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An LTO driver’s license is a form of identification granted by the government through the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to prove that the bearer has permission to drive a motor vehicle in the Philippines. As such, it is important to keep it valid and to renew expired or expiring driver’s licenses religiously to avoid potential legal problems and penalties later on.

Also Read: List of LTO Driving Fines and Violations

Renewing the LTO driver’s license requires two things: the completion of the mandatory 15-hour theoretical driving course (TDC) and having an expired or expiring driver’s license under your name. Though these look simple enough, driver’s license renewal can be tough and time-consuming as the LTO needs to ensure that only deserving applicants get the new driver’s license with 10-year validity upon completing the renewal process. 

Driver’s License Renewal in the Philippines

Applying for the renewal of your driver’s license can be taxing. Luckily, this is one thing that you don’t have to do very often anymore as the LTO now issues licenses with five- and ten-year validity instead of three (3). However, they also placed some conditions along with the longer validity period to ensure that only those with sufficient driving skills and knowledge of road safety and proper road etiquette will have their licenses renewed.

If you’re planning to renew your license any time soon, here are some of the things you need to know and yourself regarding driver’s license renewal in the Philippines. 

Cost of LTO Driver’s License Renewal

There are different fees associated with the renewal of driver’s license in the Philippines, regardless of its classification. Some of these costs include;

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 – P 585.00
Total – P 585.00

Renewal of One (1) Day to One(1) Year Expired DL Fees

License Fee – P 585.00
Penalty – P 75.00
Total – P 660.00

Renewal of More than One (1) Year to Two (2) Years Expired DL Fees

License Fee – P 585.00
Penalty – P 150.00
Total – P 735.00

Renewal of DL Expired for More than Two (2) Years Fees

License Fee – P 585.00
Penalty – P 225.00
Application Fee – P 100.00
Total – P 910.00

Other Fees

Change Classification fee = P 100.00
Additional Restriction Code (ARC) = P 100.00
Note: The Change Classification fee only applies if you wish to change a Valid Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) to Professional Driver’s License (PDL), a valid Professional Driver’s License (PDL) to a Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL), or an Expired NPDL to PDL / PDL to NPDL

Benefits of Renewing an LTO Driver’s License

Renewing your driver’s license means you will continue to have legal permission to drive a motor vehicle on Philippine roads, thereby allowing you to prevent any legal problems or penalties from cropping up. Other than this, there are a few other benefits that driver’s license renewal offers. 

• It serves as proof that you are authorized to drive legally in the Philippines
• You get authorization to drive a particular type of vehicle
• It serves as a valid, government-issued identification document, which also helps identify who you are in cases of accidents or emergencies
• It also works as a valid, government-issued ID that are acceptable for use in transacting with various offices
• It helps your wallet find its way back to you.

Qualifications for an LTO Driver’s License Renewal

Application for plain and advanced renewal of your driver’s license, regardless if you are in the Philippines or are working abroad as an OFW, requires you to meet certain eligibility criteria, including the following:

• Must be a holder of active Driver’s License or Driver’s License that has expired but not for more two (2) years  
• Must be physically fit to operate a motor vehicle
• Must have sound mental faculties fit for operating a motor vehicle
• Must not have any unsettled traffic violation
• Must have completed the Driving Enhancement Program (DEP) prior to initial renewal of the five (5) years Driver’s License
• For holders of Driver’s License with accumulated five (5) to nine (9) demerit points:  Must have completed the Driver’s Re-orientation Course
• For holders of Driver’s License with ten (10) or more but less than forty (40) demerit points: Must have completed the Driver/s Re-orientation Course and passed the Theoretical Examination
• For those whose Driver’s License has been expired for more than two (2) years and/or with ten (10) or more but less than forty (40) Demerit Points: Must have passed the Automated Theoretical Examination and Practical Driving Test (For Driver’s License), completed the Driver’s Re-orientation Course, and passed the Theoretical Examination

Requirements for an LTO Driver’s License Renewal

Here’s a list of requirements that you need to prepare for the Renewal of your LTO Driver’s License, depending on the type of renewal you will need to process:

Plain Renewal

• Duly accomplished Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) Form
• Presentation of the original and submission of one (1) photocopy of the electronically transmitted medical certificate from any LTO- accredited medical clinic.  
• Electronically Transmitted Certificate of Completion of Driving Enhancement Program (DEP) if applying for the renewal of a Driver’s License with five (5) years validity for the first time
• Presentation of the original Driver’s License, expired or otherwise
• For applicants with five (5) to nine (9) demerit points: Submission of Certificate of Completion of Driver’s Re-orientation Course 
• For applicants with ten (10) or more but less than forty (40) demerit points: Submission of Certificate of Completion of 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 with Driver’s License that has been expired for more than two (2) years: Submission of Certificate of Completion of Driver’s Re-orientation Course and proof of passing the Automated Theoretical Examination 

