Vehicle registration plates of the Philippines

Last updated

2018 Philippine new plates.png
CountryPhilippines
Country codeRP (some sources state PI as still being the country's code)
Current series
Size390 mm × 140 mm
15.4 in × 5.5 in
Material Aluminum
Serial formatABC 1234
IntroducedJuly 2018
(7 years ago)
 (2018-07)
Availability
Issued by Land Transportation Office
History
First issued1912 (1912)

Vehicle registration plates in the Philippines, commonly known as license plates (Filipino : plaka), are issued and regulated by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), a government agency under the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Contents

History

The then-new license plate designs first issued in 2014 Philippine license plates LTO.jpg
The then-new license plate designs first issued in 2014

In 2016, the LTO began issuing "virtual plates" as a temporary measure to address the backlog of physical license plates. New vehicles were given a virtual identifier consisting of a combination of alphanumeric symbols, which facilitated the release of permanent plates once they became available. [1] In August 2017, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) selected the winning bidder under the government's "Moving Forward Program" to address the backlog of 3.4 million plates covering July 2016 to December 2017.

Proposed design for automobile license plates in 2013 2013 Philippine Standardized registration plate.png
Proposed design for automobile license plates in 2013

In January 2018, the Supreme Court of the Philippines ordered the release of license plates that had been held due to restraining orders affecting the modernization program. Full-scale distribution of the new plates was expected by mid-February 2018. The LTO received the plate-making machines that month and installed them in a new production facility. The new plates were released nationwide beginning in July 2018. Under this series, the first letter of the license plate indicates the place of registration, following the same designation system used in the 1981 series. [2]

Current plate design specifications

Under the current system, plates for four-wheeled vehicles follow the format AAA 1234 (three letters followed by four digits). Motorcycle plates initially used the format 123 NBC, but as these combinations were exhausted, the LTO introduced new formats such as N 123 BC, NB 123 C, 1 NBC 23, N 1234 C, N 1C 234, and N 12C 34. [a] It is unclear whether this expansion of formats was part of the agency's original plan or a response to an unexpectedly rapid depletion of available combinations. In all cases, the first letter, regardless of its position, indicates the region where the motorcycle was registered. The LTO has not stated that the current set of formats is final, and additional combinations may be introduced as needed.

Plate number dimensions and font style

The current license plates for four-wheeled vehicles measure 390 mm wide and 140 mm high, while motorcycle plates released since 2020 measure 235 mm wide and 135 mm high. The characters are stamped on an aluminum plate and coated with reflective paint. In 2018, the Land Transportation Office adopted FE-Schrift as the official typeface for license plates because its characters are designed to be difficult to alter. [3] Plates issued since 2018 no longer display a separate region code.

Before 1981, the Philippines used the North American standard measuring 300 mm × 150 mm (11.8 in × 5.9 in) for cars and trucks. [4]

Registration area prefixes

When the new plate design was introduced in 2018, all virtual and temporary plates issued from July 2016 to December 2017 under the 2014 series were updated to use the new alphabetical designation. [5] [6] In the current system, the first letter of the plate number indicates the region of registration. The letter S is reserved for government-owned vehicles.

Automobile and motorcycle plate number prefixes in the 2018 series
PrefixRegion
B Cagayan Valley
C, R, W Central Luzon
D, O Calabarzon
E Bicol Region
F Western Visayas
G Central Visayas
H Eastern Visayas
I, A [b] Ilocos Region
J Zamboanga Peninsula and Bangsamoro
K Northern Mindanao
L Davao Region
M Soccsksargen
N, P, Q, T, U, X Metro Manila
V Mimaropa
Y Cordillera Administrative Region
Z Caraga

Vehicle classification by color scheme

PatternColorClassDescriptionImage
NBC 1234

123NBCN123BCNB123C1NBC23N1234CN1C234N12C34

Black text on white backgroundPrivate vehiclesPrivate vehicles, not for commercial use. However, as of 2022, public utility vehicles and government vehicles are also using this plate design. NBC 1234.png Motor plate NCR.png
NBV 1234123NVB

N123VBNV123B1NVB23

Green text on white backgroundElectric/hybrid vehiclesPrivate electric and/or hybrid vehicles, not for commercial use. However, some public utility vehicles are seen using this plate design. Philippine Hybrid or Electric vehicle plate.png Philippine Hybrid or Electric motorcycle plate.png
NBC 1234

123NBCN123BCNB123C1NBC23NB1234

Black text on yellow backgroundPublic utility
vehicles
Public utility vehicles and other for-hire vehicles (e.g. commercial trucks, public transport buses, taxis, tricycles and jeepneys.) NBC 4321.png 321NBC.png
SNA 1234

123SNAS123NA

Red text on white backgroundGovernment
vehicles
Vehicles for official government use (e.g.: government-owned cars, police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks). SAB 1234.png GOVERNMENT.png
001 1234Blue text on white backgroundDiplomatic vehiclesVehicles in diplomatic use
  • 7 digit new diplomatic license plate with blue numbers on a white background.
  • The first 3 digits of the plate will indicate the assigned number of the country, diplomatic missions, consular missions, and international organization.
002 0020 diplomatic.png

Vehicle classification by second and third letter

The second letter on the number plate classifies special types of vehicles, such as trailers, electric, hybrid, and vintage vehicles.

Vehicles
ClassificationPosition of letter assignmentExampleColorImage
Private TrailersSecond letter is UNUA 1234Black text on white background
Electric vehicleSecond letter may be from A to M

Third letter may be the following: V, W, X, Y, Z

NHV 1234

NIV 5678

NJV 9012

Green text on white background
Hybrid vehicleSecond letter may be from N to Z

Third letter may be the following: V, W, X, Y, Z

JNW 4321

CRW 8765

NNV 2109

Green text on white background
Vintage vehicleLast two letters are the following: TX, TY, TZNTX 9876

BTY 5432 GTZ 1098

Black text on white background with byline. (e.g. vintage vehicle 1960) Philippine vintage vehicle plate.png
Motorcycles
ClassificationPosition of letter assignmentExample
Electric vehicleSecond letter may be from V, W, X, Y, Z

Third letter may be the following: A to M

D123VB

J209XK N124YM

Hybrid vehicleSecond letter may be from V, W, X, Y, Z

Third letter may be the following: N to Z

N583ZZ

C789WO G897VQ

Vintage vehicleLast two letters are the following: TX, TY, TZP123TX

N921TY K388TZ

Motorcycle classification by color strip and position

Motorcycle registration plates released since 2020 feature color-coded strips indicating the region of registration, in addition to the registration area prefix. [7]

Strip colorStrip positionRegionImage
None-National Capital Region Motor plate NCR.png
PinkTopCordillera Administrative Region

Alternatively used by: Central Visayas

Motor plate CAR.png
BottomCaraga Motor plate R13.png
GreenTopIlocos Region Motor plate R1.png
BottomEastern Visayas

Alternatively used by: Calabarzon Western Visayas

Motor plate R8.png
GrayTopBicol Region Motor plate R5.png
BottomNorthern Mindanao

Alternatively used by: Central Luzon

Motor plate R10.png
BlueTopCentral Luzon REGION 3.png
BottomDavao Region REGION 11.png
PurpleTopCalabarzon REGION 4A.png
BottomWestern Visayas REGION 6.png
OrangeTopMimaropa

Alternatively used by: Central Luzon Bicol Region

REGION 4B.png
BottomCentral Visayas REGION 7.png
RedTopCagayan Valley REGION 2.png
BottomZamboanga Peninsula

Alternatively used by: Calabarzon Western Visayas

REGION 9.png
BrownBottomSoccsksargen REGION 12.png

Special plate number designs

High-ranking government plates

Known officially as low-numbered (protocol) license plates, these are reserved for the highest-ranking government officials of the Philippines and share the same paint scheme as plates issued to private vehicles. [8]

List of low-numbered plates and corresponding officials
PlateOfficials
1 President
2 Vice President
3 President of the Senate
4 Speaker of the House of Representatives
5 Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
6 Cabinet Secretaries
7 Senators
8 Representatives
9 Associate Justices of the Supreme Court
10Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeals, Court of Tax Appeals, Sandiganbayan, and the Solicitor General
11Chairperson of Constitutional Commissions and Ombudsman
14Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Chief of the Philippine National Police

Until 2024, plate 16 was assigned to Regional Trial Court justices, while plate 17 was issued to first-level courts, including Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts in Cities, and the Sharia Circuit Court, for use by assistant city prosecutors, district prosecutors, and chief city prosecutors.

Associate justices of the Court of Appeals, Court of Tax Appeals, and Sandiganbayan may also be authorized to use protocol plates upon the recommendation of the LTO and the approval of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Diplomatic plates

The current diplomatic license plate design, introduced in 2022. New diplomatic plate.png
The current diplomatic license plate design, introduced in 2022.

The new diplomatic license plates consist of seven numeric characters in blue on a white background. These plates are issued to foreign diplomats, members of diplomatic missions, and international organizations based in the Philippines. In October 2022, the LTO and DFA launched the new plates, replacing the older designs. The previous diplomatic plates and other exempted vehicle (OEV) plates remained valid until September 2023. [9]

The first three digits of the plate indicate the country or organization code, assigned based on the establishment of diplomatic relations. For example, 003 0045 is assigned to Australia. The remaining four digits are randomized registration numbers assigned by the LTO and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), with 1000 always reserved for ambassadors.

List of country codes for diplomatic plates
NumberCountryNumberCountryNumberCountryNumberCountry
001Flag of Vatican City (2023-present).svg  Vatican City 021Flag of Turkey.svg  Turkey 041Flag of Europe.svg  European Union 061Flag of the United Arab Emirates.svg  United Arab Emirates
002Flag of Egypt.svg  Egypt 022Flag of Thailand.svg  Thailand 042Flag of the Order of St. John (various).svg Sovereign Military Order of Malta 062Flag of Oman.svg  Oman
003Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia 023Flag of Pakistan.svg  Pakistan 043Flag of Malaysia 23px.svg  Malaysia 063Flag of Qatar.svg  Qatar
004Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium 024Flag of Iran.svg  Iran 044Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand 064Flag of Brunei.svg  Brunei
005Flag of Brazil.svg  Brazil 025Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada 045Flag of Venezuela.svg  Venezuela 065Flag of Ireland.svg  Ireland
006Flag of Chile.svg  Chile 026Flag of India.svg  India 046Flag of Singapore.svg  Singapore 066Flag of Palestine.svg  Palestine
007Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg  Switzerland 027Flag of Greece.svg  Greece 047Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg  Saudi Arabia 067Flag of Palau.svg  Palau
008Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom 028Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Netherlands 048Flag of Bangladesh.svg  Bangladesh 068Flag of Angola.svg  Angola
009Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States 029Flag of Mexico.svg  Mexico 049Flag of Romania.svg  Romania 069Flag of East Timor.svg  Timor-Leste
010Flag of Colombia.svg  Colombia 030Flag of Germany.svg  Germany 050Flag of Panama.svg  Panama 070Flag of Bahrain.svg  Bahrain
011Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark 031Flag of Laos.svg  Laos 051Flag of Hungary.svg  Hungary
012Flag of Austria.svg  Austria 032Flag of Finland.svg  Finland 052Flag of the Czech Republic.svg  Czech Republic
013Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden 033Flag of Japan.svg  Japan 053Flag of Iraq.svg  Iraq
014Flag of Spain.svg  Spain 034Flag of Myanmar.svg  Myanmar 054Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg  China
015Flag of France.svg  France 035Flag of Israel.svg  Israel 055Flag of Morocco.svg  Morocco
016Flag of Italy.svg  Italy 036Flag of Cambodia.svg  Cambodia 056Flag of Papua New Guinea.svg  Papua New Guinea
017Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina 037Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 057Flag of Russia.svg  Russia
018Flag of Norway.svg  Norway 038Flag of Sri Lanka.svg  Sri Lanka 058Flag of Vietnam.svg  Vietnam
019Flag of Indonesia.svg  Indonesia 039Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria 059Flag of Libya.svg  Libya
020Flag of South Korea.svg  South Korea 040Flag of Poland.svg  Poland 060Flag of Kuwait.svg  Kuwait
List of international organization codes
NumberOrganizationNumberOrganizationNumberOrganization
200 Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines 210 United Nations Information Centres 220 United Nations Development Programme
201 United Nations 211 United States Agency for International Development 221 International Organization for Migration
202 World Bank 212 International Monetary Fund 222 Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit
203 International Labour Organization 213 United Nations Population Fund 223 United Nations Industrial Development Organization
204 Food and Agriculture Organization 214 United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees 224 Japan Bank for International Cooperation
205 Asian Development Bank 215 International Committee of the Red Cross 225 Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency
206 Australian Aid 216 International Organization for Migration 300
207 World Food Programme 217 International Finance Corporation
208 World Health Organization 218 Canadian International Development Agency
209 UNICEF 219 Japan International Cooperation Agency

Former head of state

Vehicles of former presidents bear the number 100 in blue characters.

Personalized plates

Motorists may apply for personalized plates under the Optional Motor Vehicle Special Plate (OMVSP) program, subject to the following conditions:

  1. The combination must be unique, i.e., no duplicate plate is registered anywhere in the Philippines.
  2. The combination must not duplicate government protocol plates.
  3. The motorist must pay a minimum fee of ₱5,000, depending on the chosen combination.
  4. OMVSP plates are only available for private cars, SUVs, AUVs, sports pick-ups, and commuter vans. [10]
OMVSP plate formats and fees
CombinationFeeImage
Three-letter, two-number plates (except 00)

(No longer issued as of 2024) [11]

₱25,000 2023 Philippines New Plate ABC 01.png
Three-letter, three-number plates (except 000)

(No longer issued as of 2024) [11]

₱15,000 2023 Philippines New Plate ABC 888.png
Three-letter, four-number plates (except 0000)₱35,000 2023 Philippines New Plate ABC 8888.png

[12] [13] [14] [15]

Temporary plate numbers

Conduction stickers

An example of a conduction sticker Conduction Sticker Philippines 2024.png
An example of a conduction sticker

Conduction stickers are temporary identifiers issued to vehicles in lieu of license plates while the official plates are still in production. The system was implemented in 1983 and first used in 1984. Several formats with different letter–number arrangements have been produced over time.

YearsConduction sticker formatExamplesBackground color
1984–1994ABC 12855SH
235SF
White (1984–1993)
Yellow (1993–1994)
1994–200312 ABC30SNK
22SRW
Red
2003–2017AB 1234BX8032 (Mitsubishi)
VH2637 (Toyota)
White (2003–2012)
Yellow (2012–2017)
2017–2023A 12345Y1L350 (Mitsubishi)
A6J238 (Toyota)
Yellow
2023–presentAB 123 CGD776A
DH705A
Yellow

Motor vehicle file number

Each vehicle is assigned a 15-digit motor vehicle (MV) file number that reflects the location where it was first registered (e.g., 1301-00000012345 for vehicles registered in Metro Manila). These numbers are sometimes used as temporary plate numbers, particularly for public utility vehicles (PUVs).

RegionMV file numberTemporary plate number (PUVs)
Metro Manila13**-***********
18**-***********
13****
18****
Cordillera Administrative Region14**-***********14****
Ilocos Region01**-***********01****
Cagayan Valley02**-***********02****
Central Luzon03**-***********03****
Calabarzon and Mimaropa04**-***********04****
Bicol Region05**-***********05****
Western Visayas06**-***********06****
central Visayas07**-***********07****
Eastern Visayas08**-***********08****
Zamboanga Peninsula09**-***********09****
Northern Mindanao10**-***********10****
Davao Region11**-***********11****
Soccsksargen12**-***********12****
Caraga30**-***********
15**-***********
30****
15****
Bangsamoro17**-***********17****

LTO-authorized six-digit temporary plate number

To address the extensive backlog in license plate production between 2016 and 2019, the LTO introduced a six-digit temporary plate number system. These numbers are based on the LTO agency code (indicating the region where the vehicle was registered) and the month of registration (e.g. 130108 for NCR, 040103 for Region IV-A). This system became the most common form of temporary identification during this period.

