How to Change Driver’s License Classification from Professional to Non-Professional Driver’s License

An LTO driver’s license (DL) is a government-issued identification document granted by the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Depending on whether you have a Non-Professional (NPDL) or Professional Driver’s License (PDL), a DL holder may have the privilege, both the capability and permission to drive and operate private or public motor vehicles in the Philippines. Both also serve as a valid ID that can be used for various government and private transactions. 

There really isn’t much of a difference between a Non-Professional (NPDL) and a Professional Driver’s License (PDL) except that the latter is allowed to earn money from driving. However, if you do not need a driver’s license for work, you may opt to downgrade your driver’s license and change it from Professional Driver’s License (PDL) to a Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) to save yourself the trouble of going through a more rigorous test. 

change classification of drivers license from pro to non pro

Professional vs. Non-Professional Driver’s License

A Professional Driver’s License (PDL) and a Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) are two different kinds of licenses issued by the LTO in the Philippines. Both give the holder the authority to drive motor vehicles on public roads. 

The two licenses are also different in the sense that you will need to have your Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) for at least twelve (12) months before you can upgrade to a Professional Driver’s License (PDL). While holding a Professional License, you are also allowed to operate motor vehicles for a living, whereas a Non-Professional License holder is a step above a Student Permit holder and can only operate private vehicles on his own for personal use. 

Changing Driver’s License Classification from Professional Driver’s License to Non-Professional Driver’s License

The LTO also allows license holders to change their license classifications from Non-Professional to Professional and vice versa. In this article, we are only talking about changing DL classifications from the Professional Driver’s License to Non-Professional Driver’s License. 

Qualifications

To request for a change in driver’s license classification from professional to non-professional, you must satisfy the following conditions:

  • Must be a holder of Professional Driver’s License

Requirements

Before applying for a change in classification of your driver’s license from professional to non-professional, you need the following documentary requirements:

  • Duly accomplished Application Form for Driver’s License (ADL)
  • Presentation of copy of the medical certificate. (Electronically transmitted to LTO by an LTO-accredited medical clinic)
  • Presentation of original PDL

How to Convert DL from Professional Driver’s License (PDL) to Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL)

Step 1: Visit the preferred LTO branch, be it a Licensing Center, Licensing Extension Office, Authorized LTO District Office, or LTO Extension Office, closest to the applicant’s place.

Step 2: Check if they process DL classification changes and if they require an appointment or accept walk-in applicants.

  • If they require an appointment, book an appointment online with LTO ahead of your visit. 

Step 3: Secure a queue number and wait for your turn.

Step 4: Submit the duly accomplished ADL form along with all the requirements and the queue number.

Step 5: Wait for your queue number to be called.

Step 6: Once your name is called, submit the requirements so it can be evaluated for completeness and authenticity.

Step 7: Once the LTO personnel confirms the details from the system, wait for a transaction ID to be generated.

Step 8: Once the transaction ID is generated, proceeds to the cashier for payment of fees.

Step 9: After making the payments, proceed to the encoding / biometric window and complete the form for encoding of complete details in the new LTO-IT system.

Step 10: Wait for a printed copy of the screenshot of the Driver’s License (DL) details from the LTO IT system.

Step 11: After the details are encoded, proceed to the capturing of photo, fingerprints, and signature. 

Step 12: Wait for the DL card to be printed. You will be issued a claim stub and informed by the LTO officer when you can come back to collect your OR (Official Receipt) and your driver’s license.

Step 13: When you return to collect your drivers’ license (DL), once the OR and DL Card is released, you will be asked to sign in the log sheet.

How to Process a DL Classification Change from PDL to NPDL with Additional Restriction Codes (ARC)

Step 1. Visit any LTO office, be it a Licensing Center, Licensing Extension Office, Authorized LTO District Office, or LTO Extension Office near you.

Step 2. Check if they process DL classification changes and if they require an appointment or accept walk-in applicants.

  • If they require an appointment, book an appointment online with LTO ahead of your visit. 

Note: The LTO recently rolled out an online website portal called the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) which you can use to set up an appointment and transact with LTO. But not all LTO offices in the country are connected to the system just yet. Some offices still accept walk-in applicants so it is very important that you check first before you go.

Step 3. At the LTO office, ask where you can get an Application for Driver’s License (ADL) form. 

Note: To help save you some time, you may also check the LTO website’s LTO Forms section to download the Application for Driver’s License (ADL) form. 

Step 4. Once you have completely accomplished the form, get a queue ticket from the service counter and wait for your number to be called.

Step 5. Submit your completed ADL form and all the requirements, including your queue number.

Step 6. The LTO evaluator will check on the completeness and authenticity of your submissions. 

Step 7. Once everything is confirmed, you will be asked to proceed to the Cashier to pay the application fee.

Step 8. Once paid, you will need to take and pass the LTO exams.

