how to register a vehicle at the LTO

It's the nth time I've registered a car at the Land Transportation Office and still each time was far from perfect. So in case anyone needs a beginner's guide to vehicle registration, here are a few things I've learned over the years, one blooper after the other...

1. Having the car registered on time is cheaper than having it done later.
2. A vehicle's registration deadline depends on the plate number. The last digit corresponds to the month ("1" is January) and the digit just before that determines which week is the deadline for registration. For more of this information, check out the blog entry: http://rochiecuevas.blogspot.com/2011/01/car-registration-2011.html.
3. The Third Party Liability (TPL) policy is required for registration. In case a policy is already reactivated, make sure that there's an extra envelope whose contents include the policy and a copy of a note from the Philippine Insurers and Reinsurers Association (PIRA).
4. Car emissions must be assessed for their effects to air pollution. Results of the car emission test are attached to the registration document. I find it weird that after the emission test, the tester has his photo taken beside the car's muffler wearing a gas mask. Any person in his right mind will not crouch down by a running car's muffler... for any reason.
5. Outside the Calamba Extension Office of the LTO, have the vehicle's under-the-hood numbers stenciled only by the "authorised" staff; otherwise, you'll be paying double.
6. Once the MV Evaluator has checked the car's documents (LTO form with the stencil, car insurance, emission test result, copy of the CR and the OR), just stay in the waiting area while the paper goes into the queue. You're name will be called over the PA system.
7. If you're lucky, the car stickers for the current year are available and you don't have to go back to the LTO until next year.

My trip to the LTO this time around was definitely less stressful than when I had my driver's license corrected and renewed.