How to Apply for an LTO Yellow Plate for Public Utility Vehicles

The LTO yellow plate is an official license plate given to vehicles that are used for public transport or “for-hire” purposes.

It shows that your vehicle has been legally approved to carry paying passengers or goods.

Whether you operate a tricycle, van, jeepney, or taxi, this plate is a must if your vehicle earns income from transporting the public.

The yellow plate also comes with a small fee of ₱150.00, but more importantly, it requires you to change your vehicle classification from private to for-hire.

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Who Needs an LTO Yellow Plate?

If you use your vehicle to transport passengers or goods for a fee, you are required to have a yellow plate.

This includes:

Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJs)
Buses
Taxis
UV Express vans
Tricycles with MTOP

You must first have a valid Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) or a Motorized Tricycle Operator’s Permit (MTOP) before applying.

Operating without a yellow plate and franchise is considered illegal and may lead to penalties.

Step 1: Gather Your Required Documents

Before heading to the LTO, prepare these documents:

Certificate of Registration (CR) – original and photocopy
Official Receipt (OR)
Insurance Certificate of Cover (COC) for public transport use
Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR)
Certificate of Emission Compliance (CEC)
Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN)
Franchise confirmation (electronic or original copy)
MTOP (for tricycles only)

If your vehicle is under financing, you must also present a letter of consent from your financing company allowing the change to for-hire status.

Make sure all documents are updated and complete to avoid delays.

Step 2: Go to the Right LTO Office

Visit the LTO District Office or PUV Registration Center (PUVRC) listed on your CPC or MTOP.

If you are in Marikina, you can go to either:

LTO Marikina District Office
LTO DLRO Robinsons Metro East

These offices are experienced in handling public utility registrations.

Be prepared for long lines. It’s best to come early.

Step 3: Secure a Queue Number and Submit Documents

Get a queue number from the officer-in-charge upon arrival.

Once your number is called, submit all your documents to the evaluator.

They will check everything for accuracy and completeness.

If any document is missing or has errors, you will be asked to complete it first.

Patience is key here, especially during peak hours.

Step 4: Pay the Required Fees

After your papers are approved, proceed to the cashier.

Here are the usual fees:

Change of Classification: ₱150.00
Duplicate Plate (if needed): ₱150.00
Storage Fee: ₱45.00

You may also need to pay additional registration fees, depending on your vehicle’s weight and category.

For example:

Light vehicles: around ₱1,600
Medium passenger cars: up to ₱3,600 or more

Check with the cashier for the final amount due.

Step 5: Receive Your New CR and Stickers

Once payment is completed, go to the releasing counter.

You will receive:

Your new Certificate of Registration (CR)
The yellow plate
Any applicable stickers or documents

Note: Your plate number will not change. The yellow plate only changes its background color to show it’s for-hire.

Once you have these, your vehicle is officially classified for public utility use.

How Long Does the Process Take?

Processing time can vary depending on the volume of applicants.

If your documents are complete and there are no system issues, it can be done within the same day.

However, during peak months or if certain forms are missing, it may take longer.

It’s best to allot at least half a day or a full day for the process.

Important Reminders Before You Apply

Make sure you already have a franchise (CPC) or MTOP.
Never operate as a public utility vehicle without one.
If your plate is delayed, check with the LTO for production updates.
The yellow plate is permanent. It stays with your vehicle for its lifetime and cannot be moved to another one.

Benefits of Getting a Yellow Plate

A yellow plate is not just for compliance. It also gives you:

Legal protection from impoundment or penalties
Public trust and credibility
Access to routes and terminals managed by LTFRB

If you plan to earn from your vehicle, this is a step you cannot skip.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I apply without a franchise?

No. You must have an approved Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) or MTOP before applying.

2. Is the yellow plate transferrable to another vehicle?

No. Once issued, the yellow plate is tied to that specific vehicle permanently.

3. What if my vehicle is still under loan?

You will need a written certification from your financing company allowing the change to for-hire classification.

4. Can I use a fixer or third-party agent to process this for me?

While some people do, it’s always safer and more cost-effective to do it yourself or through official channels. The Philippine government strongly emphasizes its No-Fixer policy under the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA).

This policy aims to reduce bureaucratic red tape, prevent graft and corruption, and promote transparency in government transactions. Using fixers or third-party agents can lead to legal consequences and additional costs.

For a smoother and more secure process, always follow official procedures and avoid engaging with unauthorized intermediaries. If you need assistance, government offices provide support and guidance to help you complete your transactions efficiently.

Video: LTO clarifies standards for temporary, improvised license plates

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) permits temporary license plates for newly registered vehicles awaiting official plates. These must adhere to specific standards, including the use of reflective materials, Arial Black font, and a standard layout.

For vehicles with lost, damaged, or stolen plates, improvised license plates are allowed but require prior authorization from the LTO. Vehicle owners must report the issue, secure an authorization letter, and carry this along with the official receipt and certificate of registration.

Unauthorized plates remain prohibited, with violations subject to penalties. Improvised and temporary plates should display either the conduction sticker (for vehicles) or the file number (for motorcycles).

Conclusion

Getting a yellow plate may seem like a hassle at first, but it protects you, your passengers, and your income.

Take it step by step, come prepared, and you’ll be on your way to legal and worry-free driving in no time.