Step 9. Take the written examination:

  • FAILED: If you fail the written examination, you will receive a computer generated letter with this message, “May come back the following day at their convenience.” That’s the end of your transaction.
  • PASSED: If you pass, you will proceed with the practical driving test.

Step 10. Take the actual driving examination.

  • FAILED: If you fail the practical driving test, that’s the end of your transaction.
  • PASSED: Proceed to the Cashier to pay for your license.

Step 11. Once you pass the LTO exams, proceed to the encoding / biometric window and complete the form for encoding your new details into the LTO-IT system.

Step 12. You will be issued a claim stub and informed by the LTO officer when you can come back to collect your OR (Official Receipt) and your driver’s license.

Step 13. When you return to collect your drivers’ license (DL), you will be asked to sign in the log sheet before your license is released to you.

Fees

Like every other LTO transaction, changing the DL classification from professional to non-professional comes with a price. Depending on whether the license is expired or if there’s a need to add restriction codes, you may need to prepare to pay for the following:

Valid PDL to NPDL

  • Application Fee – P 100.00
  • Replacement Fee – P 225.00
  • Change Classification – P 100.00

Total: P 425.00

Expired PDL to NPDL

  • Application Fee – P 100.00
  • Renewal Fee – P 585.00
  • Change Classification – P 100.00

Total: P 785.00 + penalty

Penalty

  • If expired 1 day to 1 year = P 75.00
  • 1 year and 1 day to 2 years = P 150.00
  • 2 years and 1 day to 10 years = P 225.00

Other Fees

Additional DL Code (Restriction Code) = P 100.00

Where to Process DL Change Classification (from PDL to NPDL)

When you need to request for a change in your driver’s license classification from professional to non-professional, you may go to any of the following LTO offices in the Philippines:

  • LTO Licensing Centers
  • Authorized LTO District Offices (DO) 
  • Authorized LTO Extension Offices (EO)

Important Reminders

If, for whatever reason, you decide to change your license classification from professional to non-professional through any of the designated LTO branch offices for licensing transactions, then these are the things you need to remember:

  • The steps on how to apply or renew pro and non-pro driver’s license are quite the same, as they include the requirement for application and validation, picture and signature, fee payment, written professional or non-professional driver’s license, and passing test, as well as actual driving skills tests.
  • The LTO exams are longer for professional driver’s license applicants.
  • Prepare all the documentary requirements (including the photocopies) before going to the LTO Office to avoid delays.
  • Visit the LTO office early, so you can finish it within the day. 
  • Regardless of license type, the driver’s license is usually released within the day of the application, though this may change depending on the office you’re transacting with.
  • As long as the general requirements are met, anyone can be eligible for an LTO DL Classification change. 
  • It is also possible to change classification from NPDL to PDL.
  • There is a different process if you wish to change classification from NPDL to PDL and add a restriction code at the same time.
  • You will need to create an online account to use the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) portal online and to set up an appointment and transact with LTO. But not all LTO offices in the country are connected to the system just yet. Some offices still accept walk-in applicants so it is very important that you check first before you go.
  • You will need to take the LTO exams if you need to add more restriction codes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For your reference, here are some of the most common questions and answers regarding changing DL classification from pro to non-pro licenses.

1. Where can I find the information on my license classification? 

If you need to check your new LTO driver’s license for the license classification and vehicular restrictions, you may check the back of your license card. The license class information is in there, unlike the old one which has the information on the front side.

2. Is it possible to add more restriction codes while processing a classification change?

Yes. You may add more restriction codes but it will require you to take both written and practical exams. Plus, there’s an additional fee of Php 100.00 for additional restriction codes.

3. Do I need to take the LTO exams when requesting for a DL Classification Change?

It depends. Here’s the guide regarding classification change and LTO exams:

  • For those whose driver’s license has expired for more than two (2) years, they must first take and pass the Practical Driving Test
  • If the Professional License is valid and if there’s no additional DL code, only a written examination will be conducted.
  • If the Professional License is valid and if there’s an additional DL code, written and practical LTO examinations for the DL code applied for will be given.
  • If the Professional License is expired, you will take a written and practical examination.
  • If the Professional License is dormant, you are also required to pass the written and practical examinations.

Summary

Changing your Driver’s License Classification is easy, isn’t it. You simply need to ensure that you meet all the general requirements, pass the LTO exams as needed, and make sure to pay the fees. Then, you’ll need to visit an LTO licensing center or other LTO offices in the Philippines that cater to license applications and renewals and request for the change. Of course, it’s not free and you will need to pay for the relevant fees, especially if you are adding more DL codes. and get your biometrics logged before you can receive the new NPDL card which reflects the new driver’s license classification. It’s a pretty simple process and it doesn’t even take that much time as long as you go prepared, so it’s best to get it done and avoid hefty penalties when you get caught driving vehicle types you aren’t authorized to be driving at all. However, do note that for PDL to NPDL change, there might be an easier process since you’ll be restricting yourself to driving only for personal use. 

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