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Deed of Sale Motor Vehicle Car Sample

If you’re buying a secondhand vehicle, then you’d need a Deed of Sale for Motor Vehicles. Other than the money, you need this document to prove that you are, indeed, buying or selling the car. It’s a contract of sale and is quite a useful piece of paper, too, especially when problems occur in the future. 

The Deed of Sale for Motor Vehicles is one of the many types of legal documents required by the Land Transportation Office (LTO). It is part of the paperworks involved in the car-buying experience. While most people would not think twice about signing such a document to get it out of the way, it is important to check and understand what it actually is for before affixing your signature on the dotted line reserved for it. 

deed of sale motor vehicle car

What is a deed of sale for a motor vehicle?

A deed of sale is, in its most basic form, a contract of sale. Like any other contract, the Philippine law says that it needs all of its three elements: the consent of the contracting parties, an object that will serve as the subject matter of the contract, and the cause of the obligation that is established. In a contract of sale or deed of sale, the consummation of the contract when both parties agree on the price of the motor vehicle.

The Deed of Sale also needs to be notarized, otherwise, the transaction is considered invalid. When the transaction is considered invalid, even the signed contract of sale is considered nothing better than a tissue paper. Useless. Null and void. 

What details are included in the deed of sale?

Like any other legal document like an Affidavit of Loss, the Deed of Sale almost always generally require the following information:

  • Names and identity of the parties 
  • Addresses of both parties
  • Details of the vehicle
  • General details in the certificate of registration
    • Vehicle make
    • Vehicle series
    • Vehicle type
    • Vehicle year model
    • motor and chassis numbers
    • plate number
    • LTO MV file number
    • Certificate of registration number
  • Date of the sale: The date of the sale should be included in the document.
  • Warranty and representations: The document should include representations and warranties made by the seller, such as the property is free from liens, mortgages, and encumbrances, or that the property is in good condition.
  • Notice of rights and obligations: The document should include any notice of rights and obligations that the buyer or the seller may have, such as taxes and insurance.
  • Special instructions: The document may include any special instructions, such as the transfer of utilities, or any other matter that the parties have agreed upon.
  • Amount paid for the vehicle, and 
  • Acknowledgment statement (notarization)

The notarization turns the Deed of Sale into a public legal document which makes proving its authenticity and making its execution easier. The acknowledgement statement makes it easier to prove the transaction in courts of law. 

Deeds of Sale are also generally submitted along with the following:

  • Two (2) photocopies of valid government-issued identification cards or identification documents
  • Three (3) specimen signatures

When used at the LTO to facilitate transfer of vehicle ownership, the Deed of Sale is usually submitted along with the following requirements:

Why is the deed of sale for a motor vehicle important?

A deed of sale for a motor vehicle is the evidence of the sale of the motor vehicle. Sure, verbal agreement of sale can result in a successful purchase. However, it can be retracted at any time and not even the highest courts can do anything if either one of the parties involved change their mind and claim otherwise. 

Some of the benefits of having a notarized and signed deed of sale for motor vehicles include:

  • The contract of sale is enforceable. 
  • With a valid deed of sale, either party can no longer change their mind about the transaction. 
  • Liabilities that come with the motor vehicle would fall on the shoulder of the responsible person, as stated in the deed of sale. 
  • It serves as proof of sale, effectively completing the transfer of ownership and responsibility from seller to buyer.
  • It can be used as one of the requirements when registering the motor vehicle with the LTO.
  • Legal proof of ownership: A Deed of Sale serves as legal proof of ownership of a motor vehicle, and can be used to update the property records.
  • Clear statement of ownership: It is typically used when a clear motor vehicle statement of ownership and it is a way for the parties to transfer ownership even if there are liens or encumbrances .
  • Flexibility: It can be customized to include specific terms and conditions that suit the needs of the buyer and the seller.
  • Protection for both parties: A Deed of Sale can protect the interests of both parties by including warranties and representations by the seller, such as the motor vehicle is free from liens, mortgages, and encumbrances, and by including contingencies for the buyer, such as the completion of certain repairs or improvements to the motor vehicle before the sale is considered final.
  • Simplicity: A Deed of Sale is a simple and straightforward legal document that transfers ownership of the property without any contingencies or conditions that must be met before the sale is considered final.

