LTO Driver’s License Renew Complete Process
LTO Driver’s License Renew. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) issues LTO driver’s licenses to prove permission to drive a motor vehicle in the Philippines. Therefore, it is important to renew expired or expiring driver’s licenses religiously in order to avoid future legal problems.
To renew your LTO license, you must complete the mandatory 15-hour theoretical driving course (TDC) and have an expired or expiring license. Renewal of a driver’s license may seem simple, but it can also be complicated and time-consuming since the LTO needs to ensure that only deserving applicants receive a 10-year license.
Read Also: LTO Driver’s License Restriction Codes Meanings and List
Driver’s License Renewal in the Philippines
Your driver’s license renewal application can be time-consuming. The LTO now issues licenses with five- and ten-year validity instead of three (3), so you don’t have to do this very often. To ensure that only those with sufficient driving skills and a good understanding of road safety and proper road etiquette would be able to renew their licenses, they also placed some conditions along with the longer validity period.
Here are some things you should know and do about the Philippines driver’s license renewal if you’re planning to renew soon.
In the Philippines, renewing a driver’s license involves various fees, which depend on the type of license, the duration of expiration, and specific circumstances. Below, we break down the costs associated with renewing a driver’s license in detail.
LTO Driver’s License Renewal Fees
The Philippines has different fees associated with renewal of driver’s licenses, no matter their classification. The following are some of these costs;
Renewal of Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) or Professional Driver’s License (PDL) for Filipinos in the country and for OFWs:
Plain Renewal Fees:
License Fee: This is the standard renewal fee and costs P 585.00.
Total: The total cost for renewing either a Non-Professional or Professional Driver’s License is P 585.00.
Renewal of One (1) Day to One (1) Year Expired DL Fees:
License Fee: As before, the license fee is P 585.00.
Penalty: If your license has been expired for one day to one year, there is an additional penalty of P 75.00.
Total: The total cost for renewing a license that has been expired for one day to one year is P 660.00.
Renewal of More than One (1) Year to Two (2) Years Expired DL Fees:
License Fee: The standard license fee is P 585.00.
Penalty: If your license has been expired for more than one year up to two years, the penalty increases to P 150.00.
Total: The total cost for renewing a license expired for more than one year up to two years is P 735.00.
Renewal of DL Expired for More than Two (2) Years Fees:
License Fee: The license fee remains at P 585.00.
Penalty: If your license has been expired for more than two years, the penalty is P 225.00.
Application Fee: There’s an additional application fee of P 100.00.
Total: The total cost for renewing a license that has been expired for more than two years is P 910.00.
Other Fees: Change Classification fee: If you wish to change from a Valid Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) to a Professional Driver’s License (PDL), from a valid Professional Driver’s License (PDL) to a Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL), or from an expired NPDL to PDL/PDL to NPDL, there is a Change Classification fee of P 100.00.
Additional Restriction Code (ARC): If you need to add an additional restriction code to your license, there is a fee of P 100.00.
Read Also: LTO Motorcycle Registration Renewal Online Complete Process
Benefits of Renewing LTO Driver’s License
When you opt to renew your LTO driver’s license, you ensure the continuity of your legal authorization to operate a motor vehicle on Philippine roads, safeguarding you against potential legal complications and penalties. Renewing your driver’s license also presents a range of additional benefits:
- Confirmation of Legal Driving Privileges: Your renewed license acts as tangible evidence that you are authorized to drive legally within the Philippines.
- Vehicle-Specific Authorization: It grants you the authority to operate a particular type of vehicle as specified in your renewed license.
- Official Government Identification: Your renewed driver’s license functions as a valid, government-issued identification document, crucial for identifying you in cases of accidents or emergencies.
- Acceptable for Transactions: It serves as an official government-issued ID accepted for various official transactions and dealings.
- Lost Wallet Assistance: Renewing your driver’s license can also aid in the return of your lost wallet, as it often contains your contact information.
