In the Philippines, a license plate is more than just an identification marker; it is a state-issued security device. Operating a motorcycle without a visible, authorized plate—or using a makeshift "improvised" plate without proper legal cover—is a violation of Republic Act No. 4136 (The Land Transportation and Traffic Code) and RA 11235 (The Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act).

If your motorcycle plate is lost or stolen, you must follow a specific legal protocol to remain compliant with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Phase 1: Immediate Legal Documentation

The moment a plate is discovered missing, the registered owner must establish a legal paper trail to prevent liability in case the lost plate is used for criminal activities.

Affidavit of Loss: Visit a notary public to execute an Affidavit of Loss. This document must detail the circumstances of the loss (e.g., when you noticed it missing, where it likely occurred) and include the motorcycle’s technical details (Make, Model, Engine Number, Chassis Number, and Plate Number).
Police Blotter: Report the loss to the nearest police station under whose jurisdiction the plate was lost. Secure a Police Report or a certified copy of the blotter entry. This is crucial for verifying that the loss was bona fide and not an attempt to circumvent law enforcement.

Phase 2: Requirements for Application

Once the legal declarations are in hand, the owner must gather the following documents for submission to the LTO District Office where the motorcycle is currently registered:

Original Copy of the Affidavit of Loss (Notarized).
Original Police Report.
Latest Original LTO Official Receipt (OR) and Certificate of Registration (CR). * Note: If the motorcycle is still under financing, a certified true copy of the CR and a letter of consent from the financing company are required.
Certified Copy of Valid ID of the registered owner.
Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR): The motorcycle must be physically inspected by an LTO officer at the district office to verify its identity via stenciling (macro-etching of the engine and chassis).

Phase 3: The Filing Process

The procedure generally follows these steps at the LTO:

Verification: Submit the documents to the transaction counter for verification of the motorcycle’s records in the LTO database.
Payment of Fees: Upon approval, pay the required fees at the cashier. These typically include the Replacement Plate Fee, Certification Fee, and a small Duplicate Plate Fee.
Issuance of "Authority to Use Improvised Plate": Because the production of the official replacement plate takes time, the LTO will issue a formal Authority to Use Improvised Plate.

Important: It is illegal to use a homemade or "fancy" plate without this specific written authority from the LTO. The authority is usually valid for a set period (often 90 days) and must be renewed if the permanent plate is still unavailable.

Legal Standards for Improvised Plates

When the LTO grants the authority to use an improvised plate, the plate must follow a standardized format to avoid "Unregistered" or "Illegal Plate" citations:

It must prominently display the Plate Number.
It must include the phrase "Improvised Plate".
It must list the Expiry Date of the Authority to Use.
The document granting authority must be carried by the rider at all times.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to report a lost plate or operating with an unauthorized improvised plate carries heavy penalties under current Philippine law:

RA 4136: Fines for "driving with an improperly displayed or missing plate."
RA 11235 (Doble Plaka Law): This law imposes significantly higher fines (ranging from ₱50,000 to ₱100,000) and potential imprisonment for failure to report a lost plate within 24 hours, or for operating a motorcycle without the required number plates.

Key Summary Table

Step	Action	Agency/Office
1	Execute Affidavit of Loss	Notary Public
2	File Police Report	PNP (Police Station)
3	Undergo Inspection (MVIR)	LTO District Office
4	Pay Replacement Fees	LTO Cashier
5	Secure Authority to Use Improvised Plate	LTO Transaction Counter