Registering your motorcycle in the Philippines is a mandatory step for every new motorcycle owner. Whether you purchase your motorcycle from an accredited importer or dealer, or if you choose to register it yourself, understanding the registration process is crucial to ensure that you can legally use your motorcycle on public roads. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps, requirements, and other important information you need to know to register your motorcycle (MC) in the Philippines.
LTO Motorcycle (MC) Registration
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is responsible for the registration of motor vehicles in the Philippines, including motorcycles. Registering your motorcycle with the LTO is the first step you need to take as a new motorcycle owner. This process will provide you with an LTO Official Receipt (OR) and a Certificate of Registration (CR), which are necessary documents to legally use your motorcycle on public roads.
Motorcycle Registration Validity Period
The validity period of your motorcycle registration depends on the engine displacement of your motorcycle. For motorcycles with registered engine displacements of 201 cc and above, the initial registration is valid for three years. On the other hand, motorcycles with registered engine displacements of 200 cc and below have a one-year registration validity. It is important to note the expiration date of your registration, which can be found on your motorcycle's number plate information.
Qualifications for Motorcycle Registration
According to the LTO, the following individuals or entities can register a new motorcycle:
- Accredited importers
- Accredited dealers
- Motor vehicle owners
Requirements for Initial Registration
Before starting the motorcycle registration process, it is important to gather the necessary documentary requirements. While some documents can be obtained near the LTO district office, it is recommended to prepare them in advance to save time during your visit to the LTO branch. The required documents vary depending on the type of motorcycle you are registering. Here are the requirements for different types of motorcycles:
Brand New, Locally Assembled/Manufactured Completely Built Units (CBU) / Brand New Local Imported Trailer Vehicles:
- Original Sales Invoice
- Original LTO copy or electronically-transmitted appropriate insurance Certificate of Cover (3rd party liability)
- Original copy of Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP HPG) Motor Vehicle (MV) Clearance Certificate and Special Bank Receipt (SBR)
- Original Certificate of Stock Reported (CSR)
- Payment Reference Number (PRN), if payment was made through e-PAT
Additional Requirements for Specific Cases:
- New motorcycles with sidecar: Original Affidavit of Attachment for the sidecar, executed by both the owner and mechanic, stating the dates of completion
- Used-Imported Motorcycles: One photocopy of a commercial invoice/certificate of title with English translation authenticated by the Embassy, original duly-accomplished motor vehicle inspection report (MVIR) with a certificate of compliance to emissions standards in the Philippines
How to Register a Motorcycle (MC) Vehicle in LTO
The process of registering a motorcycle in the LTO may vary depending on the location, but the general steps remain the same. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to register your motorcycle:
Step 1: Visit the nearest LTO branch, whether it is a Regional, District, or Extension Office, as long as it has a new registration unit. Step 2: Submit the required documents to the LTO Regional or District Office New Registration Unit. Step 3: Proceed to the cashier at the chosen LTO branch, pay the fees, and wait for the OR to be issued. Step 4: Present the OR at the next station in the LTO branch's process. Step 5: Wait for your OR, along with the new CR, plates, and RFID sticker.
Note: If a motorcycle plate is not available at your preferred LTO branch, temporary plates may be provided initially.
Change of Ownership: Second-Hand Motorcycle Sale
If you are purchasing a pre-owned or second-hand motorcycle, transferring the ownership of the motorcycle is one of the first things you should attend to. This step is important to establish legal ownership and avoid complications in the future. Here are the requirements and procedures for a change of ownership:
Documentary Requirements:
- MV Clearance Certificate from the PNP-HPG
- Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR)
- Latest OR and original CR
- Notarized Deed of Sale
- Proof of Insurance Coverage (CPTL)
- Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
- Photocopy of two valid, government-issued IDs of the original owner and the new owner with three signatures of each person per photocopy
Registration Procedures:
- Bring all the requirements to the appropriate LTO Regional, District, or Extension office.
- Have an LTO evaluation officer inspect the vehicle to verify the motorcycle details.
- Proceed to the cashier and pay the LTO fees for the transfer of ownership.
- Once completed, wait for the official receipt (OR) and the release of your new ownership documents.
- Create photocopies of the new documents for safekeeping.
Renewal of Motorcycle Registration
Once the initial registration of your brand-new or second-hand motorcycle has expired, you will need to renew the registration to continue using it on public roads. The renewal of motorcycle registration must be done annually, unless you have opted for a three-year registration. The registration renewal fees vary depending on the type of motorcycle. Here are some important details to note for the renewal process:
When to Renew Your Motorcycle: To determine the month of registration renewal, refer to the last digit of your motorcycle's plate number. The second-to-last digit of the plate number determines the week of the month for registration. Motorcycles without plate numbers should refer to the date of release from the dealership for registration.
Late Registration Fines: If your motorcycle's registration has expired, you will need to pay late registration fines amounting to Php 100.00 for every week beyond the due registration date.
Important Reminders
When registering your motorcycle for the first time or renewing its registration, keep the following reminders in mind:
- Motorcycle (MC) vehicle registration may be renewed one month before the due date, but not later than the last working day of the week indicated by the second-to-last digit of the plate number.
- Only official Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Center (PMVIC) inspections are accepted during renewals.
- Online renewal of motorcycle registration is possible via the LTO Land Transport Management System (LTMS) if your motorcycle's records have been uploaded to the LTMS system.
- Insurance coverage must be electronically transmitted for validation.
- In case of lost official receipt (OR), an Affidavit of Loss must be obtained and submitted instead.
- Photocopies of the Certificate of Registration (CR) are sufficient for registration renewal; the original copy should not be submitted.
Conclusion
Registering your motorcycle with the LTO is a crucial step to legally use your motorcycle on public roads in the Philippines. By following the steps outlined in this guide and ensuring that you have the necessary requirements, you can complete the registration process smoothly. Remember to renew your motorcycle's registration on time to avoid penalties and enjoy uninterrupted use of your motorcycle.
