Vehicle license plates in the Philippines are issued and regulated by the Land Transportation Office, a government agency under the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
In January 2013, the Land Transportation Office began a license plate standardization project by issuing plates with modern security features, including holograms and bar codes. They also planned to slowly phase out the old 1981 plate format. In the current format, the LTO issues LLL-DDDD plates (where L represents a letter and D represents a one-digit number) for four-wheel vehicles and DDD-LLL/L-DDD-LL plates for motorcycles.
In 2016, the LTO issued "virtual plates" as a temporary measure to address the backlog in physical license plates. New vehicles were issued a virtual identification consisting of a combination of alphanumeric symbols, which will make it easier for the LTO to release the permanent license plates once they were available. [1] In August 2017, the Department of Transportation selected the winning bidder under the government's "Moving Forward Program" to reduce the backlog of 3.4 million plates spanning from July 2016 to December 2017. In January 2018, the Supreme Court ordered the release of license plates held due to restraining orders saddling the plate modernization program. It was expected that the distribution of new plates would commence at full swing by mid-February 2018. The machines were delivered to the LTO in February 2018 and were installed in a new plate making facility. The new license plates were released in July 2018 throughout the country. Under this new plate series, the first letter of the license plate will determine where the vehicle is registered. This is the same designation that was implemented during the 1981 series. [2]
The current version of the license plates measure 390 mm wide and 140 mm high, while current motorcycle plates released since 2020 measure 235 mm wide and 135 mm high. The characters are stamped on an aluminum plate, which is then painted with reflective paint. FE-Schrift was chosen as the font to be used on license plates in 2018 as the characters are designed to be difficult to modify. [3]
After the release of the new plate number design in 2018, all virtual and temporary plates that were issued from July 2016 to December 2017 using the 2014 series design were updated to 2018's alphabetical designation. [4] [5] The first letter in the 2018 automobile plate number design represents the prefix, which denotes the region where the vehicle was registered. The letter S is used to indicate a government-owned vehicle.
Prefix | Region |
---|---|
B | Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) |
C, R, W | Region 3 (Central Luzon) |
D, O | Region 4A (CALABARZON) |
E | Region 5 (Bicol Region) |
F | Region 6 (Western Visayas) |
G | Region 7 (Central Visayas) |
H | Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) |
I, A* (*motorcycles only) | Region 1 (Ilocos Region) |
J | Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) |
K | Region 10 (Northern Mindanao) |
L | Region 11 (Davao Region) |
M | Region 12 (SOCCSKSARGEN) |
N, P, Q, T, U, X | National Capital Region (NCR) |
V | Region 4B (MIMAROPA) |
Y | Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) |
Z | Region 13 (Caraga) |
Pattern | Color | Class | Description | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
PBC 1234 123PBCP123BC | Black text on White background | Private Vehicles | Private vehicles, not for commercial use | |
PBC 1234 123PBCP123BC | Black text on Yellow background | Public utility vehicles | Public utility vehicles and other for-hire vehicles (eg; Commercial trucks, public transport buses, taxis & jeepneys.) | |
SBC 1234 123SBCS123BC | Red text on White background | Government vehicles | Vehicles for official government use (eg; police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks). | |
000 0000 | Blue text on White background | Diplomatic Vehicles | Vehicles in diplomatic use
|
The second letter on the number plate classifies the type of vehicle. Letter U in the second letter represents a Private Used Trailer, while Z represents a Public Used Trailer. Trailers registered from 2016 onwards currently use 6-Numbered temporary plates as trailer plates are not yet in production.
Classification | Position of letter assignment | Example | Color |
---|---|---|---|
Private Trailers | Second letter is U | NUA 1234 | Black Text on White Background |
Electric Vehicle | Second letter may be from A to M Third letter may be the following: V, W, X, Y, Z | NHV 1234 NIV 5678 NGV 9012 | Green Text on White Background |
Hybrid Vehicle | Second 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 Vehicle | Last two letters are the following: TX, TY, TZ | NTX 9876 BTY 5432 GTZ 1098 | Black Text on White Background with Byline. (e.g. Vintage Vehicle 1960) |
Classification | Position of letter assignment | Example |
---|---|---|
Electric Vehicle | Second letter may be from V, W, X, Y, Z Third letter may be the following: A to M | D123VB J209XK N124YM |
Hybrid Vehicle | Second letter may be from V, W, X, Y, Z Third letter may be the following: N to Z | N583ZZ C789WO G897VQ |
Vintage Vehicle | Last two letters are the following: TX, TY, TZ | P123TX N921TY K388TZ |
Motorcycle registration plates released since 2020 features color-coded strips to indicate the region where they are registered, in addition to the registration area prefixes. [6]
These plates are reserved for top government officials of the Republic of the Philippines, and have the same paint scheme as private vehicles. [7]
Plate | Officials |
---|---|
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 (Congressmen) |
9 | Associate Justices of the Supreme Court |
10 | Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeals, Court of Tax Appeals, Sandiganbayan and Solicitor General |
11 | Chairperson of Constitutional Commissions and Ombudsman |
14 | Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Chief of the Philippine National Police |
The new diplomatic license plate contains seven numeric characters that are in blue with a white background. These plates are assigned to foreign diplomats, members of diplomatic missions, and international organizations in the Philippines. In October 2022 the LTO and DFA released these new diplomatic plates replacing the older ones, however, the old diplomatic plates and other exempted vehicles (OEV) plates can be still used and they will only be valid up to September 2023. [8]
The first 3 digits of the plate will indicate the assigned number of the country, and international organizations that are based in the Philippines. For example; 003 0045 is an assigned number to Australia. The next 4 digits of the plate are randomized registration digits and are assigned by the LTO and DFA, however, the 1000 number will always be assigned and reserved for the ambassadors.
