A lost, stolen, or damaged driver’s license issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is a motorist’s worst nightmare. Never mind being unable to drive or ride your motor vehicle (MV) or motorcycle (MC) until you get a replacement. The real horror is learning how to apply for a replacement or duplicate driver’s license with the LTO. It may seem daunting and inconvenient, especially when you do not know how to do it. 

But, contrary to popular belief, it is actually a simple matter. All it takes is some money, a little bit of time, some knowledge, some documents, and a whole lot of patience. It may still seem inconvenient, but since the LTO driver’s license is quite important, you’d probably still take time out of your day to go to the LTO to get a duplicate LTO driver’s license. After all, being unable to drive to and from work or school is more inconvenient if you are used to having your own private vehicle. In this guide, you can learn more about duplicate licenses, including the requirements, fees, and the step-by-step procedures of replacing your lost, stolen, or damaged driver’s license.

What is an LTO Duplicate Driver’s License

A duplicate license from the LTO refers to the license reissued to replace a valid license that has been lost, stolen, or mutilated. Note that this is different from LTO driver’s license issued right before or after the expiration date which counts as a renewal instead. The license has to be valid before it can be considered as a replacement or categorized as a duplicate driver’s license. The same applies regardless of the type of license (non-professional or professional) as well as the restriction codes in it. Like the regular driver’s license from LTO, however, an official document issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) of the Philippines authorizes the license holder to operate a private motor vehicle.

Who needs an LTO Duplicate License

The LTO duplicate license is a neccesity if you are:

• A Non-Professional driver who drives a light motor vehicle otherwise than as a paid employee 
• A Non-Professional driver who drives a light motor who drives a vehicle a vehicle other than a transport vehicle.
• A Non-Professional Driver’s License holder is a holder of an official document issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) of the Philippines that authorizes the license holder to operate a private motor vehicle.
• A person who has lost or damaged your valid LTO Driver’s License 
• A person who got his valid Driver’s License stolen

Who is Eligible for an LTO Duplicate License

The LTO allows the following to secure a replacement for valid driver’s license in cases of loss, damage, or theft:

• Any Non-Professional Driver’s License holder who intends to replace a lost or stolen or damaged valid Non-Professional Driver’s License is eligible to make this application.

How much does a Replacement LTO Driver’s License Cost

A duplicate or a replacement driver’s license requires thepayment of the following fees before it can get relaced due to loss, damage, or theft:

• Replacement Fee – P 225.00
• Certification Fee – P 100.00
• Clearance Fee –  P 30.00
• Duplicate Fee – P 50.00

The total amount you would need to pay may reach up to P 405.00, but do note that this price may change without notice. You may want to check with the specific LTO Branch you’re visiting if there are any other applicable fees that you’d need to pay.

How long is the Processing Time for Duplicate License in LTO

The entire process of getting a replacement for valid LTO Driver’s License in cases of loss, damage, or theft can be completed within 30 working days or as advised by the respective department authority.

How long is the Validity Period of the Duplicate License

To learn about the validity period of the replacement license, you would have to check the reissued driver’s license card to find the expiration date or the date until which the Driver’s License is valid.

What are the Requirements for Applying for a Replacement Driver’s License in LTO

Before you go to the nearest Land Transportation Office (LTO) branch to replace your lost or damaged license or secure a duplicate license, you will need to prepare the following:

Required Information

• Full Name
• Present Address
• Nationality
• Gender
• Birth Date
• Height
• Weight
• Blood Type
• Telephone / Cell phone Number
• Tax Identification Number (TIN)
• Birth Place
• Father and Mother’s Name
• Spouse Name
• Employers Business Name and Telephone Number
• Employers Business Address

Required Documents

• Duly accomplished Driver’s License Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) Form
• Copy of Medical Certificate
• Complaint Copy (if it is stolen)
• Affidavit of Loss/Mutilation certified by an attorney-at-law and issued by a licensed Notary Public 
• Mutilated Driver License (in case of mutilation)
• Submission of one (1) photocopy and presentation  of your government-issued legal ID with photo and signature, which can be any of the following:
  • Social Security System (SSS) Card
  • UMID Card
  • PhilHealth ID
  • TIN Card
  • Postal ID
  • Voter’s ID
• Fee receipt
• Law Enforcement Clearance issued by the applicable LTO Regional Office (if the application is done outside of Metro Manila)
• LTO Certification of License Records
• LTO Duplicate and renewal Form (if the driver’s license is renewable) for driver’s license at the LTO

How to Replace Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Driver’s License in LTO

To get a replacement or duplicate Driver’s License in place of lost, stolen, or damaged Non-Professional Driver License from the LTO, you may check the step-by-step procedures listed below:

When Applying for a Replacement Driver’s License In Person

Step 1: Secure an application form from the LTO Central Office or from any concerned officer at the LTO office or download it from the LTO website.

