Last Updated on – Oct 7, 2021 @ 2:12 pm
Owning a car comes with its own set of responsibilities. And one of them is making sure it is registered each year.
Based on my own experience, it was a pretty uneventful affair. Which was a good thing. In this article, we’ll share some of the most important things to keep in mind to make renewing your car’s registration as smooth as possible.
Contents
What is a Motor Vehicle Registration?
In the Philippines, a car or motor vehicle registration is basically a process used by the government to establish a link between vehicles and its owners/users – through registered plate numbers. And it is mandated by the Land Transportation Office of the Philippines.
Related:How to Get (or Renew) a Driver’s License in the Philippines
LTO Car Registration Process (for Brand New Vehicles)
The following instructions apply for registering a brand new, locally assembled/manufactured and imported Completely Built Units (CBU).
In the Philippines, the registration of brand new cars is typically handled by the dealer. However, if you would like or need to handle it yourself, here are the steps.
Step 1: Bring all the required documents
Here are the car registration requirements for brand new cars (Locally, Imported, Registration of Light Electric Vehicle (LEV) (AO-2006-01), Registration of Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV), Three Wheeled Vehicle, Tax Exempt):
- Original Sales Invoice
- Appropriate Insurance Certificate of Cover
- Original Certificate of Stock Reported (CSR)
- Original PNP-HPG MV Clearance Certificate
- Tax Identification ID
For imported vehicles (purchased outside of the Philippines), here are the requirements (via CarMudi):
- Commercial Invoice of MV issued by the country of origin
- Bill of Lading
- BOC Certificate of Payment
- Certificate of Stock Reported (CSR)
- Sales Invoice of the MV
- PNP-TMG MV Clearance Certificate
- Duly accomplished and approved Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR)
- Appropriate insurance certificate cover
- Valid Certificate of Public Convenience duly confirmed by the LTFRB, in case of for hire MV’s
- Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN)
Step 2: Visit the nearest LTO office.
Proceed to the appropriate transaction counter.
Step 3: Submit all required documents.
The evaluator will assess the documents and compute the fees.
Step 4: Submit the MVIR you completed.
Have your vehicle tested for emissions. Obtain all the necessary documents containing the results.
Step 5: Pay all the necessary fees at the cashier.
Get your OR (official receipt).
Step 6: Wait for your name to be called on the Releasing Counter to get the Certificate of Registration (CR), plates and stickers.
When to Renew your Car’s Registration?
Your car’s license plate number is your guide.
To determine when you are supposed to renew your vehicle’s registration, the LTO utilized your plate number’s digits.
The last digit determines the month when your car was registered.Here’s a table of LTO’s monthly schedule for car registration renewal :Your Plate Number’s Last Digit Month your car should be registered 1 January 2 February 3 March 4 April 5 May 6 June 7 July 8 August 9 September 0 October
But that’s not all. You should also be aware of the weekly schedule showing the dates of the month you can actually have your car renewed.
For this, check the second-to-the-last digit of your plate number. Here’s a table for reference:
| Second-to-the-last digit of plate number | Days of the month you should renew |
| 1, 2, 3 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (week 1) |
| 4, 5, 6 | 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 (week 2) |
| 7, 8 | 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 (week 3) |
| 9, 0 | 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 |
LTO Car Registration Renewal Process
Renewing your car’s registration is fairly easy.
Recalling from memory from my last renewal, the emission test took the longest. However, the process should be quick after that once you obtain all the necessary documents.
The following is a summary of the general steps required to renew your vehicle’s registration based on LTO’s official website. I included some notes right after documenting the process based on my own experience last year.
