How to Transfer Ownership of a Vehicle in the Philippines

1. Check the Official Receipt (OR) and Certificate of Registration (CR)

Before initiating the transfer of ownership, ensure that the vehicle’s registration is up-to-date.

• • Expired Registration: If the registration has expired, it must be renewed before proceeding with the transfer.

• Prepare the Necessary Documents

1. Original CR
2. Updated OR
3. Notarized Deed of Sale
4. Photocopy of 2 Valid IDs with three specimen signatures of Vendor and Vendee

• If the vehicle is encumbered: 

1. Original CR
2. Updated OR
3. Notarized Deed of Sale
4. 2 copies of Chattel Mortgage (RCM)
5. Promissory Note (PN)
6. Photocopy of 2 Valid IDs with three specimen signatures of Vendor and Vendee

• If the vehicle is a repossessed unit: 

Surrendered Vehicles: 

1. Original CR
2. Updated OR
3. Notarized Deed of Sale (from bank to vendee)
4. 2 copies of Chattel Mortgage (RCM)
5. Promissory Note (PN)
6. Photocopy of 2 Valid IDs with three signatures of Vendor and Vendee
7. Voluntary Surrender with Special Power of Attorney to Sell
8. Secretary Certificate
9. IDs with three signature of signatories of the bank

Towed Vehicles: 

1. Original CR
2. Updated OR
3. Notarized Deed of Sale (from bank to vendee)
4. 2 copies of Chattel Mortgage (RCM)
5. Promissory Note (PN)
6. Photocopy of 2 Valid IDs with three signatures of Vendor and Vendee (Court and ex-Officio Sheriff)
7. Certificate of Sale
8. Confirmation of Sale
9. Sheriff’s Return
10. Certificate of Posting
11. Proof of Service
12. Notice of Sheriff’s Sale
13. Minutes of Auction Sale
14. Secretary Certificate
15. IDs with three signature of signatories of the bank

If Company-owned Vehicle: 

1. Original CR
2. Updated OR
3. Photocopy of 2 Valid IDs with three specimen signatures of Vendor and Vendee
4. Notarized Company Deed of Sale
5. Corporate Secretary Certificate
6. Photocopy of 2 Valid IDs with three specimen signatures of the Corporate Secretary

2. Check the Registry of Deeds (if encumbered) 

If the vehicle was financed, visit the Registry of Deeds to cancel the financing annotation.

• Purpose: This step ensures that the vehicle is free from any liens or encumbrances.
• How to Find the RD: You can determine the RD from the Registered Certificate of Mortgage (RCM) or Promissory Note (PN).
• Note: There is a fee for the cancellation of the mortgage.
• Waiting Period: The process can take up to 15 days, depending on the location.

3. Notarized Deed of Sale (DOS) or Deed of Absolute Sale (DOAS) 

A notarized Deed of Sale is essential for legally documenting the transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer. It is important to verify the validity of the notarization, as it can expire, and additional fees may apply.

• Details Included: The DOS should include the names and addresses of both the buyer and the seller, the vehicle’s details, the agreed price, and the date of sale.
• Notarization: The document must be notarized to be legally binding.

4. Macro-Etching or Stenciling

This step is crucial for verifying the vehicle’s identity. Macro-etching, also known as stenciling, involves imprinting the vehicle’s engine and chassis numbers.

• Where to Get it Done: This can be done at accredited Land Transportation Office (LTO) branches or authorized stenciling centers.
• Purpose: It ensures that the vehicle’s details match those on the OR and CR, preventing fraudulent activities.

5. PNP Clearance

Obtain a Philippine National Police (PNP) clearance to ensure the vehicle is not involved in any criminal activities or that it is stolen.

• Where to Get it: Visit the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) for the clearance.
• Requirements: Bring the OR, CR, notarized DOS, and stenciling results.

6. Transfer of Documents to the New Owner

Submit the necessary documents to the LTO field office specified in your Certificate of Registration to process the transfer of ownership. Ensure to bring the vehicle with you as some offices might look or ask for it.

• Documents Needed:
  • Notarized DOS/DOAS
  • Macro-etching or stenciling results
  • PNP clearance
  • RCM/PN with receipt of cancelation (if encumbered) 
  • And all the necessary documents mentioned above

7. Waiting Period

The transfer process usually takes about 5-10 working days if all documents are complete.

• Complete Documents: Expect a waiting period of 5-10 working days for the transfer to be completed.
• Incomplete Documents: If any documents are missing or incorrect, the process may take 1-2 months.

8. Final Steps and Confirmation

Once the transfer is processed, the new owner will receive the updated OR and CR in their name.

• Verification: Double-check all the details on the new documents for accuracy.
• Completion: The new owner should keep copies of all the transfer documents for their records.

Following these steps will help you achieve a smooth and legal transfer of vehicle ownership. However, if you need professional assistance or want us to assist in processing it because of a tight schedule, don’t hesitate to contact Dryve PH. You may message our Facebook Page for an exact quotation as documents vary and is a case to case basis. You just need to drop off all necessary documents in our office located in Kapitolyo Pasig and just wait for it to be transferred! It’s easy, #JustDryve.