
Driving your own car has a lot of benefits, that’s for sure. But transactions with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) usually come with a fee―whether it’s for vehicle registration, driver’s license application or renewal, or settling a traffic rule violation. Learning about every LTO fee is a reality every car owner in the Philippines must deal with.
But what’s worse than parting with your money is getting shocked by the amount you need to pay at the LTO office. Unpleasant surprises like this can be avoided if you know the exact LTO fee that you’ll be charged beforehand. This will also save you from enduring long queues and slower payment processes due to the skeletal workforce.
Before you head out to the nearest LTO branch, take note of these LTO fees first.
Table of Contents
LTO Car Registration Fees
In August 2018, reports surfaced about the Department of Finance’s proposal to increase the Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC). In 2020, the House of Representatives passed House Bill No. 6136, a bill aimed at generating around ₱9 billion funding for the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program and road safety.[1] The proposal further pushes for a 5% increase in all MVUC rates from 2023 onwards.
MUVC Rates for Car Registration
Here are the MVUC rates for private cars in the Philippines based on vehicle type and gross weight. For starters, registering your motorcycle will cost you₱240 and ₱300 if it has a sidecar.
Vehicle Type | Gross Weight | MVUC |
---|---|---|
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 |
Motorcycles without sidecar | N/A | ₱240 |
Motorcycles with sidecar | N/A | ₱300 |
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 |
MVUC Rates for Electric Vehicles
Although the use of electric vehicles or e-bikes may seem to be not fully regulated yet, the LTO has released its guidelines for the classification, operation and registration of electric motor vehicles last year.[2] Below is a table of registration fees every e-vehicle owner and driver should know about.
Electric Vehicles | Description | MVUC Rate |
---|---|---|
Category L2b |
| ₱240 - same as motorcycle without sidecar |
Category L3 |
| ₱240 - same as motorcycle without sidecar |
Category L4 |
| ₱300 - same as motorcycle with sidecar |
Category L5 |
| ₱1,600 - similar to light passenger cars |
Category L6 |
| ₱1,600 - similar to light passenger cars |
Category L7 |
| ₱1,600 - similar to light passenger cars |
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 |
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 |

Other LTO Fees for Car Registration
In addition to the MVUC, other LTO fees can raise the total fee for your car registration.
For example, there’s a separate fee for the license plate. Even changing certain parts of your vehicle and the location of your vehicle registration can incur an LTO fee.
LTO Fee | Amount |
---|---|
Private motor vehicle inspection center (MVIC) fee |
|
Legal research fund | ₱10 |
Computer fee | ₱67.63 |
Examination fee | ₱100 |
Regular vehicle license plate | ₱450 |
Motorcycle license plate | ₱120 |
Cost of sticker | ₱50 |
License plate duplication/replacement | ₱450 |
Vanity plate |
|
Change classification/chassis/color/engine/tire size | ₱30 |
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 Penalty for Late Registration
You’ll be paying more if you register your vehicle past the LTO’s deadline. Here’s a list of LTO late registration penalties:
Delinquent Vehicle Registration | Penalty Fee |
---|---|
Beyond the registration week (based on the middle digit of plate number) |
|
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 the LTO website for more information about vehicle car registration and renewal-related fees.
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.
Transaction | Total Fee |
---|---|
Student permit application | ₱317.63 |
Driver's license application (professional/non-professional) | ₱689 |
Driver's license renewal (professional/non-professional |
|
Dormant license renewal (professional/non-professional) | ₱1,045.26 |
License classification change request |
|
Check the LTO website[3] for more information about driver’s license-related fees.
LTO Violation Fees

Break a traffic rule, and you’ll be slapped with a fine. Here’s a list of every LTO fee for common traffic violations in the Philippines:
Violation | Fine |
---|---|
Driving without a valid driver's license | ₱3,000 |
Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or dangerous drugs | Confiscation of the driver’s license on the first offense and lifetime revocation for the second offense |
Driving a motor vehicle used in the commission of a crime upon conviction by a regular court | ₱10,000 |
Reckless driving |
|
Submission of fake documents in driver's license application or renewal | ₱3,000 |
No seat belt (including having a child passenger six years old and below on the front passenger seat) |
|
No motorcycle helmet |
|
No driver's license, certificate of registration, or official receipt while driving | ₱1,000 |
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 |
|
Vehicle registration/renewal fraud | ₱3,000 |
All other violations in connection with motor vehicle registration/renewal/ operation | ₱2,000 |
How to Avoid LTO Violations
Now that the country’s gradually preparing for the new normal, most vehicle owners are getting ready to hit the road again. But paying an LTO fee for your violations only adds to the agony of battling the usual traffic jams. So here are a few things you can do to avoid LTO violations and save your money for more important expenses.
1. Make Sure to Have Your Valid Driver’s License 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. There’s no excuse for leaving it at home or elsewhere. You should take it with you whenever you decide to go out and drive.
You also need to make sure that your car’s Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration (OR/CR) are valid. These two documents are proof of vehicle registration and ownership and further make your driving experience legitimate.
2. Check for Any Damaged or Missing Vehicle Parts
Your damaged brake system or broken lights may not only lead to fines and penalties but may also cause harm to others and to yourself. You can avoid paying any LTO fee if you make sure all your vehicle parts are working properly.
3. Follow the Traffic Rules and Road Signs
Knowing the road signs and their meaning can prevent you from committing driving mistakes. Traffic signs and road signs are essential in giving drivers warnings and information on routes.
4. Drive at Moderate Speed
Public roads are not for racing, so always drive at moderate speed and observe speed limits. If you’re driving too fast and there are speed cameras, you have no choice but to pay the overspeeding fine.
Read more:
- Applying for Your Driver’s License Renewal? Read This Guide First
- How to Use the LTO Portal: A Guide for Motorists in the Philippines
Final Thoughts
Many LTO penalties leave motorists scratching their heads in confusion and frustration. But nothing much can be done except to pay what’s due. Being aware of the rules and regulations set by the agency won’t only save you from paying the LTO fee but ensure your driving is hassle-free, too.
Obey traffic rules and practice safe and defensive driving so that you won’t be penalized with a fine. Also, renew your car registration on time so you won’t be paying an LTO fee for late registration. Lastly, renew your driver’s license while it’s still valid, as renewing an expired license can cost you more.
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Sources:
- [1] House approves bill hiking road users’ tax starting 2020 (Rappler, 2020)
- [2] Guidelines for the Classificiation, Operation and Registration of Motor Vehicles (LTO, 2021)
- [3]License Schedule of Fees and Charges (LTO, 2022)
Venus is the Head of Editorial Content at Moneymax, with 15+ years of experience in digital marketing, corporate communications, PR, and journalism. She invests in stocks, mutual funds, VUL, and Pag-IBIG MP2. Outside of work, she’s crazy about cats and Korean dramas. Follow Venus on LinkedIn.