LTO to Implement Same-Day Releasing of Plates, OR/CR for New Motor Vehicles

For years, Pinoy riders have endured delays in receiving their OR/CR and license plates. Many riders have grown used to waiting months, or even longer, for these essential documents, with no clear timeline for release.

This is set to change. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) recently announced a new policy requiring the release of plates and documents the same day brand-new motor vehicles are turned over to owners.

“The instruction is to release all of them within three days but on the part of the LTO, we assessed that the release of license plates and OR/CR could be done on the same day the newly-purchased motor vehicle is released to the owner. That is why we will implement it,” said LTO Chief, Atty. Vigor Mendoza II.

To achieve this, the LTO has created a system compatible with its existing platforms that makes same-day registration possible. “With the hard work of our team, we were able to create a process that allows the issuance of license plates and the OR/CR on the very day a brand-new vehicle is released,” Mendoza explained.

Once the policy takes effect, dealers will no longer be allowed to release vehicles without complete documents and plates. The Memorandum Circular formalizing this rule is set to take effect on October 15, 2025, unless extended through another issuance.

Dealers raise concerns

While the policy aims to end long-standing delays, the Motorcycle Dealers Association of the Philippines (MDAP) says it raises more questions than answers. Dealers are now expected to handle much of the encoding work that previously fell under the LTO’s responsibility, sparking doubts about how they can meet same-day release requirements.

Another concern is cost. MDAP points out that moving away from the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) has introduced higher processing fees. They warn that these added costs will ultimately be passed on to motorcycle buyers.

The association is urging the LTO to hold thorough consultations before implementation. MDAP stressed that major changes like this must be carefully discussed with all stakeholders to avoid confusion and additional burdens on both dealers and customers.

A major shift in registration

If successful, the policy could mark a significant improvement for motorcycle and vehicle buyers in the Philippines. For decades, incomplete registration at the time of purchase has been one of the most frustrating aspects of vehicle ownership. Immediate release of plates and documents promises greater convenience, transparency, and accountability.

However, much depends on whether dealers can quickly adapt to the new system and whether costs can be managed fairly. As the October 15 implementation date approaches, both the LTO and MDAP face the challenge of balancing efficiency with practicality to ensure the policy benefits everyone on the road.