LTO Fees in the Philippines for 2024

Driving your own car has a lot of benefits. But transactions with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) usually come with fees―whether for registering vehicles, applying for a driver’s license, or settling a traffic rule violation.

Paying the LTO fees is a reality every car owner in the Philippines must deal with. To spare you from unpleasant surprises and long lines at the cashier, you need to learn the exact LTO fees you’ll be charged with beforehand.

So before you head out to the nearest LTO branch, take note of the fees below.

LTO Fees for Car Registration in the Philippines

📌 Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC)

When you register your car, the motor vehicle user’s charge (MVUC)—also called the road user's tax—is one of the LTO fees you're required to pay.

A component of the Philippine government's tax reform program under Republic Act 8794,^[1] the MVUC collected from vehicle owners in the Philippines is used for financing the maintenance of national and provincial roads, as well as addressing air pollution from vehicles.

MUVC Fees for LTO Car Registration Renewal in 2024

Here are the MVUC fees^[2] as of 2024 for private cars in the Philippines. To start with, the motorcycle registration fee is ₱240 (₱300 if it has a sidecar).

Vehicle Type	Gross Weight	MVUC
Motorcycles without sidecar	N/A	₱240
Motorcycles with sidecar	N/A	₱300
Light passenger cars	Up to 1,600 kg	₱1,600
Medium passenger cars	1,601 kg to 2,300 kg	₱3,600
Heavy passenger cars	2,301 kg and above	₱8,000
Utility vehicles	Up to 2,700 kg	₱2,000
Utility vehicles	2,701 kg to 4,500 kg	₱2,000 + 0.40 x gross weight in excess of 2,700 kg
SUVs (1991 models and above)	Up to 2,700 kg	₱2,300
SUVs (1991 models and above)	2,701 kg to 4,500 kg	₱2,300 + 0.46 x gross weight in excess of 2,700 kg
Trucks	4,501 kg and above	₱1,800 + 0.24 x gross weight in excess of 2700 kg
Trailers	4,501 kg and above	0.24 x gross vehicle weight

MUVC Fees for Old Private Cars in 2024

LTO charges a different set of MVUC rates for aged private cars (model year 2000 and older):

Vehicle Type	Gross Weight	MVUC
Light passenger cars (1995-2000 models)	Up to 1,600 kg	₱2,000
Light passenger cars (1994 and older models)	Up to 1,600 kg	₱1,400
Medium passenger cars (1997-2000 models)	1,601 kg to 2,300 kg	₱6,000
Medium passenger cars (1995 and 1996 models)	1,601 kg to 2,300 kg	₱4,800
Medium passenger cars (1994 and older models)	1,601 kg to 2,300 kg	₱2,400
Heavy passenger cars (1995-2000 models)	2,301 kg and above	₱12,000
Heavy passenger cars (1994 and older models)	2,301 kg and above	₱5,600

MVUC Fees for Electric Vehicles in 2024

The LTO has guidelines for the classification and registration of electric vehicles in the Philippines.^[3]Below is a table of LTO registration fees every e-vehicle owner and driver should know about.

Electric Vehicles	Description	MVUC Rate
Category L2b	Maximum speed of 25-50 kilometers per hour Driver's license and vehicle registration required Helmet required	₱240
Category L3	e-Motorcycles Drivers should wear motorcycle safety gear Should have a valid driver's license	₱240
Category L4	e-Tricycle Three-wheeled vehicle Helmet is not required	₱300
Category L5	e-Tricycle Three-wheeled vehicle Helmet is not required	₱1,600
Category L6	e-QUAD Can travel on national highways but limited to the outermost lane of the road	₱1,600
Category L7	e-QUAD Can travel on national highways but limited to the outermost lane of the road	₱1,600
Category M1	e-Car, e-SUV	Similar to conventional counterparts
Category M2	e-Utility Vehicle, e-Jeepney	Similar to conventional counterparts
Category M3	e-Bus	Similar to conventional counterparts
Categories N1, N2, N3	e-truck	Similar to conventional counterparts

Should the proposal to exempt or reduce the MVUC fee for EVs^[4] be approved, that would translate to even more savings for you as an e-vehicle owner. According to the Department of Energy, it would study the said proposal, which might be incorporated into the implementing rules and regulations of the Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations Act.