What are the consequences of not having this document?

Some of the drawbacks or consequences of not having a Deed of Sale of Motor Vehicles include:

  • There would not be proper evidence of the sale of the motor vehicle. 
  • The LTO would not let you transfer the vehicle to or from your name to the buyer.  
  • An improperly registered vehicle is also considered a traffic law violation.
  • There’s always the risk of being held responsible for accidents, crimes, or violations committed using the vehicle. 
  • There won’t be a legal and binding agreement on who will be responsible for completion of certain repairs, improvements, liens, mortgages, or other encumberance to the motor vehicle before the sale is considered final.

When is a deed of sale needed and who prepares it?

A deed of sale for motor vehicles is necessary when you sell or purchase a secondhand or used motor vehicle. It is generally prepared by the seller because they have more to lose, but it doesn’t mean that the buyer cannot facilitate the preparation and execution of one. 

How to prepare a Deed of Sale of Motor Vehicles?

The Deed of Sale of a Motor Vehicle is just like that of an Affidavit of Change Color, with the exception of the actual document. Hence, you can refer to this guide on executing an Affidavit of Change Color for the procedures of getting a Deed of Sale executed. 

Note that the documents used for executing an affidavit of change color is different from the document used as Deed of Sale though. Also, while the Affidavit of Change Color is a joint one, signed by both the owner and the painter, the Deed of Sale isn’t a joint affidavit but a contract, signed by both the buyer and the seller to signify their agreement on all the terms stated in the document. 

How much does it cost to prepare a Deed of Sale?

Preparing a deed of sale or securing one from the LTO doesn’t cost anything, but since the document needs to be notarized like any other legal document, then there’s the notarial fee to worry about. Unlike the affidavit documents which costs around P100.00 to P800.00 to get notarized, the notarial fee for a Deed of Sale, regardless if it’s for a property or a motor vehicle, ranges between 1-2% of the property value. That said, the cost of this document may change depending upon the price of the motor vehicle being sold. 

Where to get a Deed of Sale of Motor Vehicle notarized?

As there are no LTO-accredited notary public in existence, sellers or buyers of secondhand or used motor vehicles may get their Deed of Sale of Motor Vehicle notarized at any notary public anywhere in the country. However, do note that the location and prestige of the notary public may affect the price of the notarial fees. 

Deed of Sale for Motor Vehicle Sample

If you have no idea about what Deed of Sale for Motor Vehicles looks like on paper, this sample Deed of Sale can help you write one without starting from scratch.

Deed of Sale of Motor Vehicle

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

This Deed of Sale of Motor Vehicle, made and executed this ___ th day of February 2011, by and between: ___________________, Filipino, of legal age, single/married, and a resident of _______________________________________, hereinafter referred to as “VENDOR”; ___________________, Filipino, married, and a resident of ____________________________hereinaer referred to as the “VENDEE”.

Witnesseth:

WHEREAS, the VENDOR is selling in an “as is where is” basis a second hand vehicle, hereinafter described as follows:

MAKE: ___________________

PLATE NO: ___________________

SERIES: ___________________

COLOR: ___________________

TYPE: ___________________

MV FILE NUMBER: ___________________

MOTOR NUMBER: ___________________

SERIAL/CHASSIS NUMBER: ___________________

WHEREAS, the VENDOR agreed to sell, and the VENDEE agreed to buy, the VENDOR’S rights, interests and title to the afore-described motor vehicle;

NOW THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the above-mentioned premises and the sum of PESOS: THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND (Php 300,000.00), Philippine currency, the VENDOR does hereby sell, transfer, assign and convey to the said VENDEE, all her rights, title and interest over the afore-described motor vehicle.

The VENDOR hereby warrants that the vehicle is free from liens and other encumbrances.

THE VENDEE hereby acknowledges that it has fully inspected the said vehicle and has bought the same in an “as is where is basis.”

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have hereunto axed their signatures this ____ day of February 2011, in the City of ___________________, Philippines.