Step 1: Complete all the required documents for your Car’s Registration Renewal
The following items will be required to renew your car’s registration:
- Photocopy of Certificate of Registration (CR) and Official receipt of payment
- Tax payer’s ID number
- Certificate of Emission compliance (CEC)
- Duly accomplished and approved Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR)
- Appropriate Insurance Certificate of Cover (COC)
- Photocopy of Certificate of Registration (CR) and Official receipt of payment
For “For Hire” vehicles, the following additional requirements are required:
- Confirmation of Franchise from the LTFRB
- Valid Motorized Tricycle Operator’s Permit (MTOP) for tricycle (TC) only
Related:How to Get a Car Insurance: Top 8 Car Insurance Companies in the Philippines
Step 2: Go to the Nearest LTO Branch
Here’s a list of LTO locations for applying for renewal of registration for your vehicle.
| Branch Name | Address | Contact Number |
| LTO Diliman | 1200 East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City | 921-9017 or 709-3053 |
| LTO La Loma | 3 Biak na Bato Street, corner P. Florentino Street, Barangay, Sta. Mesa Heights, Quezon City | 711-4444 or 416-3052 |
| LTO Makati | Butel Bldg., Pililia St., Makati City | 895-8678 or 897-5198 |
| LTO Las Pinas | Francisco Motors Compound, Talon I, Las Piñas City | 875-2030 |
| LTO Malabon | Governor Pascual Avenue, Malabon City | 351-7628 |
| LTO NCR | No. 96 Mirasol Street, San Roque, Cubao, Quezon City | 440-6424 or 356-0708 |
| LTO Mandaluyong | 121 Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City | 532-2726 |
| LTO Navotas | Gen. Gas Plant Bldg., Fishport Complex, North Bay, Navotas City | 283-3510 |
Step 3:Go to the transaction counters to submit all the requirements to the evaluator
Step 4:Have the vehicle inspected, provide duly accomplished MVIR
Although, LTO has recently announced that they will no longer require stenciling for new cars for both registration and renewal.
Step 5:Wait for your name to be called on the cashier’s area and pay for all fees and get the original receipt (O.R)
Below are the following fees you need to prepare for renewing your vehicle’s registration:
- Initial fee: P1,000/category
- Renewal fee: P400/category
- Stickers and tags: P50 each
- Regular plate: P450
- Tip for the Stencil Aide: P50-P100 (as stenciling aren’t performed by LTO employees)
In case of penalties, here are the Penalty Fees:
- Late registration: Php100 for motorcycles, Php200 for other vehicles
- More than a month late (but not beyond 1 year): 50% of MVUC rate plus renewal
- More than 1 year late but without any apprehension records during this period: 50% of MVUC rate plus renewal
- More than 1 year late and with apprehension/violation records during this period: 50% of MVUC rate plus renewal for each delinquent year
Step 6:Proceed to the releasing counter and wait for your name to be called.
You will be provided with the Certificate of Registration (CR), plates, and stickers
While the above steps give us a general idea of the process, you’ll notice that the part where you have your vehicle is tested for emission seem to have been skipped.
In my case, the emission test was the first step. Upon arrival at the LTO office in East Ave, I asked the guard where I can park the car, I told him I’ll be renewing my registration. He asked if I had the car tested for emission already, to which I replied “No”.
So he called a guy, which I’ll learn a few seconds later was someone from the emissions center. We drive out of the LTO compound and proceeded to a nearby LTO-accredited emissions testing center. Aside from the actual emissions test, they also offer TPL insurance which I availed.
After getting emission test approval and getting all the corresponding paperwork, including the stencil on the vehicle, I then drove back to LTO’s lot and parked there to finish the remaining steps.
From there it’s simply a matter of submitting all the required documents and going from one window to another to pay and get the necessary receipt and official documents.
NEW: How to Renew LTO Car Registration Online
In June 2020, the LTO has launched an online portal called the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS). The new online portal is meant for scheduling an appointment for renewals of driver’s license and car registration. This is to lessen transaction times in LTO offices and help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
As of this writing, however, the car registration service of the LTMS (https://portal.lto.gov.ph/) is still being pilot tested. Only driver’s license-related transactions are currently available on the new online portal.
According to the LTO, motorists can renew their vehicle registration using the LTMS starting in September 2020.
