When your vehicle gets stolen, it can feel like your whole world is thrown off balance.
Thankfully, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has created ways to help you report the incident quickly and deactivate the stolen vehicle in its system.
This service is for registered vehicle owners who need to report a theft and prevent the stolen vehicle from being used illegally.
It is free to report, but you’ll need some documents and possibly help from the police or your insurance provider.
The process can be done online, through phone, or in person—whatever is easiest for you.
Why You Should Report a Stolen Vehicle Immediately
The faster you act, the higher the chance of recovering your vehicle.
Reporting your stolen vehicle to the LTO does more than just notify authorities.
It allows the LTO to mark your vehicle as stolen in the system.
This helps prevent the vehicle from being registered or sold illegally.
It also protects you from being held liable if the thief uses your vehicle in a crime.
Most importantly, your report helps both the LTO and police coordinate the search.
Who Can Report the Theft
Only the registered owner can report a vehicle as stolen to the LTO.
If someone else is reporting on your behalf, they must present a Special Power of Attorney (SPA).
Whether it’s a car, motorcycle, or any type of motor vehicle—you can file a report, as long as it’s registered with the LTO.
Step 1: Use the CitiSend App
The easiest way to report a stolen vehicle is through the CitiSend app.
Download the app from Google Play or the Apple App Store.
Register using your email and mobile number.
Once inside, tap the option for “Report a Stolen Vehicle.”
You’ll need to enter important details like:
- Plate number
- Make and model
- Color
- Last known location
- Date and time of the incident
If you have photo or video evidence, you can attach it.
This app sends your report directly to the LTO’s Central Command Center (C3).
It’s fast, convenient, and available 24/7.
Step 2: Call the LTO Central Command Center
If you can’t use the app, you can call the hotline at 1-342-586.
This number connects you to the LTO Central Command Center.
They are available day and night, even on weekends.
Have the same vehicle details ready:
- Plate number
- Type of vehicle
- Description of the incident
- Any proof like images or video clips
Be clear and calm when giving your report.
This helps the officers log your case properly.
Step 3: Send an Email or Use Social Media
If you prefer email, send your report to: ltocdmpao@lto.gov.ph
Include your full name, contact number, vehicle details, and a short explanation of what happened.
If available, attach scanned photos of your documents and any visual evidence.
You may also message the LTO’s official Facebook page or their regional pages.
Just make sure you’re messaging the verified page.
This step is optional but helpful if you want to document your report across platforms.
Step 4: Visit the LTO Office
If you’re more comfortable handling things face-to-face, you can go to the LTO office where the vehicle was last registered.
Bring these with you:
- Certificate of Registration (CR)
- Valid government-issued ID
- Police report or blotter
- Affidavit of Loss
- MV (motor vehicle) insurance policy
Explain the situation and ask to file a stolen vehicle report.
They’ll guide you through the paperwork and help you flag the vehicle in their system.
Step 5: Submit Required Documents
No matter which method you choose, these documents are usually needed:
- Filled-out application form
- Valid government-issued ID
- Certificate of Registration (CR) and Official Receipt (OR)
- Affidavit of Loss (notarized)
- Police report or blotter
- Vehicle Insurance Policy
- Special Power of Attorney (SPA) – if you’re not the owner
- Certificate of Nationwide Alarm – from the PNP-HPG (Highway Patrol Group)
Prepare clear, readable copies of each one.
Missing documents may delay your case.
How to Deactivate a Stolen Vehicle in the LTO System
Once your report is verified, the LTO will deactivate the stolen vehicle’s record.
This means it can’t be registered, transferred, or sold until cleared.
Think of it like putting your car on a “do not use” list.
This step helps prevent vehicle fraud or illegal sale by the thief.
The deactivation stays active unless the vehicle is recovered and processed again through the LTO.
What to Do After Filing the Report
Once you’ve filed the report, keep the communication open.
You can follow up with LTO via:
- CitiSend app updates
- Calling the hotline again
- Visiting the LTO office
Also, stay in touch with your local police station.
If your vehicle isn’t found within 30 days, request a Certificate of Non-Recovery (CNR) from the PNP-HPG.
This document is required for filing claims with your insurance company.
The CNR also helps finalize the vehicle’s status as “unrecovered.”
Inform Your Insurance Provider
Don’t forget to notify your insurance company right away.
Give them a copy of your police report, affidavit of loss, and any LTO documents.
The earlier you report it to your insurer, the smoother your claim process will be.
Avoiding Trouble After the Theft
A stolen vehicle can be used for crimes or traffic violations.
That’s why you need to file the report and deactivate it as soon as possible.
This protects your name from being wrongly linked to anything done using the stolen vehicle.
It also helps catch the suspect faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I still report the theft if I lost my Certificate of Registration (CR)?
Yes. Just prepare a notarized Affidavit of Loss and bring any supporting documents you have.
2. How long does the LTO take to deactivate a stolen vehicle?
It depends on how complete your documents are. With full documents, it may take a few working days.
3. Can I get a new vehicle plate right away?
No. You’ll need to follow LTO’s recovery or replacement process, depending on the outcome of your case.
4. What if my vehicle was recovered after 6 months?
You can still claim it, but you’ll need to bring updated police clearance and go through LTO verification.
Conclusion
Getting your vehicle stolen is scary and stressful—but you’re not helpless.
By taking the right steps with the LTO, police, and insurance company, you can protect your name and increase your chance of getting your vehicle back.
Act quickly.
Document everything.
Stay involved in the process.
Doing so makes all the difference.Top of Form