As far as I know there is now (actually since April or so) an exactly defined format (size / letter size etc) for the temporary plates and dealers are required to have these made for you once the registration is complete (at no additional cost). So there really is no need for taking care of this yourself.
That happened to me. Bought a motorbike in Dipolog and wthin one year made a move to Dumaguete with only the temporary plate. Upon renewal after one year LTO in Dumaguete was unable to perform the renewal only after my registration details @LTO in Dipolog were released from the system there and transferred to Dumaguete. I was told that could only be done in person. Later I did hear that just a simple phone call from Dumaguete to Dipolog could also have done the trick. As always, it just depends on with whom you have contact and what his/her own rules to soilve it.
Ive personally, never had a problem taking unregistered vehicles on a RORO, anywhere in this country. Ive never ever worn a helmet on my bikes and ive been all over this country.
Yes go into the store, after 3 months they have your temporary plate number, but they will never contact you to let you know. You then simply carry the temp number cert, then go to one of those guys who will make a number plate for while you wait.
Not looking for a big discussion, but I am 100% sure, all over this country do not include Cebu city, Manilla city, Iloilo city and parts of Midanano where you don't get away without a fine as a foreigner not wearing an helmet while driving a motorbike.
So it seems they can print plastic licences in robinsons now but the lines are long and will only print so many a day. Think i will stick to the bit of paper until next time it need renewing.
Yes, I don’t see any upside to waiting in long lines to replace the paper with the plastic license. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Dumaguete, Ormoc, Caticlan, Batangas, Bacolod, Kalibo, Calapan and Masbate all have ports that require you to have a registration. (Basically any port where the land at the origin and destination isn't owned by the same person/company, the coast guard will be stationed there, will want to see your registration.) You may be able to pay a bribe to circumvent this requirement but it is not a guarantee the person on duty will be willing to accept it. If you want to avoid issues with the coast guard, port authority and/or port security is best to travel with proper documents and a helmet. Also, ferries sink on a regular basis in the Philippines....if your vehicle isn't registered or insured you can pretty much forget about recouping any of that loss. On the helmet: Personally, I wish there wasn't a helmet law anywhere. You WILL eventually have an accident in the Philippines, it is just a matter of time before it happens. If you don't want to protect your head then perhaps it is not worth protecting and the world will be better off without that head making decisions.
I'm simply informing you what I do. I've been doing this since 1984. I'm not here to big note myself. I'm stating that this is what me and my wife do, and Of course I'm very thankful that I don't have to worry about these things, and I'm sorry that others do have to worry, but all my life I really do make make sure that I always tell the truth as well.