So for now, car owners may use the LTO Online Personal Appointment & Scheduling System (PASS), which was launched in 2018 and is still working, to set an appointment for car registration renewal.
Step 1: Access the LTO Online PASS.
Go to https://www.lto.net.ph/ and select “LTO Online Appointment” (under the “LTO Online Services” section)
And then choose “Motor Vehicle Renewal Online Appointment”.
This will take you to the Terms of Use page. Read and agree to the terms and conditions. Enter the Captcha code and click the Continue button.
Step 2: Enter your vehicle, personal, and contact information.
Have the following details ready, as you’ll be required to input them in the online form:
- Your 15-digit MV File Number (found on your Certificate of Registration)
- At least one of the following details: Plate Number / Chassis Number / Engine Number
You’ll also have to provide your full name, home address, email address, and mobile number.
Double-check your info. If it’s all good, click the Next button.
Step 3: Book your appointment.
Select the LTO office where you want to complete your transaction for vehicle registration renewal. Ideally, the branch is the one closest to your home. Click the Next button.
Then click the Submit button. On the calendar, pick your preferred date and time slot for your LTO transaction. The green boxes indicate available slots.
Confirm your appointment schedule by clicking the Yes button. You’ll receive a confirmation message from the LTO via email. If it’s not in your inbox, check your Spam folder.
Click the provided link to confirm your reservation.
Step 4: Prepare for your car registration renewal.
Print the appointment slip that was emailed you. If you have no access to a printer, you may take a screenshot of it using your smartphone, which you’ll present during your appointment schedule.
Gather all your supporting documents for your car registration renewal. You can find the list of requirements in the confirmation email.
Step 5: Renew your vehicle registration at the LTO office.
Go to the LTO branch on your appointment schedule and complete your car registration renewal transaction. Submit the requirements, pay the renewal fee, and claim your new Certificate of Registration, vehicle plates, and stickers.
Quick Tips for Car Registration and Renewal
Here are some quick tips to ensure that you’ll have a hassle-free experience in renewing your car’s registration:
1. Be early to avoid long lines.
You can get through the emission testing and getting your TPL (third-party liability insurance) quicker. There are several ones located nearby that offer these services in most LTO branches.
2. Have your vehicle tested out before your scheduled renewal dates.
Make sure that your vehicle is in top shape, from lights to its engine. As you won’t be able to move on to the succeeding procedures if you fail the inspection.
3. Make sure to have a photocopy of all your requirements/documents before proceeding.
4. Ready your cash before going to LTO.
I personally prepared P5,000 the first time I had to renew my car’s registration, as I didn’t have any idea with all the fees (and penalties, if in case there were).
Good thing that I brought more than enough, as I didn’t realize that I also had to pay for the emission tests and TPL (ranges from P700 – P1,000).
5. Don’t forget to bring your early warning device.
Although, the last time I renewed my car registration, they didn’t bother to check it. But it’s still best to have everything prepared!
6. Don’t pay fixers.
LTO’s process has improved a lot this year, and you won’t really need them.
Car Registration & Renewal FAQs:
Here are some answers to the most common questions about car registration and renewal in the Philippines:
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions related to car registration in the Philippines:
1. How long is the initial registration good for?
The initial registration is good for 3 years. After that, you are required by law to renew it annually.
2. Can I request for change of my plate number?
No. By law, it cannot be changed within the vehicle’s lifetime. It’s only allowed when there’s a change in denomination of the vehicle’s registration type (private to for-hire, government or private)
3. I’m late with my registration. How much will be the fine?
It depends on how long you are late. There’s a weekly fee of 200.00 that accumulates until you renew. If you’re late for more than a month, you’ll pay 50% of the MVUC (Motor Vehicle’s User’s Charge)
4. I plan on buying a second-hand car. How will I know if it’s OR/CR is legit?
Visit the LTO office in East Avenue and have the OR/CR checked for authenticity
5. I lost my OR/CR. How can I obtain a duplicate copy?
Get a notarized affidavit of loss for the OR/CR. Visit the LTO office where you have it originally registered and present the affidavit. Present 2 valid IDs. Your request will be processed upon presenting these requirements.