Read Also: LTMS Portal Online
Qualifications For LTO Driver’s License Renewal
Whether you are residing in the Philippines or working abroad as an OFW, the process for plain and advanced driver’s license renewal comes with specific eligibility criteria:
To be eligible for renewal, you must meet the following conditions:
- Possess an active driver’s license or one that has expired for not more than two (2) years.
- Be physically fit to operate a motor vehicle.
- Exhibit sound mental faculties necessary for motor vehicle operation.
- Have no outstanding traffic violations.
- Have completed the Driving Enhancement Program (DEP) before the initial renewal of your five (5)-year driver’s license.
In addition
- For holders of driver’s licenses with accumulated five (5) to nine (9) demerit points: Completion of the Driver’s Re-orientation Course is required.
- For holders of driver’s licenses with ten (10) or more but less than forty (40) demerit points: Completion of the Driver’s Re-orientation Course and passing the Theoretical Examination are mandatory.
- For individuals with driver’s licenses expired for over two (2) years and/or having ten (10) or more but less than forty (40) Demerit Points: Successful completion of the Automated Theoretical Examination and Practical Driving Test (for driver’s license), along with fulfilling the Driver’s Re-orientation Course and passing the Theoretical Examination, is necessary.
Requirements for Renewing LTO Driver’s License
To renew your LTO Driver’s License, the following list of prerequisites should be prepared, depending on the type of renewal you are seeking:
Plain Renewal
- Completed Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) Form.
- Original presentation and submission of one (1) photocopy of the electronically transmitted medical certificate from an LTO-accredited medical clinic.
- Electronically Transmitted Certificate of Completion of the Driving Enhancement Program (DEP), if renewing a Driver’s License with five (5) years validity for the first time.
- Original presentation of the Driver’s License, whether expired or not.
- For applicants with five (5) to nine (9) demerit points: Submission of the Certificate of Completion of the Driver’s Re-orientation Course.
- For applicants with ten (10) or more but less than forty (40) demerit points: Submission of the Certificate of Completion of the Driver’s Re-orientation Course and proof of passing the Theoretical Examination.
- For applicants with ten (10) or more but less than forty (40) demerit points and an expired Driver’s License for more than two (2) years: Submission of the Certificate of Completion of the Driver’s Re-orientation Course and proof of passing the Automated Theoretical Examination.
Advance Renewal
- Completed Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) Form.
- Original presentation and submission of one (1) photocopy of the electronically transmitted medical certificate from an LTO-accredited medical clinic.
- Submission of the electronically Transmitted Certificate of Completion of the Driving Enhancement Program (DEP) for the initial renewal of the LTO Driver’s License with five (5) years validity.
- Original presentation of the Driver’s License, whether expired or not.
- For applicants with five (5) to nine (9) demerit points: Submission of the Certificate of Completion of the Driver’s Re-orientation Course.
- For applicants with ten (10) or more but less than forty (40) demerit points: Submission of the Certificate of Completion of the Driver’s Re-orientation Course and proof of passing the Theoretical Examination.
Read Also: LTO Renewal of Car Registration | Online Renewal of a Motor Vehicle License
Renewing Driver’s License for Overseas Filipino Workers and Filipinos Living Abroad
Initial Requirements (for applying for a temporary driver’s license through a representative):
- Present the original Letter of Authority from an authorized representative, granting permission to renew and retrieve the Driver’s License.
- Provide one (1) photocopy of the first page of the passport, visa page, departure record from the Philippines, and the most recent overseas arrival stamp.
- Include photocopies of the current Driver’s License and the Driver’s License Receipt (if available).
Additional Requirements (to be completed upon the license holder’s return to the Philippines):
- Undergo a mandatory drug test.
- Present the original and submit one (1) photocopy of the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or TIN Card.
- Complete the Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) Form.
- The license applicant must visit the same office where the renewal application was initiated within 30 days of their return. During this visit, they need to provide the following documents:
- Present the original and submit one (1) photocopy of the electronically transmitted medical certificate from any LTO-accredited medical clinic.
- Present the original and submit one (1) photocopy of the passport’s first and arrival pages.
