and in 2005.

In 2005, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in the Philippines decided to hit the brakes on the proliferation of the “supposed” top official vehicle license plates. Under this law, the list was simplified into only 17 official designations, though a clause saying that people of the same rank may use the low-numbered plate, upon approval.

This law entitles the following to the use of the following low-numbered or protocol plates:

1 – President

2 – Vice President

3 – President of the Senate

4 – Speaker of the House of Representatives

5 – Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

6 – Cabinet Secretaries

7 – Senators

8 – Representatives (Congressmen)

9 – Associate Justices of the Supreme Court

10 – Presiding Justice and other Justices of the Court of Appeals.

11 – Chairman, Commission on Elections

12 – Cabinet Undersecretary

13 – Solicitor-General

14 – Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Chief of the Philippine National Police

16 – Regional Trial Court Judges (e.g. 16*NCR)

17 – First Level Courts, including Metropolitan Trial Court, Municipal Trial Court, Municipal Trial Court in Cities, and Shari’ah Circuit courts for the use of assistant city prosecutors, district prosecutors and chief city prosecutors. (Stamped with initials of 17*ACP or court branch number).

Guidelines in Using Protocol Plates

In recent news, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has released a new set of guidelines promptly defined in the DOTC’s Department Order (DO) 2014-004, to be observed and implemented in relation to the use of the protocol plates issued by the LTO.

These new guidelines include:

Government officials will now have to surrender their original motor vehicle plates to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) before requesting for protocol plates from the DOTC.

The new protocol plates from the DOTr now come with expiry dates.

The expiry dates of each protocol plate coincide with the term of the public official

The protocol plates also indicate the office being served as well as the locality and the region the public official is from.

It should bear the markings to indicate the duration of effectivity (e.g. 16th Congress, 2010-2016, etc.).

Protocol plates should be displayed on top of the vehicle’s regular plate.

Protocol plates must be placed in front and in the rear part of the vehicle.

The protocol plates will need to be surrendered to the LTO upon expiration.

The LTO will then issue a clearance certificate upon surrender of the protocol plate and prior to the return of the original plate number to the owner.

Note that in the official guidelines outlining the issuance and use of protocol plates, not more than two pairs of the said license plates are allowed to be issued to two (2) motor vehicles of any of the assigned officials with the exception of the President of the Philippines, the Vice President of the Philippines, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Senators and Congressmen, for instance, may be allowed not more than four (4) pairs of low-numbered/protocol plates.

Summary

Protocol plates are issued mainly for the convenience and safety of top government officials in the Philippines. Unfortunately, through the years, the use of certain protocol plates, particularly those that bear the number “8” have become abused as they are being used in vehicles that are neither driven nor used not by congressmen themselves. Instead, the plates are either being transfered or are being used in vehicles driven by other family members as they roam the streets like members of royalty in heavily-tinted vehicles sporting low-numbered car plates, which is a clear violation of the law. Now, more people, including the officials themselves, are calling for the abolition of this privilege, saying that these protocol plates are being used as an excuse to expect “regular” cars to “part like the Red Sea” and to blatantly disregard traffic rules and regulations.

To date, the use of protocol plates continue, but the call for its abolition remains a controversial topic, thanks to the continuous use of this issue as a form of campaign material (e.g. former President Aquino’s no wang-wang policy and no counterflow) and the continuous call for the total removal of this unnecessary plates from the Philippine public roads.

How to Change Vehicle Classification in LTO

Just as how driver’s licenses can change classifications, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) also allows vehicles to change their classification depending on its purpose and common usage. This type of service is offered by the agency, in case a car owner decides to use his private vehicle in ways other than for personal use. It also defines the distinction between vehicles, identifying the differences between “passenger truck” and “passenger automobile,” for instance. In case of dispute, however, the Director of Public Works shall determine the classification to which any special type of motor vehicle belongs.

In the advent of car-sharing services like Grab, knowing the process for changing vehicle classification, particularly from Private to For Hire, has become an important procedure that many drivers, car owners, and operators need to know. In this guide, we outlined the complete requirements and procedures to help make it easier for you.