_________________                           _________________

VENDOR                                             VENDEE

Witnessed by: 

___________________                      ___________________

Acknowledgment

Republic of the Philippines)

City of……………..)S.S.

BEFORE ME, a NOTARY PUBLIC, for and in the city of _____________, Philippines, this ___ day of February 2011, personally appeared the following who presented the following valid identification cards:

NAME: ___________________

ID NO.: ___________________

DATE OF ISSUE/EXPIRY: ___________________

PLACE OF ISSUE: ___________________

known to me to be the same persons who executed the foregoing instrument, which consists of two (2) pages including the page wherein this acknowledgment is written, and they both acknowledged to me that the same is their voluntary act and deed.

WITNESS MY HAND AND SEAL ON THE DATE AND PLACE ABOVE-WRITTEN.

Doc. No. _____;

Page No. _____;

Book No. _____;

Series of 20____.

Important Reminders

When selling or buying a used car, you will most definitely need a signed and notarized Deed of Sale. Before you get one prepared, here are some things worth taking note of:

  • While a Deed of Sale of Motor Vehicle is generally prepared by the seller, this is not a hard and fast rule mandated from everyone.
  • Nothing in the law or anywhere else says that it is the seller who should prepare it, so the buyer is free to make one if he so desires.
  • Sellers usually prepare the Deed of Sale of Motor Vehicles because they generally have more to lose when it comes to the timely and proper execution of the deed of sale.
  • Ensuring that the deed of sale is prepared properly helps facilitate the LTO transfer of ownership. 
  • Ensuring that the deed of sale is prepared properly serves as evidence that the motor vehicle is no longer in the seller’s possession.
  • Motor vehicles are subject to the registered owner rule, which means that in case of doubt when there is an accident, the presumption of liability falls upon the registered owner.
  • The new owner must register the car at the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
  • The deed of sale does not cover registration at the LTO as it only proves that the car was sold and bought by the parties reflected in the document.
  • The person registered on the LTO certificate of registration can be held liable should the driver of the vehicle get involved in an accident, that is why a transfer of ownership is strongly advised after the sale.
  • Never proceed with the transaction of buying a car from a seller that does not have or refuses to execute a deed of sale.
  • If the seller fails to show the car’s official receipt (OR) and certificate of ownership (OR), it can be considered a red flag too so it’s best not to pursue the transaction.

Video: Deed of Sale of Motor Vehicle #LTO

Learn more about what a Deed of Sale of Motor Vehicle is, as well as what is is for and some tips and tricks on how to get it processed by watching this video from KamoteG4ming Tips:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For your reference, here are some common questions and answers relevant to the Deed of Sale of Motor Vehicles:

1. What is the registered owner rule?

The registered owner rule is one of the reasons for executing a Deed of Sale when buying or selling a motor vehicle. This rule entails that the legal and actual owner of a vehicle is the one whose name appears on the registration papers issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO). This means that the one named on the car’s OR/CR will be held responsible when the car is involved in an accident or any other injury-causing situation, giving the victims someone to turn to when asking for damages. This liability even extends to something as simple as parking violations. With an executed deed of sale, the buyer/new owner can get the ownership of the vehicle transferred to his/her name and avoid this problem from ever arising for the previous owner. 

2. What is an Open Deed of Sale?

An open deed of sale of Motor Vehicle refers to a deed of sale for cars or motorcycles where the name of the buyer and his/her signature are left blank. 

3. What is the difference between Deed of Absolute Sale and a regular Deed of Sale?

A Deed of Absolute Sale and a Deed of Sale are both legal documents used to transfer ownership, but there is a key difference between the two. While a Deed of Absolute Sale transfers full and complete and permanent ownership of a motor vehicle from the seller to the buyer with no strings attached, a regular deed of sale of motor vehicle transfers ownership of a motor vehicle from the seller to the buyer but with certain conditions or contingencies that must be met before the sale is considered final. A good example of a regular Deed of Sale is a “Deed of Sale with Right to Repurchase,” in which the seller retains the right to buy back the property within a certain period of time.