- Present the original Official Receipt (OR) which serves as a temporary Driver’s License.
- Submit the electronically transmitted Certificate of Completion of the Driving Enhancement Program (DEP) for the initial renewal of the driver’s license with a five (5) years validity.
- If the applicant has accumulated five (5) to nine (9) demerit points, they must submit a Certificate of Completion of the Driver’s Re-orientation Course.
Renewing a Driver’s License with Examination [Applicable to those whose DL has been expired for over two (2) years and/or with ten (10) or more but less than forty (40) Demerit Points]
Read Also: Register Car in LTO and Get Certificate of Registration
Here how to renew your LTO driver’s license in person at an LTO office:
Step 1: Initiate the Process and Complete the Application for Driver’s License (ADL) Form
- Obtain a queue number and await your turn.
- Secure an Application for a Driver’s License (ADL) form.
- Fill out the Application for Driver’s License (ADL) form.
Step 2: Submit the Completed ADL Form with the Required Documents and Queue Number
Step 3: Proceed to the Cashier for Fee Payment
Step 4: Take the Written Examination
- If you do not pass, you will receive a computer-generated letter of your results and must return on another day to retake the exam.
- If you pass, proceed to the practical driving test.
Step 5: Complete the Practical Driving Test
- In case of failure, return on another day to reapply for a license renewal.
- If you pass, go to the cashier to pay the required fees.
- Head to the encoding and biometric window to provide all necessary information for the new LTO-IT system.
- Wait for the Official Receipt (OR) and the Driver’s License (DL) Card.
Step 6: Sign the log sheet.
Check Also: LTMS Portal Registration online
How to Renew LTO Driver’s License Online via the LTO LTMS Portal
If you want to renew your driver’s license online, you will need an LTMS portal account. LTMS provides guides on how to register and renew your driver’s license through their website.
LTMS Portal Registration
The LTO portal requires an account registration since many parts of the transactions are private.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the LTMS website first
- Click the “Register Now” button
On the next page:
- Make sure you read the terms of the agreement
- Please check the box to access the terms and conditions.
- Please enter the correct security code.
- To continue, click “Next“
- Select the type of entity you are enrolling as. We are assuming you are enrolling as an individual in this example.
- After that, you will go through a series of steps, the first of which is to confirm whether or not you have a driver license.
Click the correct button to start:
After that:
- Fill out all applicable fields
- To continue, click “Next“
After entering the correct license information, the next step is to fill out your personal details.
- You should check your personal information
- Please enter the maiden name of your mother
- The next step is to click “Next“
On the next page:
- Please enter your contact information
- Click on “Create Account“
The system will notify you when you’ve successfully registered. To verify your account registration, you must check your email within 24 hours.
- To complete the registration, click “OK“.
- Check your email for a link that will allow you to verify your email address and create your account password.
On the next page:
- Create a new password and confirm it
- Select “Set Password for Login“
- After that, you can log in to the portal as follows:
Part 2: Online Driver’s License Renewal by LTMS
LTMS allows you to renew your driver’s license once you have an account and all necessary documents (including your CDE certificate).
To renew your LTO driver’s license online, follow these steps:
Step 1: Enter your account email address or 15-digit LTO client number entered into the LTMS online portal.
Step 2: Click on Licensing in the LTMS dashboard.
Note: If your LTMS account is newly registered, clicking on Licensing will direct you to a form where you can enter your personal information. Once you’ve filled out the form, you should be redirected to the dashboard, where your profile should be saved. To continue, click Licensing again.
Step 3: Accept the LTMS Terms of Use by clicking the blue Accept button.
Step 4: Select Driver’s License as the License Classification on the Online Application form.
Note: Please do not click the Next button because you will need to provide a medical certificate before proceeding.
Step 5: Enter your Medical Certificate Number instead of clicking Add Medical Certificate. After that, click Verify.
Step 6: Click Next after selecting Renewal as the application type.
Step 7: Choose your preferred appointment schedule and LTO office.
Step 8: Select your preferred payment method and pay the renewal fees.
