NOTE: The LTO has launched a new website that allows you to inquire about plate replacement for green to white plates and brand new motor vehicles.
Did you know that you can use your phone to check if a vehicle is registered? In the Philippines, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has made it possible to verify the legitimacy and information of a vehicle by sending a simple text message. Here’s how you can do it:
Time needed: 5 minutes
How to Verify LTO Plate Registration via SMS/Text Message
- Compose the Text Message
Open your messaging app and create a new message. Type “LTO Vehicle [Plate Number]” without the brackets. For example, if the plate number is ABC978, your message should say “LTO Vehicle ABC978“.
- Send the Text Message
Once you’ve typed the message, send it to the number 2600. Remember, this will cost you Php. 2.50 per text message.
- Receive the Information
After sending the text message, you will receive a reply from LTO. The message will contain important information about the vehicle, such as its manufacturer, model, color, date of registration, and any violations it may have.
Things to Remember
It’s important to note that this service is currently only available for private vehicles. So, you won’t be able to verify the license plates of public utility vehicles, trucks, buses, motorcycles, and others. However, it can still come in handy if you forget your vehicle’s documents and need to prove its legitimacy at a military or police checkpoint.
Also, keep in mind that SMS verification is only available on weekdays during regular government business hours. If you send a text message after 5 pm, you may not receive a reply, but you will still be charged Php. 2.50.
Using SMS verification can be especially helpful if you’re considering buying a used vehicle. It allows you to check if the vehicle has a clean record and was not illegally obtained.
Why Use SMS And Not Online?
You might be wondering why the LTO chose to use SMS instead of an online system. Well, the answer is simple. While internet usage has increased in the Philippines, there are still many areas with unreliable internet connections. SMS, on the other hand, is widely available to the public, even in remote areas. So, using SMS is the best solution to ensure everyone can access this service.
Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that the LTO had a security breach in the past. This resulted in the leak of driver’s license information and motor vehicle records. Therefore, it’s important to avoid any websites claiming to offer online license plate verification services, as they may be dangerous.
Conclusion
The LTO is working hard to improve its services and reduce the backlog of motor vehicle license plates. By the end of 2023, they aim to complete 90% of the backlog. They are also implementing a modernization program that includes automated plate-making machinery to speed up the production of license plates.
As of September 2022, the plate number backlog has already decreased thanks to new equipment that can print 450 license plates per hour. This means more vehicles will receive their license plates faster.
Remember, if you ever need to verify a vehicle’s registration, you can rely on the LTO SMS verification service. It’s a convenient and reliable way to ensure the legitimacy of a vehicle.
Discussion about this post