4. What will happen if no Deed of Sale of Motor Vehicle is executed?

When no Deed of Sale of Motor Vehicle is processed, then the sale would continue but there won’t be any proper evidence of the sale of the motor vehicle. This means that in cases of problems or accidents, the seller will remain the registered owner and the one who will be held liable since the LTO would not allow the transfer of ownership of the vehicle to or from your name to the buyer without a notarized Deed of Sale.

5. Should the Deed of Sale of Motor Vehicles be notarized?

Yes. As a legal document, a Deed of Sale of Motor Vehicle must be notarized. If it isn’t notarized, then it’s as good as tissue paper—worthless—in any court of law. 

6. How much is the notarial fee for a deed of sale?

The buyer pays for the notarial fee which is a negotiable cost that hovers around 1-2% of the property value. The buyer also needs to pay for the transfer tax and the documentary stamp tax.

7. How long is the notary valid?

Forever. A notarized document never expires which means the document will be acceptable for use forever. However, it is only valid for single use and for specific instances only so that’s the only thing you need to consider. In cases of sales of an LTO-registered motor vehicle, reselling it means a new Deed of Sale will need to be executed as the old one wouldn’t work.

8. How many copies of the Deed of Sale do I need to prepare? 

For your convenience, you might want to print out four (4) copies of the Deed of Sale after filling it out to provide copies for notarization and the other entities who need it, including both the buyer and seller, as well as the notary public.

9. Can I prepare my own Deed of Sale or does it need to be prepared by a licensed lawyer?

Yes. Like most other affidavit documents, you have the option to download pro forma templates or make your own Deed of Sale or have a lawyer prepare one. As an affiant, you only need to make sure that the affidavit includes all the necessary details, like the full legal name and address of the buyer and seller, date of transaction, details of the motor vehicle being sold, the price of the motor vehicle, and a statement declaring that the vehicle is being sold from the seller to the buyer for a certain amount, etc. Also, you must also notarize the document.

Summary

A Deed of Sale of a Motor Vehicle is a simple legal document. However, one should never underestimate the power of one. After all, the simple execution and processing of the Deed of Sale may cause problems and a lot of liabilities for sellers of used cars. It does not only cause problems for the buyer as the LTO will not allow the transfer of ownership for the motor vehicle without a signed and notarized Deed of Sale, but it will also hold the seller liable in cases of accidents and damages. 

How to Verify Your Medical Certificate Using LTMS Portal

Adding and verifying your medical certificate using your Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) portal account online is the first step to almost every license-related transaction offered by the Land Transportation Office (LTO). It is an essential step for completing various license-related transactions online and it serves as proof of your physical and mental fitness to operate a motor vehicle. 

By having a medical certificate added to your LTMS portal account, you streamline administrative procedures and confirm your physical and mental fitness to operate a motor vehicle without leaving your home. This crucial document uploaded and verified on your account also allows you to complete LTO transactions online, regardless if it’s applying for a new driver’s or conductor’s license, renewing an existing one, or accessing other services provided by the agency. To learn how, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by step.

verify medical certificate in ltms portal online

What is a Medical Certificate in LTO?

A medical certificate is a health-related document required by the LTO. It is a document issued by LTO-accredited clinics and LTO-accredited physicians. It serves as proof of the applicant’s physical and mental fitness to drive a motor vehicle, ensuring the safety of both the driver and other road users. This certificate is mandatory for various LTO transactions, including applying for a new driver’s license, renewing an existing one, or accessing other services provided by the LTO through the LTMS portal.

According to Department Order No. 2015-014, a medical certificate submitted to the LTO included specific details such as the applicant’s full name, complete address, and professional information of the issuing physician. It also confirms the applicant’s mental and physical fitness for driving, absence of drug use, and good eyesight and hearing. Any existing disabilities, medical conditions, or temporary or permanent impairments are also disclosed in the medical certificate before it is deemed valid and acceptable by the agency.

Adding a Medical Certificate for Verification Using the LTMS Portal

Adding a Medical Certificate for verification using the LTMS Portal is essential for accessing a wide range of LTO services online, including license applications and renewals. By uploading their medical certificates through the portal, applicants declare their medical conditions, resulting in a more efficient and transparent verification process, and ultimately facilitating safer driving practices. Additionally, utilizing the LTMS Portal reduces the need for physical visits to LTO offices, saving time and resources for both applicants and the LTO.

