Car Registration in LTO: A step-by-step guide

We've previously delved into the car registration renewal process in the Philippines, including an in-depth understanding of the 3-year LTO registration cycle. Today, however, we're going back to basics: motor vehicle registration in the Philippines.

Typically, car dealerships handle the initial motor vehicle registration in the Philippines. But what if they don't? In such cases, vehicle owners must take matters into their own hands to avoid hefty fines, which can reach up to PHP 10,000. Additionally, non-registered vehicles involved in accidents or crimes can be impounded, with fines accruing until registration is completed.

But fear not! We're here to guide you through the process of registering your vehicle with the LTO and obtaining the certificate of registration for the first time. So, let's cover everything from the fundamentals to requirements, fees, and the registration process itself.

Also Read: Want to buy a car? Here's a complete list of all associated costs

Understanding Motor Vehicle Registration

Motor Vehicle Registration is the first step for a buyer after purchasing a vehicle. During this process, the vehicle receives a unique identification, namely the registered plate number, which links the vehicle to its owner and user. This identification facilitates tracking in cases of theft or involvement in criminal activities. Moreover, a registered car signifies its roadworthiness, ensuring it's safe to drive and keeping both the driver and others on the road safe.

In the Philippines, initial motor vehicle registration is valid for three years. After this period, owners must renew registration to maintain the car's roadworthiness. Registration and renewal involve motor vehicle inspection, and registration is granted or renewed only upon approval of the inspection report.

Skipping vehicle registration or renewal is not an option due to strict rules and penalties imposed by the LTO.

Benefits of vehicle registration

Vehicle registration offers several benefits to owners in the Philippines, including:

Requirements for Vehicle Registration

Motor Vehicle Registration is a mandatory legal requirement in the Philippines, necessitating the presentation of various legal documents at the LTO. Requirements vary depending on the type of vehicle. Below is a table outlining the requirements:

Vehicle type	Requirement for LTO registration
New vehicle (locally assembled or CBU)	Original Sales Invoice Original Certificate of Stock Reported (CSR) Appropriate Insurance Certificate of Cover (COC) Original PNP-HPG MV Clearance Certificate
Imported vehicle (CBU)	Original Certificate of Stock Reported (CSR) Appropriate Insurance Certificate of Cover (COC) Original PNP-HPG MV Clearance Certificate  Original Sales Invoice or Commercial Invoice (issued by the country of origin)
Vehicle with tax exemption	Original Certificate of Stock Reported (CSR) Appropriate Insurance Certificate of Cover (COC) Original PNP-HPG MV Clearance Certificate  Commercial Invoice of Motor Vehicle or Certificate of Title issued by the Country of Origin Bureau of Customs Certificate of Payment  Certificate True Copy of Tax Exemption Certificate Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR) (in case of second-hand import) Certificate of Compliance to Emission Standards (in case of second-hand import)
Imported used vehicle exempted from EO 156/877-A	Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR)  Certificate of Compliance to Emission Standards Original Certificate of Stock Reported (CSR) Appropriate Insurance Certificate of Cover (COC) Original PNP-HPG MV Clearance Certificate  Original Sales Invoice or Commercial Invoice or Certificate of Title (by the country of origin)
Imported used vehicle via No Dollar Importation	Certificate of Compliance to Emission Standards  Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR)  Original Certificate of Stock Reported (CSR) Appropriate Insurance Certificate of Cover (COC) Original PNP-HPG MV Clearance Certificate  Commercial Invoice of Motor Vehicle or Certificate of Title issued by the Country of Origin Appropriate Insurance Certificate of Cover Certificate True Copy of the Authority under the No Dollar Importation issued by DTI-BIS Seizure Proceedings and Notice of Award Original Affidavit of first and last importation
Imported vehicle acquired via donation	Commercial Invoice of Motor Vehicle or Certificate of Title issued by the Country of Origin Certificate of Compliance to Emission Standards  Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR)  Original Certificate of Stock Reported (CSR) Appropriate Insurance Certificate of Cover (COC) Original PNP-HPG MV Clearance Certificate  Original Deed of Donation (signed by the donor & donee) Original Secretary’s Certification/Board Resolution (when donor is a corporation)
Locally assembled or manufactured EV (with new body/chassis and imported electric motor)	Original Sales Invoice Original Certificate of Stock Reported (CSR) for Electric Motor & Chassis Appropriate Insurance Certificate of Cover (COC) Original PNP-HPG MV Clearance Certificate
Rebuilt vehicle with local chassis/body and used imported engine)	Certificate of Compliance to Emission Standards  Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR)  Original Certificate of Stock Reported (CSR) Original PNP-HPG MV Clearance Certificate Appropriate Insurance Certificate of Cover (COC) Original Sales Invoice of Engine, Chassis, & Body Original Affidavit of Rebuilt executed by the owner and/or mechanic with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority  National Certificate 11 stating the date of completion
Rebuilt vehicle with engine and/or chassis that are part of a previously registered motor vehicle	Certificate of Compliance to Emission Standards  Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR)  Original PNP-HPG MV Clearance Certificate Original Sales Invoice of Body Appropriate Insurance Certificate of Cover (COC) Original CR and latest OR of payment of registration fees of the engine and/or chassis Original Affidavit of Rebuilt executed by the owner and/or mechanic National Certificate 11 stating the date of completion

