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Applying for Your Driver’s License Renewal? Read This Guide First

Renewing the driver’s license is a priority that every motorist must do. If you keep hitting the road with an expired license, you may face not only penalties but also legal repercussions.

Driver’s license renewal in the Philippines may be a long and arduous task. But it’s good to know that the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is making major changes to make its processes easier for everyone.

The most exciting change that the LTO has implemented so far is the issuance of licenses with a 10-year validity.^[1] This is good news for motorists, as this simply means fewer trips to the LTO for license renewals in the future. Nevertheless, some conditions are put in place, and it’s worth knowing all the recent modifications that the LTO has applied to its renewal procedure.

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 with licenses that are valid for 10 years. From an outsider’s perspective, this looks like an incentive, which is a good thing.

On the other hand, drivers with recorded traffic violations will be issued with licenses that have only a five-year validity.

Regardless of the driver’s license validity, every applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements for renewal:

• You’re a holder of a non-professional, professional, or conductor’s license that is not expired for more than two years.
• You’re a holder of a non-professional, professional, or conductor’s license who intends to leave the country and the license 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 and have passed the written and practical examination.

What are the Driver’s License Renewal Requirements?

The driver’s license renewal requirements will depend on the type of applicant that you are. Take a look at these three categories and check where you belong.

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^[2]

Requirements for Local Applicants with a Delinquent Driver’s License* 

• 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

*Expired for more than two years

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 upon 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

Generally, there are two ways you can renew your driver’s license: via a physical LTO office or via online. But if you’re an OFW or you have a delinquent driver’s license, you’ll be required to follow a different set of steps.

Walk-In Application Steps for Driver’s License Renewal

1. Get a queue number and wait for your number to be called.
2. Once called, submit your requirements.
3. After the details have been confirmed, proceed to the cashier to pay the fees.
4. Proceed to the biometric/encoding window. Fill out the form for the encoding of your complete details in the new LTO-IT system.
5. Get your official receipt and Driver’s License card.

Online Driver’s License Renewal Application Steps

1. Make sure first that you have an account on the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) portal. Otherwise, sign up here.^[3]
2. Log in to your LTMS account.
3. On your LTMS dashboard, click Licensing.
4. Read through the LTMS Terms of Use. Once you’re done, click the Accept button.
5. You’ll be then directed to the online application form. Choose Driver’s License for License Classification.
6. Click Add Medical Certificate. Then, input your Medical Certificate Number.
7. Click Verify. Then, select Renewal for the type of application.
8. Click the Next button. On the next page, select your desired appointment schedule and LTO branch.  
9. Pay the renewal fees via your chosen payment channel.

Driver’s Licence Renewal Steps for OFWs  

1. 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.
2. Once the authorized representative is called, they will submit all the requirements.
3. The authorized representative then proceeds to the cashier to pay the fees.
4. The authorized representative will then receive the official receipt that will serve as the temporary driver’s license.
5. 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.
6. Have your photo and biometrics taken.
7. Get your Driver’s License card.

Steps for Applicants with a Delinquent Driver’s License

1. Head to your preferred LTO branch. Get your queue number and wait to be called.
2. Once called, submit all the requirements.
3. Proceed to the cashier to pay the fees.
4. 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.
5. Take the actual driving test. If you pass, you’ll be asked to complete the rest of the steps.
6. Proceed to the cashier to pay the required fees.
7. Proceed to the biometric/encoding window. Fill out the form for the encoding of your complete details in the new LTO-IT system.
8. Get your official receipt and Driver’s License card.

How Much is the Driver’s License Renewal Fee?

The LTO fees you’ll need to pay will depend on the type of license to be renewed and the type of applicant that 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?

The processing of your driver’s license renewal application is done at the following offices.

• LTO Central Office (License Section)
• LTO Licensing Centers
• Authorized District Offices or Extension Offices

Read more: Complete List of LTO Branches in Metro Manila

Tips to Make Your Driver’s License Renewal Much 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.

1. Settle Past Traffic Violations

Before you head to a 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.

2. Double-Check Your Documents

If you’re a walk-in applicant, fill out your application form in advance. That way, you’ll be able to save time and move on to the next step of your renewal. After filling out your form, double-check the details that you’ve inputted. Any inconsistencies and inaccuracies will just delay your application

3. Have Your Medical Exam in Advance

A medical certificate is one of the driver’s license renewal requirements. So a few days before your appointment date, undergo a medical check-up at an LTO-accredited clinic.^[4]

4. Bring Some Snacks and Water

You’ll never know how long the queue will be. Moreover, you won’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.

5. Bring Your New Normal Essentials

The pandemic is not over yet, so don’t be complacent when going out. Bring your new normal essentials, such as hand sanitizer, face mask, and face shield. Furthermore, always follow the safety protocols at the LTO branch.

6. Avoid Fixers at All Costs

The whole driver’s renewal process may be quite tedious, but that’s not an excuse to get a fixer. Working with a fixer isn’t just an added cost. It’s one way of encouraging and perpetuating corruption in a government agency. Nevertheless, you’ll run the risk of facing legal repercussions in case you get caught.

Final Thoughts

Now is the best time for a driver’s license renewal, as the new driver’s license has 10-year validity (provided that you have an untarnished driving record). While there have been some improvements on the renewal process (i.e. online application), you must still manage your expectations and plan things well. That way, you’ll be able to get your hands on your new driver’s license sooner than expected.

Get a Free Car Insurance Quote!

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Car Insurance Company	Features
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New India Assurance	10 years of casa eligibility 30 accredited repair shops PHP 3,500,000 maximum total sum insured Overnight accommodation - Yes, up to PHP 1,500 Towing - Yes, up to PHP 4,000 Vehicle removal crane services - Yes, up to PHP 10,000
Prudential Guarantee	10 years of casa eligibility PHP 3,000,000 maximum total sum insured Overnight accommodation - Yes, up to PHP 2,000 Towing - Yes, up to PHP 5,500 Vehicle removal crane services - Yes, up to PHP 15,000
SGI Philippines	5 years of casa eligibility 36 accredited repair shops PHP 5,000,000 maximum total sum insured Overnight accommodation - Yes, up to PHP 2,000 Towing amount - Yes, up to PHP 5,000 Vehicle removal crane services - PHP 10,000
Stronghold Insurance	10 years of casa eligibility 167 accredited repair shops PHP 3,000,000 maximum total sum insured
The Mercantile Insurance Corporation	10 years of casa eligibility 77 accredited repair shops PHP 5,000,000 maximum total sum insured Overnight accommodation - Yes, up to PHP 2,000 Towing - Yes, up to PHP 5,000 Vehicle removal crane services - Yes, up to PHP 10,000

Sources:

• ^[1] LTO Now Issuing Driver’s License Valid for 10 Years (Inquirer.net, 2021)
• ^[2] Drivers Now Required to Take Driver’s Education Upon License Renewal (Inquirer.net, 2021)
• ^[3] Land Transportation Management System Portal
• ^[4] LTO-Accredited Clinics

Moneymax

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