Step 2: Fill in all the necessary details in the application form properly as incomplete applications won’t be accepted.

Step 3: Attach all the photocopies of the required documents that are mentioned in the “Required Documents” section above before submitting the application.

Step 4: Schedule an appointment for the Land Transportation Office Management System (LTMS) Portal online.

Step 5: On the day of you appointment, visit the LTO branch and submit all the documents with the completed form to the concerned officer.

Step 6: After receiving the application, the concerned authority will check the submitted application and document set. If all are in place, the application will be accepted.

Step 7: Pay for the corresponding fees at the cashier and wait for an acknowledgment receipt to be provided. Please save it for future reference.

Step 8: Once paid, the application will be processed further. All the updates on the application status will be sent via SMS to the applicant’s mobile number.

Step 9: Once the process gets completed, the applicant gets a call from the office regarding the application so he can come in for the required procedures like the vision test.

Step 10: Once completed with the vision tests, the applicant has to do the biometric procedure in the office.

Note: This entire process can be completed within 30 days or as advised by the respective department authority.

When Applying for a Replacement Driver’s License Online via the LTMS Portal

Step 1: To replace lost or stolen or damaged Non-Professional Driver License, the applicant has to make the application online by visiting the LTMS Portal.

Step 2: The applicant has to click the “Register Now” button.

Step 3: Read all the details carefully, enter the captcha, and then click the “Next” button.

Step 4: The applicant has to click the “Enroll as an Individual”.

Step 5: Enter all the nationality details and click the “Next” button.

Step 6: Once registered, the applicant has to login with the nominated email ID and password and then click the “Sign in” button on the official Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) Portal website.

Step 7: Click licensing. 

Step 8: Click apply for a duplicate/replacement license.

Step 9: Enter in all the details in the application form.

Step 10: Upload a scanned copy of the affidavit of loss you previously acquired, along with the other required documents which are mentioned above.

Step 11: Once done, pay for the fees listed above in online mode by clicking “Payment confirm.” 

Step 12: After entering all the details, the applicant has to click the “Submit” button.

Step 13: After receiving the application, the concerned authority will check the submitted application and document set. If the documents are authentic and complete, the application will be accepted.

Step 14: Once the application is accepted, it will be processed further and all the updates on the application status will be sent via SMS to the applicant’s mobile number.

Step 15: Once the process gets completed, the applicant gets a call from the office regarding the application.

Step 16: The applicant will then need to visit their LTO branch of choice ro complete the vision tests and biometrics procedures.

Note: This entire process can be completed within 5 – 7 days or as per the timeline advised by the respective department authority.

LTO Duplicate License: How to Process and How Much Does it Cost? (Video)

Learn about the complete procedures for processing an LTO replacement Driver’s License in cases of loss, damage, or theft from the YT channel of Chi Plays by watching the video below:

Important Reminders

If you are coming in to process a replacement or duplicate Driver’s License, then here ate some reminders for you:

• You need to complete the application form before submitting it as incomplete applications will not be accepted or processed.
• All applicants must provide genuine information while applying for this procedure.
• The LTO Licensing Fees may vary depends on the expiry date & the date of  application with LTO.
• Once processed, the applicant has to personally get the replacement Non-Professional Driver’s License from the LTO office.
• The process for replacement of Non-Professional and Professional Driver’s License is the same though there might be more requirements when processing a duplicate Professional Driver’s License due to the higher number of vehicle types that they can drive.
• If you have to update the information on your license, you will have to pay an additional 100-peso fee.
• If your license is due for renewal, you need to submit a medical examination certificate which is electronically transmitted. 
• If it has been years since you lost your license, you might opt to apply for a license renewal instead. 
• If your license is delinquent—meaning, you have one or more serious traffic violations—you will be required to undergo additional examinations.
• If you need help with the LTMS Portal online, you may check this guide on how to register for an LTMS online account.
• You no longer need to have your ID picture taken or to provide your signature as the LTO should already have this on file.

If you’ve done all of these, you can now get your license within the day if you’re lucky. In some cases, however, the LTO office will ask you to pick up your license on another day. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For your reference, here are some common questions and answers regarding duplicate driver’s licenses from the LTO:

1. Do I need to renew my driver’s license before applying for a duplicate license if the lost or damaged license has expired?

If the lost or damaged license has expired, you may simply apply for a renewal though you would still need the documentary requirements for lost or damaged license to prove that you did have a driver’s license before.