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how to change vehicle classification in lto

What are LTO Vehicle Classifications

If driver’s license classifications define the types of driver’s license that can be acquired depending on age, competency and purpose, vehicle classifications are on an entirely different level. Technically, there are numerous criteria and class types for vehicles like purpose, load-carrying capacity, fuel, number of wheels, transmission system, and even the power source. For our purposes, this guide will only talk about vehicle classifications that can be changed according to the LTO.

Different LTO Vehicle Classifications

As mentioned above, there are different classes of vehicle classifications. In this section, we defined the different vehicle classifications as identified by the LTO.

Private vehicles

This class of motor vehicle refers to the motor vehicles bought for the purpose of nothing more than personal use. This type does not take in passengers or cargoes and is not being used to earn money or make a living.

Vehicles for hire

Vehicles for hire are the types of vehicles used to earn a living. This refers to vehicles that are either used to carry passengers or used for transportation of goods from one place to another. This type covers vehicles ranging from light to heavy vehicles and are used as either a passenger vehicle like cars, buses, taxis, etc. or as a commercial vehicle, like trucks, tempos, and containers, among others.

Government vehicles

Government vehicles, as the name suggests, are vehicles owned and used by the government for official purposes. This type refers to vehicles owned by either a government entity or a national government agency and its instrumentalities and is characterized by markings that reads, “For Official Use Only” on each side. This type is only allowed for use on official business, with an authorized “trip ticket,” which contains the destination, purpose, and duration of travel. Note that motor vehicles owned by Government employees or by foreign governments are not considered government motor vehicles.

Diplomatic vehicles

Diplomatic vehicles are motor vehicles dedicated as a special provision to foreign missions, diplomats, diplomatic officers, and consular officers. They bear the diplomatic license plates and are issued to accredited diplomats The vehicles under this type are characterized by blue on white diplomatic plates. It is protected by Art. 22 of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and is immune from search, requisition, attachment, or execution.

Other exempt motor vehicles (OEV)

Other exempt vehicles (OEVs) refer to a classification of vehicles for Vehicle registration plates of the Philippines. Examples of OEVs include vehicles from Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Clark Development Corporation (CDC), and Cagayan Export Zone Authority (CEZA).

Benefits of Changing Vehicle Classification at LTO

Being able to change vehicle classification at will means enjoying the following benefits:

You may convert your private vehicle into one that can be used to earn money (for hire)

Depending on the class, you may be able to save some money on taxes and other fees

It gives you freedom to decide what you want to use your motor vehicle for

Eligibility to Change Vehicle Classification at LTO

Anyone who owns a registered motor vehicle and who intends to change his vehicle classification are welcome to do so, provided that he can present all the requirements and pay all the fees.

Requirements for Changing Vehicle Classification at LTO

Depending on the type of change in vehicle classification, the following is a list of documents that the applicant needs to prepare.

General Requirements

The basic requirements include the following:

Original Certificate of Registration (CR) / certification that the original Certificate of Registration – Encumbered (CRE) is with the financing company and that it poses no objection on the application for change classification (Private to For Hire)

LTO Copy or electronically transmitted appropriate insurance Certificate of Cover (COC)

Additional Requirements

The need for additional documents may vary depending on the type of class and class change the car owner wishes to apply for. For your convenience, here’s a list of the additional requirements per type of change in MV class.

Private to For Hire

One (1) copy of Decision or valid Motorized Tricycle Operator’s Permit (MTOP)

Electronic confirmation of LTFRB franchise

For Hire to Private

Original Dropping Order with Official Receipt (OR)

Original Receipt of Return Plate and Licenses (RRPL)

Private to Government

Original Deed of Donation and Acceptance

Original Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificate

Macro-etching report

Special Bank Receipt (SBR) (with transfer of ownership)

Original and one (1) photocopy of any issued ID with photo and signature of the vendor and vendee

Private to Exempt

Endorsement certifying that the individual or diplomatic corps are tax exempt

Original Deed of Sale / Deed of Donation and Acceptance.

