We’re sure you’ve heard of “fixers” who are often hanging around most Land Transportation Office (LTO) sites. They are always on the lookout for applicants, claiming to have connections inside the office and promising fast transactions — for a fee, of course.
These days, fixers also abound online, especially on social media. Featuring pictures of “legit” IDs and documents, they are out to lure driver’s license or vehicle registration applicants — promising fast, easy, and smooth transactions. Many of them even claim to be “not fixers,” but with legitimate connections inside the LTO.
Have you ever been tempted by a fixer… in person or online? In this article, we provide several reasons why you should avoid fixers at all costs, and why engaging with them is totally not worth it!
What is a Fixer?
As the name says, a “fixer” is someone who promises to “fix” things; to make a process easier; or to offer a “shortcut” to an otherwise laborious and time-consuming task. In the case of LTO transactions, these are the people who offer to do all the leg work, so you can just sit back and relax while waiting for your driver’s license, vehicle registration, or other important documents.
Some of these fixers claim to have connections with LTO employees, while others claim to be LTO employees themselves. Many of them even promise that you do not have to make a personal appearance at the LTO to get your license; they will gladly do it for you!
How much do fixers charge? A quick search shows that some fixers around LTO officers charge around PHP 4,000 or more. Meanwhile, several social media pages and posts reveal that “online” fixers usually charge between PHP 3,000 and PHP 6,000 per transaction.
Why You Should Avoid Fixers at All Costs
Let’s say that you decide to avail of the services of a fixer. After all, you might be busy, and you don’t have time to take a day off, just to renew your license or apply for vehicle registration. What harm could it do, right? Well, there’s plenty harm, and here’s why:
1. You Receive a Fake ID or Document
So you paid a fixer to process your driver’s license, and he/she delivered. You received your ID. But wait… is it real, or fake? How can you be sure that the the document you’re holding is legit?
If, while driving, you get apprehended, and your driver’s license happens to be fake — you will face the consequences. This means a fine of PHP 3,000, plus you could be disqualified from driving a motor vehicle for one (1) year starting from payment of the penalty.
How about your car? If you are apprehended and you cannot get a family member or friend to pick up your vehicle and take it home — authorities will have to get a tow truck and tow your car to the nearest impounding facility. In order to get your vehicle back, you’ll need to pay a fine of PHP 1,500 or more (depending on the LGU), plus a storage fee per day — based on the number of days your car has been staying in the impounding facility.
In short… having a fake ID will cost you a lot of money… not to mention a huge headache and plenty of wasted time!
2. Your Vehicle is Not Registered in LTO System
If you contacted a fixer to have your car registered, how sure are you that your vehicle is truly registered in the LTO system?
Once again, if you are apprehended, and your car registration papers turn out to be fake documents — then you’re in for a lot of trouble… and more penalties!
Having a fake car registration amounts to a PHP 10,000 fine. Moreover, your car may be impounded… to be released only after you pay the fine and your vehicle is properly registered with the LTO. In addition, since you engaged in “fraud” by transacting with a fixer and getting a fake document, you’ll need to pay a PHP 3,000 penalty. Add this to the cost of having your car impounded for days, and you’ll end up paying a lot of money, indeed!
3. You Get Scammed After Paying
If you’re lucky, the fixer gives you an actual ID or document; the question of whether these are real or fake is another story. However, if you are unlucky… you don’t receive anything at all!
In case you haven’t heard, online scammers are all over social media and SMS channels. They post seemingly convincing pictures of driver’s licenses and car registration papers. They offer fast, easy, and hassle-free transactions… Only to disappear as soon as you send your payment!
You’ve sent your details, photos, and paid the fixer via GCash, Maya, or other digital platforms. Pretty soon, however, you realize that the fixer has “blocked” you… never to be seen again!
Sigh. Make sure that you do not fall prey to fixers who turn out to be online scammers in disguise! If you do get scammed, please report them immediately to the nearest LTO office or to the agency’s official online channels.
4. You Could Face Stiff Penalties
Let’s say, for example, that you were totally unaware that the driver’s license or car registration you got from a fixer was fake. If you get apprehended, and even if you try to explain that you got scammed — you will still need to face the consequences.
As mentioned earlier, having a fake driver’s license or car registration corresponds to a penalty of PHP 3,000. In addition, you could be prohibited from driving a motor vehicle for one (1) year, even after paying the penalty. Meanwhile, if your car registration is found to be fake, you’ll need to pay a PHP 10,000 fine, plus the costs of getting your vehicle towed and impounded. Once again, your car will only be released after all the fines are paid and it is duly registered with the LTO.
In other words, be prepared to spend a lot of money if you deal with a fixer!
5. You Could Endanger Yourself and Others
To get a driver’s license, you need to take exams — both theoretical and practical driving tests — to ensure that you are capable of becoming a responsible motorist. But if you receive your license without undergoing training and the proper process, how sure are you that you are prepared to go on the road?
For your own safety, as well as those of your passengers and other motorists, it’s important to undergo the proper process of getting a driver’s license — no matter how tedious it might seem!
Transact with Official Channels Only
To avoid getting scammed by fixers, be sure to visit and transact only with LTO offices. For the latest updates and information, you can also follow the agency’s official social media channels:
Facebook: @LTOPhilippines
Instagram: @ltophilippines
X (formerly Twitter): @LTOPhilippines
Bottom Line
When applying for your driver’s license or car registration, getting the services of a fixer may seem convenient — but keep in mind that it could cost you more, not to mention land you in trouble! You could end up with a fake ID, false papers, or worse — you could get scammed of your hard-earned money.
Being a responsible driver begins with undergoing proper training and following the right process. This is but a small price to pay to help ensure you and your passengers’ safety while on the road.
As for getting your car registered, check out this article for our guide on how to register your motor vehicle with the LTO.