Renewing one's license is a priority for every motorist. If you hit the road with an expired license, you'll face not only penalties but also legal repercussions.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) made major changes to make driver’s license renewal in the Philippines easier. For instance, the LTO now issues licenses with 10-year validity, which means fewer trips to the LTO office in the future.
However, due to an ongoing shortage of plastic license cards, the LTO currently issues temporary paper driver's licenses in the Philippines. But what is a temporary driver's license? Is a temporary driver's license valid?
Yes, you can drive with a temporary paper license. If the office which processed your license renewal has run out of the plastic card, they'll print out the official receipt with its unique QR code and the driver's license on the back.[1]
Soon, an electronic or digital version will replace the temporary driver's license and serve as an alternative to the physical license card, according to the LTO.[2]
In the meantime, here are some of the things you need to know about driver’s license renewal in the Philippines.
Who is Eligible for the 10-Year License?
Under Republic Act 10930, driver’s license holders without recorded traffic violations will be granted licenses valid for 10 years. On the other hand, drivers with recorded traffic violations will be issued licenses with only a five-year validity.
Regardless of the driver’s license validity, every applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements for renewal:
- Holder of a non-professional, professional, or conductor’s license that is not expired for more than two years
- Leaving the country soon and holder of a non-professional, professional, or conductor’s license which is due for renewal within one year
Applicants with a delinquent driver’s license must be physically and mentally fit to drive a motor vehicle. They must also pass the written and practical examinations.
What are the Driver’s License Renewal Requirements?
📌 License Renewal Requirements for Local Applicants
- Duly accomplished application form
- Original and photocopy of government-issued ID that bears your picture and signature
- Original driver’s license
- Copy of the medical examination certificate (only electronically transmitted to the LTO by an accredited clinic)
- Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) Certificate[3]
📌 License Renewal Requirements for Local Applicants with an Expired License for Over Two Years
- Duly accomplished application form
- Copy of the medical examination certificate (only electronically transmitted to the LTO by an accredited clinic)
- Original expired driver’s/conductor’s license
📌 License Renewal Requirements for OFWs
- Duly accomplished application form
- Photocopy of passport covering the following areas: first page, visa page, and departure in the Philippines and latest arrival overseas
- Within 30 days of arrival at the office where the renewal was made, the applicant has to provide the following:
- Copy of the medical examination certificate (only electronically transmitted to the LTO by an accredited clinic)
- Photocopy of passport (first and arrival pages)
- Original manual Official Receipt (OR)
How to Renew Your Driver’s License in the Philippines in 2023
Generally, there are two ways you can renew your driver’s license: via a physical LTO office or online. But if you’re an OFW or have a delinquent driver’s license, you’ll have to follow a different set of steps.
👉 Walk-In Application Steps for Driver’s License Renewal
- Make sure you have an account on the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) portal. Otherwise, sign up here.[4]
- Take the CDE Online Validation Exam on the LTMS Portal. To access the online exam, log in to the portal, click the E-Learning tab on the top menu, and then select CDE Online Validation Exam.
- If you get a passing score (at least 20 correct answers out of 25 questions), print out your CDE certificate.
- Visit the nearest LTO branch. Get a queue number and wait for your number to be called.
- Once you're called, show your driver’s license ID and CDE certificate to the person in charge or LTO officer in the first window. You’ll receive a document for the next step, which is the medical exam.
- Go to the medical exam kiosk, show the paper to the officer in charge, and wait for your turn.
- Return to the LTO officer desk for the processing of your renewal together with your medical results.
- At the front desk, the officer will require you to log in on the LTMS Portal using the public computer to verify your details. Update any information as needed. Don’t click Remember Username as your account might still be logged in by the time the next applicant uses the computer. Once you finish verifying your information with the officer, click the Log Out button.
- Wait for your turn for your biometrics and headshot picture-taking. You may choose to retain your current photo as well.
- Wait for the release of your driver's license card.
If you’re a senior citizen, PWD, or pregnant woman, take advantage of the special or priority lane. It will take about only 20 to 30 minutes tops, depending on the queue.
Otherwise, the process could take about an hour or more, especially if you come during peak hours. It’s best to line up before the opening hours to avoid the crowd.
👉 How to Book an Online Appointment for LTO Driver’s License Renewal Application
- Log in to your LTMS account.
- Take the CDE Online Validation Exam on the LTMS Portal. To access the online exam, click the E-Learning tab on the top menu, and then select CDE Online Validation Exam.
- If you get a passing score (at least 20 correct answers out of 25 questions), download your CDE certificate.
- On your LTMS dashboard, click Licensing.
- Read through the LTMS Terms of Use. Once you’re done, click Accept.
- You’ll be directed to the online application form. Choose Driver’s License for License Classification.
- Click Add Medical Certificate. Input your Medical Certificate Number. You'll also have to upload a copy of your CDE certificate.
- Click Verify. Select Renewal for the type of application.
