DOTr and LTO says dacade-long MC license plate backlog is over
For over a decade, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has grappled with the millions in motorcycle license plate backlog, dating back to 2014. Thanks to years of sustained reforms and a collaborative effort with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the government has now officially announced that this monumental backlog has finally been resolved.
According to LTO, the agency significantly ramped up its plate production in the last two years. As of June 30, 2025, a total of 18,578,612 license plates have been produced, eliminating the backlog.
“We are elated and excited to announce that your LTO was able to comply with the commitment to President, Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr., that there will be no backlog for both motorcycle and four-wheel vehicle plates by June 2025,” said LTO’s Executive Director, Atty. Greg Pua. He then quoted LTO Chief, Atty. Vigor Mendoza II, saying, “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, lahat may plaka na.”
A Commitment Fulfilled
The commitment to resolve the backlog was initially made by Mendoza to President Marcos last year at Malacañan Palace. This assurance came after the Chief Executive pledged all necessary support for the initiative.
“The President’s instruction was clear: Fast-track the plate production to address the problem and that we should not disappoint the Filipino people,” Mendoza was quoted as saying after that pivotal meeting.
For his part, Pua confirmed, “On the last day of June 2025, we were able to comply with our commitment by producing a total of 18,578,612 that includes both backlogs and current plate requirements.”
This impressive figure comprises 11,815,068 motorcycle plates and 6,763,544 motor vehicle plates (equating to 3,381,772 pairs).
The license plate backlog, which started in 2014, had accumulated millions of plates for both motorcycles and four-wheel vehicles due to various contributing factors.
With the gargantuan task of addressing the plate backlog now completed, Pua affirmed that the LTO is now fully focused on the comprehensive delivery of these license plates to all motorists affected.
“On behalf of the men and women of LTO, we express gratitude to our very supportive President Marcos, who truly focused on resolving this problem, and to Secretary Dizon for his valuable inputs to further accelerate the resolution of this issue… And with this task finally completed, we assure our millions of clients that we will also fast-track the process of delivery and will continue to find ways to do so.”
As per the latest data, over seven million plates have already been successfully distributed to their rightful owners. For added convenience, motorists can also have their new license plates delivered directly to their doorstep using the LTO Tracker service.
