Selling a car privately in the Philippines requires a clear set of documents and a formal transfer of registration through the LTO. Getting these in order before listing your car makes the sale faster and protects both you and the buyer.
Official Receipt (OR) and Certificate of Registration (CR)
The Official Receipt (OR) and Certificate of Registration (CR) are the two most important documents for any car sale in the Philippines. The OR proves you paid the annual registration fees; the CR is the vehicle's registration certificate.
- Both must be current: The CR must be renewed annually at the LTO. An expired CR means unpaid registration fees — the buyer cannot transfer ownership until all fees are settled.
- Keep the OR and CR together: They are always presented as a pair. Buyers check both documents first — make sure the name on the CR matches your valid ID.
- Lost OR/CR: If you've lost these documents, apply for a replacement at your LTO branch before selling. This takes time, so do it early.
Deed of Sale
A Deed of Sale is the legal document that formalises the sale and is required by the LTO for the transfer of registration. It must be notarised.
- Notarised: The Deed of Sale must be signed by both parties and notarised by a notary public before it can be submitted to the LTO.
- Contents: Full names, addresses, and IDs of buyer and seller; complete vehicle description (make, model, year, plate number, engine number, chassis number); sale price; date.
- Three copies: One for the LTO, one for the buyer, one for the seller.
Chattel Mortgage Clearance (if applicable)
If you purchased the car on financing, there may be a chattel mortgage registered against the vehicle. This must be fully released before you can sell.
- Check for encumbrances: A chattel mortgage means the financing company has a lien on the vehicle. The buyer cannot transfer the registration until this is cleared.
- Get a Chattel Mortgage Release: Once your loan is paid off, your lender provides a release document. This must be submitted to the LTO to clear the vehicle record.
- Buyers verify this: A careful buyer will check the LTO record for any encumbrances on the vehicle before completing a purchase.
Other important documents
- Valid government-issued ID: Both seller and buyer need valid IDs for the Deed of Sale and LTO transfer.
- PNP Highway Patrol Group clearance: Required in some cases — confirms the vehicle is not reported as stolen.
- Emission test certificate: Required for registration renewal — have a current certificate ready.