Lost or stolen license plate? Don’t panic—Do this instead

Do you know that driving a motor vehicle without a number plate in the Philippines is punishable? The loss of your vehicle’s number plate might be a result of an accident, the fault of a loose bolt, or a malicious act by someone. What's important is that you need to get a new plate soon. And no, an improvised DIY plate will not work, it is a big NO.

Also, it is crucial to report that your number plate is no longer in your possession, especially if it gets used in the commission of a crime or gets involved in an accident. So, the question is, what shall be your next step after the number plate gets lost or stolen? An immediate replacement request should be made first. This will serve as legal documentation and proof of your number plate being gone missing.

This article will guide you through the process of replacing your lost or stolen license plate. To know it all, keep reading. But first, let’s understand the meaning and importance of an LTO license plate.

Also Read: LTO Vanity Plates explained: Top questions answered.

Understanding LTO License Plate

What is an LTO license plate? The LTO license plate is a slim metal flap attached to a motor vehicle showcasing a set of alphanumeric characters. It serves as a vehicle’s identity and proves its legitimacy. It is a unique identifier of the vehicle in terms of registration, road violation, and compliance with government law.

 

Car owners must initiate the process of securing a license plate, as driving without one is illegal. Also, if caught, they’ll be asked to present an Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration, which could also lead to hefty fines.

Use of license plate number

• It serves as a visible identifier.
• It signals that the vehicle is registered and has the right to traverse public roads.
• It helps the authorities monitor if vehicles adhere to traffic rules and regulations.
• A visible number plate assures motorists that violators are caught and penalized.
• Enables drivers and aspiring car owners to avoid several legal problems

Understanding Duplicate Plate

What is a duplicate plate? A duplicate license plate is issued as a replacement for stolen, damaged, lost, or mutilated number plate.

 

It is to be noted that a duplicate plate is different from a temporary plate and is officially issued by the LTO.

Advantages of a Duplicate Plate

With a duplicate plate in hand, you get to enjoy the same benefits that a driver or car owner experienced before the loss or damage of the plate. The benefits include -

• You can drive freely on the public roads.
• You have legal proof of ownership, wherein the car is registered and is roadworthy.
• It is a ticket out of several legal troubles resulting from driving without a license plate.
• Save you from the trouble arising due to an accident or traffic collision.
• Allows you to sell your vehicle easily, as now all its papers are available.
• You can now renew your car's registration.

Eligibility for a Duplicate Plate

Can you apply for a duplicate number plate? Yes, if you own a registered vehicle in the Philippines and have its original number plate damaged, lost, or stolen.

Requirements for a Duplicate Plate

In case your motor vehicle’s number plate is lost/damaged/stolen, and you want to apply for a duplicate LTO license plate, you’ll need to prepare the following documents -

• Affidavit of Loss or Notarized Mutilation of the number plate
• Clearance from PNP-Highway Patrol Group
• Original and a photocopy of the LTO Certificate of Registration (CR)
• Accomplished and approved Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR)
• Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC) along with other fees, Official Receipt (OR)
• For a company-owned vehicle, you’ll need to submit a DTI or the company secretary’s certificate.
• For hire vehicles, the owner will need to submit LTFRB certification, which acts as an indicator that the claimed number plate has not been surrendered.

Also Read: All a car owner needs to know about the PNP-HPG Clearance Certificate.

Step-by-step guide for getting a Duplicate Plate

To get a duplicate number plate, you need to follow a given line of action, which, to be frank, is a bit lengthy. But at the end of it you’ll get a duplicate number plate which is essential for driving that beloved car of yours.

How to get a duplicate license plate -

Step 1. Get a MVIR (Motor Vehicle Inspection Report).

Step 2. Get your Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration.

Step 3. Get a Notarized Affidavit of Mutilation or Affidavit of Loss.

Step 4. Get a Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group clearance.

Step 5. Secure other necessary documents depending on the vehicle ownership type.

Step 6. Secure an authority to use temporary plates.