The list below are the assigned number of each countries and organizations on new diplomatic license plates. The orders of the list are based on when the diplomatic relations started.
A former president's vehicle bears the 100 in blue letters
A motorist who would like to have personalized plates under the Optional Motor Vehicle Special Plate (OMVSP) can choose any letter combination upon these conditions:
Combination | Fee | Image |
---|---|---|
Three-letter, two-number plate (except 00) | P25,000 | |
Three-letter, three-number plate (except 000) | P15,000 | |
Three-letter, four-number plate (except 0000) | P35,000 |
The conduction stickers are temporary identification issued to vehicles in lieu of license plates while the official license plate are in production.
The MV File Number for each vehicle has 15 digits, which are based on where the initial registration of the vehicle was carried out. (e.g. MV File # 1301-00000012345 registered in NCR).
Region | MV File Number | Temporary Plate Number (PUV's) |
NCR | 13**-*********** 18**-*********** | 13**** 18**** |
CAR | 14**-*********** | 14**** |
Region I | 01**-*********** | 01**** |
Region II | 02**-*********** | 02**** |
Region III | 03**-*********** | 03**** |
Region IV A | 04**-*********** | 04**** |
Region V | 05**-*********** | 05**** |
Region VI | 06**-*********** | 06**** |
Region VII | 07**-*********** | 07**** |
Region VIII | 08**-*********** | 08**** |
Region IX | 09**-*********** | 09**** |
BARMM | 17**-*********** | 17**** |
Region X | 10**-*********** | 10**** |
Region XI | 11**-*********** | 11**** |
Region XII | 12**-*********** | 12**** |
Region XIII | 30**-*********** 15**-*********** | 30**** 15**** |
The temporary plate number was later issued by LTO, which has 6 digits based on where the initial purchase location of the vehicle was and its use as a PUV. (e.g. 130123 for NCR use). It is widely used due to extensive backlog of vehicle plate distribution from 2016 to 2019.
Public utility vehicles registered from July 1, 2016, onwards currently use private plates (white), MV File Number or the 6-digit Temporary Plate Number since yellow plates are in production.
Government vehicles registered from 2020 onwards currently use private plates (white). In November 2021 the LTO have already released new red plates for government vehicles registered from 2016 to 2019.
The 2014 design, in production from 2014, used the numbering format LLL-DDDD for automobile vehicles, and LL-DDDDD for motorcycles. In this format, the region in which the vehicle is registered is stamped on the bottom of the plate, thereby removing the need for registration area prefixes (except for motorcycles).
The new plate format series and design was originally scheduled for release on September or October 2013. [14] [15] [16] [17] However, it was delayed several times primarily due to concerns about the release of funds for the license plate project, as well as the increase in purchases of new cars using temporary license plates bearing the conduction sticker number. [18] Eventually, in May 2014, the first batch of new license plates was released. [19] By January 2015, vehicle owners using the 1981 series plates were required to pay PHP 450 to change their old plates into a modern series plate.
Pattern | Color | Class | Description | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
ABC 1234 AB 12345 | Black text on White background | Private Vehicles | Private vehicles, not for commercial use | |
ABC 1234 AB 12345 | Black text on Yellow background | Public utility vehicles | Public utility vehicles and other for-hire vehicles (eg; Commercial trucks, public transport buses, taxis & jeepneys.) | |
SBC 1234 SA 12345 | Red text on White background | Government vehicles | Vehicles for official government use (eg; police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks). | |
00000 | Blue text on White background | Diplomatic vehicles | Vehicles in diplomatic use
|
The 1981 design was the most widely used plate number design, in production from 1981 to 2014. LTO issued the numbering format LLL-DDD for automobile vehicles, and LL-DDDD and DDDD-LL for motorcycles. Color-coded year stickers appeared in 1982, based on the license plate's color scheme. Stickers for vehicle classification appeared in the same year.
