If you’re trying to register your driver’s license on the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) and see the message “License Number Already Registered,” don’t panic. This error simply means that your driver’s license number is already linked to an existing account in the system because your license details were used to create an LTMS account before—either by you, an LTO staff member, or through a previous transaction. Many drivers across the Philippines experience this issue, especially if their license was processed or renewed during the time when LTO staff created accounts for drivers without informing them.
It is necessary to fix this issue because it prevents you from accessing or creating your LTMS account, which is required for most LTO services such as license renewal and vehicle registration. Resolving it ensures your records stay accurate, secure, and accessible for all your future LTO transactions. This guide will tell you the step-by-step procedures on how to fix the problem, regain access to your LTMS account, and avoid unnecessary stress or wasted trips to the LTO office.
Why You’re Seeing “License Number Already Registered”
This error means that your driver’s license number is already linked to an existing LTMS account. This could happen if:
- An LTO staff member created an LTMS account for you during your previous transaction.
- You or someone else entered your details using a different email address.
- You forgot you already registered before but never completed the email verification.
- There’s a system error or duplicate license entry in the LTO database.
Whatever the reason, it can be fixed—you just need to follow the proper steps to do so.
Requirements
Before contacting LTO (regardless if it is via email or in-person), make sure you have the following:
- Driver’s license number
- Screenshot of the error
- Photo of your driver’s license
- Valid ID (if going to an LTO branch)
How to Fix “License Number Already Registered” Error in LTMS
To get this fixed, simply follow these steps:
1. Try Logging In to an Existing Account
Before creating a new account, check if your license is already tied to an existing LTMS account.
- Go to the LTMS portal: https://portal.lto.gov.ph.
- Click “Forgot Password.”
- Enter your Driver’s License Number and email address that may have been used.
- Follow the instructions to reset your password.
If you can successfully log in, that means your license was already registered before. You can now update your profile and proceed with your LTO transactions online.
2. If You Can’t Log In, Contact LTO Client Care
If resetting your password doesn’t work, it’s time to ask for help directly from LTO.
- Compose an email and send it to clientcare@lto.gov.ph.
- Include the following details:
- Your full name
- Driver’s license number
- A clear screenshot of the “License Number Already Registered” error message
- A clear photo or scanned copy of your driver’s license
- Wait for their reply with instructions. Based on user experiences, it may take a few days for LTO to respond, depending on the volume of requests.
Expert Tip: Be patient and check your spam or junk folder in case their reply doesn’t appear in your inbox.
3. Visit the Nearest LTO Office (Optional but Faster)
If waiting is too much for you or if you’ve waited several days and haven’t received a response yet, then you also have the option to fix the issue by visiting an LTO District Office.
- Bring a photocopy of your driver’s license and one valid ID.
- Go to the Licensing Section and tell the staff that your LTMS registration shows “License Number Already Registered.”
- They can help reset or verify your LTMS account and, if needed, create a new one using your client number.
Many drivers have reported that their LTMS issue was fixed in just one visit, while emails often take longer to get a response.
How Long Does It Take to Fix?
The time to complete the process of fixing this LTMS portal error may vary depending on the method you chose. Here’s a general timeline, according to the users who shared their experiences online:
- Via email: 2–5 business days on average (depending on LTO’s response time).
- Via in-person visit: Can be fixed within the same day at most district offices.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Fixing LTMS registration problems can become troublesome depending on what you do. To ensure it stays simple and easy to fix, try to avoid making these mistakes:
- Creating multiple LTMS accounts – this can lead to further confusion or errors.
- Using fake or incorrect email addresses – always use your active email when registering.
- Paying “fixers” online – there are fake pages and individuals claiming they can “unlock” your LTMS account for a fee. Avoid them.
By carefully following this guide, you’ll be able to access your LTMS account without delays and complete your LTO transactions—like renewal, change of records, or vehicle registration—online and hassle-free.