Public utility vehicles (including buses, jeepneys, and UV Express vans) registered from July 1, 2016, onward have used white private plates, MV file numbers, or six-digit temporary plate numbers while waiting for the release of permanent yellow plates.

Government vehicles registered from 2020 onward were also initially issued white private plates. In November 2021, the LTO began releasing new red plates for government vehicles registered from 2016 to 2019. In 2024, a new series of red plates was introduced, with the second letter indicating the region of registration (e.g. SNA for Metro Manila, SDA for Calabarzon).

In 2023, the LTO released green plates for hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as white plates with identifying marks for vintage vehicles. Trailer plates were introduced in 2025 for trailers registered from 2016 onward.

Former plate number designs still in use

2014 series

Plate number design

The 2014 design, introduced in 2014, used the numbering format ABC 1234 for automobiles and AB 12345 for motorcycles. In this design, the region where the vehicle was registered was printed at the bottom of the plate, eliminating the need for registration area prefixes (except for motorcycles).

The new plate format series and design was originally scheduled for release in September or October 2013, [16] [17] [18] [19] but its release was delayed several times primarily due to concerns about funding for the license plate project and the increasing number of vehicles using temporary plates bearing the conduction sticker number. [20] The first batch of plates was eventually issued in May 2014. [21] By January 2015, vehicle owners using 1981 series plates were required to pay 450 to replace them with the modern series plates.

In 2018, the LTO introduced an updated plate design that retained the same serial format but featured a new layout, the use of the FE-Schrift typeface, and the removal of the printed region code for automobiles. [22] Production and issuance of plates with the 2018 design continues as of 2025, alongside efforts to clear the plate backlog. In 2025, the LTO also began replacing the AB 12345 (seven-character) motorcycle plates with a six-character format to comply with the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act.

Vehicle classification by color scheme

PatternColorClassDescriptionImage
ABC 1234

AB 12345

Black text on white backgroundPrivate VehiclesPrivate vehicles, not for commercial use ABC 5678.png NA 34567.png
ABC 1234

AB 12345

Black text on yellow backgroundPublic utility
vehicles
Public utility vehicles and other for-hire vehicles (e.g. commercial trucks, public transport buses, taxis and jeepneys) AAA 8765.png NB 98765.png
SBC 1234

SA 12345

Red text on white backgroundGovernment
vehicles
Vehicles for official government use (e.g. police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks) SAA 8765.png SA 76543.png
00000Blue text on white backgroundDiplomatic vehiclesVehicles in diplomatic use
  • 4 digit diplomatic license plates with blue numbers on a white background are in embassy use
  • 5 digit diplomatic license plates with black numbers on a blue background are in diplomat use
23456 diplomatic.png Philippine diplomatic vehicle plate 2014.png

1981 series

Plate number design

Public utility jeepney license plate PUV JEEPNEY LICENSE PLATE (DUMMY REPRESENTATION ONLY).svg
Public utility jeepney license plate
Laminated printed plastic or lost plate of PUV with its typeface Charles Wright and Pilipinas inscription Jeepney LTO license plate in 2000.png
Laminated printed plastic or lost plate of PUV with its typeface Charles Wright and Pilipinas inscription

The font used in this series was never released electronically to the public. It was a modified version of the Charles Wright font with influences from the lettering of New South Wales vehicle registration plates. The 1981 series, along with its later variants, remained in production until it was discontinued and replaced by the 2014 series under the Plate Standardization Program.

The 1981 design became the most widely used plate number design, produced from 1981 to 2014. The LTO issued the numbering format ABC 123 for automobiles and AB 1234 and 1234 AB for motorcycles. Color-coded year and classification stickers were introduced in 1982. The typeface featured a curved, bold design on the glyphs; early plates had thinner strokes and no curves. Motorcycle plates used DIN 1451 or D-DIN font. The design was based on Charles Wright (with modifications), the 1951–1980 New South Wales plates, and older Philippine plates with color coding per vehicle, with all glyphs made blocky.