Original Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificate, Macro-etching report and Special Bank Receipt (SBR)

Original Receipt of Return Plate and Licenses (RRPL)

Exempt to Private

Original Endorsement for cancellation of exemption with control number (verify exact terms of the endorsement)

Original Certificate of Payment

Original Receipt of Return Plate and Licenses (RRPL)

Original Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificate

Macro-etching report

Special Bank Receipt (SBR)

Exempt to Exempt

Original Endorsement for cancellation of exemption with control number (verify exact terms of the endorsement)

Original Receipt of Return Plate and Licenses (RRPL)

Original Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificate

Macro-etching report

Special Bank Receipt (SBR)

How to File Application for Change in Vehicle Classification

Changing your vehicle classification from one class to another is a simple process. It does require submission of a certain set of documentary requirements, depending on the type of change you wish to make, but the procedures for doing so remain the same.

To apply for a change in classification for your vehicle, you may follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the designated LTO Office (whether a Public Utility Vehicle Registration Center (PUVRC), Public Utility Vehicle Registration Extension Center (PUVREC), Diliman District Office, or an LTO District / Extension Office) stated on Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) duly issued by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) as venue of registration.

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 LTO 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 Classification

In the case of change classification of a motor vehicle from “private” to “for-hire” the application shall be filed in the LTO District Office indicated in the Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) duly issued by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) as venue of registration. This can be done through either a Public Utility Vehicle Registration Center (PUVRC), Public Utility Vehicle Registration Extension Center (PUVREC), and any other LTO District or Extension Office in the region. For change in vehicle classification from Private to Exempt, Exempt to Private, and Exempt to Exempt, the transactions can only be done at the Diliman District Office.

Cost of Change in Vehicle Classification

The change of classification will require applicants to pay a total of One Hundred Fifty Pesos (P150.00) as change classification sticker fee in addition to the other regular charges.

Important Reminders

For your reference, here are some things you need to remember when applying for a change in vehicle classification, regardless of type:

For private to for hire vehicle class, the same number plates shall be retained but instead only a for-hire sticker indicating the MV classification shall be issued.

Changes in vehicle classification from Private to Exempt, Exempt to Private, and Exempt to Exempt can only be done at the LTO Diliman District Office.

Other changes related to vehicle class needs to be done at the LTO Office indicated in the Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) issued by the LTFRB as venue of registration.

Video: Guide on the Requirements for Changing Vehicle Class in LTO

Learn more about the requirements and procedures on how to change vehicle class in LTO by watching this video from MamiZang Vlogs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

1. What are the different vehicle classifications that car owners may or may shift to?

There are five types of vehicle classifications. These includes:

Private Vehicles

For Hire Vehicles

Government Vehicles

Diplomatic Vehicles

Other Exempt Vehicles (OEV)

2. What kind of vehicle class change can I apply for?

There are several options for changing vehicle classifications. The change can be any of the following:

From Private to For Hire

From For Hire to Private

From Private to Government

From Private to Exempt

From Exempt to Private

From Exempt to Exempt

3. How much does the change in vehicle class cost?

The costs of changing vehicle class includes the change classification sticker fee amounting to P150.00. Depending on whether you are applying for other LTO transactions, you may have to pay additional fees as well.

4. Where can I apply for a change in vehicle classification?

Applications for change in vehicle classifications can be filed in the LTO District Office indicated in the Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) duly issued by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) as venue of registration. This transaction can also be done through either a Public Utility Vehicle Registration Center (PUVRC), Public Utility Vehicle Registration Extension Center (PUVREC), and any other LTO District or Extension Office in the region. Changes in vehicle classification from Private to Exempt, Exempt to Private, and Exempt to Exempt, however, can only be done at the LTO Diliman District Office.

5. For questions or concerns, who should I reach out to?

For questions regarding LTO change in motor vehicle classification, you may reach out to:

Land Transportation Office (LTO)

LTMS portal: Visit the LTO’s official website via the Land Transport Management System (LTMS) portal 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.

Summary

Changing the vehicle classification may not seem like an important service, but in this age when money is hard to come by, being able to use your private vehicle as a source of income or changing it into something that requires less tax payments are kind of a big deal. Not only does it help you save money, but it also gives you the freedom to do whatever you want with your vehicle whenever you please. This kind of freedom is a privilege offered by the LTO to car owners. Plus, it’s a simple transaction with minimal requirements, making it more easily accessible to those who want to change their vehicle class at the LTO.