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Becoming a Grab operator in the Philippines involves several steps and requirements. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to apply for Grab Car, including the necessary documents, steps to register, and costs involved.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible as a Grab operator, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age between 18-70 years old (those aged 60 and above require a “fit to work” medical certification).
• Hold a valid Professional Driver’s License.
• Pass a drug test from an accredited Drug Testing Laboratory.
• Obtain a valid National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance.
• Be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

How to Apply for Grab Car

Step 1: Secure a Franchise from the Land Transportation and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)

Booking an Appointment

1. Book an appointment for the application of Provisional Authority (PA) through the Grab TNVS Scheduler.
2. Select an appointment date and schedule in the calendar.

Step 2: Submit Requirements to Grab

On your appointment date, visit the Grab Partner Center and ensure you bring the following:

1. All necessary documents.

All requirements and the Application Form must be placed in a LONG ORANGE FOLDER:

• 4 copies of the Notarized Verified Application Form (Download, fill out, and print the form here)
• [Starting August 2023] After securing an appointment, an auto-generated application form will be sent to your email. Please download, review, and print 4 copies of this form before your visit.
• 1 photocopy of Proof of Filipino Citizenship (any of the following):
  • Authenticated Birth Certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority
  • Valid Philippine Passport
  • Voter’s ID
  • Marriage Certificate

• Original and 1 photocopy of the LTO Official Receipt (OR) and Certificate of Registration (CR) of the authorized unit(s)
  • The OR must be in the name of the TNVS applicant or vehicle owner.
  • Ensure the year model is visible on the OR/CR (only vehicles with year models 2020-2023 will be accepted).
  • For newly-released cars (less than 3 months old): if the ORCR is not yet available, you may submit a Sales Invoice with Delivery Receipt.
• Passenger Insurance (i.e., PAMI or SCCI)
  • Prepare the payment for passenger insurance. Grab will purchase your Passenger Insurance as part of the filing process.
    • Passenger Insurance Fee (from SSCI):
      • Sedan: ₱2,369.00
      • SUV/Premium: ₱3,139.00
• Personal Appearance: The TNVS Applicant (i.e., Vehicle Owner) is required to appear in person on the day of the appointment at the LTFRB Central Office, East Ave, Quezon City.

Also Read: GUIDE: The Basics of LEX PH

2. Fees for TNVS Application.

LTFRB Processing Fee	For one unit	Additional cost per unit
Filing fee (first 2 units)	₱ 510.00	₱ 70.00
Legal Research Fee	₱ 10.00
Provisional Authority Fee	₱ 250.00
Passenger Insurance Fee (from SCCI):	Cost per unit
Sedan	₱ 2639.00
SUV/Premium	₱ 3139.00
Legal Assistance Fees	Per Case Number (starting Jan 9, 2023)
PA Filing Legal Assistance Fee (to be paid to Grab upon submission of PA requirements)	₱ 3,000.00 NOTE: As a form of assistance, Grab will provide ₱ 2,000.00 legal subsidy once you complete onboarding
CPC Hearing Legal Assistance Fee (to be paid to lawyer upon submission of FOE requirements)	₱ 3,000.00 NOTE: As a form of assistance, Grab will provide ₱ 1,000.00 legal subsidy once your hearing is successful

3. Obtain your PA from the Grab office.

If your PA expires before obtaining your Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC), secure a PA Extension to continue operating.

Step 3: Attend the CPC Hearing

Prepare a Formal Offer of Evidence (FOE) with all the LTFRB requirements before the scheduled CPC hearing. Ensure an authorized representative from Grab is present during the hearing to avoid dismissal of your application.

CPC Requirements for Grab Operators

Proof of Publication

• How to get Proof of Publication?
  • Affidavit of Publication by the publisher
  • Clipping of the newspaper
  • Must be secured 5 days prior to the Hearing Date
  • If your Notice of Hearing lapses and remains unpublished, file a ‘Manifestation for Issuance of Second Notice of Hearing’ and send it to legal@ltfrb.gov.ph to obtain a new Notice of Hearing.
  • Proof of Publication will be provided by your assigned lawyer. No need to prepare this on your own.