Getting your Medical Certificate verified via the LTMS Portal is a necessary procedure, especially if you are an LTMS user. Not only does it ensure that the LTMS user meets the required health standards set by the LTO for licensing safety, but this also helps uphold roadworthiness by confirming that the drivers or conductors using the platform for licensing services are physically and mentally fit to operate vehicles. Additionally, using the LTMS Portal streamlines administrative procedures, making it more convenient for applicants to fulfill licensing requirements online.

Benefits

Adding a Medical Certificate for verification using the LTMS Portal offers several benefits such as:

  • Convenience

  • Time-saving

  • Accessibility

  • Enhanced transparency

  • Compliance assurance 

  • Cost-effectiveness 

  • Streamlined procedures 

  • Integration with other services  

These benefits collectively contribute to a more accessible, efficient, and transparent process for adding and verifying medical certificates through the LTMS Portal.

Qualifications

The process of adding a Medical Certificate for verification using the LTMS Portal is particularly important to:

  • Driver’s license holders and applicants

  • Conductor’s license holders and applicants

  • Student Permit holders and applicants

  • Individuals renewing their driver’s licenses

  • Those seeking to access other LTO licensing services online through the LTMS Portal.

  • Physicians and medical professionals accredited by the LTO to issue medical certificates.

  • Any individual with access to the internet and the necessary requirements for LTMS Portal registration and wish to transact via the portal

This process is open to anyone who needs to submit a medical certificate for LTO transactions and is able to comply with the requirements outlined by the LTO.

Requirements

Before you can add your medical certificate to your account and have it verified using the LTMS portal, you need to make sure that you have the following:

  • Stable and reliable Internet connection

  • A valid email address for LTMS registration purposes (For those without an LTMS account)

  • A registered account on the LTMS portal 

  • Correct and valid login credentials (email address or LTO Client Number and nominated password)

  • Compatible, internet-ready computer, laptop, smartphone, or tablet.

  • Updated and compatible web browser  

  • A copy of your medical certificate or at least the number on the medical certificate issued by the LTO-accredited medical clinic where you had your medical examination completed.

With these things in place, you can get on with the process of accessing and viewing or checking on your demerit points online.

Procedures

To streamline the process and facilitate online transactions, the LTO requires all LTMS portal users to add and verify their medical certificate using their own LTMS portal account. Doing so is quite easy, but in case you need help, here’s a set of instructions to help:

Step 1. Access the LTMS Portal

Open your web browser and navigate to the official LTMS portal website.

Step 2. Log In or Register

If you already have an account, log in using your credentials. Otherwise, register for a new LTMS portal account by following the prompts and providing the required information.

Step 3. Navigate to Licensing Section

Once logged in, navigate to the Licensing section of the LTMS portal dashboard.

Step 4. Accept Terms of Use

If prompted, review and accept the Terms of Use for using the LTMS portal services.

Step 5. Select License Type

Choose the appropriate license type for your application or renewal.

Step 6. Initiate Medical Certificate Addition

Look for the button that reads “add your Medical Certificate” and click to add your medical certificate to your account for verification.

Step 7. Enter Medical Certificate Details

Input your Medical Certificate Number as provided by the LTO-accredited clinic where you underwent your medical examination.

Step 8. Initiate Verification Process

Click on the “Verify” button to initiate the verification process for your medical certificate.

Step 9. Wait for Verification

Allow some time for the LTMS portal to verify the authenticity of your medical certificate. The system will check if the certificate has been electronically submitted by the accredited clinic to the LTO.

Step 10. Confirmation of Verification

Once verified, you should receive confirmation that your medical certificate has been successfully added and verified on your LTMS portal account.

Step 11. Review and Confirm

Double-check the details of your verified medical certificate to ensure accuracy.

Step 12. Proceed with Transactions

With your medical certificate successfully added and verified, you can now proceed with other license-related transactions available through the LTMS portal, such as applying for a new license or renewing an existing one.

