An Affidavit of Conversion for a vehicle usually costs about ₱100 to ₱500 when the document is already prepared and only needs notarization. When a lawyer or notary must draft the affidavit, verify supporting documents, or prepare a joint affidavit involving the owner and body builder, the cost may be ₱500 to ₱1,500 or more. These amounts cover only the affidavit—not the Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) clearance, vehicle inspection, insurance, emissions testing, LTO charges, fabrication work, or penalties for late registration.

For the entire process of recording a straightforward vehicle body conversion with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), a practical working budget is often ₱1,500 to ₱4,000, excluding the actual cost of the sidecar, replacement body, parts, and labor. Complicated cases involving rebuilt vehicles, undocumented parts, financing, or record discrepancies can cost considerably more.

What Is an Affidavit of Conversion for a Vehicle?

“Affidavit of Conversion” is a commonly used description, but it is not always the exact name appearing in the LTO checklist.

Depending on what was changed, the document may be called:

Affidavit of Change Body/Body Design
Joint Affidavit of Change Body/Body Design
Affidavit of Attachment, commonly used for a motorcycle fitted with a sidecar
Affidavit supporting a change of denomination or classification
Affidavit stating the source of the replacement body, materials, or attached component

The current LTO Citizen’s Charter refers to an Affidavit of Change Body/Body Design indicating the source of the body as one of the requirements for this type of transaction. It also requires supporting inspection and clearance documents, including a PNP-HPG Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificate and a Motor Vehicle Inspection Report. (Land Transportation Office)

The affidavit is a sworn statement explaining:

Who owns the vehicle
What part of the vehicle was changed
When and where the conversion was performed
Who performed the work
Where the replacement body, sidecar, or materials came from
Why the owner is requesting the LTO to update the vehicle record

The affidavit does not by itself legalize the modification. The conversion becomes properly reflected in the registration records only after the LTO approves the transaction and issues or updates the Certificate of Registration.

How Much Does the Affidavit and LTO Process Cost?

There is no single nationwide package price because the expenses come from several offices and service providers.

Expense	Practical cost estimate	Important note
Notarization of a prepared affidavit	₱100–₱500	Varies by city, notary, and number of signatories
Drafting and notarization	₱500–₱1,500+	May be higher for joint affidavits or complicated vehicle histories
Printing and photocopies	₱20–₱100	Bring several copies of the OR, CR, IDs, receipts, and affidavit
PNP-HPG clearance-related charges	Often around ₱500, plus incidentals	Published guides commonly identify separate inspection and change-body charges; verify the current assessment at the HPG office
LTO change-body inspection line item	₱50 for vehicles up to 4,500 kg GVW; ₱75 above 4,500 kg GVW	This is only one inspection fee, not the total LTO bill
Emissions test or applicable inspection	Varies	Depends on vehicle type and current registration status
Insurance or COC	Varies	A valid Compulsory Third-Party Liability policy may be required
Penalties and arrears	Varies widely	Applies when registration is expired or previous transactions remain unsettled
Actual fabrication, body replacement, or sidecar	Not included	Usually the largest expense

The Supreme Court’s notarial rules require the signer to appear personally before the notary, present competent proof of identity, sign or acknowledge the document properly, and take an oath when the document uses a jurat. The notary’s service is separate from the government fees collected by the LTO or PNP-HPG. (Supreme Court of the Philippines)

Published consumer guides commonly place ordinary affidavit costs within the ₱100-to-₱500 range, although drafting, multiple signatories, supporting-document review, and urgent service can increase the price. (Philippine Lawyers)

Practical total budget

The following figures are planning estimates rather than official fixed tariffs:

Simple affidavit only: ₱100–₱500
Drafted or joint affidavit: ₱500–₱1,500+
Straightforward motorcycle-sidecar or body-design transaction: approximately ₱1,500–₱4,000, excluding fabrication
Car, utility vehicle, truck, or rebuilt-body transaction: approximately ₱3,000–₱10,000 or more, excluding parts and labor

The total rises when there are missing receipts, conflicting engine or chassis details, an expired registration, an outstanding chattel mortgage, or a need to obtain additional certifications.

Legal Basis for Recording a Vehicle Conversion

Republic Act No. 4136

The primary law governing motor vehicle registration is Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

RA 4136 requires motor vehicles used on public highways to be properly registered. It also authorizes the registration and classification of vehicles according to their construction, carrying capacity, body design, and actual use.

