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In the Philippines, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) plays a crucial role in managing and issuing driver’s licenses to ensure road safety. However, not all LTO offices are created equal. While some offices have the capability to print driver’s licenses on-site, there are some with limited capabilities and service offerings as well. In this article, we rounded up a list of LTO offices that currently cannot print driver’s licenses, shedding light on the challenges faced by applicants in these areas.

The issuance of driver’s licenses is a crucial function of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in the Philippines. However, several LTO offices, scattered across different regions, face the challenge of lacking on-site printing capabilities.These specific offices that are currently unable to print driver’s licenses locally are scattered in various regions, so if they’re the one closest to your place, you might want to look at other offices for your licensing concerns. 

List of LTO Offices that Can’t Print Driver’s Licenses

Some LTO offices face limitations in printing driver’s licenses. Others simply don’t have the facilities or equipment necessary to print driver’s licenses on-site, resulting in delays as licenses need to be produced at a centralized LTO printing facility in the area, and consequently impacting the efficiency of the process. Having said that, license applicants are advised to come prepared if they are from any of these areas, as license applications here take longer processing times. They should factor in additional time for the sending, printing, and eventual processing, and delivery of their licenses, as well. 

To help you check where or not your local LTO branch can help you get a driver’s license card, here’s a complete list of the 36 LTO offices that are currently unable to print driver’s licenses:

Region 1

• San Carlos District Office
• Bayambang Extension Office

Region 2

• Gattaran Extension Office

Region 3

• DRO SM Tungko

Region 4A

• Morong District Office
• Antipolo District Office

Region 4B

• Sablayan Extension Office
• Mamburao Extension Office

Region 6

• Pilar Extension Office
• Western Aklan District Office
• Cadiz District Office
• Passi Extension Office
• Sigma Extension Office
• Pontevedra Extension Office
• Sipalay District Office
• Guimbal Extension Office

Region 7

• La Libertad District Office
• Siquijor District Office
• Dalaguete Island Extension Office
• Bantayan Island Extension Office
• E-Patrol
• Tagbilaran District Office Licensing Extension Office
• DLRO ICM Tagbilaran

Region 9

• Dapitan Extension Office
• Oroquieta District Office

Region 11

• E-Patrol
• Malita District Office
• Samal District Office
• Zamboanga Licensing Center
• DLRO KCC Mall

CAR

• Porta Vaga-Baguio City DIRO

CARAGA

• Butuan District Office
• Tandag District Office
• Butuan LTMS

NCR – West

• Manila East District Office
• Manila West District Office

What to Do When the Local LTO Can’t Print Driver’s Licenses

If your local LTO (Land Transportation Office) is unable to print a driver’s license, you should consider taking the following steps:

• Inquire about the Issue: Ask the LTO staff about the specific reason they cannot print your driver’s license. There might be technical issues or missing documents that need to be addressed.
• Verify Documentation: Ensure that you have submitted all required documents and information. If there are any missing documents or details, provide them promptly to facilitate the printing process.

• Follow Up: Regularly follow up with the LTO office regarding the status of your driver’s license. This helps to stay informed about any updates or changes in the printing process.
• Escalate the Issue: If the delay persists and you’re not getting satisfactory responses, consider escalating the issue to a higher authority within the LTO. This may involve speaking to a supervisor or manager.
• Contact LTO Hotline or Customer Service: Check if there’s a hotline or customer service number for the LTO. Contact them to explain your situation and seek guidance on resolving the issue.
• Visit Another LTO Office: If feasible, visit another nearby LTO office and inquire about the situation. They may provide insights or assistance, and you might be able to get your license printed at a different location.
• Seek Legal Advice: If all else fails, you may want to seek legal advice. Consult with a lawyer or a legal expert to understand your rights and explore possible legal avenues to address the delay in obtaining your driver’s license.

Remember to remain patient and persistent throughout the process, and document all interactions and communications with the LTO for reference if needed.

Tips and Reminders

For your reference, here are some tips and reminders that you need when visiting an LTO (Land Transportation Office) to apply for a driver’s license:

• Check Requirements in Advance: Review the required documents and ensure you have all necessary paperwork before heading to the LTO. This often includes identification documents, proof of residency, and a medical certificate.
• Set an Appointment if Required: Some LTO offices require appointments for certain transactions. Check if an appointment is necessary and schedule one in advance to avoid long waiting times.
• Wear Appropriate Attire: Dress neatly and in accordance with any dress code the LTO may have. Some offices have specific rules about attire for photo-taking purposes.
• Bring Sufficient Funds: Be prepared to pay the necessary fees. Check the official LTO website or inquire beforehand about the applicable fees for the type of license you are applying for.
• Be Mindful of Peak Hours and Available Services: LTO offices can be busy, especially during peak hours. Consider arriving early to avoid long queues and wait times.
• Bring Original and Photocopies: Carry both the original documents and photocopies, as the LTO may require both for verification purposes. This typically includes valid IDs, proof of residency, and other supporting documents.
• Undergo Medical Examination: Be prepared to undergo a medical examination as part of the application process. Some LTO offices have on-site clinics, while others may require you to obtain a medical certificate from an accredited clinic.
• Be Patient and Courteous: Expect some waiting time, and be patient during the process. Maintain a courteous and respectful attitude towards LTO staff and other applicants.
• Listen to Instructions: Pay attention to announcements and instructions from LTO personnel. This ensures a smooth process and minimizes the risk of errors or misunderstandings.
• Bring a Pen: It’s always handy to have a pen with you for filling out forms or making notes during the application process.

Remember that specific procedures and requirements may vary, so it’s advisable to check the official LTO website or contact the LTO office directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information before your visit.

Summary

While the LTO is continuously working to improve its services nationwide, some offices still face challenges in providing on-site printing of driver’s licenses. These LTO offices listed above, spread across different regions in the Philippines, currently face the limitation of not being able to print driver’s licenses on-site. As a result, individuals in these areas should be mindful of potential delays in the issuance process and plan accordingly. It’s recommended to stay informed about any updates or improvements in the printing capabilities of these offices by checking with local LTO branches for the latest information.