Early 1981 plates were borderless and semi-bold with a diamond separator. By 1988, plates gained borders and a bolder typeface. In 1994, the "PILIPINAS" slogan was replaced by "PHILIPPINES 2000" in a derivative DIN 1451 font, though 1988 plates continued to be produced into the 2000s. The 2003 "Rizal Monument" series used smaller characters and returned to a semi-bold typeface. Production of this series ended in 2014, giving way to the 2014 series plates. The 2010 yellow plates were also discontinued, though some shops continued to sell reproductions that were not exact copies.

In 2025, the LTO began replacing the old, smaller AB 1234 and 1234 AB motorcycle plates with a larger six-character format to comply with the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act.

Update changes issued by region

Plates starting with W and Z that were originally issued for Metro Manila were later reassigned to Central Luzon (motorcycles with a blue strip) and Caraga (for both motorcycles and motor vehicles), respectively. The letter I was redesigned with serifs and used in the middle or end of the letter block. Plates starting with A, originally used nationwide, were later assigned to motorcycles registered in the Ilocos Region.

Registration area prefix

The first letter in the 1981 series denoted the region where the vehicle was registered. The letter S indicated a government-owned vehicle.

PrefixRegion
AIlocos Region and Cordillera Administrative Region
BCagayan Valley
CCentral Luzon
DCalabarzon and Mimaropa
EBicol Region
FWestern Visayas
GCentral Visayas
HEastern Visayas
JZamboanga Peninsula and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
KNorthern Mindanao
LDavao Region and Caraga
MSoccsksargen
NMetro Manila
P
RCentral Luzon
TMetro Manila
U
VCalabarzon and Mimaropa
WMetro Manila
X
YCentral Visayas
ZMetro Manila

The letters I and O were not used as the first letter of plates to avoid confusion with the numbers 1 and 0. By 2009, they were allowed as middle or last letters, exclusively for private vehicles. The letter Q was used in regular motorcycle plate circulation for public-use motorcycles. By 2009, it appeared as a middle or last letter on NCR plates and as a last letter on Central Visayas plates.

Vehicle classification by second letter

The second letter on the plate identified whether the vehicle was a trailer or an automobile and whether it was for private or public use. The letter U in the second position indicated a privately used trailer, while Z indicated a publicly used trailer. The letters V, W, X, and Y were used to indicate public utility vehicles. On motorcycle plates, U and Z represented private use for three-wheeled motorcycles, while V, W, X, and Y represented public use for all motorcycle types.

Vehicle classification by paint scheme

  • Green on white: The most common type of plate, for privately owned vehicles. The white background was replaced by the Rizal Monument design in 2002 for automobiles.
  • Black on yellow: Commercial or public utility vehicles.
  • Red on white: Government-owned vehicles; the white background was replaced by the Rizal Monument design in 2003 for automobiles.
  • Blue on white: Diplomatic and other exempt vehicles; the white background was replaced by the Rizal Monument design on the left side in 2002 for automobiles.

Inscriptions

  • PILIPINAS ("Philippines", used 1981–1995, 2001–2003 for private and government vehicles, and 2001–2014 for commercial and public utility vehicles)
  • PHILIPPINES 2000 (1995–2000)
  • ANGAT PINOY 2004 ("Rising Filipino 2004", used 2000–2001)
  • PILIPINAS – PERLAS NG SILANGAN ("Pearl of the Orient", used 2002)
  • MATATAG NA REPUBLIKA ("Strong Republic", used 2003 – April 12, 2014 for private, tourist, and government vehicles)
  • MC (used for private motorcycles, placed in the top left)
  • TC (used for motorcycles and tricycles for public use or for-hire, placed in the top left)

Vehicle classification by color scheme

PatternColorClassDescriptionImage
ABC 123

AB 1234 (motorcycles)

1234 AB (motorcycles)

Green text on white background (1981–2002);

White text on green background (rear only from 1988 to 1995);

Green text on Rizal monument background (2002–2014)

Private vehiclesPrivate vehicles, not for commercial use Private vheicle plates of the Philippines (2008 Series).jpg
PVA 123

PV 1234 (motorcycles)

1234 PV (motorcycles)

Black text on yellow background (1981–1992; 1995–2014);

Yellow text on black background (1992–1995)