The law recognizes that a vehicle with a changed or rebuilt body may need to be classified based on its new capacity and intended use. It also prohibits tampering with identifying details such as motor numbers. A discrepancy involving the engine or chassis number can therefore result in additional verification or refusal of registration until the issue is resolved. (Lawphil)

Republic Act No. 10883

Republic Act No. 10883, the New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016, is also relevant because it regulates activities involving motor vehicle bodies, engines, chassis, and identifying components.

The law’s treatment of body building and vehicle components explains why the LTO and PNP-HPG require proof showing where a replacement body or major component came from. The purpose is not merely administrative. Traceable records help prevent stolen vehicles and parts from being disguised through reconstruction or alteration. (Lawphil)

Rules on Notarization

An affidavit is sworn under oath. Under the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice, the person making the affidavit—the affiant—must ordinarily:

Appear personally before the notary
Present an acceptable government-issued identification document
Sign in the notary’s presence when a jurat is required
Swear or affirm that the statements are true
Enter the transaction in the notarial register

A notarized affidavit signed without the affiant’s personal appearance may be rejected and can expose the parties and notary to legal consequences. (Supreme Court of the Philippines)

What Should the Affidavit Contain?

A properly prepared affidavit normally includes:

Full name, citizenship, civil status, and address of the registered owner
Vehicle description, including:
- Plate number
- Make and model
- Year model
- Color
- Engine number
- Chassis number
- Current body type or classification
Exact modification performed
Date and place of conversion
Name and address of the body builder, mechanic, or fabricator
Source of the replacement body, sidecar, materials, or major parts
Reference to receipts, invoices, or certificates of ownership
Statement that the modification was not made to conceal the vehicle’s identity
Request that the LTO update the vehicle’s registration particulars
Jurat and notarial details

The vehicle information must match the Certificate of Registration exactly. A single wrong digit in the engine or chassis number can delay the PNP-HPG clearance or LTO evaluation.

For some transactions, the LTO may require a joint affidavit signed by both the registered owner and the body builder. This is more common when the body was fabricated or replaced rather than merely fitted with a detachable accessory.

Documents Commonly Required by the LTO

Requirements may differ slightly according to the vehicle, modification, and LTO office. A typical change-body or body-design application may require the following:

Document	Purpose
Original Certificate of Registration or Certificate of Registration Encumbered	Establishes registered ownership and current vehicle details
Latest Official Receipt	Shows the latest registration payment
Affidavit of Change Body/Body Design	Explains and supports the modification
Receipt or invoice for the replacement body or materials	Establishes the legitimate source
Body builder’s certification or joint affidavit	Identifies who performed the conversion
PNP-HPG Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificate	Confirms that the vehicle and identifying numbers passed verification
Motor Vehicle Inspection Report	Records the vehicle’s physical condition and new body configuration
Valid insurance COC	Supports registration or renewal requirements
Emissions compliance document, when applicable	Confirms compliance with applicable emissions requirements
Owner’s valid government-issued ID	Used for identification and notarization
Financing company’s written conformity	Often required when the CR is encumbered
LTFRB or local transport documents	May be required for public-utility or for-hire use
Special Power of Attorney	Needed when an authorized representative processes the transaction

The latest checklist should be confirmed through the LTO Citizen’s Charter or the LTO office that will handle the transaction because documentary requirements and electronic verification procedures can be updated.

Step-by-Step Process for Registering the Conversion

1. Identify the correct LTO transaction

Do not assume that every modification is processed as “change body.”

For example:

Motorcycle plus sidecar may require an Affidavit of Attachment
A change from solo motorcycle to motorcycle with sidecar may also involve change of denomination or classification
Replacement of an entire jeep, van, or truck body normally falls under change body/body design
Conversion to a for-hire vehicle may involve a separate classification and franchise issue

Using the wrong affidavit title is a common reason applicants have to return to the notary.

2. Gather proof of the component’s source

Keep the original:

Sales invoice
Official receipt
Delivery receipt
Deed of sale
Body-builder invoice
Certification identifying the materials used

A handwritten receipt without the seller’s complete identity may not be enough, particularly when an entire body or major assembly was replaced.

3. Prepare the affidavit

The affidavit should describe the actual modification precisely. Avoid vague statements such as “the vehicle was converted” without explaining what changed.

Where the LTO requires both the owner and fabricator to confirm the work, prepare a joint affidavit and ensure that both signatories can appear before the notary.

