QuestionsQuestions (COA CIRCULAR NO. 2013-007)
It provides guidelines to ensure the orderly release of license plate numbers that were previously held back, specifically after the Supreme Court Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) was lifted, allowing the LTO to release plates turned over by the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
Because the TRO previously prevented or restricted the release of certain license plates; once lifted, the LTO is authorized to release the license plate numbers turned over by the BOC and must follow orderly distribution procedures.
Only new, replacement, change classification, diplomatic, and OEV plates described in a list to be provided by the CO Administrative Division are covered.
The Central Office Administrative Division.
It distributes the covered license plates to the concerned Regional Offices.
The Regional Office-New Registration Unit/District Office (RO-NRU/DO).
It is based on the motor vehicle’s date of initial registration, with units having the earliest dates of registration and not yet assigned plates being first.
A list of assigned plate numbers with the corresponding names of the registered owners of the motor vehicles.
To the Property Section, Central Office.
The Property Section submits the list to the Management Information Division (MID).
It posts the list at the LTO website and also ensures advisories are made through tri-media in the respective areas of jurisdiction regarding plate availability.
A copy of the Certificate of Registration (CR), the latest Official Receipt (OR) of payment, and a valid government-issued ID.
The RO-NRU/DO issues a certification stating that the license plate is assigned to the described motor vehicle, and the assigned plate number is uploaded in the LTO-IT system.
They must ensure all license plate numbers they possess are promptly distributed to the registered owners.
It must submit a weekly status of distribution of plates to the undersigned through the CO Administrative Division using the prescribed form.
It ensures the system reflects the assignment for proper tracking, confirmation, and release process—especially important where CRs lack printed plate numbers.
The Management Information Division (MID).
No. The Memorandum allows release to the registered owner or his/her authorized representative, upon submission of the required documents.