President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved a policy extending the initial registration period for brand new cars and motorcycles to five years, up from the current three years. The proposal was submitted by Transportation Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez to reduce red tape and make vehicle ownership more convenient.
Lopez said the longer registration period will spare vehicle owners from frequent trips to the Land Transportation Office (LTO), helping ease long queues and reduce opportunities for fixers and corruption. He added that many car dealers now offer longer warranties, making a longer registration period more reasonable.
The policy applies only to brand new vehicles and motorcycles. After the five-year initial registration, owners will be required to renew their registration annually starting in the sixth year. A roadworthiness inspection will still be conducted in the fourth year to ensure vehicles remain safe to use, in line with the President’s instructions.
Lopez said annual renewals are necessary as vehicles age and become more prone to wear and tear, requiring closer monitoring by the LTO.
The Transportation chief also urged car dealers and the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) to continue offering free registration for new vehicles, noting that many dealers already do so to help motorists save money.
The Department of Transportation and the LTO are expected to issue the needed Department Order and Memorandum Circular for the policy. Implementation is targeted for February 15, 2026.
