How Much to Pay for LTO Car Registration, Driver’s License, and Violation Fees?
by Venus Zoleta, on category "Car Insurance"
February 27, 2019
Each transaction with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) comes with a fee—whether it’s for vehicle registration, driver’s license application or renewal, or settling a traffic rule violation. LTO fees are an inescapable reality every car owner in the Philippines must deal with.
What’s worse than parting away with your money is getting shocked at the amount you’ll have to pay at the LTO office. Unpleasant surprises like that can be avoided if you know the exact fees that you’ll be charged beforehand. That, or bring extra cash to avoid the inconvenience of running to the nearest ATM.
Before you head out to the LTO office, take note of these LTO fees to expect for each kind of transaction you’ll have with the government agency.
LTO Fees for Car Registration
In August 2018, reports surfaced about the Department of Finance’s proposal to increase the Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC). The MVUC is part of the LTO fees you pay when you register your vehicle.
As of this writing, no executive order has been released yet by the Malacañang, so the present rates on the LTO website still prevail.
MUVC Rates for Car Registration
Here are the MVUC rates for private cars in the Philippines based on vehicle type and gross weight:
| Vehicle Type | Gross Weight | MVUC |
| Light passenger cars | Up to 1,600 kg | PHP 1,600 |
| Medium passenger cars | 1,601 kg to 2,300 kg | PHP 3,600 |
| Heavy passenger cars | 2,301 kg and above | PHP 8,000 |
| Utility vehicles | Up to 2,700 kg | PHP 2,000 |
| Utility vehicles | 2,701 kg to 4,500 kg | PHP 2,000 + 0.40 x gross weight in excess of 2,700 kg |
| SUVs (1991 models and above) | Up to 2,700 kg | PHP 2,300 |
| SUVs (1991 models and above) | 2,701 kg to 4,500 kg | PHP 2,300 + 0.46 x gross weight in excess of 2,700 kg |
| Motorcycles without sidecar | N/A | PHP 240 |
| Motorcycles with sidecar | N/A | PHP 300 |
| Trucks | 4,501 kg and above | 0.24 x gross weight |
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 | PHP 2,000 |
| Light passenger cars (1994 and older models) | Up to 1,600 kg | PHP 1,400 |
| Medium passenger cars (1997-2000 models) | 1,601 kg to 2,300 kg | PHP 6,000 |
| Medium passenger cars (1995 and 1996 models) | 1,601 kg to 2,300 kg | PHP 4,800 |
| Medium passenger cars (1994 and older models) | 1,601 kg to 2,300 kg | PHP 2,400 |
| Heavy passenger cars (1995-2000 models) | 2,301 kg and above | PHP 12,000 |
| Heavy passenger cars (1994 and older models) | 2,301 kg and above | PHP 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.
Recently, the LTO released a memo that orders charging of a PHP 1,800 inspection fee for vehicles weighing 4,500 kg or lower. If the vehicle fails the inspection, a PHP 900 re-inspection fee will be charged. Vehicle inspection is one of the requirements for registration with the LTO.
| Other LTO Fees | Amount |
| Private motor vehicle inspection center (MVIC) fee |
|
| Re-inspection fee |
|
| Legal research fund | PHP 10 |
| Computer fee | PHP 169.05 |
| Regular vehicle license plate | PHP 450 |
| Motorcycle license plate | PHP 120 |
| Cost of sticker | PHP 50 |
| License plate duplication/replacement | PHP 450 |
| Vanity plate |
|
| Change classification/chassis/color/engine/tire size | PHP 30 |
| Change body design | PHP 100 |
| Change of venue of vehicle registration | PHP 100 |
| Revision of gross vehicle weight | PHP 30 |
| Transfer of vehicle ownership | PHP 50 per transfer |
Penalty Fees for Late Vehicle Registration
You’ll be paying more if you register your vehicle past the LTO’s deadline. Here are the penalty fees for late vehicle registration:
| 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 registration-related fees.
Read more:
- Complete Guide to Car Registration and Renewal in the Philippines
- LTO License Plate Updates and Rules Car Owners Must Know
- LTO Vanity Plate: The Pros and Cons of Customizing Your Plate Number
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 to the LTO.
| Transaction | Total Fee |
| Student permit application | PHP 317.63 |
| Driver’s license application (professional/non-professional) | PHP 820.26 |
| Driver’s license renewal (professional/non-professional) |
|
| Dormant license renewal (professional/non-professional) | PHP 1,045.26 |
| License classification change request |
|
Check the LTO website for more information about driver’s license-related fees.
Read more:
- How to Get a Driver’s License Faster Without Dealing with Fixers
- 12 Tips for a Quick and Stress-Free Driver’s License Renewal
LTO Violation Fees
Break a traffic rule, and you’ll be slapped with a fine. Here are the LTO fees for common traffic violations in the Philippines:
| Violation | Fine |
| Driving without a valid driver’s license | PHP 3,000 |
| Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or dangerous drugs |
|
| Reckless driving |
|
| Submission of fake documents in driver’s license application or renewal | PHP 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 | PHP 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 | PHP 1,000 |
| Driving an unregistered vehicle | PHP 10,000 |
| Unauthorized vehicle modification | PHP 5,000 |
| Vehicle without or with defective/improper/unauthorized devices, accessories, parts, and equipment | PHP 5,000 |
| License plate not attached or improperly attached | PHP 5,000 |
| Smoke belching |
|
| Vehicle registration/renewal fraud | PHP 3,000 |
Check the LTO website for more information about the fines and penalties for violations of traffic laws and regulations.
Read more: LTO Violations Every Motorist Should Take Note Of
Final Thoughts
Many LTO fees leave motorists scratching their heads in confusion and frustration. But nothing much can be done, except to pay what’s due.
You can avoid or at least minimize the costs, though. 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 a penalty for late registration. Lastly, renew your driver’s license while it’s still valid, as renewing an expired license can cost you more.
