It took 11 long years, but motorcycles across the Philippines can finally roar into the streets with proper plates. Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed that the government has stamped out the entire backlog, signaling a fresh start for every rider who’s ever waited months—or even years—for that simple piece of metal.
Back in 2014, under President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, the Land Transportation Office faced a mountain of unissued motorcycle plates—12 million, to be exact. Frustrated riders camped at LTO counters, engines idling in frustration. Today, that mountain is gone. The DOTr chief announced that 5.4 million plates have been produced this year alone, effectively clearing the slate.
The DOTr aims to complete distribution by October 2025, ensuring that every rider has their plate before the end of the year.
Digital pit stop: LTO tracker
No more guessing games or daily pilgrimages to district offices. The newly launched LTO Tracker—available on the eGovPH app and the LTO website—enables riders to track their plate status in real-time. Just enter your plate number or the MV file number from your Certificate of Registration. Then decide: swing by your local LTO office for pickup, or have it couriered straight to your doorstep.
What riders need now
With plates finally in hand, it’s time to focus on elevating the riding experience:
· Launch targeted safety campaigns for first-time plate recipients
· Hammer out more motorcycle-only lanes on major thoroughfares
· Fast-track incentives for electric motorcycles now that administrative hurdles are down
· Strengthen authentication measures after recent fake-plate busts in Bulacan.
The finish line on plate issuance is in sight, but the ride is far from over. As the Department of Transportation hands out the last batches this October, riders can shift their attention from paperwork to pavement. Start your engines—freedom is stamped, sealed, and ready to hit the road.
