Understanding the differences between the MV file numbers, license plate numbers, and conduction sticker numbers is important for vehicle owners in the Philippines. Each of these identifiers serves a specific purpose and is used at different stages of the vehicle registration process. If you are a car owner, knowing what they are and how they function means you know how you will comply with local regulations to avoid potential legal issues.
Now, being aware of these identifiers is actually a basic expectation. Much like how if you are employed, you are expected to know that you need to be at work on time, being a car owner gives you the responsibility of knowing that you need to properly register and operate your vehicle according to the rules of the road. Consequently, not knowing about these identifiers can cause you problems and even possible fines due to non-compliance. After all, ignorance is never an excuse on the road. In this guide, we looked into each type of vehicle identification number and its specific role in vehicle ownership and how they can help you avoid legal troubles on the road
Understanding the Different Vehicle Identifiers
Understanding that there are different vehicle identifier numbers used by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is a necessary skill for vehicle owners. After all, each type of the main vehicle identifier numbers—be it the MV file number, license plate number, or the conduction sticker number—serve as unique ids, allowing for easy recognition and tracking by authorities.
Some of these identifiers are only allowed for temporary use, while waiting for the permanent one to be issued, so you need to know which is which if you wish to comply with regulations and avoid fines or penalties. After all, these numbers are in place to be used and to show the stage in which the vehicle registration is at. These numbers are also legally recognized, which also helps in law enforcement and vehicle tracking.
Types
Let’s take a closer look at each one for better understanding.
Temporary Identifier Numbers
Temporary identifier numbers are those numbers used until the permanent identifier number is issued by the LTO. There are two of these numbers currently in use: the MV File Number and the Conduction Sticker Number
1. Conduction Sticker Number
The conduction sticker number is a temporary identifier for motor vehicles, used until the vehicle is sold and registered by the new owner. It allows unregistered vehicles to travel legally before it is sold, officially registered to its final owner, and replaced with permanent plates within seven days of delivery.
The conduction sticker number is usually found on the conduction sticker prominently displayed on the right front windshield of the vehicle. The sticker remains valid until the vehicle is sold, and the new owner registers it with the LTO, allowing the authorities to identify the vehicles properly.
The vehicle with only conduction sticker number as its identifier is only allowed for used until the vehicle is sold. It also means that these vehicles can only be driven around by authorized and accredited drivers from the following:
- manufacturers
- assemblers
- importers, or
- dealers
2. MV File Number
Just like the conduction sticker number, the MV file number is a temporary number identifier. It consists of 15 digits, which indicate the initial registration location of the vehicle. For example, an MV file number like 1301-00000012345 means the vehicle was registered in the National Capital Region (NCR). This number can be found on the vehicle’s registration documents, like the Official Receipt or the Certificate of Registration (OR/CR).
Generally generated once the vehicle is registered with the LTO, this set of numbers is primarily used during the initial registration phase to temporarily identify the vehicle until a permanent plate number is issued. It is essential for ensuring that vehicles without permanent plates can still be legally recognized on the road without getting apprehended before it receives its official license plates. Simply put, if a vehicle doesn’t have a plate number assigned yet, the MV file number can be used as a temporary license plate.
It is generally reserved for the following vehicles:
- motorcycles
- used imported vehicles
- rebuilt vehicles
- trailers
Permanent identifier
There is only one type of permanent vehicle number identifier used by all types of vehicle owners in the Philippines—the LTO-issued license plate number.
1. LTO License Plate Number
The LTO license plate number is the only permanent alphanumeric identifier for all types of vehicles in the Philippines. It typically features black letters and numbers on a white background. This plate is attached to both the front and rear of the vehicle as its visibility is essential for law enforcement and permanent vehicle identification.
Issued by the LTO, the license plate number remains with the vehicle for its entire lifespan. Once issued, it becomes the primary identifier for the vehicle, ensuring compliance with legal requirements. It also indicates the region where the vehicle was first registered. The plate number is easily recognizable and provides a permanent means of identification and a quick and accurate means of tracking the vehicles on the road.
Alternatives to Permanent Official License Plates
There are two types of non-permanent plate numbers allowed for use by all types of vehicle owners prior to the release of the official plates: the temporary plate numbers and the improvised plate numbers.
1. Temporary Plate Numbers
Temporary plate numbers are used when official license plates are still in production or not yet issued. These can bear either conduction sticker numbers for motor vehicles or MV file numbers for motorcycles, used imported vehicles, rebuilt vehicles, and trailers.
Dealerships issue temporary plates to vehicle owners while waiting for the official plates. These plates include the assigned plate number or, in its absence, the conduction sticker number or MV file number. This allows newly registered vehicles to have a form of identification until they receive their permanent plates.
2. Improvised Plates
Improvised plates are temporary plates made by the vehicle owner while waiting for their official plates. These plates include the assigned plate number and the words “Improvised Plate.” This ensures that vehicles have an identifier even if their official plates are lost or still in production.
Improvised plates generally require explicit permission for use issued by the LTO District or Extension Office that processed the duplicate plate request. To get an improvised plate, vehicle owners must submit the necessary requirements to the LTO District or Extension Office. The office will issue a permit to use the improvised plate, which will be valid until the actual plate is available. The improvised plate should include the assigned plate number and the words “Improvised Plate” for clear designation.
Video: Can I Use the MV File Number if I already Have an Assigned Plate Number?
Watch this video to understand the differences between an MV file number and an assigned plate number. Learn when and how each identifier is used and why from this video by SAFETY atbp.
Summary
The MV file number, assigned plate number, and conduction sticker number are all vital for vehicle identification in the Philippines. The conduction sticker number serves as a temporary license plate for motor vehicles before official registration while the MV file number is a temporary identifier for motorcycles and other specific vehicles upon initial registration. The plate number is the permanent identifier indicating the vehicle’s registration region. Understanding these differences helps ensure compliance with local vehicle regulations and avoids unnecessary trouble.