6. How can I request for a duplicate plate or sticker?
Visit the nearest LTO branch and present the following:
– Original Affidavit of loss/mutilation
– Certified True Copy of CR / Original CR
– Certified True Copy of OR/Original OR of latest payment of MVUC and other fees
– Duly accomplished and approved Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR)
– Proof of Payment (OR) for the cost of replacement plate/duplicate plate / lost sticker
– (In case of For-Hire MVs ) Certification from LTFRB that plates have not been surrendered
– (In case of sole proprietorship) Secretary’s Certificate in case of MV is in the name of a corporation or DTI certificate
– PNP-HPG clearance
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FAQs
Is there an extension for car registration for 2022? ›
The LTO has confirmed that the registration of all motor vehicles with license plates ending in 7 will be valid until August 31, 2022. This comes after the agency extended the registration validity of vehicles with license plates ending in 6 last month.
How much is the renewal of car registration in the Philippines 2022? ›LTO car registration renewal fee 2022
If you are going to renew your car registration, it will only cost Php 400.
- CTPL.
- Taxpayer's Identification Number (TIN)
- Original Copy of Certificate of Emission Compliance.
- Photocopy of Certificate of Registration (CR)
- Official Receipt of Payment.
- Duly accomplished and approved Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR)
Certified True Copy of CR / Original CR. Certified True Copy of OR/Original OR of latest payment of MVUC and other fees. Duly accomplished and approved Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR) Proof of Payment (OR) for the cost of replacement plate / duplicate plate / lost sticker.
How much is the penalty for late registration in LTO? ›| Delinquent Vehicle Registration | Penalty Fee |
|---|---|
| Beyond the registration month but not more than 12 months (based on the last digit of plate number) | 50% of the MVUC rate |
| Beyond 12 months without apprehension for LTO violations | 50% of the MVUC rate plus renewal |
Motorists who have not renewed their expired licence will pay about 10% penalty fees for each month. Traffic officials could also hand out fines up to R1000 for an expired vehicle licence disc.
What are the requirements for renewal of vehicle registration? ›- Photocopy of Certificate of Registration or CR and the Official Receipt of payment from your car's previous registration.
- Insurance Certificate of Cover or COC.
- MVIR form.
- Certificate of Emission Compliance of CEC.
- Taxpayer's Identification Number or TIN.
Initial fee: P1,000/category. Renewal fee: P400/category. Stickers and tags: P50 each.
How much is the fine for expired registration in the Philippines? ›LTO Penalties For Expired Car Registration: Rates
Driving with an expired or late car registration can make you face a fine at around Php 2,000 to an enormous Php 10,000, or even worse-getting car impoundment.
MANILA, Philippines – Motorists may now apply or renew their car registration and driver's licenses online through the Land Transportation Office (LTO) online portal, to avoid direct contact and possible coronavirus transmissions.
Can I renew my car registration in any LTO branch? ›
As for the serving LTO branch, you can renew your car registration at any LTO online district/extension office.
How much is emission test in Philippines? ›Car emission testing requirements
You no longer need to bring an original copy. And of course, you'll also need around Php 430 - Php 500 for the emission test price.
- LTO Copy and electronically transmitted appropriate insurance Certificate of Cover (Third Party Liability)
- Duly accomplished Original Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR)
- Original copy of Certificate of Emission Compliance (CEC)
Its classifications are passenger cars, utility vehicles, SUVs, motorcycles, trucks and buses, and trailers.
Can I drive the car with expired registration? ›Yes, you will get fine against driving a car with expired registration. Thanks.
What happens if you drive a car without registration? ›1) Driving an unregistered motor vehicle
Penalties: In case of non-registration and the violation has exceeded one month, the motor vehicle shall be impounded and shall be released only upon its valid registration and payment of appropriate fines and penalties.
