Hailed as the text capital of the world, the Philippines lived up to its name by integrating some of its government transactions using SMS. One example is the Land Transportation Office (LTO), which allows Filipinos to verify the legitimacy and some information regarding a vehicle by texting its plate number. Here’s a quick guide for LTO SMS Verification.
Disclaimer: WhatALife! is not in any way affiliated with LTO. The information posted in this page is sourced from the official LTO website (lto.gov.ph).
LTO Plate Registration Verification Using SMS/Text Messages
For ₱ 2.50 per text, you can use the LTO SMS Plate Verification to confirm the registration status and validity of a registered motor vehicle. You can do this by texting the following format, LTO<space>Vehicle<space>Plate Number (no space in between). For example, LTO Vehicle ABC978 and send it to 2600.
Once sent, LTO will send you information regarding the registration of the vehicle plate number. The report will also include the Car’s manufacturer, Model, Color, date of registration, and violations if there are any.
However, only private vehicles are presently available for SMS plate verification. Therefore, you cannot verify the license plates of PUVs, trucks, buses, motorcycles, etc., via SMS. However, if you get delayed at a military or police checkpoint because you forgot to carry your vehicle’s documents, this verification approach can be useful.
Additionally, SMS verification is only available on weekdays during regular government business hours. Reportedly, if you text LTO beyond 5 pm, you will get no replies, but you will still be charged ₱ 2.50 for the text.
Moreover, the SMS verification method is helpful if you wish to buy a pre-loved vehicle. This will help you check if the motor vehicle has a clean record and was not illegally obtained.
Why Use SMS And Not Online?
Although internet usage has increased nationwide, many areas still lack a reliable internet connection, demanding a different verification system. SMS is widely available to the public, even in remote areas. Therefore, SMS is the best solution to address this problem.
In addition, LTO had an information leak with their database, releasing driver’s license info to a third party. The information leak resulted in the release of over 9,000 driver’s license information.
Moreover, more than 19,000 motor vehicle records were stolen by the hackers, including the make of the automobile, its plate number, chassis number, registration expiration, engine number, owner, and whether it is a private or public utility vehicle.
As of writing this guide, NO LEGITIMATE WAYS to verify your license plate are available online. Any website that offers such a service is DANGEROUS, and it’s best to avoid using them.
Closing Remarks
LTO stated that it planned to finish up to 90% of the backlog for motor vehicle license plates by the end of 2023. The agency also intends to manufacture a portion of the necessary license plates at its facilities.
They intend to do this by implementing a modernization program that uses automated plate-making machinery, which can enhance license plate distributions by speeding up its print rate.
A second plate-making robot dedicated to printing motorcycle license plates has been operational since April 2022. In September 2022, the plate number backlog went down to 11.5 million thanks to the addition of new equipment that can print 450 license plates per hour. – WhatALife!/Vaughn
Also read: GUIDE: Verify/Check LTO Plate Number Online
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