- Click the Next button. On the next page, select your desired appointment schedule and LTO branch.
- Pay the renewal fees via your chosen payment channel.
👉 Driver’s License Renewal Steps for OFWs
- Have your authorized representative go to the nearest LTO branch. They’ll then get a queue number and wait for their number to be called.
- Once the authorized representative is called, they will submit all the requirements.
- The authorized representative then proceeds to the cashier to pay the fees.
- The authorized representative will then receive the official receipt that will serve as the temporary driver’s license.
- Within 30 days of your return to the Philippines, submit all the remaining requirements, which include the online medical certificate, photocopy of passport, and the original receipt.
- Have your photo and biometrics taken.
- Get your Driver’s License card.
👉 License Renewal Steps for Applicants with a Delinquent Driver’s License
- Head to your preferred LTO branch. Get your queue number and wait to be called.
- Once called, submit all the requirements.
- Proceed to the cashier to pay the fees.
- Take the written examination. If you pass, you’ll proceed to the actual driving test. But if you fail, you’ll receive a computer-generated letter, prompting you to come back the following day at your convenience.
- Take the actual driving test. If you pass, you’ll be asked to complete the rest of the steps.
- Proceed to the cashier to pay the required fees.
- Proceed to the biometric/encoding window. Fill out the form for the encoding of your complete details in the LTO-IT system.
- Get your official receipt and Driver’s License card.
How Much is the Renewal of Driver’s License?
The LTO fees you’ll need to pay will depend on the type of license to be renewed and the type of applicant you are. Here are the driver’s license renewal fees in the Philippines.
💸 Driver’s License Renewal Fees for Local Applicants
💸 Driver’s License Renewal Fees for OFWs
Where Can I Renew My Driver’s License in the Philippines?
The processing of driver’s license renewal applications is available at the following offices:
- LTO Central Office (License Section)
- LTO Licensing Centers
- Authorized District Offices or Extension Offices
Read more: Drivers’ Directory: Complete List of LTO Branches in Metro Manila
Tips to Make Your Driver’s License Renewal Safer and More Efficient
If you want to fast-track your driver’s license renewal, you may keep the following in mind. Some of these tips will also help you stay safe while you’re outdoors.
✔️ Settle Past Traffic Violations
Before you head to an LTO branch for your driver’s license renewal, see to it that all your traffic violations have been settled. Pay all your fines ahead of time. Settling the fees on the day of your renewal will just delay the entire process.
To check your unsettled violations online, log in to your account at the LTO online portal. Then click the Violations icon. You'll see your demerit points and unsettled apprehensions. If the system shows 0 Points and NO UNSETTLED APPREHENSIONS FOUND, congratulations! That means you're qualified for the 10-year driver's license validity.
✔️ Double-Check Your Documents
If you’re a walk-in applicant, fill out your application form in advance. That way, you can save time and move on to the next step of your renewal. After filling out your form, double-check the details. Any inconsistencies and inaccuracies will delay your application.
✔️ Schedule Your Medical Exam in Advance
A medical certificate is one of the driver’s license renewal requirements. Typically, driver's license applicants get a medical certificate when they undergo a medical examination on the day of their license renewal.
To avoid standing in a long line, schedule your medical exam in advance. A few days before your appointment date, undergo a medical check-up at an LTO-accredited clinic.[5] Getting a medical certificate for your driver's license renewal in the Philippines will cost you ₱500.
Note that the LTO has done away with the periodic medical exams every fourth and seventh year for licenses with 10-year validity, and every third year for those with a five-year validity. Now, applicants need only take the medical exam within 60 days prior to or on the day of the license renewal.
Photo: Land Transportation Office - Philippines (Facebook)
✔️ Bring Some Snacks and Water
You’ll never know how long the queue will be. Moreover, you don’t have any idea of how long each renewal step will take. Be prepared by bringing snacks and refreshments with you. A bottle of water and some crackers will suffice.
✔️ Avoid Fixers at All Costs
The whole driver’s renewal process may be quite tedious, but that’s no excuse to get a fixer. Working with a fixer isn’t just an added cost—it’s one way of encouraging and perpetuating corruption. You also run the risk of facing legal repercussions in case you get caught.
Final Thoughts
As the license now has 10-year validity (provided that you have an untarnished driving record), it's the best time to apply for a driver’s license renewal. While the LTO has implemented some improvements in the renewal process, you must still manage your expectations and plan things well. You might just get your hands on your new driver’s license sooner than expected.
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Sources:
- [1] 'Papel na muna': LTO to issue temporary driver's license amid low supply of plastic cards (Philippine Star, 2023)
- [2] LTO to launch digital driver's license (GMA News Online, May 2023)
- [3] Drivers Now Required to Take Driver’s Education Upon License Renewal (Inquirer.net, 2021)
- [4] Land Transportation Management System Portal
- [5] LTO-Accredited Clinics
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