Note: It’s crucial to note that your medical certificate must be electronically submitted by the LTO-accredited clinic to the LTO via the LTMS MC Connect for successful verification. Failure to have your certificate submitted in this manner will result in your medical certificate number being unable to be verified. Without a verified medical certificate, you will be unable to proceed with any further steps in your LTO portal transaction, whether it involves license renewal, application, or any other licensing-related transaction. Therefore, ensure that your medical certificate is properly submitted to avoid delays or complications in your LTO transactions.

By following these step-by-step procedures, you can easily add and verify your medical certificate using your LTMS portal account, streamlining the process for license-related transactions with the LTO.

Fees 

Adding and verifying your medical certificate on the LTMS portal is free of charge, as the cost of the medical examination at the accredited clinic already covers this service. There are no additional fees associated with uploading and verifying your medical certificate through the LTMS portal. This cost-free process enhances accessibility and ensures that applicants can complete their license-related transactions without incurring extra expenses.

Processing Time

The processing time for adding your medical certificate to successful verification shouldn’t take more than 5 to 15 minutes, assuming you have a stable internet connection. After entering your Medical Certificate Number and initiating the verification process, the LTMS portal typically swiftly confirms the authenticity of the certificate, facilitating efficient completion of the procedure. Once verified, you can proceed with confidence to other license-related transactions available through the LTMS portal.

Video: Updated Requirements and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the LTO’s Medical Certificate Requirement

For comprehensive information on the requirements, procedures, and all aspects of obtaining a medical certificate for your licensing transactions with the LTO, check out this informative video from Wander J. It provides detailed insights to help guide you through the process effectively.

Summary

Adding your medical certificate by entering the medical certificate number into your LTMS portal account for verification is a straightforward process that ensures compliance with LTO requirements. This method allows for quick and efficient confirmation of the authenticity of the medical certificate, typically taking only a few minutes to complete. Once verified, you can proceed with confidence knowing that your documentation is in order for your license-related transactions.

How to Spot Fake Driver’s License Philippines

An authentic and legitimate driver’s license issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is a well sought-after symbol of individual freedom representing the legal permission to hit the open roads on your motor vehicle or motorcycle. In the Philippines, in particular, it is inconvenient not to have one, as getting caught driving without a license by either the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), or the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) can entail violations resulting in hefty LTO fines and jail time. 

Despite the risks, however, fake driver’s licenses remain a persistent menace in the Philippines. Counterfeiters have even upped their game, making really close copies of the original that they can already pass some of the physical authentication tests used by the authorities. Fortunately, there remain some really effective, albeit simple, tests that can be used if you ever feel the need to check the authenticity of your LTO driver’s license.

how to spot and identify fake driver's license

Ways to Check for Fake Driver’s License in the Philippines

There are different ways on how to spot fake LTO driver’s licenses in the Philippines. Though the LTO official website verification method has been canceled, there are some effective methods that you can use to verify the authenticity of your LTO driver’s license.

Listed below are some of the most commonly used ways to effectively check if you have an authentic LTO driver’s license on hand:

Light test 

The light test, otherwise known as the mobile phone flashlight lighting identification method, is perhaps the easiest and simplest way to check for driver’s license authenticity. After all, you can simply use the flashlight on your mobile phone to do it. 

To do this, simply use your mobile phone flashlight and shine it on the back of the driver’s license. A real driver’s license will have a low light transmittance and reflect a purple halo. A fake one, on the other hand, will have a high light transmittance and reflect a yellow or blue halo.

Print test

The print test is also known as the font recognition method for checking license authenticity. It’s pretty easy as you only need to check either the validity period, expiry date, or the Restriction and Conditions portion at the back. 

Simply touch these places and feel the letters printed on these parts. These characters are embossed on the card using a laser so you can feel that the characters are raised or have bulges when you rub your fingernail across the print. These texts are also clear when magnified. Replicas usually have manual etchings that don’t correspond with the texts or appear blotchy when magnified so it’s easy to tell. 

Anti-counterfeiting mark identification method

An authentic driver’s license bears an obvious anti-counterfeiting mark in the lower right corner of the front portrait photo, which will be clearly reflected when the front is picked up. Aside from this, there’s an uniform and high-quality anti-counterfeiting strip on the back, along with clear fonts for identification. The photos on the back are also clear, the emergency contact information is complete, and the font printing is neat and clear so you should be able to tell the real and the fake ones apart rather easily.

