Government Services
How Much are the LTO Fees for Car Registration in 2023?
Owning a car has many benefits, that’s for sure. But for vehicle registration, driver’s license applications or renewals, or settling a traffic violation, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) generally charges fees. Every car owner in the Philippines must pay the LTO fees.
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 you’ll be charged beforehand. This will also save you from waiting in long lines at the cashier.
Take note of these LTO fees before you visit your nearest branch.
How Much are LTO Car Registration Fees in the Philippines?
Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC)
What is MVUC?
One of the LTO fees you have to pay when you register your car is the motor vehicle user’s charge (MVUC).
The MVUC collected from vehicle owners in the Philippines is used to finance road maintenance and air pollution control as part of the Philippine government’s tax reform program under Republic Act 8794.
MUVC Fee for LTO Car Registration Renewal in 2023
According to MVUC fees as of 2024, private cars in the Philippines will have to pay the following fees. Initially, the motorcycle registration fee is 240 (300 if there is 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 |
MUVC Fee for Old Private Cars in 2023
LTO charges different MVUC rates for old 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 Fee for Electric Vehicles
There are guidelines for the classification, operation, and registration of electric vehicles in the Philippines provided by the LTO.
This table summarizes the LTO registration fees every e-vehicle owner and driver should be aware of.
Electric VehiclesDescriptionMVUC RateCategory L2b
- Maximum speed of 25-50 kilometers per hour
- Driver’s license and vehicle registration required
- Helmet required
₱240Category L3
- e-Motorcycles
- Drivers should wear motorcycle safety gear
- Should have a valid driver’s license
₱240Category L4
- e-Tricycle
- Three-wheeled vehicle
- Helmet is not required
₱300Category L5
- e-Tricycle
- Three-wheeled vehicle
- Helmet is not required
₱1,600Category L6
- e-QUAD
- Can travel on national highways but limited to the outermost lane of the road
₱1,600Category L7
- e-QUAD
- Can travel on national highways but limited to the outermost lane of the road
₱1,600Category M1e-Car, e-SUVSimilar to conventional counterpartsCategory M2e-Utility Vehicle, e-JeepneySimilar to conventional counterpartsCategory M3e-BusSimilar to conventional counterpartsCategories N1, N2, N3e-truckSimilar to conventional counterparts.
If the proposal to exempt or reduce the MVUC fee for EVs is approved, that would mean even greater savings for you. The Department of Energy plans to study the proposal and may incorporate it into the implementing rules and regulations of the Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations Act.
Read Aslo:The Register Your Vehicle ASAP: No Registration, No Travel Policy
What are the Proposed MVUC Rates Under House Bill 376?
According to House Bill 376, which amends decades-old RA 8794, vehicle owners in the Philippines will have to pay a higher road user’s tax. At the House of Representatives, the bill was approved on a committee level in July 2023.
In the event that this proposal becomes law, MVUC rates for private and government vehicles will increase over time. As a result of HB 376, the following rates have been updated.
Other LTO Fees for Car Registration
Additional LTO fees can raise your total registration payment, in addition to the MVUC.
License plate applications, for instance, require a separate fee. An LTO fee may apply even if you change the location of your vehicle registration or certain parts of your vehicle.
However, the LTO clarified 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.
| 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 Fees for Late Registration
You’ll pay more if you register your vehicle after the LTO’s deadline. The following penalty fees apply to expired registrations:
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.[6]
| Transaction | Total Fee |
|---|---|
| Student permit | ₱317.63 |
| New driver’s license | ₱685 |
| Driver’s license renewal |
|
| Duplicate valid license |
|
| License code classification change |
|
LTO Violation Fees
A traffic rule violation will result in a fine. The following are LTO fees for common traffic violations in the Philippines:
ViolationFineDriving without a valid driver’s license₱3,000Driving 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₱10,000Reckless driving
- First offense: ₱2,000
- Second offense: ₱3,000
- Subsequent offense: ₱10,000
Submission of fake documents in driver’s license application or renewal₱3,000No 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₱3,000Traffic violations such as parking violation, disregarding traffic signs, illegal turn, illegal overtaking, and others listed under the Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01₱1,000Driving an unregistered vehicle₱10,000Unauthorized vehicle modification₱5,000Vehicle without or with defective/improper/unauthorized devices, accessories, parts, and equipment₱5,000License plate not attached or improperly attached₱5,000Smoke belching
- First offense: ₱2,000
- Second offense: ₱4,000
- Third offense: ₱6,000
Vehicle registration/renewal fraud₱3,000All other violations in connection with motor vehicle registration/renewal/ operation₱2,000
How to Avoid Violating Traffic Rules
Are you ready to hit the road again? The LTO fee only adds to your frustration as you battle traffic jams. The following tips will help you avoid making LTO violations so that you can use your money for more important things.
Have Your Valid Driver’s License with You
Driving a vehicle and accessing the country’s roads and highways is only possible with your driver’s license. Ensure that you do not attempt to drive if your driver’s license has expired.
There’s no reason to leave it at home or anywhere else. Every time you decide to drive, you should take it with you.
The Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration (OR/CR) of your car also need to be valid. Registration and ownership documents are proof of your vehicle’s ownership.
Check for Any Damaged or Missing Vehicle Parts
The damage to your brake system or broken lights may lead to fines and penalties, as well as harm to others and to yourself. Before hitting the road, make sure all your vehicle parts are working properly to avoid any LTO fees.
Follow Traffic Rules and Road Signs
It is important to understand the meaning of road signs so that you won’t commit driving mistakes. The purpose of traffic signs and road signs is to give drivers warnings and information about the routes they should follow.
Drive at Moderate Speeds
Public roads are not meant for racing, so obey speed limits at all times. In the case of speed cameras, you will have no choice but to pay the overspeeding fine if you drive too fast.