LTO clears decade-long license plate backlog

The decade-long backlog in the issuance of vehicle license plates has finally been resolved, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon announced Tuesday.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) central office, Dizon said the agency ramped up plate production in the past two years. As of June 30, 2025, a total of 18,578,612 license plates had been produced — effectively eliminating the backlog that began in 2014.

More than seven million of these plates have already been distributed to registered vehicle owners, Dizon added.

LTO Assistant Secretary and Chief Atty. Greg G. Pua also confirmed that the agency fulfilled its commitment to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to clear the license plate backlog for both motorcycles and four-wheel vehicles by June 2025.

“To borrow a quote from our LTO Chief, Asec (Vigor) Mendoza: ‘Sa Bagong Pilipinas, lahat may plaka na,’” Pua said.

Asec. Mendoza had previously assured President Marcos of the agency's capability to eliminate the backlog after the Chief Executive promised full institutional support during a Malacañang meeting last year.

“The President’s instruction was clear: Fast-track the plate production to address the problem and that we should not disappoint the Filipino people,” Mendoza was quoted as saying after that meeting.

On 30 June, the LTO officially reached its target, producing a total of 18,578,612 plates, which includes both backlogged and current requirements. This covers 11,815,068 motorcycle plates and 6,763,544 motor vehicle plates (equivalent to 3,381,772 pairs).

“This significant accomplishment, which surpassed the expectations of everybody, is a team effort, with the dedication and perseverance of our Plate Making Plant,” Pua said.

The backlog, which started in 2014, worsened over the years due to procurement issues and resource limitations, leading to millions of undelivered plates nationwide.

With the production milestone now achieved, Pua said the LTO is moving forward with the full-scale delivery of license plates to affected motorists.

“On behalf of the men and women of Team LTO, we express our gratitude to our very supportive President Marcos, who personally followed up to resolve this issue, and to Secretary Dizon for his vital inputs that helped speed up the solution,” he said.

“And with this task finally completed, we assure our millions of clients that we will also fast-track the delivery process and will continue to find ways to improve it,” Pua added.