Advance Renewal

Advance renewal is a situation where Filipinos who have driver’s license that will expire but they will not be able to renew it because they will be out of the country. Please check out the requirements below:

• Duly accomplished Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) Form
• Presentation of the original and submission of one (1) photocopy of the electronically transmitted medical certificate from any LTO- accredited medical clinic.  
• Submission of electronically Transmitted Certificate of Completion of Driving Enhancement Program (DEP) for the initial renewal of LTO Driver’s License with five (5) years validity
• Presentation of original Driver’s License, expired or otherwise
• For applicants with five (5) to nine (9) demerit points: Submission of Certificate of Completion of Driver’s Re-orientation Course 
• For applicants with ten (10) or more but less than forty (40) demerit points: Submission of Certificate of Completion of Driver’s Re-orientation Course and proof of passing the Theoretical Examination 
• Plane ticket(for those who will be out of the country during the date their license will expire)

Renewal of Driver’s License of OFW and Filipinos Living Abroad

Initial Requirements (for temporary driver’s license application through a representative)

• Presentation of original Letter of Authority of authorized representative allowing him or her to renew and claim Driver’s License
• One (1) photocopy of the passport’s first page, visa page, and departure from the Philippines as well as the latest arrival overseas
• Photocopy of Driver’s License
• Photocopy of Driver’s License Receipt (if available)

Additional Requirements (upon the license holder’s arrival in the Philippines)

• Drug test result
• Presentation of the original and submission of one (1) photocopy of the TIN or TIN Card
• Duly accomplished Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) Form
• The license applicant shall present himself/herself within 30 days upon arrival to the same office where the renewal was made for photo-taking and for the submission of the following documents:
  • Presentation of the original and submission of one (1) photocopy of the electronically transmitted medical certificate from any LTO- accredited medical clinic.
  • Presentation of the original and submission of one (1) photocopy of the passport’s first and arrival pages
  • Presentation of original Official Receipt (OR) which serves as temporary Driver’s License
  • Submission of the electronically transmitted Certificate of Completion of Driving Enhancement Program (DEP) for the initial renewal of the driver’s license with five (5) years validity
  • For applicants with five (5) to nine (9) demerit points: Submission of Certificate of Completion of Driver’s Re-orientation Course 

Renewal of Driver’s License with Examination [For those whose DL has expired for more than two (2) years and/or with ten (10) or more but less than forty (40) Demerit Points]

• Duly accomplished Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) Form
• Presentation of the original and submission of one (1) photocopy of the electronically transmitted medical certificate from LTO accredited medical clinic
• Presentation of original delinquent Driver’s/Conductor’s License

How to Renew LTO Driver’s License in LTO Office (In-Person)

To renew your LTO driver’s license at the nearest LTO office, you may follow the steps below:

Step 1: Requests and accomplish the Application for Driver’s License (ADL) form

• Get the queue number and wait for your turn.
• Secure an Application for a Driver’s License (ADL) form.
• Accomplish the Application for Driver’s License (ADL) form.

Step 2: Submit the accomplished ADL form along with the requirements and the queue number.

Step 3: Proceed to the Cashier for payment of fees.

Step 4: Take written examination

• If failed
  • Receive the computer-generated letter of the results and come back on another day to retake the exam. 
• If passed
  • Proceed to the actual driving test.

Step 5: Take the actual driving test

• If failed
  • Come back on another day to re-apply for a license renewal.
• If passed
  • Proceed to the cashier for payment of fees.
  • Proceed to the encoding and biometric window to accomplish the form for encoding of complete details in the new LTO-IT system.
  • Wait for the Official Receipt (OR) and the Driver’s License (DL) Card.

Step 6: Signs in the log sheet.

How to Renew LTO Driver’s License Online via the LTO LTMS Portal

Renewing your driver’s license online is possible but you need an LTMS portal online account. The following guides will teach you how to register at LTMS and renew your driver’s license through the LTMS portal.

Part I: LTMS Registration

Step 1: Visit the Land Transport Management System (LTMS) portal homepage at https://portal.lto.gov.ph. 

Step 2: Click “Register now.”

Step 3: Read the Terms of Agreement, and click the check box that says “Yes, I Accept.” 

Step 4: Enter the security code.

Step 5: Click “Next.”

