Chassis modification is one of the things that the Land Transportation Office (LTO) generally doesn’t allow. After all, most cars have rigid dimensions and modifications that change the dimension and weight of the chassis and wheelbase may affect its handling. Changing the chassis of the motor vehicle may also cause the chassis to flex in weird places if the modification compromises its rigidity and structural integrity.
However, changing the chassis is something that some car enthusiasts like to do. Whatever their reason for doing so, chassis modifications are being done in many places, so the LTO makes it a point to require registration and run official physical inspection and testing to guarantee roadworthiness and a safe experience and environment for drivers, passengers, and operators.
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The car’s chassis, or frame, refers to the very foundation for every other component that the motor vehicle carries. It serves as the basis where everything else is built on and could be either a unibody or a body-on-frame style. Despite its functionality, the chassis, especially its parts, are often neglected unless there’s a broken or badly worn part.
As the chassis the car handling and consequently the torsional rigidity and stability of the vehicle, worn out steering and suspension parts of the chassis may cause potential dangers to both drivers and pedestrians. Before that happens, the chassis needs to be modified, changed, or replaced. In some cases chassis modification is simply a result of personal preferences and aesthetics.
Whatever the reason is for your interest in changing your car’s chassis, it’s best to remember that these changes need permission from the LTO. Hence, it needs to be applied before you can drive the car on public roads again.
Being able to change your vehicle’s chassis at will means enjoying the following benefits:
Just like when making any other type of motor vehicle (MV) modifications, changing the chassis of a motor vehicle is allowed to anyone who owns a registered motor vehicle and who intends to change chassis for whatever reason. These changes are allowed by LTO, provided that those who are requesting for such change can present all the requirements and have the ability to pay all the relevant LTO fees.
Car modifications resulting in changes in the car’s chassis may be allowed, but it has to be declared and permitted by the LTO. As such, the car owners need to prepare and submit the following list of documents, depending on the class of the vehicles they own and other conditions.
The basic requirements for application for chassis modification in LTO includes:
The need for additional documents may vary depending on the class of change the car as well as other conditions regarding the motor vehicle being modified.
In such cases, there are additional requirements listed as follows:
Changing your vehicle’s chassis isn’t simple. It’s typically overlooked during maintenance but it does serve as one of the vehicle’s most important parts. Like other LTO transactions, however, chassis modification or changes requires submission of the documentary requirements mentioned above and execution of the step-by-step procedure listed below:
Step 1: Visit the LTO Office closest to you.
Step 2: Secure a queue number at the LTO officer-in-charge and wait for your turn.
Step 3: Once your number is called, proceed to the transaction counters.
Step 4: Submit all the required documents to the Evaluator for evaluation and computation of fees.
Step 5: Once the evaluation is completed, get the actual inspection of motor vehicles with duly accomplished Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR) done.
Step 6: Once the MVIR is ready, proceed to the queue for the cashier window and wait for your turn.
Step 7: Once your name is called, pay for the necessary fees and secure an Official Receipt (OR).
Step 8: Once done, proceed to the Releasing Counter.
Step 9: Present the OR to get the new Certificate of Registration (CR), plates, stickers, and other requested documents.
Step 10: Once you have received the CR and other relevant documents, signs in the CR log book.
Filing for a change in chassis for your motor vehicle can be done in any LTO Office, district, or extension offices, whichever is more convenient.
The procedures for engine swap for motor vehicles in LTO will require applicants to pay the following:
For your reference, here are some things you need to remember when applying for a permit to change chassis:
You can learn more about the procedures on how to change chassis in LTO by watching this video from Mivec Man Challenge.