Proposed MVUC Rates Under House Bill 376

House Bill 376, which amends the decades-old RA 8794, proposes to increase the road user's tax paid by vehicle owners in the Philippines. The bill was approved on a committee level at the House of Representatives in July 2023.

If this proposal is eventually enacted into law, MVUC rates for private and government vehicles will increase over the years. Below are the proposed rates under HB 376:^[5]

Vehicle Type	Gross Weight	MVUC in 2023	MVUC in 2024	MVUC in 2025	MUV in 2026
Passenger cars	Up to 1,600 kg	₱2,080	₱2,560	₱3,040	5% increase
Passenger cars	1,600 kg to 2,300 kg	₱4,680	₱5,760	₱6,840	5% increase
Passenger cars	Over 2,300 kg	₱10,400	₱12,800	₱15,200	5% increase
Utility cars and SUVs	Up to 4,500 kg	₱1.40 per kg	₱2.50 per kg	₱3.40 per kg	5% increase
Trucks, buses, and trailers	Over 4,500 kg	₱1.40 per kg	₱2.50 per kg	₱3.40 per kg	5% increase

Also, under this proposed measure, motorcycles and tricycles would be exempted from paying the tax while vehicles for hire would be given a 50% discount.

📌 LTO Penalty Fees for Late Registration

You’ll be paying more if you register your vehicle past the LTO’s deadline. Here's a list of penalty fees for expired registration:

Delinquent Vehicle Registration	Penalty Fee
Beyond the registration week (based on the middle digit of plate number)	Vehicles: ₱200 Motorcycles: ₱100
Beyond the registration month but not more than 12 months (based on the last digit of plate number)	50% of the MVUC rate
Beyond 12 months without apprehension for LTO violations	50% of the MVUC rate plus renewal
Beyond 12 months with apprehension for LTO violations	50% of the MVUC rate plus renewal for every year of delinquency

Check LTO's official website and social media channels for more information about vehicle car registration and renewal-related fees.

📌 Other LTO Fees for Car Registration

In addition to the MVUC, other LTO fees can raise the total payment for your car registration.

For example, there’s a separate fee for the license plate application. Even changing certain parts of your vehicle and the location of your vehicle registration can incur an LTO fee.

Note that there is no fee for claiming vehicle license plates. LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II warned motorists about people offering to claim license plates for ₱200.^[6]

LTO Fee	Amount
Motor vehicle inspection fee	Vehicles with gross weight equal to or less than 4,500 kg: ₱90 Vehicles with gross weight more than 4,500 kg: ₱115
Legal research fund	₱10
Regular vehicle license plate	₱450
Motorcycle license plate	₱120
Sticker	₱50
License plate duplication/replacement	₱450
Vanity plate	Up to ₱35,000
Change classification	₱150
Change body design	₱100
Change of venue of vehicle registration	₱100
Revision of gross vehicle weight	₱30
Transfer of vehicle ownership	₱50 per transfer

LTO Fees for Driver's License Application and Renewal

Applying for a new driver's license? Or renewing your existing license? Make sure you bring the correct amount to pay the appropriate LTO fee.^[7]

Transaction	Total Fee
Student permit	₱250
New driver's license	₱685
Driver's license renewal	Valid/unexpired: ₱585 Expired for 1 day to 1 year: ₱660 Expired for over 1 to 2 years: ₱735 Expired for over 2 years: ₱910
Duplicate valid license	Duplicate license only: ₱355 With revision of records: ₱455 Student permit: ₱280
License code classification change	Valid non-pro to pro: ₱425 Valid pro to non-pro: ₱325 Expired non-pro to pro (and vice versa): ₱785 + penalty

LTO Fees for Violations

Break a traffic rule, and you’ll be slapped with a fine. Here’s a list of LTO fees for common traffic violations in the Philippines:^[8]