Those who apply for renewal of their driving licence cards before the expiry date are permitted to use the expired card for a period of 3 months, provided that they have in their possession the expired card and the receipt in the vehicle at all times.
How many years car registration is valid in Philippines? ›When you buy a brand-new car in the Philippines, its initial motor vehicle registration—which the dealership usually processes for you—is good for three years.
How much is a car license renewal? ›In Gauteng, the total annual license fee for a car of 1 000 kilograms, but not exceeding 1 250 kilograms is R432. 00. In the Western Cape it will cost you R420. 00, and in KZN the aforementioned car will cost you R534 to license, per year.
How do I check my vehicle registration status? ›- Open the SMS App.
- Enter your vehicle's enrollment number and SMS it to 8785.
- You will get the following information: (Chassis number, Engine number, Make, Registration date, Token paid, Owner's name).
How do I know when to renew my registration? ›
The last digit of your car's license plate number will tell you the month when you need to register your car. 1 stands for January, 2 for February, 3 for March, and so on and so forth. As for 0, October will be your month of registration.
How much is the penalty for 3 years late registration of car? ›The government will look to see if you have had any apprehensions for violations of any land transportation laws during the period of non-registration. If you were fortunate enough not to have violated any laws, you will be charged 50% of the MVUC plus the cost of renewing your registration (once).
How do I pay my LTO renewal? ›LTO online services on the LTMS portal are available 24/7, so you can transact at your most convenient time. You can use the online system even if you're abroad. All you have to do is access the portal from your computer or smartphone, upload the requirements, set an appointment, and pay for LTO fees online.
How much is change of ownership on a car? ›In Gauteng, the total annual licence fee is 432 rand, approximately. Finally, the change of ownership will cost around 150 rand.
Why is it important to get emission tested your car? ›Vehicle emissions testing offers vehicle manufacturers multiple benefits, such as: Compliance/conformity with emissions regulations and standards to speed up your global market access, including: The European Union's new real driving emissions (RDE) testing regulations.
Why is emission test done? ›The emission test measures whether the vehicle's emissions are in line with the legally permissible amount. After the vehicle passes the emission test, the PUC certificate is handed over to the owner of the vehicle.
What is meant by emission test? ›Emissions testing determines the level of air pollutants emitted from the exhaust of a motor vehicle. The first emissions testing was done in California in 1966. Since then, many states began requiring testing for all registered vehicles.
What is the passing score in LTO exam 2022? ›The passing score in the LTO Exam is 30 over 40 for non-professional and 45 over 60 for aspiring professional drivers.
How can I pass LTO written exam? ›What is the Passing Score in LTO Written Exam? If you're applying for a driver's license, you need to get 48 correct answers out of 60 items to pass the written exam at the LTO office. Examinees who passed will be called and asked to proceed to the waiting area to move on to the practical driving exam.
Can I take LTO exam online? ›MANILA – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) assured motorists that the new mandatory examination for driver's license renewal is free, accessible online, and would not cause “undue delay or hardship”.
Is there a grace period for expired tags in Maryland? ›
Does Maryland Have A Grace Period For Expired Tags? Vehicle registration and renewal will remain valid until 30 days after a Maryland State of Emergency ends as per an order issued by Governor Hogan on March 12, 2020.
Is LTO registration extended ending 7 2022? ›Below are the extended validity of their registrations, according to LTO: Vehicles with plate numbers ending in 8: up to September 30, 2022; Vehicles with plate numbers ending in 9: up to October 31, 2022; and. Vehicles with plate numbers ending in 0: up to November 30, 2022.
How long is car registration good for in Rhode Island? ›The state requires that you renew your car registration every two years. It is important to renew your vehicle registration in a timely manner to avoid fees and headaches while making sure your status as a license driver remains valid.
How long do you have after your tags expire in Texas? ›A vehicle may be operated up to five working days after the registration expires without penalty. After those five days, you can receive a citation of up to $200.