4. Have the affidavit notarized

Bring:

The unsigned affidavit, unless the notary instructed otherwise
Original government-issued ID
Photocopy of the ID
Original OR and CR
Receipts or invoices supporting the conversion
The body builder or second affiant, if it is a joint affidavit

Traditional paper notarization remains valid even after the introduction of electronic-notarization rules. A wet-signed paper affidavit continues to be governed by the regular notarial rules. (Supreme Court of the Philippines)

5. Obtain PNP-HPG motor vehicle clearance

The vehicle must normally be presented for physical inspection. HPG personnel may verify:

Engine number
Chassis number
Plate and registration records
Signs of tampering
Source documents for the body or component
Whether the vehicle appears in alarm or stolen-vehicle records

Published procedural guides indicate that straightforward clearance applications commonly take around one to three working days, although record discrepancies or laboratory verification can extend the process. (LTO Portal PH)

6. Complete the required vehicle inspection

The vehicle must be inspected in its converted form. The LTO’s current inspection schedule lists a change-body-design inspection fee of ₱50 for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of not more than 4,500 kilograms and ₱75 for heavier vehicles. Additional inspection, testing, computer, or registration charges may still apply. (Land Transportation Office)

7. Submit the application to the LTO

Present the complete documents to the evaluator. The LTO will assess the transaction based on the vehicle type, registration status, inspection results, and any outstanding penalties.

Pay only the amount shown in the official assessment and obtain an official receipt.

8. Check the updated registration record

Before leaving, verify that the updated Certificate of Registration correctly states:

Body type
Classification or denomination
Color, when changed
Seating or carrying capacity, when applicable
Engine and chassis numbers
Owner’s name and address

Errors should be reported immediately. Correcting them later may require another affidavit or supporting documents.

How Long Does the Process Take?

A realistic timeline for a complete and uncomplicated application is:

Stage	Typical practical timeline
Preparing and notarizing the affidavit	Same day
Securing supporting receipts or certifications	Same day to several days
PNP-HPG inspection and clearance	About 1–3 working days in straightforward cases
LTO inspection and evaluation	Often completed within the day when documents are complete
Overall practical timeline	Approximately 3–10 working days

The process may take several weeks when:

Engine or chassis numbers are difficult to read
Registration records do not match the vehicle
The source of the replacement body cannot be documented
The vehicle is encumbered and the financing company’s consent is pending
The registration has been expired for several years
The vehicle is subject to an alarm, hold order, or ownership dispute
The modification requires additional technical evaluation

Common Mistakes That Increase the Cost

Using a generic affidavit downloaded online

A generic “affidavit of conversion” may omit the source of the body, the fabricator’s identity, or the exact LTO transaction requested. Paying for a second affidavit can be avoided by obtaining the LTO checklist first.

Failing to preserve receipts

The source of a replacement body or sidecar is a central part of the transaction. Ask the seller or fabricator for a proper receipt containing the date, item description, amount, and seller’s identifying information.

Converting a financed vehicle without consent

When the Certificate of Registration is marked encumbered, the financing company or bank has a registered interest in the vehicle. The LTO may require written conformity or a certification that the creditor has no objection to the modification.

Allowing someone other than the registered owner to sign

The person named in the CR should normally execute the affidavit. A buyer who has not completed the transfer of ownership may first need to settle the transfer documents or establish authority from the registered owner.

Signing without appearing before the notary

Personal appearance is an essential part of valid notarization. Sending a signed affidavit through a fixer, messenger, or online chat does not satisfy the ordinary jurat requirements.

Altering the vehicle before documenting the parts

It is much easier to prove the source of materials while invoices, photographs, body-builder records, and original parts are still available.

Assuming LTO registration authorizes for-hire operations

Changing the body classification to motorcycle with sidecar or another passenger-carrying configuration does not automatically grant authority to operate for compensation. Tricycles and other public-utility vehicles may need a local franchise, Motorized Tricycle Operator’s Permit, or other transport authority, depending on the route and vehicle category.

Special Rules for Motorcycles Converted to Tricycles

For a motorcycle fitted with a sidecar, the required sworn document may be called an Affidavit of Attachment rather than an Affidavit of Conversion.

The LTO may ask for:

Motorcycle OR and CR
Receipt or proof of ownership of the sidecar
Affidavit of Attachment
Identification or certification from the mechanic or sidecar builder
Inspection report
Insurance appropriate to the registered configuration
Change of denomination or classification documents

Current LTO materials separately recognize transactions involving motorcycles with sidecars, so applicants should use the terminology appearing in the branch checklist instead of relying solely on a generic affidavit. (Land Transportation Office)

Registration as a motorcycle with sidecar is also separate from permission to operate as a public tricycle. Local government franchise and route requirements must still be satisfied.

