How to Renew Car Registration in LTO: 2023 Guide

Renewing your car registration in the Philippines can be a daunting task. The process is confusing and the lines are long. Most of the time, the entire process in LTO usually takes a full day to complete. However, with a few tips, you can make the process a lot smoother. In this article, we will outline the process for renewing your car registration in the Philippines and provide some tips to make it easier.

When to Renew Your Car Registration

Brand new cars are eligible for a three-year registration validity and the dealership usually handles the processing of the LTO car registration. Before the first 3-year registration expires, you must personally do the car registration renewal at an LTO office. Keep in mind that vehicle registration in the Philippines must be renewed annually.

Update: Beginning February 14, 2023, you can now accomplish the car registration renewal online using the LTMS portal.

So, how can you tell if it’s time to renew your car registration? The renewal of an LTO car registration is determined by the license plate number of the vehicle. The digits in your plate number determine which month and week of the month your registration renewal is due.

The month in which you must renew your registration is indicated by the last digit of your plate number.

The second to the last digit of your plate number, on the other hand, corresponds to the weekly deadline for your car registration renewal.

All car owners in the Philippines must follow this schedule or their LTO car registration renewal will be costly. You will be fined P100 for each week it is not registered by the due date. If you drive with expired car registration, the LTO may fine you up to Php 10,000 and impound your vehicle.

Requirements for Car Registration Renewal

You should have a few documents ready before going to renew your car registration. Fortunately, you can get these documents close to the LTO district office and will have no trouble finding them. To save even more time, you can obtain these documents prior to visiting the LTO office.

CTPL

You must have Compulsory Third Party Liability (CTPL) insurance when renewing your car registration. Essentially, the CTPL protects the owner from financial liability to anyone injured or killed by the insured vehicle. Most LTO offices have insurance agents on-site, but you can get insurance elsewhere for less money. You can get your Compulsory Third Party Liability insurance online through Kwik Insure. It is a marketplace where you can choose your preferred insurance provider. You can get a CTPL for your car for as low as ₱560.00, a lot cheaper than getting CTPL from those providers near LTO offices.

Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN)

You need your taxpayer’s ID number during the renewal process. Do not forget to bring your TIN ID if you have one.

Original Copy of Certificate of Emission Compliance

All vehicles must be tested for emissions before their registrations can be renewed, according to the Clean Air Act of 1999 (RA 8749). This test is performed by an LTO-accredited Private Emission Testing Center (PETC). To pass this test, your vehicle must be properly maintained and emit no harmful emissions that harm the environment. Many LTO offices have emission testing facilities nearby or even on-site. Most of them have a higher fee and a long line of vehicles awaiting their turn. Rather than testing your car at the PETC closest to the LTO office, look for authorized emission testing centers outside or far away from an LTO office. Most require little to no wait time and may even charge less, saving you time and money.

Photocopy of Certificate of Registration (CR)

Please submit a photocopy of the CR. Do not submit the original copy or give it to anyone on the premises. A photocopy of the CR is sufficient for the registration renewal.

Official Receipt of Payment 

If your car is still under a mortgage and you do not have the official receipt from the initial 3-year registration, visit a notary public and obtain an affidavit of loss. This affidavit will be submitted in lieu of your official receipt.

Duly accomplished and approved Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR)

Get this form from the personnel at the LTO Registration office help desk. This is also available from the PETC where you obtained your certificate of emission compliance.

Steps on Car Registration Renewal

Now that you have all the paperwork you need, it’s time to renew your car’s registration. Here’s what you need to do:

1. You can renew your registration at any LTO District Office. Go to the one closest to your location. Remember to bring your vehicle for inspection as well as the necessary paperwork. Keep in mind to dress appropriately.
2. Proceed to the LTO Transaction Counter and notify the staff that you want to renew your vehicle registration. He or she will provide you with a Motor Vehicle Inspection Report form as well as a queue number.
3. Bring the MVIR form to an authorized LTO Inspection aide. They are just outside the LTO Registration office and easy to find. He or she will examine your vehicle, checking the headlights, signal lights, brakes, and all functional parts. The engine will be stenciled and your chassis number will be recorded after inspection. The inspection aide will complete the MVIR form on your behalf. Don’t forget to pay the inspection aide for his or her assistance.
4. Return to the LTO office and submit the fully completed MVIR along with the aforementioned documents. The LTO evaluator will review all of your documents before submitting them to the office for processing.
5. Wait for the cashier to call your number. When it is your turn, proceed to the Cashier to pay the Registration Renewal Fee and/or any other fees that may be applicable.
6. Now, wait for the releasing counter to call your name (or the name indicated on the CR). He/she will give you the Certificate of Registration (CR) along with a new Official Receipt (OR).

When driving a car on a public road, always have a copy of the Certificate of Registration (CR) and the original copy of the Official Receipt of Payment (OR) with you. The OR denotes that the registration fees have been paid, while the CR denotes that the car is registered and valid. If you are stopped by law authorities without these documents, you will be subject to hefty fines and penalties.

How Much is the Total Renewal Fee?

How much does it cost to renew car registration in the Philippines? Here is the breakdown of the expenses for car registration renewal this 2022. Please note that the amount listed below are estimates and are subject to change.

Please keep in mind that you’ll be paying more if you register your vehicle past the LTO’s deadline. The LTO charges a ₱100 weekly fine for late registration. If the delay lasts many months but not longer than a year, the fine will be equal to 50% of the MVUC. If you are late beyond 12 months without apprehension for LTO violations, you will pay an additional fee of 50% of the MVUC rate plus the renewal amount. If you are delayed for more than a year with the apprehension of LTO violations, you will pay 50% of the MVUC rate plus renewal for every year of delinquency.