Work check method

Checking on the workmanship of the LTO license cards should be able to help you identify if it’s real or not. After all, a legitimately acquired driver’s license feels thick, bounced with fingers, has good elasticity, with the four cutting corners feeling smooth and delicate, and without any cutting feel.

SMS Check 

Another easy way to check for license authenticity is to do so by sending an SMS via the LTO text service. It’s a simple process, but it comes with a P 2.50 charge. 

To do so, you simply need to follow these steps:

  • Draft an SMS as follows: LTO LICENSE [Driver’s license number]

  • Send the SMS to 2600. 

Once you have sent the message, you should receive a system message reply with the following information:

  • Period of license validity

  • If there has been any apprehension

  • If there is any LTO alarm

If it’s fake, no license information would be found in the system. 

Hologram test

The LTO driver’s license comes with numerous security features. Among these features are two holograms found on the face of the license. These two should show the following:

  • the image of an eagle that’s visible under UV light

  • the image of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) logo surrounded by an intricate pattern, visible under normal light

Now, you can simply dismiss the license card as a fake if there’s only one or if there’s none of the image on the face of your driver’s license. However, as the counterfeiters continue to upgrade their skills, this may no longer be a reliable method to check for license authenticity. 

Security band

One of the most prominent features of a legitimate LTO driver’s license is the strip of security band running across the card’s back. Using this, you can tell that the driver’s license is authentic if the strip is flush with the rest of the card, bears no raised or sunken edges that can be felt when running a fingernail through it, and has no apparent line visible on the equivalent portion of the card in the front. 

Just like the hologram, this security feature isn’t as reliable as the others as some fake licenses have strip flush at the back that doesn’t show any visible lines in the front part. 

Scratch test

An authentic license card has a polycarbonate surface that is scratch-free. To check if your license card is an authentic one, simply find an area of the card with no marks or damage, then lightly scratch it with your fingernail (no knives or any other sharp-edged tool) to check. An authentic card would not have any visible indentation or mark.

Peel test

Authentic driver’s licenses are thick as they are made from multiple layers fused together and laminated into a single piece. However, a legitimate card has such good quality so it’s impossible to peel off the layers and take it apart with your fingers alone. If you can pick off the layers from the corners using your hands, then you have a forged or fake driver’s license card in your hands.

The LTO portal

If the physical tests aren’t trustworthy enough in your opinion or you have a hard time discerning fake from authentic cards that way, then you can go online via the LTO portal known as the Land Transport Management System (LTMS) portal to check. 

To do this, simply follow these steps: 

If the applicant is a new user:

  • Click the “Register Now” button.

  • Read all the terms and conditions and click the “Yes I accept” button. Then, enter the captcha code and finally click the “Next” button.

  • Select the registration type and click the “Next” button.

  • Fill in the personal details, contact number, citizenship, license number, expiry date, the official receipt number, and type of license and click the “Submit” button.

  • The verification link is sent to the given email ID, using the link the applicant has to create the password.

The information should correspond with each other and prompt the user to proceed with registering the account. But if the license details and receipt number do not match, then the card on your hand is a fake.

According to these tips listed above, everyone should find it easy enough to check the authenticity of their driver’s license by themselves.

Video: How to Spot Fake Driver’s License Philippines

Learn about how to spot a fake driver’s license in the Philippines by watching this video from Carluto TV:

Summary

Like it or not, getting an authentic LTO driver’s license is a must if you wish to legally drive on Philippine public roads without the fear of getting caught for driving with a fake license. After all, a fake license may seem like a cheaper alternative, but when you get caught, you risk not only hefty LTO fines but also the possibility of jail time and suspended or revoked license. Plus, the opportunity to renew into a driver’s license with 10-year validity may be lost when you get caught with a fake one. 

Contact Information

For inquiries or more information regarding how to spot fake driver’s licenses in the Philippines, you may contact LTO directly via the following:

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 closest to you.
LTO Hotline: 8922-9061, 8922-9062, 8922-9063

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