The first letter in the 1981 series of license plates represents the prefix, which denotes the following region where the vehicle was registered. The letter S is used to indicate a government-owned vehicle.
Prefix | Region |
---|---|
A | Region 1 (Ilocos Region) and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) |
B | Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) |
C | Region 3 (Central Luzon) |
D | Region 4A (CALABARZON) and Region 4B (MIMAROPA) |
E | Region 5 (Bicol Region) |
F | Region 6 (Western Visayas) |
G | Region 7 (Central Visayas) |
H | Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) |
J | Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BARMM) |
K | Region 10 (Northern Mindanao) |
L | Region 11 (Davao Region) and Region 13 (Caraga) |
M | Region 12 (SOCCSKSARGEN) |
N | National Capital Region (NCR) |
P | |
R | Region 3 (Central Luzon) |
T | National Capital Region (NCR) |
U | |
V | Region 4A (CALABARZON) and Region 4B (MIMAROPA) |
W | National Capital Region (NCR) |
X | |
Y | Region 7 (Central Visayas) |
Z | National Capital Region (NCR) |
The letters I and O were not used in plates as the prefix to avoid confusion with the numbers 1 and 0. In 2009, they are displayed either in the middle or end, which is exclusively for private vehicles.
The letter Q was also used on regular plate circulation for motorcycles in public use. In 2009, it was used as a middle or last letter for NCR plates, while it was used as a last letter for Region 7 plates.
The second letter on the number plate classifies whether the vehicle is a wheeled trailer or an automobile. It is also used to classify whether the vehicle is private or public use. Letter U in the second letter represents a privately-used trailer, while Z represents a publicly-used trailer. Letters V, W, X and Y were used to indicate public utility vehicles. On the motorcycle license plates, U and Z represent private use for three-wheeled motorcycles, while V, W, X and Y represent public use in all types of motorcycles.
Pattern | Color | Class | Description | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
ABC 123 AB 1234 (Motorcycles) 1234 AB (Motorcycles) | Green text on White background (1981-2002); White text on Green background (rear only from 1988-1995); Green text on Rizal monument background (2002-2014) | Private vehicles | Private vehicles, not for commercial use | |
PVA 123 PV 1234 (Motorcycles) 1234 PV (Motorcycles) | Black text on Yellow background (1981-1992; 1995-2014); Yellow text on Black background (1992-1995) | Public utility vehicles | Public utility vehicles and other for-hire vehicles (eg; Commercial trucks, public transport buses, taxis & jeepneys. | |
SBC 123 SB 1234 (Motorcycles) 1234 SB (Motorcycles) | Red text on White background (1981-2003); White text on Red background (rear only from 1989-1995); Red text on Rizal monument background (2002-2014) | Government vehicles | Vehicles for official government use (eg; police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks). | |
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
| |
GOB 123 | Red text on Yellow background (1981-2014); Yellow text on Red background (rear only from 1989-1995) | Official bus | Buses for official government use |
A vehicle registration plate, also known as a number plate or license plate or licence plate, is a metal or plastic plate attached to a motor vehicle or trailer for official identification purposes. All countries require registration plates for road vehicles such as cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Whether they are required for other vehicles, such as bicycles, boats, or tractors, may vary by jurisdiction. The registration identifier is a numeric or alphanumeric ID that uniquely identifies the vehicle or vehicle owner within the issuing region's vehicle register. In some countries, the identifier is unique within the entire country, while in others it is unique within a state or province. Whether the identifier is associated with a vehicle or a person also varies by issuing agency. There are also electronic license plates.
The most common format for vehicle registration plates in Romania consists of black letters on white background in the format CC 12 ABC
, where CC
is a two letter county code, 12
is a two digit group, and ABC
is a three letter group. For Bucharest, the format is B 12 ABC
or B 123 ABC
, where B
is code for Bucharest city, 12
and 123
is a two or three digit group, and ABC
is a three letter group. The left side of the plate bears a blue vertical strip displaying the 12 stars of the European Union and the country code of Romania (RO). Between 1992-2007 the band featured the Romanian flag instead of the 12 stars. All lettering comes from the Latin alphabet.
The Italian vehicle registration plates are the compulsory alphanumeric plates used to display the registration mark of motor vehicles registered in Italy. They have existed in the country since 1897.
Vehicle registration plates of Poland indicate the region of registration of the vehicle given the number plate.
In the United States, vehicle registration plates, known as license plates, are issued by a department of motor vehicles, an agency of the state or territorial government, or in the case of the District of Columbia, the district government. Some Native American tribes also issue plates. The U.S. federal government issues plates only for its own vehicle fleet and for vehicles owned by foreign diplomats. Until the 1980s, diplomatic plates were issued by the state in which the consulate or embassy was located.