Step 6: Choose your type of registrant according to your profile. Select “Enroll as an individual” when asked for the type of registration.

Step 7: Select “Yes” when asked if you already have a Philippine driver’s license. Provide the following information to complete the registration process:

• Driver’s/conductor’s license number 
• Expiry date
• Official receipt number (or mother’s maiden name if you no longer have your receipt)

• Confirm your nationality (Filipino or otherwise), then, click “Next.”
• For alien residents: provide the following details:
  • Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) number
  • Expiry date
  • Nationality  
• Click “Next.”
• Enter your contact information (email address and mobile number) and submit.

Step 8: Visit your inbox for the verification link.

Step 9: Click the verification link and complete the following required information:

• Emergency contact
• Medical information
• General information
• Address

Step 10: Once done, the portal will assign a 15-digit number that will serve as your username. 

If you already have an LTMS account, then you can skip the registration part and start directly with your driver’s license renewal.

Part II: Online Driver’s License Renewal via the LTMS

Once you have an LTMS account and the required documents (including the CDE certificate), you can renew your driver’s license via the LTMS. 

Here are the steps you have to follow to renew your LTO driver’s license online:

Step 1: Login into the LTMS online portal using your account email address or the 15-digit LTO client number provided to you and your nominated password.

Step 2: Select Licensing in the LTMS dashboard. 

Note: If your LTMS account;is newly registered, clicking on  Licensing will direct you to a form where you need to enter your personal information to complete your profile. After filling out the form, you will be redirected to the dashboard and you should see a notification showing that your profile has been saved. Just click Licensing again to continue.

Step 3: Read and accept the LTMS Terms of Use by clicking the blue Accept button.

Step 4: On the Online Application form, select Driver’s License as the License Classification. 

Note: Don’t click the Next button because you will have to provide a medical certificate first before proceeding to the renewal process.

Step 5: Instead, click Add Medical Certificate and key in your Medical Certificate Number. Then, click Verify.

Step 6: Select Renewal as the type of application, then, click Next.

Step 7: Select your preferred appointment schedule and LTO Office.

Step 8: Pay the applicable renewal fees through your preferred payment channel.

Step 9: Proceed to your selected LTO Office on your appointment date.

Note: Although you have already processed your driver’s license renewal application online via the LTMS portal, you will still need to go to the LTO office on your appointment date. 

How to Renew Driver’s License for OFWs or a Filipinos Living Abroad

If the OFW or his/her authorized representative is within Metro Manila, the OFWs can have their Driver’s License renewed at the LTO License Section Central/ Office. Otherwise, renewal applications can be processed at any LTO District Offices or Licensing Centers.

Renewal Application through a Representative

Step 1: Head to the customer service counter of your preferred LTO Office and get the Driver’s License Application Form (which you may also download online), the checklist of requirements, and a queue number and wait.  

Step 2: Go to the Evaluator Counter and submit all the initial requirements to be checked for completeness and authenticity.

Step 3: The representative should head to the cashier to pay the corresponding fees.

Step 4: Head to the Releasing Counter and get the Driver’s License Receipt which will serve as the OFW’s temporary Driver’s License.

Completing the OFW Renewal Application

Upon returning to the country, the OFW applicant is expected to visit the LTO Office where the license renewal was processed within 30 days upon arrival.

Step 1: Visit the LTO office where the representative applied for license renewal within 30 days after arriving in the country.

Step 2: Submit the additional requirements.

Step 3: Go to the photo-taking and signature area and wait for your turn.

Step 4: Head to the Releasing Counter and present the Driver’s License Official Receipt to claim your License Card. 

Step 5: Log your name and affix your signature on the Release Form.

How to Renew Driver’s License in Advance (Advance Renewal)

Driver’s license holders may renew their licenses as early as 60 days prior to the expiry date. But, if you want to apply for a renewal as early as 61 days to 1 year before your license expires, you will need to submit proof that you will be out of the country by the time your license expires.

To process advance renewal applications, simply follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit any Licensing Centers or District Offices with Driver’s License transactions.

Step 2: Head to the customer service counter and get the Driver’s License Application Form, checklist of requirements, and queue number and wait for your turn.

Step 3: Go to the Evaluator Counter and submit all the needed requirements to be evaluated for completeness and authenticity.

Step 4: Head to the photo-taking and signature area and wait for your turn.

Step 5: Go to the cashier, pay for the required fees, and get the Official Receipt (OR) when called.

Step 6: Proceed to the Releasing Counter and present the Official Receipt (OR) to claim your License Card. 

Step 7: Write your name and affix your signature on the Release Form.

Important Reminders

Before processing an application for an LTO driver’s license, here are a few reminders:

• Prepare the required documents (including the photocopies) before visiting the LTO Office.
• Go to the LTO office early, so you can finish it within the day. 
• Prepare for the exams by reviewing through the LTO LTMS Portal or other available materials.
• Dress appropriately and avoid wearing underskirt/sando, sports shorts, and slippers.
• Holders of license with five-year validity must take the PME within 60 days before their 3rd birthdate from the issuance of their license.
• Those with a ten-year license, must undergo their PME before their 4th and 7th birthdays from the issuance of their license.
• License holders are required to submit a medical examination certificate from LTO-accredited clinics every time they renew their licenses.
• License holders whose Driver’s License has expired for 10 years or longer are no longer allowed to drive or renew their licenses. Instead, they are required to apply for a student permit again.
• Failing the LTO Driving or Practical test will entail re-taking both written and practical exams the next day if it’s convenient for the applicant.
• Advance renewal is also allowed to those who intend to leave the country from sixty-one (61) days to one (1) year before the expiry date of their Driver’s License.
• Make sure that you have settled all past traffic violations and attended the required reorientation course before license renewal.  
• If you have a violation/s, you may process license renewals at the main or regional LTO offices. Note that satellite offices don’t process the renewal of driver’s licenses with violations.
• If possible, it’s better to renew your license early as you may already do so within 60 days prior to the DL expiry date. By doing so, you’ll be able to avoid paying penalty fees.

Video: Renewal Procedures for LTO Driver’s License

To help guide you on the steps to renew your LTO driver’s license, watch this video uploaded by uBecRida Motovlog on Youtube:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions and answers related to the renewal of the LTO driver’s license:

1. Can I drive with an expired driver’s license?

No. Drivers with expired driver’s licenses are not supposed to drive until their license is renewed. Otherwise, they might face criminal charges and might be fined with a corresponding penalty fee.

2. Do I need to retake the driving test when renewing a driver’s license?

If the license has been expired for over two (2) years or you have incurred ten (10) or more but less than forty (40) demerit points, then you will be required to retake the driving test.

3. Can a driver’s license be renewed after it expires?

Yes, expired driver’s licenses can still be renewed, as long as they have only been expired for less than 10 years. Otherwise, you need to re-apply for a new driver’s license, starting from the student permit. Plus, licenses that have long expired may require license holders to retake examinations and pay higher penalty fees.

4. Can I still renew my driver’s license if it has expired for over 10 years?

No. According to the LTO guidelines, holders of driver’s licenses that have expired for 10 years or more can no longer apply for renewal. Instead, they must start from scratch and apply for a student permit again.

5. Can I skip on the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE)?

No. The LTO requires all drivers, regardless of experience level, to complete the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) as a requirement for driver’s license renewal. According to the LTO, the new requirement is not much of a burden, as it can be completed online or offline for free.

6. What is the age limit for driver’s license renewal in the Philippines?

There is no maximum age limit for driver’s license renewal in the Philippines. As long as you stisfy the qualifications and are still physically and mentally able to drive a vehicle, then you can renew your license regardless of your age.

7. Is it possible to renew my license on weekends?

Yes, you can apply for renewal of your driver’s license (or even apply for a student permit) on Saturdays in any LTO Driver’s License Renewal Office.

Summary 

Renewal of an LTO driver’s license may seem like a hassle due to the requirements it comes with, but the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has kept working on its service delivery by improving the options for transacting with the agency. Through this improvement, most LTO processes, including the application for the renewal of a driver’s license in the Philippines, have been streamlined and simplified, in an effort to help make them easier for the public.

Not only that, the LTO driver’s license also has a longer 10-year validity period now, which saves license holders more trips to the agency offices to process its renewal. Really, there are only benefits to gain from keeping your driver’s license valid by regularly processing renewals in exchange for one day of trouble at the LTO office, so make sure you don’t shirk your responsibilities as a law-abiding driver.

For more information on driver’s license renewal or other LTO processes, simply reach out to LTO via the following:

The LTMS portal: Visit the LTO’s official website and fill out their Contact Us form at https://portal.lto.gov.ph/ords/f?p=PUBLIC_PORTAL:CONTACT_US:115716301949471.

Phone: You may contact them at their telephone number (632) 922-9061 to 66.

Email: You may also send them an email at clientcare@lto.gov.ph.

LTO Text Hotline Service: You may use LTO’s nationwide SMS service for drivers and vehicle owners by typing LTOHELP and sending it to 2600

Visiting the LTO office: For information, you may check the LTO branch closest to you.