Additional Required Documents

• Notarized Affidavit of Applicant | [Download here]
• Affidavit of Attestation
  • To declare that all submitted documents are authentic and faithful reproductions of the originals
• Authenticated Birth Certificate or Valid Passport
• Certified True Copy of OR/CR
• 5R Photograph of Units Subject of the Application
  • Photos must show the front, back, and sides of the vehicles
  • Include the front page of a newspaper to show the date when the pictures were taken

Proof of Existence and Sufficiency of Garage

• Location Map (Google Map)
• Dimensions of Garage
  • If the applicant owns the garage: provide Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT)/Tax Declaration in the name of the applicant (vehicle owner)
  • If the applicant leases the garage: Notarized Contract of Lease/Authority to use with a copy of the TCT of Lessor
  • LGU Zoning Certificate for the location of the garage for three (3) units

Financial and Business Documentation

• Certificate of Bank Deposit
  • Proof of Bank Deposit in the amount of Php 20,000/unit. The bank account should be under the name of the car owner (as indicated in the OR/CR)
• DTI Business Name Registration (National)
• BIR Certificate of Registration 2303
• Certificate of Good Standing
  • Request a Certificate of Accreditation and Good Standing

Driver-Specific Documentation

• Photocopy of Driver’s License
• NBI Clearance
• Police Clearance

Please note that requirements may be subject to change based on LTFRB instructions.

Step 4: Get Your CPC from LTFRB

Once accredited by the LTFRB:

• The CPC is valid and renewable every 2 years.
• Your vehicle can be used for TNVS for 7 years from the date of manufacture.
• Ensure your CPC is updated in the Grab system for continuous operation.

Also Read: GUIDE: Minimum Wage in the Philippines 2024

Step 5: Change Vehicle Classification

After receiving your CPC, visit the Land Transportation Office (LTO) within 30 days to change your vehicle classification from Private to Public Utility Vehicle.

Requirements

1. Photocopy of OR/CR wit certified true copy of financing (Bank)
2. Certificate of Conformity
3. Certificate of Cover (Insurance)
4. Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC)
5. Actual Inspection of Motor and Duly accomplished MVIR
6. Affidavit of Warranty
7. 2 Valid ID
8. Certified true copy of records from NCR(if motor Vehicle Registered new Registration from NCR)
9. Electronic confirmation of franchise 260 – 300 

Note: Electronic confirmation of franchise 260 – 300 pesos penalty per month from LTFRB until unit will registered to LTO  to change classification from private to public.

Step 6: Renew CPC

CPC renewal is required every 2 years. File for an extension of validity 6 months before expiration and complete all requirements for renewal.

How Much is the Grab Franchise in the Philippines?

The cost of a Grab franchise includes various fees such as LTFRB application fees, vehicle registration, and insurance costs. Specific amounts can vary, so it’s best to consult directly with Grab or the LTFRB for the most accurate and current fees.

Starting a Grab Car Business

Ultimately, to start a Grab Car business, follow these steps:

1. Prepare and submit all necessary documents.
2. Secure the required licenses and franchises.
3. Ensure your vehicle meets Grab’s specifications and standards.
4. Register your vehicle with Grab and complete the onboarding process.
5. Maintain regular compliance with LTFRB and Grab regulations.

Additional Requirements Outside Metro Manila

For applicants outside Metro Manila, requirements include notarized applications, proof of citizenship, government-issued IDs, and other regional-specific documents. Visit the nearest Grab Driver Center for assistance and guidance.

Key Locations

Grab TNVS Assistance Hub – Marikina Partner Center:

• Address: 58 A. Bonifacio Ave., Marikina, 1803 Metro Manila, Philippines
• Time: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday)

Regional Grab Driver Centers:

• Cebu: Ground Floor, Pioneer Building, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City
• Pampanga: 2F IBG Plaza, Mon Tang Avenue, 235 McArthur Highway, Balibago, Angeles City
• Bacolod: Door 2 Filipino Chinese Chamber Building, Ipil Ipil Street, Shopping, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100

Final Thoughts

Becoming a Grab operator in the Philippines involves several steps and compliance with LTFRB regulations. By following this guide and ensuring all requirements are met, you can successfully apply and operate as a Grab Car driver, contributing to the growing ride-hailing industry in the country.

Sources: (1), (2)

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