LTO defers order requiring Immediate Transfer of Ownership

A few days ago, we published a news article about the Land Transportation Office’s (LTO) Administrative Order VDM-2024-046, or the “Guidelines in the immediate transfer of ownership of motor vehicles with existing registration” that went viral. AO VDM-2024-046 says that the sale of a used motor vehicle or motorcycle should be reported by the seller to the LTO within 5 days, while the new owner (buyer) must transfer the ownership (deed) to his/her name within 20 days upon the completion of sale.

This didn’t sit well with motorists, because 1) LTO’s process of transferring ownership – from documentation, LTO to LTO confirmation, HPG verification, etc. – takes more than 20 days, and 2) the time consumed in personally appearing before the LTO, stencil, redundant processes, HPG, and other related offices would mean absence from work/loss of income for a lot of motorists.

Now, the LTO has suspended its earlier order on the immediate transfer of ownership and says that it needs more time to widen the dissemination of information.

“In the best interest of service and to clarify certain provisions for better implementation, as well as to lengthen the compliance period and allow more time to widen the information dissemination, the effectivity of AO No. VDM-2024-046 ‘Guidelines in the immediate transfer of ownership of motor vehicles with existing registration’ is held in abeyance until further notice.”

The suspension is effective immediately.