Step 9: Go to your selected LTO office on the day of your appointment.
Note: Your driver’s license renewal application has already been processed via the LTMS portal, but you must still attend your appointment at the LTO office.
Driver’s License Renewal for OFWs or Filipinos Abroad
An OFW or his/her authorized representative can renew their driver’s license at the LTO License Section Central/Office if they are located in Metro Manila. Otherwise, renewal applications can be processed at any LTO District Office or Licensing Center.
Renewal Application through Representative
Step 1: Get the Driver’s License Application Form (which you may also download online), the checklist of requirements, and a queue number at your preferred LTO Office.
Step 2: Submit all the initial requirements to be checked for authenticity and completeness at the Evaluator Counter.
Step 3: The representative should pay the fees at the cashier.
Step 4: Get the Driver’s License Receipt from the Releasing Counter. This will be the OFW’s temporary license.
Read Also: LTO Offices Philippines Address Contacts And More
Complete the OFW Renewal Application
Within 30 days of returning to the country, the OFW applicant must visit the LTO Office where the license renewal was processed.
Step 1: Visit the LTO office within 30 days of arriving in the country where the representative submitted the application for license renewal.
Step 2: Provide the additional requirements.
Step 3: Enter the photo-taking area and wait in line.
Step 4: Present your Driver’s License Official Receipt at the Releasing Counter to receive your License Card.
Step 5: Sign the release form by logging your name.
How to Renew Your Driver’s License in Advance
Driver’s license holders may renew their licenses 60 days before their expiration date. If you want to apply for a renewal as early as 61 days to 1 year before your license expires, you will need to show proof that you will be out of the country by then.
Follow these steps to process advanced renewal applications:
Step 1: Visit any Licensing Center or District Office with Driver’s License transactions.
Step 2: Get the Driver’s License Application Form, the checklist of requirements, and the queue number from the counter and wait for your turn.
Step 3: Submit all the required requirements to be evaluated at the Evaluator Counter.
Step 4: Wait for your turn at the photo-taking and signature area.
Step 5: Pay for the required fees at the cashier and obtain the Official Receipt (OR).
Step 6: Present your License Card at the Releasing Counter after receiving the Official Receipt (OR).
Step 7: Sign the Release Form and write your name.
Important Reminders for LTO Driver’s License Applicants
Before commencing the application process for an LTO driver’s license, please keep these essential points in mind:
- Ensure you have all the required documents, including photocopies, ready before your visit to the LTO Office.
- Arrive at the LTO office early to complete the process within the same day.
- Prepare for the required exams by reviewing materials on the LTO LTMS Portal or other available resources.
- Dress appropriately and refrain from wearing underskirt/sando, sports shorts, and slippers.
- For license holders with a five-year validity, take the PME within 60 days before your 3rd birthday from the issuance of your license.
- If you possess a ten-year license, undergo the PME before your 4th and 7th birthdays from the issuance of your license.
- When renewing your license, submit a medical examination certificate from LTO-accredited clinics.
- Drivers whose licenses have expired for 10 years or longer cannot drive or renew their licenses; they must apply for a student permit instead.
- Failing the LTO Driving or Practical test requires retaking both written and practical exams the next day, if it’s convenient for the applicant.
- Advance renewal is possible for those planning to leave the country within 61 days to one year before their Driver’s License’s expiry date.
- Ensure all past traffic violations are settled and the required reorientation course is attended before renewing your license.
- If you have violations, you may process license renewals at the main or regional LTO offices; satellite offices do not handle renewals for licenses with violations.
- Consider renewing your license early, as it can be done up to 60 days prior to the DL expiry date, allowing you to avoid penalty fees.
Conclusion
while LTO driver’s license renew may appear burdensome due to its requirements, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has improved its service options to simplify and streamline the process.
Additionally, the LTO driver’s license now offers a 10-year validity period, reducing the need for frequent office visits. Maintaining a valid driver’s license through regular renewals is a responsible choice with several benefits, making the minor inconvenience at the LTO office worthwhile.