Black text on Rizal monument background with yellow hue (tourist vehicles)

Public utility vehiclesPublic utility vehicles and other for hire vehicles (e.g. Commercial trucks, public transport buses, taxis and jeepneys) Philippineslicenseplate.jpg

PUV JEEPNEY LICENSE PLATE (DUMMY REPRESENTATION ONLY).svg

SBC 123

SB 1234 (Motorcycles)

1234 SB (Motorcycles)

Red text on white background (1981–2003);

White text on red background (rear only from 1989 to 1995);

Red text on Rizal monument background (2002–2014)

Government vehiclesVehicles for official government use (e.g. police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks) Government plate PHI.jpg

Philippine GOV plate 2000.svg

1000

10000

Blue text on white background (1981–1989; 1995–2003);

White text on blue background (1989–1995);

Blue text on Rizal Monument background (2003–2014)

Diplomatic

vehicles

Vehicles in diplomatic use
  • 4 digit diplomatic license plates with blue numbers on a white background are in embassy use
  • 5 digit diplomatic license plates with black numbers on a blue background are in diplomat use
Diplo-and-prv WP 20141114 001.jpg
GOB 123Red text on yellow background (1981–2014);

Yellow text on red background (rear only from 1989 to 1995)

Official busBuses for official government use

See also

Notes

  1. Spaces are shown here for readability; actual motorcycle plates display the characters without separators.
  2. Motorcycles only

References

  1. Ramirez, Robertzon (March 30, 2016). "LTO's 'Virtual Plates' Draw Flak from Netizens". The Philippine Star . Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  2. "Finally, LTO begins releasing 2016 vehicle plates". The Philippine Star .
  3. "LTO Marks 106th Anniversary with Inauguration of Plate Making Plant".
  4. "World License Plates: Philippines". World License Plates.
  5. LTO Memorandum Circular 2018-2143. LTO. June 28, 2018. Accessed October 16, 2018.
  6. CNN Philippines: LTO's new machines to reduce license plate backlog. Archived October 17, 2018, at the Wayback Machine . April 10, 2018. Accessed October 16, 2018.
  7. "LTO releases first batch of new motorcycle plates". August 27, 2020.
  8. "Executive Order No. 56, s. 2024" (PDF). Official Gazette.
  9. 1 2 Joseph Pedrejas (December 2, 2022). "New license plates for diplomats in PH launched". Manila Bulletin . Retrieved January 25, 2023.
  10. "FAQ ON OPTIONAL MOTOR VEHICLE SPECIAL PLATES (OMVSP)". Archived from the original on October 13, 2022. Retrieved September 22, 2023.
  11. 1 2 "LTO Issues New Special Number Plate Format As Combinations Run Out". CarGuide.PH. Retrieved June 16, 2025.
  12. "The Land Transportation Office of the Philippines". Archived from the original on March 16, 2005. Retrieved May 7, 2005.
  13. "Optional Motor Vehicle Special Plates (OMVSP)". Archived from the original on March 16, 2005. Retrieved May 7, 2005.
  14. License Plates of the World – Philippines
  15. http://plaque.free.fr/as/rp/ Archived July 31, 2009, at the Wayback Machine Pictures of Philippine license plates from Francoplaque
  16. LTO to issue new series of license plates in mid-2013. GMA News. February 22, 2013. Accessed January 6, 2015
  17. Padua, Reinir. LTO to issue plates with bar codes by June. The Philippine Star. February 26, 2013. Accessed January 6, 2015
  18. Dumaboc, Fe Marie. LTO to roll out new vehicle plates in January 2013. Philippine Daily Inquirer. October 20, 2012. Accessed January 6, 2014.
  19. Get ready to scrap your car's license plates Archived July 26, 2013, at archive.today . BusinessWorld. Accessed January 6, 2015
  20. Agcaoili, Lawrence (February 23, 2014). "New license plates out April – DOTC". The Philippine Star. Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  21. Locsin, Joel (May 8, 2014). "LTO releases 1st batch of new license plates". GMA News. Retrieved January 6, 2015.
  22. "LTO Marks 106th Anniversary with Inauguration of Plate Making Plant". Carmudi Philippines.