New bikes get 5-year registration validity says DOTr
Good news for motorcycle owners, particularly those buying brand-new units. If all goes according to plan, beginning February 15, 2026, motorcycles fresh from the showroom will be issued a five-year registration validity by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
The policy follows the approval by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM) of a proposal from Transportation Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez, aimed at giving new owners a more “hassle-free” ownership experience for the first five years from the date of purchase. Motor vehicles (MVs) are also covered under the new policy.
“Kumbaga nag-level up itong mga casa, magle-level up din tayo sa mga polisiya natin. But more than that, [dahil sa extension ng validity] maiiwasan natin ‘yung mahabang pila sa LTO sa mga magre-renew na naman, tapos may issue rin ng fixers at corruption, at again, [priority natin] ‘yung convenience ng public,” said Sec. Lopez.
(Since these dealers have leveled up, we will also level up our policies. But more than that, [because of the extension of validity] we will be able to avoid the long queues at the LTO for those who are renewing, then there is also the issue of fixers and corruption, and again, [our priority] is the convenience of the public.)
Meanwhile, the Transportation Secretary clarified that only brand-new vehicles and motorcycles will be covered by the five-year registration validity. After this period, vehicle registration will revert to annual renewal, with a mandatory roadworthiness inspection in the fourth year to ensure that vehicles operating on public roads remain safe and in good condition, consistent with the President’s directive.
“On the 6th year, kailangan nang i-renew ‘yan and every year thereafter. Ang rason po dyan, habang tumatagal o tumatanda ang ating sasakyan, it becomes less reliable because of depreciation or wear and tear. Mas kailangan ang LTO na magkaroon pa rin ng comprehensive roadworthiness check,” Lopez added.
(On the 6th year, it needs to be renewed and every year thereafter. The reason for that is as our vehicle ages, it becomes less reliable because of depreciation or wear and tear. It is more important for the LTO to still have a comprehensive roadworthiness check.)
The DOTr and the LTO are expected to issue a Department Order and Memorandum Circular detailing the new five-year vehicle registration policy, which is targeted for implementation on February 15, 2026.