Foreign Vehicle Owners and Owners Living Abroad

A foreign national may own a motor vehicle in the Philippines because a vehicle is personal property, not land. Constitutional restrictions on foreign ownership of Philippine land do not apply to ordinary vehicle ownership.

However, the LTO may require consistent identification, address, visa, Alien Certificate of Registration, tax-identification, or registration records depending on the transaction.

When the registered owner is outside the Philippines, the owner may need to execute:

The required affidavit abroad
A Special Power of Attorney authorizing a representative in the Philippines
Copies of the owner’s passport and identification documents

Under Article 17 of the Civil Code, the formalities of a public instrument generally follow the law of the place where it is executed. Documents executed before Philippine diplomatic or consular officials follow Philippine formalities. (Lawphil)

For a document signed in a country that is a party to the Apostille Convention, the usual process is:

Sign before a qualified local notary.
Obtain an apostille from the country’s competent authority.
Send the original apostilled document to the Philippines.
Submit it with the owner’s identification and the representative’s authority.

Since May 14, 2019, qualifying foreign public documents apostilled in participating countries generally no longer require authentication by a Philippine embassy or consulate. Documents from non-Apostille countries may still require the applicable authentication or legalization procedure. (Philippine Embassy in New Delhi)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ₱100 enough for an Affidavit of Conversion?

It may be enough for simple notarization when the affidavit is already correctly prepared. Expect a higher charge when the notary must draft or substantially revise the document.

Is there a fixed nationwide price?

There is no single LTO package price for the affidavit. Notarial charges, drafting fees, HPG expenses, testing fees, and LTO assessments are separate and may vary by location and vehicle.

Can I prepare the affidavit myself?

Yes, but it must contain accurate vehicle details and satisfy the particular LTO checklist. A self-prepared affidavit that uses the wrong transaction name or omits the source of the body may be rejected.

Does the notarial fee include LTO and HPG charges?

No. The notarial fee pays for preparing or notarizing the affidavit. PNP-HPG clearance, inspections, emissions testing, insurance, penalties, and LTO charges are paid separately.

Do I always need PNP-HPG clearance?

The current LTO checklist for change of body or body design generally requires a PNP-HPG Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificate. The precise requirement should be confirmed for the vehicle and transaction involved.

What if I converted a motorcycle into a tricycle?

The document may be an Affidavit of Attachment, and the LTO transaction may include change of body, denomination, or classification. For-hire use also requires the appropriate local operating authority.

Can a representative process the application?

A representative may generally process documents when properly authorized, but the registered owner must still personally execute the affidavit before a notary. The LTO may require an original notarized Special Power of Attorney and copies of both parties’ IDs.

Can the owner sign the affidavit abroad?

Yes. It may be notarized before a Philippine consular officer or executed before a local notary and apostilled when the country follows the Apostille Convention. The original authenticated document is ordinarily submitted in the Philippines.

What if the vehicle is still under financing?

Obtain the financing company’s written conformity or no-objection certification before proceeding. Altering an encumbered vehicle without the creditor’s approval can delay the registration transaction and may violate the financing agreement.

Can I use the converted vehicle before the CR is updated?

Operating a vehicle whose physical configuration does not match its registration record can cause problems during roadside inspection, insurance claims, renewal, or transfer of ownership. Complete the inspection and registration update before regularly using the converted configuration on public roads.

Key Takeaways

A basic notarized vehicle-conversion affidavit commonly costs ₱100 to ₱500.
Drafting, revisions, or a joint affidavit may increase the cost to ₱500 to ₱1,500 or more.
The affidavit is only one requirement; it does not include HPG clearance, inspection, insurance, emissions testing, LTO charges, fabrication, or penalties.
A straightforward complete transaction may require a working budget of approximately ₱1,500 to ₱4,000, excluding the actual conversion work.
The LTO may call the document an Affidavit of Change Body/Body Design, Joint Affidavit, or Affidavit of Attachment, depending on the modification.
Preserve invoices and receipts showing the legitimate source of the replacement body, sidecar, or materials.
Confirm that the engine and chassis numbers in the affidavit exactly match the vehicle and its registration records.
The registered owner must ordinarily appear personally before the notary with valid identification.
PNP-HPG clearance and physical inspection are central parts of the process.
The conversion is not fully regularized until the LTO approves the transaction and updates the Certificate of Registration.