2. Do I need to submit a Medical Certificate when getting a duplicate driver’s license from LTO?

If the lost or damagedlicense is due for renewal, then yes, you will need to submit and go through the same driver’s license renewal procedures as usual.

3. Can I get a duplicate license even if I have pending traffic violations/demerits?

Yes. However, if your license is delinquent or you have one or more serious traffic violations, you might be required to undergo additional examinations.

Summary

As you can see, the procedures for acquiring a duplicate driver’s license isn’t really that difficult. The entire process also doesn’t cost that much. It’ll also only take anywhere between 30 minutes to several hours depending on how busy your preferred LTO branch is, so you’d want to come in  at your preferred LTO branch as early as possible to avoid the long queues altogether. Or, you can always be extra careful with your driver’s license so you wouldn’t need to go through any of this at all. In any case, you can always do it online by visiting the LTMS online portal or reaching out to any of the LTO Offices in the Philippines.

Acquiring a Driver’s License from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is a privilege and not a right. As with any privilege, it comes with some requisites and provisions. One of these is the need to change the driver’s license classification from Non-Professional to Professional if you want to drive as a means of livelihood. That means, if you need a driver’s license for work, you can’t use a Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL). Instead, you need to request for a change in classification to a Professional Driver’s License (PDL).

To learn how to apply for a change in driver’s license classification from Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) to Professional Driver’s License (PDL), here’s a quick and easy-to-follow guide on how you can do just that. 

Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) vs. Professional Driver’s License (PDL)

There are different kinds of driver’s licenses available to the public. There’s the student permit, a Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL), and a Professional Driver’s License (PDL). Some might say that the student permit is not considered as a driver’s license, in which case, leaves only the other two options. Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to immediately apply for a Professional Driver’s License (PDL). This means that in at least one point, you will need to process a change in classification request in LTO, especially if you need your driver’s license to earn a living. 

Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL)

For first-time driver’s license applicants who have had a student permit for at least one month, the LTO offers the less restrictive Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL). With an NPDL, an individual is allowed to legally drive any licensed private automobile they are authorized for all on their own. Do note that depending on the date the student permit was issued, an individual has at least a month to up to twelve (12) months to apply for a Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL).

Professional Driver’s License (PDL)

At the top of the hierarchy of LTO licenses is the Professional Driver’s License (PDL). With this type of license at hand, an individual can work and get paid to operate any public or private vehicle they are authorized for or work as a driver for a living. This requires securing and holding on to the other license types, including the Student Permit and the NPDL, for a specific period before they can apply for a Professional Driver’s License (PDL).

The procedures and fees for getting a Professional and Non-Professional Driver’s License in the Philippines are the same. The only difference is that there are certain LTO requirements and limitations that are more requirements that are harder to secure, if you are getting a professional license because of the higher number of vehicle types that they can drive. That said, it is safe to say that the most significant difference between Professional and Non-Professional Driver’s License is the kind of vehicles that the bearer can drive. A non-professional license holder cannot drive heavy and big vehicles while a professional driver’s license holder can, though it would still depend on the restriction indicated on their license.

General Qualifications

There are six (6) general qualifications to be able to change your Driver’s License (DL) classification. These qualifications include: 

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be physically and mentally fit to drive
• Must be able to read and write in Filipino, English, or any other major dialect
• Must not have an unsettled traffic violation
• Must have passed the Automated Theoretical Examination
• Must be a holder of a valid Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL)

On top of the general qualifications, there are other qualifying conditions involving the current valid NPDL and how long since it has been issued before a Change in Classification can be processed:

• For applicants with demerit points, the following period of prohibition for change in classification shall apply from the date of settlement of fines and penalties:
  • 1-2 demerit points – 3 months
  • 3-4 demerit points – 6 months
  • 5 or more demerit points – 1 year
• For valid NPDL, DL holder must have passed the Automated Theoretical Examination
• For expired NPDL, DL applicant must have passed the Automated Theoretical Examination and Practical Driving Test
  • For RC 1 or DL Codes A and A1, applicants must be a holder of a valid NPDL for at least six (6) months from the date of issuance
  • For RC 2 or 4 or DL Codes B, B1 and B2, applicants must be a holder of a valid NPDL for at least one (1) year from the date of issuance
• For applicant who wish to add a restriction code on top of the classification change, he/she must not have been cited for two (2) or more counts of reckless driving during the period of validity of his/her current driver’s license

Requirements for Driver’s License Classification Change

There are four (4) things that you need to secure first before you are able to apply for and process a Classification change for your license. These requirements are as follows:

