Engine and chassis stenciling no longer a requirement according to the LTO

Vehicle registration renewal typically follows a few set procedures to properly identify the vehicle’s make, model, chassis number, and engine number, in order to properly identify and file all the identifying marks and information on the vehicle to match the official receipt and certificate of registration (OR/CR). Now, however, that process is set to change and get a little bit more streamlined as per the Land Transportation Office’s new memorandum, numbered JMT-2023-2399. 

Based on the memo that has been issued by the LTO, vehicle owners can be assured of a more streamlined process, as engine and chassis stenciling will no longer be a requirement for motor vehicle (MV) registration renewal. No more waiting for stencilers at the LTO office will be necessary, a step that some motorists have deemed to be unnecessary for MV registration renewal. 

The circular was signed on May 22, 2023, also clearing that this requirement will no longer be needed for a “plain renewal.” This means that owners who don’t have a different engine or a different chassis to register, don’t have to undergo the stenciling process anymore, that is, if the vehicle has passed other requirements. That being said, for transactions such as transfer of ownership, change of color, or lost OR/CR, stenciling will still be in effect. 

The LTO reiterated that the vehicle should have already undergone and passed the physical inspection for roadworthiness, which means that a Motor Vehicle Inspection Center must get involved to secure a certificate. On top of that, motorists will have to pass an emissions test and secure a certificate of compliance from the testing center. 

Given the other processes, however, it’s good that there is some streamlining happening in the LTO’s registration renewal process. Owners that go into the office looking to renew will be relieved to hear that the process is just a bit less complex than before, which will hopefully hasten or quicken the process of MV registration renewal at the LTO.