The transition from green license plates to white plates is a significant step toward standardizing vehicle registration across the country.
This program, implemented by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), aims to enhance uniformity and improve vehicle identification nationwide.
If you’re a vehicle owner still possessing the older green plate, it’s essential to understand the process of replacing it with the updated white plate.
Background
The transition from green to white license plates was implemented to standardize vehicle registration plates across the country.
This initiative aimed to enhance uniformity and improve vehicle identification nationwide.
The replacement process began in 2015 and was applied when you renewed your vehicle registration.
The white plates serve as the updated standard for vehicle identification.
If you have not yet received your white plate, you must claim it from an LTO office or district office that handles plate replacements.
Why is the Plate Replacement Program Important?
The transition to a standardized white plate system is not just about aesthetics. It helps improve the overall vehicle registration process by:
- Ensuring Uniformity: All vehicles are easily identifiable with uniform plates.
- Reducing Confusion: Law enforcement and regulatory agencies can conduct inspections or traffic
Eligibility
Not all vehicles are required to switch from a green plate to a white plate.
However, if your vehicle was registered before 2015 and still carries a green plate, it is likely on the list for replacement.
In such cases, you must claim your new white plate from the LTO office or one of the participating district or extension offices.
Make sure to check your registration details or visit an LTO office for more specific information.
How to Check if Your Vehicle is on the List for Replacement Plates
To find out if your vehicle is eligible for a white plate replacement, follow these steps:
- Visit the LTO-NCR Replacement Plates Webpage: Navigate to the official LTO-NCR Replacement Plates page.
- Enter Your Plate Number: Input your plate number without spaces (e.g., ABC123).
- Review the Information: The system will display the corresponding LTO office, office address, and contact details where you can claim the replacement plate.
Requirements
Before heading to your LTO office or district/extension office to pick up your new plate, be sure you have the following documents and information:
- Plate Number: As displayed on your registration documents.
- LTO Office Location: Ensure you are heading to the correct office based on the list you retrieved online.
- Proof of Identity: A valid ID to confirm your identity.
- Authorized Representative (If Applicable): If you are sending someone else to claim your plate, ensure they bring a signed authorization letter, their valid ID, and a copy of your registration documents.
- Email Address and Contact Number: Required for LTO-NCR to notify you about the status of your replacement plate.
It’s also important to note that your replacement plate must be picked up within 5 working days after you are notified.
How to Claim Your New White Plate
Once you confirm that your vehicle is on the replacement list and you’ve gathered all the necessary documents, follow these steps:
- Visit the LTO District/Extension Office: Go to the office listed on your status page.
- Bring All Required Documents: Include your official receipt (OR), valid identification, and proof of vehicle registration.
- Fill Out a Claim Form: If you’re claiming your replacement plate from a district/extension office different from the one initially designated, complete the necessary form.
- Pay Any Applicable Fees: Generally, if you’ve already paid during your registration renewal, the replacement itself is free. However, if you are unable to pick up the replacement plate within the 5-day period and have to request another one, there may be a small fee involved.
- Collect Your Replacement Plate: Once your replacement plate is ready, the LTO office will notify you, and you can collect your new white plate.
What Happens if You Don’t Pick Up Your Replacement Plate?
It’s important to pick up your replacement plate within 5 working days of being notified by the LTO office.
If you fail to do so, your replacement plate may be returned to the LTO warehouse, and you will need to go through the process again to claim it.
To avoid any inconvenience, stay in touch with the LTO office where your replacement plate is being held and track any updates through the online system.
Can You Claim Your White Plate at Any LTO Office?
While the system provides a default office location for your plate pickup, there is also an option to request your replacement plate from a different LTO District or Extension Office (EO/DO).
This can be done by filling out a form online where you indicate your preferred office.
When filling out this form, make sure to provide:
- Plate Number: Without spaces.
- LTO Office: Where you initially transacted your vehicle registration.
- Name and Address: Of the vehicle owner or authorized representative.
- Contact Details: Email and phone number.
Once the form is submitted, the LTO office will process your request and inform you of when and where your replacement plate can be picked up.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What do I need to bring to claim my replacement plate?
You will need your official receipt (OR), valid ID, proof of vehicle registration, and any necessary documents if an authorized representative is claiming it for you. - Can I claim my replacement plate at any LTO office?
While there is a designated office, you can request to claim your plate at a different LTO District/Extension Office by filling out an online form. - What happens if I don’t pick up my replacement plate in time?
Your plate may be returned to the LTO warehouse, and you will need to follow the process again to claim it. - Are there any fees involved in replacing my plate?
The replacement is usually free as part of your registration renewal, but you may incur a fee if you fail to claim the plate within 5 days or need to request a second replacement.
Recent Updates
New Replacement Plates Available for Claiming!
Updated as of February 10, 2025, over 5,000 new replacement plates are now available for claiming.
Users can check their availability on the LTO NCR Official Website.
If their plate is ready, they can request delivery to the nearest LTO office.
This service is currently available only for LTO NCR offices.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get your new plate quickly and easily.
LTO Nears Completion of Motorcycle Plate Distribution
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is nearing its goal of addressing the backlog in motorcycle plates.
Recently, they completed and distributed over 1,223 yellow license plates for registered tricycles in Marikina City.
Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II emphasized this as a step forward in resolving the issue, with Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro praising the effort.
The backlog began in 2014 and was further compounded until early 2024 when the LTO started producing more than 800,000 license plates. [Manila Bulletin]
LTO Dagupan City Rolls Out Replacement Plates
After nearly a decade, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Dagupan City begins distributing replacement plates for 2015-registered vehicles.
As part of the ‘Oplan Plaka Mo, Deliver Ko’ program, the LTO Dagupan City District Office receives over 5,000 plates.
The Motor Vehicle License Plates Standardization Program, mandated in 2014, required all four-wheeled vehicles to apply for standardized plates.
Production delays caused these plates to arrive late.
Vehicle owners are urged to claim their plates immediately to avoid issues at checkpoints. [GMA Regional News]
Conclusion
Replacing your green plate with the new white plate is an important step for every vehicle owner who registered their car before 2015.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily claim your new plate from an LTO office or district/extension office, ensuring that your vehicle complies with the latest standards.
The process is simple, and with the right documentation, you can quickly switch to the updated white plates.
Stay informed, follow the procedures carefully, and make sure to pick up your replacement plate within the given timeframe to avoid any inconvenience.