Violation	Fine
Driving without a valid driver's license	₱3,000
Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or dangerous drugs	₱50,000 to ₱500,000 plus possible confiscation of the driver’s license
Driving a motor vehicle used in the commission of a crime upon conviction by a regular court	₱10,000 plus confiscation of the driver's license upon conviction
Reckless driving	First offense: ₱2,000 Second offense: ₱3,000 Subsequent offense: ₱10,000
Submission of fake documents in driver's license application or renewal	₱20,000
No seat belt (including having a child passenger six years old and below on the front passenger seat)	First offense: ₱1,000 Second offense: ₱2,000 Third offense: ₱5,000
No motorcycle helmet	First offense: ₱1,500 Second offense: ₱3,000 Third offense: ₱5,000 Fourth and succeeding offenses: ₱10,000
No driver's license, certificate of registration, or official receipt while driving	₱3,000
Traffic violations such as parking violation, disregarding traffic signs, illegal turn, illegal overtaking, and others listed under the Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01	₱1,000
Driving an unregistered vehicle	₱10,000
Unauthorized vehicle modification	₱5,000
Vehicle without or with defective/improper/unauthorized devices, accessories, parts, and equipment	₱5,000
License plate not attached or improperly attached	₱5,000
Smoke belching	First offense: ₱2,000 Second offense: ₱4,000 Third offense: ₱6,000
Vehicle registration/renewal fraud	₱3,000
All other violations in connection with motor vehicle registration/renewal/ operation	₱2,000

How to Avoid Violating Traffic Rules

Paying an LTO fee for your violation only adds to the agony of battling the usual traffic jams. Here's how to avoid making LTO violations so you can save your money for more important expenses.

✔️ Always Carry Your Valid Driver’s License and OR/CR with You

Your driver’s license is your ultimate pass to drive a vehicle and access the country’s roads and highways. If your driver’s license is expired, don't attempt to drive.

You also need to make sure that your car’s Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration (OR/CR) are valid. These documents are proof of your vehicle registration and ownership.

There’s no excuse for leaving these at home or elsewhere. Take it with you whenever you decide to go out and drive.

✔️ Check for Any Damaged or Missing Vehicle Parts

Your damaged brake system or broken lights may not only lead to fines and penalties but also cause harm to others and yourself. Avoid paying any LTO fees by making sure all your vehicle parts are working properly before hitting the road.

✔️ Follow Traffic Rules and Road Signs

Know the road signs and their meanings so you can avoid committing driving mistakes. Traffic signs and road signs are essential in giving drivers warnings and information on routes.

✔️ Drive at Moderate Speeds

Public roads are not for racing, so always observe speed limits. If you’re driving too fast and there are speed cameras, you have no choice but to pay the overspeeding fine.

Final Thoughts

Many LTO penalties leave motorists scratching their heads in confusion and frustration. But not much can be done except to pay what’s due. Be aware of the rules and regulations set by the agency to save yourself from the LTO fees and ensure hassle-free driving.

Obey traffic rules and practice safe and defensive driving so that you won’t be penalized with a fine. Renew your car registration on time so you won’t pay LTO fees for late registration. Lastly, renew your driver’s license while it’s still valid, as renewing an expired license can cost you more.

Get a Free Car Insurance Quote

Looking for car insurance? Below is a list of top car insurance companies and their features. Compare your options and get a free insurance quote from Moneymax:

Car Insurance Company	Maximum Total Sum Insured	CTPL Coverage	Own Damage & Theft Coverage	Acts of Nature Coverage	Death / Disablement Coverage
FPG Insurance	₱4 million	✔️	✔️	✔️
Malayan Insurance	₱7.5 million	✔️	✔️	✔️
The Mercantile Insurance Corporation	₱5 million		✔️	✔️
OONA Insurance (formerly MAPFRE)	₱5 million	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
PGA Insurance	₱3 million				✔️
SGI Philippines	₱5 million	✔️		✔️	✔️
Standard Insurance	₱5 million	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
Stronghold Insurance	₱3 million		✔️