Handling a refused or revoked LTO driver’s license in the Philippines means dealing with the cancellation or denial of your driving privilege due to violations, pending cases, or administrative issues. When a license is refused, the LTO denies your application or renewal, while a revoked license means your existing license has been canceled and you are barred from driving for a specific period—or permanently in serious cases. This can happen for reasons such as reckless driving, use of fake documents, driving under the influence, or committing crimes with a motor vehicle.
Knowing the right steps to appeal, comply with penalties, or reapply after a ban is the key to resolving the issue legally and regaining your driving privilege. This guide explains everything you need to know about dealing with a refused or revoked license in the Philippines—including the reasons it happens, the steps you can take, penalties, and your options for appeal or reapplication.
What Does It Mean if Your License Is Revoked or Refused?
A refused driver’s license means the LTO has denied your application or renewal because of incomplete requirements, pending violations, or other disqualifying factors. A revoked driver’s license, on the other hand, means your existing license has been officially canceled, and you are prohibited from driving. Revocation can last for a fixed period, such as two years, or permanently if the violation involves crimes or driving under the influence. In both cases, you lose the legal right to operate a motor vehicle until the issue is resolved.
According to Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01:
- A revoked non-professional license disqualifies the driver from getting a new license for two years.
- A revoked professional license means the driver is perpetually disqualified from holding another license.
Common Reasons for Revocation
Your license may be revoked for the following violations:
- Driving a motor vehicle used in committing a crime (with conviction by a court).
- Committing a crime during apprehension (with conviction by a court).
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or similar substances (with final conviction).
- Reckless driving.
- Submitting fake documents when applying for or renewing a license.
- Repeatedly committing the same violation three times in one year (subject to LTO chief’s discretion).
Who Can Revoke Your License?
Not anyone can revoke your license. Make sure you know who can so you don’t get fooled or scammed on the road.
- The LTO Chief has the exclusive power to revoke or suspend a driver’s license under RA 4136, Section 27.
- LTO Deputies can suspend a license for up to three months, but their decision can be appealed to the LTO chief.
- Courts can revoke or perpetually disqualify a driver if crimes or DUI convictions are involved.
- Decisions by the LTO Chief can be elevated to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary.
What Happens After Revocation?
Once a driver’s license is revoked, a driver can face the following:
- Two-Year Ban (Non-Pro License): You cannot apply for a new license until the ban has lapsed. After two years, you can go through the standard licensing process again.
- Perpetual Ban (Pro License or Serious Offenses): You cannot reapply for life if convicted of crimes or DUI.
- Notice of Revocation: The LTO will notify you by registered mail at the address on their database.
If caught driving with a revoked license:
- You will face an extension of your disqualification by one year.
- You must also pay fines for driving without a license.
Handling a Refused or Revoked License
This section covers everything you need to handle a refused or revoked license.
Criteria
Here’s a clear list of criteria for handling refused or revoked driver’s license:
- Eligible for Motion or Appeal
- Drivers who file within the 10-day period from receipt of the LTO order.
- Those with valid legal grounds to question the refusal or revocation.
- Eligible for Reapplication After Ban
- Holders of a revoked non-professional license after completing the 2-year ban.
- Drivers who have fully paid fines and penalties.
- Drivers who have complied with mandatory courses or exams (if required).
- Perpetual Disqualification (Not Eligible)
- Holders of a revoked professional license (perpetually disqualified).
- Drivers convicted of using a motor vehicle in committing a crime.
- Drivers convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or similar substances.
- Drivers perpetually banned by a court decision.
Requirements
To handle a refused or revoked license, here are the things that you need:
- Copy of the LTO Order showing refusal or revocation of the license
- Valid government-issued ID (other than the revoked license)
- Affidavit of Motion for Reconsideration or Appeal (notarized)
- Supporting documents depending on the case (e.g., clearance from court if applicable, proof of compliance with penalties, or valid records)
- Payment of fines and penalties related to the violation or case
- Certificate of Completion of required courses (e.g., reorientation or theoretical exam for suspension cases)
- Bond or guaranty if required by the LTO Chief for reinstatement
- New application requirements (for those reapplying after the ban period), such as medical certificate, examination results, and other standard LTO application documents
Procedures
To handle a refused or revoked license, you simply need to follow these steps:
Step 1. Understand the Reason
Check why your license was refused or revoked. This determines whether you can appeal, reapply, or are perpetually disqualified.
Step 2. File a Motion for Reconsideration
- Submit within 10 days of receiving the revocation or refusal order.
- Only one motion is usually allowed.
Step 3. Appeal to the LTO Assistant Secretary
- If your motion is denied, you have 10 days to file an appeal.
Step 4. Appeal to the DOTr Secretary
- If still denied, the case can be elevated to the Department of Transportation for review.
Step 5. Address Accessory Penalties (Suspension Cases)
- Complete mandatory reorientation courses or pass a theoretical exam, depending on your violation.
Step 6. Apply for a New License (If Eligible)
- After Ban Period: If your disqualification is temporary, you can reapply after completing the ban period.
- Perpetual Ban: If perpetually disqualified due to a court conviction, you cannot apply again.
Key Things to Remember
To ensure success in handling refused or revoked driver’s license at the LTO, make sure to keep these things in mind:
- Deadlines: Motions and appeals have strict 10-day time limits. Missing these deadlines means you lose your right to appeal.
- Legal Basis: Appeals must be supported by valid legal grounds.
- Bond Requirement: For reinstatement, the LTO chief may require you to furnish a bond and prove you are fit to drive safely.
- No Shortcuts: After a ban ends, you must go through the regular driver’s license application process under RA 4136.
Video: Top Reasons that Can Make You Lose Your License
Having your license refused or revoked by the LTO Philippines is not the end of the road—but it does require following proper legal procedures. Whether through filing motions, appeals, or waiting out the disqualification period, you can still regain your privilege to drive as long as you comply with the rules. Even so, prevention is still always better than cure, so if you can, it’s still better to avoid getting your license revoked. To help you, watch this video and learn more about the common reasons that usually result in license revocation in the Philippines.