Yes, you can voluntarily downgrade your driver’s license through the Land Transportation Office (LTO), but it’s not automatic. This usually entails consciously and deliberately changing a Professional Driver’s License (PDL) to a Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) or reducing your authorized Driver’s License (DL) codes. You will need to apply in person or through approved LTO channels, surrender your current license, meet the set requirements, and pay the required fees under existing LTO rules and Republic Act No. 10930.
Also Read: LTO Student Permit Requirements License Application
Many drivers choose to downgrade because they no longer drive for work, want a simpler license status, or prefer to avoid issues linked to unused professional privileges. If this sounds like you, the good news is that the LTO allows it—as long as you follow the correct steps and submit complete documents.
What “Voluntary Downgrade” Means
A voluntary downgrade is a formal request to lower your driving privileges. Common examples include:
- Changing from Professional (Pro) to Non-Professional (Non-Pro)
- Dropping one or more DL codes (vehicle types you can drive)
- Updating driving condition codes if your medical or health situation has changed
The LTO manages this through an application process to confirm that your license still matches how you actually drive.
Also Read: LTMS Portal Account Recovery Fixes
Why Drivers Choose to Downgrade
Drivers usually request a downgrade for practical reasons:
- They no longer earn money from driving
- They only use a private vehicle for personal trips
- They want to avoid violations linked to unused Pro privileges
- They prefer fewer exams and simpler renewals
If you’re no longer driving buses, trucks, or public vehicles, keeping a Pro license may not make sense.
Professional vs. Non-Professional License
- Professional Driver’s License (PDL):
For drivers who are hired or paid to drive, whether private or public. - Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL):
For drivers who operate private vehicles for personal use only.
You must hold an NPDL for at least 12 months before upgrading to PDL, but downgrading from PDL to NPDL is allowed anytime, as long as you qualify.
Who Can Request for Voluntary Downgrade
Under LTO rules, a voluntary driver’s license downgrade can be requested by any licensed driver who already holds a higher license classification or broader driving privilege and wants to reduce it through a formal application.
Specifically, the following drivers may request a voluntary downgrade:
- Holders of a Professional Driver’s License (PDL) who want to change to a Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL)
- Drivers who no longer drive for work or hire and now only use private vehicles
- License holders who want to drop one or more DL codes because they no longer drive certain vehicle types
- Drivers who want to update or limit their driving condition codes due to changes in health or driving capacity
- Drivers with a valid or expired license, as long as they are willing to meet renewal and exam requirements if applicable
Also Read: Dress Code for Motorcycle Drivers in the Philippines
Who Cannot Request a Downgrade
- Student Permit holders (they do not have a license classification to downgrade)
- Unlicensed drivers or those with revoked licenses
- Drivers who refuse to surrender their current license or complete LTO requirements
Qualifications
- Must be a current holder of a Professional Driver’s License
Requirements
- Duly accomplished Application Form for Driver’s License (ADL)
- Medical certificate (electronically submitted by an LTO-accredited clinic)
- Original Professional Driver’s License
Exams: Will You Need One?
It depends:
- Valid PDL, no added DL code: written exam only
- With added DL code: written and practical exams
- Expired or dormant license: written and practical exams required
Downgrading Fees (PDL to NPDL)
Some of the fees you need to be ready to pay include:
Valid License
- Application Fee – ₱100
- Replacement Fee – ₱225
- Change Classification – ₱100
Total: ₱425
Expired License
- Application Fee – ₱100
- Renewal Fee – ₱585
- Change Classification – ₱100
Total: ₱785 + penalty
Penalty (if expired):
- 1 day–1 year: ₱75
- 1 year+1 day–2 years: ₱150
- 2 years+1 day–10 years: ₱225
Additional Restriction Code: ₱100
Dropping DL Codes or Updating Condition Codes via LTMS
You can also drop DL codes or update driving conditions online through the LTMS portal, then visit your chosen LTO branch for biometrics and release.
Video: Voluntary DL Classification Downgrade
For a detailed guide on voluntary downgrading your license, you may check out this video: