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How Much are the LTO Fees for Car Registration and Driver’s License in 2023?

Venus Zoleta

Venus Zoleta

Last updated March 03, 2023

Driving your own car has a lot of benefits, that’s for sure. But transactions with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) usually come with fees―whether for vehicle registration, driver’s license application or renewal, or settling a traffic rule violation. Learning about LTO fees 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 fees that you’ll be charged beforehand. This will also save you from enduring long queues and slower payment processes. 

Before you head out to the nearest LTO branch, take note of these LTO fees first. 

How Much are LTO Car Registration Fees in the Philippines?

📌 Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC)

What is MVUC?

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

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.

The Department of Finance (DOF) proposed to increase the MVUC for funding the government's road infrastructure projects.[2] The proposal pushes for a yearly increase in all MVUC fees from 2023 onwards. 

According to the DOF, the current MVUC fees have been collected since 2004. In the past 14 years, these LTO fees have not been adjusted for inflation, thus justifying the increase in the road users' tax.

MUVC Fee for LTO Car Registration Renewal in 2023

Meanwhile, while the increased rates have not been approved or implemented yet, it pays to know the current MVUC for your specific car type and gross weight.

Here are the MVUC fees as of 2023 for private cars in the Philippines. For starters, the motorcycle registration fee is ₱240 (₱300 if it has a sidecar).

Vehicle TypeGross WeightMVUC
Light passenger carsUp to 1,600 kg₱1,600
Medium passenger cars1,601 kg to 2,300 kg₱3,600
Heavy passenger cars2,301 kg and above₱8,000
Utility vehiclesUp to 2,700 kg₱2,000
Utility vehicles2,701 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 sidecarN/A₱240
Motorcycles with sidecarN/A₱300
Trucks4,501 kg and above₱1,800 + 0.24 x gross weight in excess of 2700 kg
Trailers4,501 kg and above0.24 x gross vehicle weight

MUVC Fee for Old Private Cars in 2023

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

Vehicle TypeGross WeightMVUC
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
Get free quote for car insurance policy online

MVUC Fee for Electric Vehicles

The LTO has guidelines for the classification, operation, 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 VehiclesDescriptionMVUC Rate
Category L2b
  • Maximum speed of 25-50 kilometers per hour
  • Driver's license and vehicle registration required
  • Helmet required
₱240 - same as motorcycle without sidecar
Category L3
  • e-Motorcycles
  • Drivers should wear motorcycle safety gear
  • Should have a valid driver's license
₱240 - same as motorcycle without sidecar
Category L4
  • e-Tricycle
  • Three-wheeled vehicle
  • Helmet is not required
₱300 - same as motorcycle with sidecar
Category L5
  • e-Tricycle
  • Three-wheeled vehicle
  • Helmet is not required
₱1,600 - similar to light passenger cars
Category L6
  • e-QUAD
  • Can travel on national highways but limited to the outermost lane of the road
₱1,600 - similar to light passenger cars
Category L7
  • e-QUAD
  • Can travel on national highways but limited to the outermost lane of the road
₱1,600 - similar to light passenger cars
Category M1e-Car, e-SUVSimilar to conventional counterparts
Category M2e-Utility Vehicle, e-JeepneySimilar to conventional counterparts
Category M3e-BusSimilar to conventional counterparts
Categories N1, N2, N3e-truckSimilar to conventional counterparts

If the proposal to exempt or reduce the MVUC fee for EVs[4] would 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.

📌 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. Even changing certain parts of your vehicle and the location of your vehicle registration can incur an LTO fee.

LTO FeeAmount
Private motor vehicle inspection center (MVIC) fee
  • Vehicles with gross weight equal to or less than 4,500 kg: ₱1,800
  • Motorcycles: ₱600
Legal research fund₱10
Computer fee₱67.63
Examination fee₱100
Regular vehicle license plate450
Motorcycle license plate₱120
Cost of sticker₱50
License plate duplication/replacement450
Vanity plate
  • Select Edition: 10,000
  • Premium Edition: 15,000
Change classification/chassis/color/engine/tire size30
Change body design100
Change of venue of vehicle registration 100
Revision of gross vehicle weight 30
Transfer of vehicle ownership50 per transfer

Read more: How to Transfer Car Ownership in the Philippines with the LTO

📌 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 RegistrationPenalty 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 violations50% of the MVUC rate plus renewal
Beyond 12 months with apprehension for LTO violations50% 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.

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.

TransactionTotal Fee
Student permit application317.63
Driver's license application (professional/non-professional)

₱689

Driver's license renewal (professional/non-professional
  • Valid license: ₱585
  • ₱660 for license expired for one day to one year
  • ₱735 for license expired for one to two years
  • ₱910  for license expired for over two years
Dormant license renewal (professional/non-professional)₱1,045.26
License classification change request
  • Valid non-professional to professional (and vice versa): ₱425
  • Expired non-professional to professional (and vice versa): ₱785 + penalty

Check the LTO website[5] for more information about driver's license-related fees.

LTO Violation Fees

lto fees - violation

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:

ViolationFine
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
  • First offense: 2,000
  • Second offense: 3,000
  • Subsequent offense: 10,000
Submission of fake documents in driver's license application or renewal3,000
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 driving1,000
Traffic violations such as parking violation, disregarding traffic signs, illegal turn, illegal overtaking, and others listed under the Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-011,000
Driving an unregistered vehicle10,000
Unauthorized vehicle modification5,000
Vehicle without or with defective/improper/unauthorized devices, accessories, parts, and equipment5,000
License plate not attached or improperly attached5,000
Smoke belching
  • First offense: 2,000
  • Second offense: 4,000
  • Third offense: 6,000
Vehicle registration/renewal fraud3,000
All other violations in connection with motor vehicle registration/renewal/ operation₱2,000

How to Avoid Violating Traffic Rules

Ready to hit the road again? Paying an LTO fee for your violation only adds to the agony of battling the usual traffic jams. So here are a few things you can do to avoid making LTO violations and save your money for more important expenses. 

1. 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 your vehicle registration and ownership. 

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 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. 

3. Follow 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 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.  

Read more:

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 hassle-free driving, 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 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 Overnight Accommodation Towing Services Vehicle Removal Crane Services
SGI Philippines
Get free car insurance quote - CTA
₱5 million Up to ₱2,000 Up to ₱5,000 ₱10,000
Malayan Insurance
Get free car insurance quote - CTA
₱7.5 million Up to ₱1,000 Up to ₱4,000 Up to ₱8,000
Mercantile Insurance
Get free car insurance quote - CTA
₱5 million Up to ₱2,000 Up to ₱5,000 Up to ₱10,000
OONA Insurance (formerly MAPFRE)
Get free car insurance quote - CTA
₱5 million Up to ₱3,000 Up to ₱5,000 Up to ₱10,000
Stronghold Insurance
Get free car insurance quote - CTA
₱3 million N/A N/A N/A
Prudential Guarantee
Get free car insurance quote - CTA
₱3 million Up to ₱2,000 Up to ₱5,500 Up to ₱15,000

 

Sources:

Venus leads the blog content strategy and optimization at Moneymax as the Head of Editorial Content. She has 15+ years of experience in content marketing, corporate communications, and public relations. Venus graduated cum laude with a Journalism degree from the University of the Philippines Diliman. Before joining Moneymax, Venus had written informative guides and articles, specializing in personal finance and digital marketing. She also invests in stocks, mutual funds, VUL, and Pag-IBIG MP2. A hardcore Hallyu Tita, she enjoys bingeing K-dramas on Netflix while bonding with her rescued cats. Follow Venus on LinkedIn.