Owning a car in the Philippines is a blend of privileges and responsibilities. After the excitement of acquiring a new vehicle, the next essential step is registering it with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
Car dealerships in the Philippines often provide a complimentary three-year LTO vehicle registration for newly purchased cars, easing the burden on customers. However, understanding the process is vital, as customers now have the power to monitor and report delays. While this streamlined process is convenient, car owners can also register their new vehicles independently.
Guide for LTO New Car Registration
Make sure you have the necessary documents before heading to the LTO for new car registration. The required documents apply to cars, such as newly constructed locally assembled, CBUs, acquired CBUs, and newly constructed imported trailers. Electronic cars (EVs) must also have the same documents.
The requirements for vehicle registration are as follows:
- Sales Invoice (Original)
- LTO copy or electronically transmitted appropriate Insurance Certificate (Third Party Liability)
- Certificate of Stock Reported (CSR)
- A copy of the original PNP-HPG MV Clearance Certificate and a special bank receipt (SBR)
- If you pay with e-PAT, you will need to provide a Payment Reference Number.
After presenting your requirements to the officer in charge, your vehicle will undergo inspection. Fees will be computed based on this inspection, and you will receive your Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR).
When the inspection is complete, pay the car registration fees, ensuring compliance with LTO regulations.
Requirements for Other Cases
Registering a tax-exempt vehicle requires a DFA endorsement and an original duly accomplished Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR). For used foreign cars that don’t have to follow EO 156/877-A, you’ll need to make a copy of a commercial invoice or a certificate of title with an official English translation from the Embassy, as well as the original MVIR and a Certificate of Compliance to Emission Standard (CCES).
For vehicles acquired through the No Dollar Importation (NDI) Program, the required documents include a photocopy of the commercial invoice or Certificate of Title from the vehicle’s country of origin. You also need to secure the original or verified copy of the Authority under the No Dollar Importation, an original affidavit detailing the first and last importation, the original Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR) with a Certificate of Compliance to Emission Standard (CCES), and a verified copy of the Release Certificate.
In the case of rebuilt trucks and buses with new or used imported engines and/or chassis, the necessary documentation comprises a photocopy of the Commercial/Sales Invoice from the vehicle’s country of origin. Additional requirements include an Affidavit of Rebuilt from the rebuilder stating the completion date, the original CSR of the truck/bus, a verified copy of the DTI–FTEB Endorsement, and a photocopy of the Payment Certificate for the imported components.
For imported motor vehicles acquired through public bidding, car owners must provide a certified copy of the Official Receipt evidencing payment of acquisition cost and a verified copy of the Notice of Award. These documents are essential to complete the vehicle registration under these specific categories.
Why Should You Register Your Vehicle
Understanding the significance of vehicle registration and renewal is paramount as it serves several critical purposes. It enhances the traceability of your vehicle, enabling authorities to track it back to you in the event of loss or accident. Vehicle registration also reflects roadworthiness by confirming that vehicles adhere to safety standards, thereby minimizing the risk of accidents caused by poor-quality vehicles.
Additionally, the process plays a crucial role in preventing illegal ownership and safeguarding against unauthorized car possession. Furthermore, the renewal aspect of registration assesses and confirms that your car remains safe and roadworthy over time, emphasizing the importance of keeping the registration current and up-to-date.