Step 7: Wait for the duplicate plate to get released.

While the above-mentioned table gives you an overview of the procedure to get a duplicate number plate, it is important to know the full, step-by-step procedure for full clarity on the matter. So, bear with us and check out the entire process -

• Make your vehicle undergo a run-of-the-mill inspection that is similar to a motor vehicle inspection.
• Get a Motor Vehicle Inspection Report that will enable you to enjoy a smoother and faster transaction.

Also Read: Everything you need to know about MVIR (Motor Vehicle Inspection Report)

• Gather your motor vehicle’s LTO OR/CR; carry along both the original and photocopies.

Also Read: A step-by-step guide to getting duplicate LTO OR/CR

Get a residence certificate and go to the Notary Public to acquire either a Notarized Affidavit of Mutilation or Affidavit of Loss.

Also Read: Lost your OR/CR? Here's how an affidavit of loss can help

• • Fill out the details affidavit form, like your name, residence, license plate number, and affix your signature along with the date it was signed.
  • Wait for the affidavit to get stamped and get released.
  • Next, visit the Philippine National Police - Highway Patrol Group head office or any satellite branches. Here, make the authorities know that the license plate is no longer in your possession and make a report of the plate being lost/stolen/damaged. Also express your intention to get a replacement at the same time.
  • Secure other documents depending on the type of vehicle ownership, the table below elaborates on the same -

MV in the name of a corporation	Secretary’s Certification
MV in the name of a sole proprietorship	DTI certificate of registration
MV is a public-utility vehicle	Certificate stating the number plate has been lost and not surrendered from LTFRB.

With this, you can now initiate the replacement procedure for your lost plate number, but before that, get the authority to use temporary plates, for which you need to follow these steps -

• Visit the LTO originating branch with the required documents.
• Submit these documents at the designated window and wait for them to get evaluated.
• Proceeded to the computation of fees window and waited for the actual fees amount.
• Proceed to the cashier and pay the necessary fees.
• Wait for the official receipt, once in hand, go to the releasing window.
• Upon being called, present the OR and receive the requested documents.
• Get the Authorization to Use improvised plate, this will enable you to use a temporary conduction plate with stickers, which is valid for 3 months or 90 days.

Originating LTO branch? It is the branch or office where your vehicle was originally registered, it may differ from the last LTO office of transaction.

 

After the 90-day or 3-month period, you’ll hopefully receive the duplicate plate as the issuing period for it is also 3 months. However, until that happens, make sure to use an improvised plate number along with the authorization to use the same at all times. Not doing so will result in penalization.

Cost of getting a Duplicate Plate

The cost of securing a duplicate plate for your vehicle when it gets lost/damaged/stolen depends on the type of vehicle you possess. The table below gives information on the same -

Cost of Motor Vehicle plate	PHP 450
Cost of MC or TC plate	PHP 120
Cost of trailer plate	PHP 225
Regular plate replacement	PHP 450

In addition to this, there are other expenses as well, like the MVIC inspection fee and the cost of getting an affidavit.

Things to remember

• Visit the originating LTO office during operational hours.
• You would be required to prove that the number plate is stolen/damaged/lost and not in hiding.
• Always carry the concerned vehicle’s LTO OR/CR with you at all times.
• It is advisable to get a duplicate plate as soon as possible, though the process is a bit tedious and lengthy.
• Always carry the authorization, and use an improvised plate number with you at all times to get the duplicate plate.
• If the car is involved in an accident, the visibility of the license plate is mandatory for an insurance provider, as it ensures no fraud is involved.

Bottom line

Securing a duplicate license plate for your motor vehicle may seem like a nightmare, but with proper planning, time & money kept aside, you’ll be able to pass through the process with ease. Further, there is no alternative, as you can not drive a vehicle in the Philippines without an authorised license plate in place. Also, make sure to get a temporary plate that is valid for 90 days before LTO releases a duplicate plate for your MV.

Also Read: A Comprehensive Guide to LTO Vanity License Plate (OMVSP) in the Philippines