If your driver’s license in the Philippines has expired for more than two (2) years, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) considers it “dormant.” This means you’ll have to retake both the written (theoretical) and practical driving exams before your license can be renewed.

This guide will help you understand what happens when your license becomes dormant, what to do to reactivate it, and the steps you need to take so you can drive legally again.

What Happens If You Don’t Renew Within 2 Years?

When your driver’s license remains expired for more than 2 years, it’s no longer valid for simple renewal. The LTO requires drivers to re-qualify through testing to make sure they still understand road rules, safety practices, and actual driving skills. This means that you’ll need to retake both the written and practical exams if your license has expired for over two years.

Once you pass, you can proceed with the normal renewal steps such as your medical exam, biometrics, and payment of fees.

License Expiration Periods and Rules

According to the LTO rules on driver’s license renewal, you need to follow these guidelines to ensure that only competent and updated drivers are allowed back on the road, keeping everyone safe.

1. Expired for Less Than 2 Years

• You can renew without retaking any exam.
• You just need to pay the late renewal penalty and complete your medical exam.

2. Expired for Over 2 Years but Less Than 10 Years

• Your license is now dormant.
• You must pass both the written and practical exams to reactivate it.
• You’ll also pay the late renewal penalties before LTO processes your license.
• The Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) is not required in this case.

3. Expired for More Than 10 Years

• Your license can no longer be renewed.
• You must reapply for a new driver’s license, starting with a student permit (SP).

Renewal Process for Dormant Licenses

Once your license is expired for more than two years, here’s what you need to do to get it back:

Step 1. Take and pass the Written (Theoretical) Exam.

• Covers road signs, traffic laws, and driving safety.

Step 2. Take and pass the Practical Driving Exam.

• Tests your ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Step 3. Undergo a Medical Examination.

• Must be done in an LTO-accredited medical clinic.

Step 4. Pay Renewal and Penalty Fees.

• Fees vary depending on your license type and how long it’s been expired.

Step 5. Photo, Signature, and Biometrics.

• Done at the LTO office after you’ve passed all requirements.

Expert tip: Bring your old (expired) license card, even if it’s already invalid—it helps LTO trace your record faster.

Optional: Storing Your License

If you plan to stop driving temporarily, you also have the option to store your license at any LTO Licensing Center.

• You’ll pay a storage fee, and your license record will be updated as “on storage.”
• When you’re ready to drive again, you can reactivate it by visiting the same office.
  

If your driver’s license has expired for more than two years, you’ll need to retake the LTO written and practical exams before renewing it. Failing to do so means you cannot legally drive until you requalify.

To avoid the hassle, try to renew your license before it expires or within the two-year grace period. It saves you time, money, and effort—and keeps you road-ready at all times.

Losing your LTO driver’s license while abroad can be stressful—especially since it means losing a trusted proof of identity along with the legal right to drive—both in the Philippines and in most foreign countries. Unfortunately, if your driver’s license goes missing while overseas, you cannot immediately get a replacement from the Land Transportation Office (LTO). You’ll have to wait until you return home to start the legal process of getting a replacement and avoid any potential problems such as difficulty renewing your license, delays in future applications, or even being penalized if you get caught driving without one.

But don’t worry—there’s a clear process to follow to protect yourself legally and prepare for replacement once you return home. 

What To Do When You Lose Your License Abroad

Here’s a simple, practical guide on what you need to do in case it happens.

While You’re Still Abroad

Step 1. Do not drive without your physical license.

Even if you still have a photocopy, screenshot, or e-license, you cannot legally drive using these abroad or in the Philippines. Many countries require you to present your original license if asked by authorities. Driving without it can lead to fines, penalties, or even arrest depending on local laws. Safety and legal compliance should always come first, especially when you are so far away from home. 

Step 2. Report the loss to local authorities.

Go to the nearest police station and file an official police report. This document will serve as proof that your license was lost, which you’ll need when you later apply for a replacement at the LTO. It’s best to ask for a copy of the report, so you’ll have something that you can use as a supporting document when you return to the country.

Step 3. Check local driving rules or use an International Driving Permit (IDP).

If you had previously obtained an International Driving Permit (IDP) from the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) before leaving the country, then you can use it as a temporary substitute while abroad. Just make sure that the local laws allow its use even without your original license, lest you get into trouble. You can also check if it is possible to secure a temporary foreign license using your passport and visa.

Note: An IDP translates your Philippine license into multiple languages and is recognized in over 150 countries. However, it’s usually valid only if presented with your original license—so it won’t replace your lost license.  

Once You Return to the Philippines

You can only process your replacement LTO driver’s license after you return home. Here’s what you need to do upon your return:

Step 1. Prepare an Affidavit of Loss.

Go to a lawyer or notary public and have an Affidavit of Loss prepared and notarized. Include important details such as how and where you lost your license, as well as the date, place, and circumstances of the loss. Make sure your information matches your valid ID to avoid processing delays.

Step 2. Gather the required documents.

Before visiting the LTO, prepare the following:

• Notarized Affidavit of Loss
• One (1) valid government-issued ID (with your photo and signature)
• Police report (if available)
• Optional: Copy of your Official Receipt/Certificate of Registration (OR/CR) if you’re a vehicle owner

Step 3. Visit any LTO Office.

You can go to any LTO branch in the Philippines—no need to visit the one where your original license was issued. You can then process a replacement request there. 

In many cases, you can get your replacement within the same day. However, processing time may vary depending on the branch and volume of applicants.

Video: Replacement of Lost Driver’s License

Losing your LTO driver’s license abroad doesn’t mean losing your right to drive forever—it just takes proper documentation and patience. You can always process a replacement request when you return to the Philippines. For a visual walkthrough of the proper replacement process for your lost license, you may check out this video below:

If you’re wondering if it’s possible to authorize someone to renew your driver’s license for you, the short answer is yes. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) allows you to appoint an authorized representative in the Philippines to renew your driver’s license on your behalf. This is especially useful for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) or Filipinos temporarily residing outside the country who cannot personally appear at an LTO branch.

If you want to learn more about how it works, then this guide can help.

How It Works

You can renew your driver’s license through a Letter of Authority or a Special Power of Attorney (SPA). This document gives another person — your trusted representative — permission to handle your renewal process.

Once your representative submits the complete requirements, the LTO will issue a Driver’s License Receipt (DLR) or a Temporary Driver’s License (TDL). When you return to the Philippines, you’ll need to personally appear at the same LTO office within 30 days to update your biometrics and get your physical card.

Requirements for Renewal via Authorized Representative

If you’re renewing your license from abroad, especially from countries like Australia where Philippine driver’s licenses cannot be renewed locally, prepare and send the following documents to your representative in the Philippines:

• Letter of Authority or Special Power of Attorney (SPA): Authorizing your representative to renew your license.
• Photocopy of your Passport: Include the first page, visa page, and the pages showing your last departure from the Philippines and latest arrival overseas.
• Photocopy of your Driver’s License and Official Receipt (DLR): If available.
• Valid ID of your Authorized Representative: With clear photo and signature.

Your representative must then submit these documents to:

• LTO Central Office, License Section (NCR), or
• Any LTO District Office or Licensing Center (if outside Metro Manila).

Step-by-Step Process

Here’s a quick guide on how to renew your driver’s license through an authorized representative in the Philippines:

Step 1. Prepare a Letter of Authority or SPA authorizing your trusted representative.

Step 2. Attach required documents – passport, license, and other IDs.

Step 3. Send the documents via mail or courier to your representative.

Step 4. Your representative goes to the LTO, submits the documents, pays the fees, and gets the receipts.

Step 5. Upon your return to the Philippines, you will need to visit the same LTO office with these receipts within 30 days for your photo, biometrics, and release of your card.

Fees and Penalties

You also need to prepare to pay the following for the renewal of your driver’s license through an authorized representative:

Renewal Fees:

• Professional Driver’s License: ₱350
• Non-Professional Driver’s License: ₱350

Penalties for Late Renewal:

• Expired for less than 1 year: ₱75
• Expired for 1 to less than 2 years: ₱150
• Expired for 2 years or more: ₱225

Additional Fees:

• Medical Exam: ₱300–₱500
• Duplicate or Lost Card: Around ₱453
• Application Fee (for licenses expired 2+ years): ₱100

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For your reference, here are some common questions and answers regarding license renewal via representatives:

1. Can I renew my driver’s license fully online?

Not yet. You can take the CDE exam and set an appointment online via the LTO Portal, but you (or your authorized representative) still need to go to an LTO branch for processing.

2. Is a medical exam required?

Yes. Every renewal requires a valid medical certificate from an accredited clinic.

3. What happens if my license has expired for over two years?

You’ll need to pay additional fees and retake the written and practical driving exams.

4. Can I authorize anyone?

Yes, as long as they are a trusted adult with valid identification and can present your signed authorization letter or SPA.

Video: Can An Authorized Representative Renew My Driver’s License For Me?

The LTO allows the processing of the renewal of a driver’s license via an authorized representative, making it easier for Filipinos and OFWs to stay compliant with licensing regulations. Just make sure your representative has all the proper documents and that you can come visit their office to get the actual license card in person within 30 days of returning to the Philippines. For more details, you may check out this video below:

@kuyas.ea Q.License renewal for OFWs or living abroad. #ltodriverslicensecode #driverslicense #ltoCard #lisensya ♬ original sound – Kuyas.ea – Kuya.ea

For the latest updates, fees, and requirements, always check the official LTO website and social media pages or visit your nearest LTO branch.