Step-by-step guide for car registration in LTO

After understanding the meaning, benefits, and requirements, it's time to visit the LTO office or online portal to commence the motor vehicle registration process in the Philippines. Let's begin with the offline registration process.

Motor Vehicle Registration at the LTO Office

Step 1. Check the list of required documents and gather them in a folder to avoid misplacement during registration.

Step 2. Identify the LTO office nearest to you that processes new vehicle registrations, as not all branches provide this service.

Step 3. Arrive early at the LTO office to avoid long queues. Upon arrival, proceed to the appropriate counter.

Step 4. Submit all required documents to the LTO evaluator, who will assess them for completeness. Once approved, the evaluator will compute the fees based on the vehicle.

Step 5. Have the motor vehicle tested for emissions and submit the Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR).

Step 6. Pay all necessary fees and await the Official Receipt (OR).

Step 7. Finally, proceed to the Releasing Counter to obtain the Certificate of Registration (CR) along with plates and stickers.

OR and CR are two important documents for a car owner, refer to this blog  to know more.

Online Motor Vehicle Registration via LTO Portal

Step 1. Visit the LTO LTMS Portal on your desktop or laptop.

Step 2. Register or log in if you already have an account.

Step 3. Follow the prompts to complete the motor vehicle registration process.

Step 4. When paying fees online, take note of the payment reference number (PRN).

To simplify the process, LTO allows you to schedule an online appointment at your preferred branch, streamlining the car registration process.

Also Read: A step-by-step guide to getting duplicate LTO OR/CR

LTO car registration: Cost & fees

The initial cost of car registration varies depending on several factors but typically ranges around PHP 1,000. Additionally, several fees must be paid, including:

License plate	PHP 450
Stickers & tags	PHP 50
Inspection fees	PHP 90 - PHP 115
Penalty fee (for missing the scheduled time)	PHP 50

Also Read: Everything you need to know about MVIR (Motor Vehicle Inspection Report) - Part I

Everything you need to know about MVIR (Motor Vehicle Inspection Report) - Part II

Things to remember for LTO car registration

• Adhere to the schedule to avoid a PHP 10,000 fine or vehicle impoundment.
• Confirm which LTO branch near you processes new car registrations, as not all branches offer this service.
• Check LTO branch requirements in advance, as they may vary.
• While dealers often handle new car registration, owners may need to handle it themselves.

Bottom line

Every new motor vehicle in the Philippines must be registered, typically handled by dealers but sometimes requiring owner intervention. Follow instructions and gather necessary documents, and remember to renew registration every three years.

Also Read: Everything you need to know about car title transfer in the Philippines