Vehicle registration plates are the mandatory number plates used to display the registration mark of a vehicle, and have existed in Spain since 1900. Most motor vehicles which are used on public roads are required by law to display them. The government agency responsible for the registration and numbering of vehicles is the Directorate General of Traffic.
Malaysian registration plates are displayed at the front and rear of all private and commercial motorised vehicles in Malaysia, as required by law. The issuing of the number plates is regulated and administered by the Malaysian Road Transport Department or JPJ.
Standard Bulgarian vehicle registration plates display black glyphs on a white background, together with – on the left-hand side of the plate – a blue vertical "EU strip" showing the flag of Europe and, below it, the country code for Bulgaria: BG.
Brazilian vehicle registration plates are issued by the states. Each state has a Departamento de Trânsito (DETRAN) that is in charge of vehicle registration and car tax collection, but plates are standardized across the country and form a national vehicle registration database.
Slovenian car number plates are vehicle registration plates found on Slovenian cars. The code for Slovenia itself is SLO. The registration plates are made of metal. On the left there is a blue bar as in other EU countries along with tamper-proof text up to 2008; the text is in black letters on a white background in Helvetica typeface. In 2008 the plates reverted to a green border used before 2004 and the old font but retaining the EU border at the left. Two plates must be present on each car - one at the front and one at the rear. In the case of motorcycles, only one plate is needed on the back of the vehicle. These plates can have different sizes, being the regional code in the first line, at the top.
Since Ukraine's independence in 1991, the country has used four main systems of vehicle registration plates.
Thailand's vehicle registration plates are issued by the Department of Land Transport (DLT) of the Ministry of Transport. They must be displayed on all motorized road vehicles, as required by the Motor Vehicle Act, B.E. 2522 and the Land Transport Act, B.E. 2522. The plates vary in design, colors and dimensions according to the type of vehicle, but usually display a registration number and the vehicle's province of registration. Specifications are given in Ministry of Transport regulations. Current style started in 1975 for most vehicle types, but with small changes in 1997, and 1997 for motorcycles.
Vehicle registration plates of Canada, also known as licence plates, are issued by provincial or territorial government agencies. Registration plates in Canada are typically attached to motor vehicles or trailers for official identification purposes. Some Canadian registration plates have unique designs, shapes, and slogans related to the issuing jurisdiction. For example, registration plates issued in the Northwest Territories are shaped like a polar bear. In Alberta, registration plates typically display the words "Wild Rose Country."
Massachusetts was the first U.S. state to issue license plates on September 1, 1903. Plates are currently issued by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).
Vehicle registration plates of Estonia are divided into 18 categories, the most common of these (A1) is composed of three numbers and three letters. Most registration plate types have black letters on a white background, and the plates are the same size and length as other European plates. Previously the first of the three letters indicated the region of Estonia in which the car was registered; however, as of 2013, this is no longer the case. The third digit from the numbers indicated states when the car is due an inspection. It can be inspected up to 2 months after that digit. The registration plates are printed on an aluminium sheet with minimum thickness of 1 mm and must fulfil the requirements of ISO 7591:1982. All plates are issued with the blue European Union identification label, except types A9 and B2.
The vehicle registration plates of Cyprus are composed of three letters and three digits. A simple incremental numbering system is used; numbers run from 001 to 999 per letter sequence (alphabetic), so that, for example, the plate to be issued after MAA 999 would be MAB 001. However, registrants may be allowed to choose a number from available numbers in the extant letter sequence.
Philippine vehicle registration plates have a long history. The earliest license plates were introduced around 1912 with the introduction of Legislative Act No. 2159.
License plates are displayed on all motorized road vehicles in Brunei, as required by law. The issue of license plates is regulated and administered by the Brunei Land Transport Department. All vehicles must also display two of the same license plates numbers of the same colours at the front and rear of the vehicles. All vehicle license plates in Brunei, other than those issued to royalty, diplomats and taxis, have white characters on a black background, regardless of the vehicle type.
In Nepal, all road vehicles with or without a motor are tagged with a registration number. This is issued by the state-level Transport Management Office, a government agency under the Department of Transport Management. The license plates must be placed in the front as well as back of the vehicle. The international vehicle registration code for Nepal is NEP.
Vehicle registration plates were used in the Soviet Union for registrations of automobiles, motorcycles, heavy machinery, special-use vehicles as well as construction equipment, military vehicles and trailers. Every vehicle registration plate contains a unique registration mark embossed on a metal plate or a plate made of other materials. All vehicles were required to display the plates on the front side and backside, with the exception of trailers and motorcycles, which were only required to display one on the backside.