• Duly accomplished Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) form available at the LTO office or downloadable from the LTO website (lto.gov.ph).
• Presentation of the original copy of Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL)
• Presentation of a copy of a Medical Certificate electronically transmitted to the LTO by an LTO-accredited Medical Clinic 
• Tax Identification Number (TIN) issued by BIR

In the case of foreigners who have a valid NPDL 

For foreigners with valid NPDL who want to have their driver’s license classification changed, they need to submit the following additional requirement:

• Presentation of original and submission of one (1) photocopy of a valid working VISA valid for at least 120 days upon the date of arrival

Other cases

• Clearances/Certificate (Any of the following)
  • NBI Clearance
  • Police Clearance
  • Court Clearance
  • Certificate from Commanding Officer, if a military officer
• Negative Drug Test result (from an LTO-accredited drug testing facility)

For those with accumulated TVDPs

For other cases like those who have accumulated TVDPs, applying for a Driver’s License Classification change is prohibited for a certain period, depending upon the number of demerit points:

• 1-2 TVDP has a 3-month prohibition,
• 3-4 TVDP for 6 months, and 
• 5 or more TVDP gets a 1-year prohibition

For those with Medical Condition Codes

Those who have Condition Codes 2, 3, 4, or 5 are not allowed to operate For Hire/Public Utility Vehicles or commercial vehicles unless they can present proof that they are allowed to do so, issued by a qualified LTO-accredited medical specialist from an LTO-accredited clinic.

For those who wish to Add Restriction Codes

You will need to take both the written and practical driving exam, and pay the fee for additional restriction code.

Procedures for DL Classification Change from Non-Pro to Professional

Once all of these qualifications and requirements are met, then you can proceed with the actual application procedures for DL change in classification:

Classification Change from NPDL to PDL with Same Restriction Codes

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, proceed to the encoding / biometric window and complete the form for encoding of your new details into the LTO-IT system.

Step 9. 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 10. 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.

Classification Change from NPDL to PDL with Additional Restriction Codes

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 Associated with DL Classification Change

There is no definitive fee for processing a driver’s license with a change in classification. Instead, the final amount will depend on the circumstances surrounding the license, so it could be anywhere from Php 425.00 to Php 1,375.00 depending on applicable penalties.

You may check the following breakdown for more information:

Valid PDL to NPDL Fees

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

Total: P 425.00

For expired PDL to NPDL Fees

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

Total: P 785.00 + penalty

Additional Fees 

• If due for renewal, license fee = P 585.00
• Computation of 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
• For additional Restriction Code (ARC) = P 100.00

Where to Change to DL Classification from NPDL to PDL

Processing a Change of DL Classification from NPDL to PDL can be done at any official LTO Licensing Centers, LTO Licensing Extension Centers, LTO Authorized District Offices, LTO Extension Offices, or at the LTO Central Office – License Station.

Video: How to Convert DL Classification from NPDL to PDL

To help you convert your Non-Professional Driver’s License to a Professional Driver’s License, you may check this video posted by Wander J.

Important Reminders

If you are interested in changing your DL classification from NPDL to PDL, then here are a few reminders:

• 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 Non-Professional License is valid and if there’s no additional restriction code, only a written examination will be conducted.
• If the Non-Professional License is valid and if there’s an additional restriction code,  written and practical examinations for the restriction code applied will be given.
• If the Non-Professional License is expired, you will take a written and practical examination.
• If the Non-Professional License is dormant, you are also required to pass the written and practical examinations.
• As long as the general requirements are met, anyone can be eligible for an LTO DL Classification change. 
• It is also possible to change from PDL to NPDL.
• There is a different process if you wish to change classification from NPDL to PDL and add a restriction code at the same time.
• The requirements and procedures are basically the same if you are changing from PDL to NPDL.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For your reference, here are some common questions and answers about DL change in classification from NPDL to PDL. 

1. 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 Non-Professional License is valid and if there’s no additional restriction code, only a written examination will be conducted.
• If the Non-Professional License is valid and if there’s an additional restriction code,  written and practical examinations for the restriction code applied will be given.
• If the Non-Professional License is expired, you will take a written and practical examination.
• If the Non-Professional License is dormant, you are also required to pass the written and practical examinations.

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. Can I request for a PDL to NPDL classification change?

Yes. It is possible to change the classification from PDL to NPDL. The fees, requirements, and procedures are basically the same as the NPDL to PDL classification change, too. 

Summary

Changing your Driver’s License Classification is easy, isn’t it. Youjust need to make sure you meet all the general requirements, pass the LTO written and practical driving exams as needed, then request for the change at any LTO licensing center. Of course, you will need to pay for the relevant LTO fees and amount and get your biometrics logged before you can receive the new PDL 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.