How to Get an LTO Plate Number in Philippines

LTO license plate numbers are essential parts of every motor vehicle. It serves as a unique vehicle identifier and is issued as a set of numbers and letters on a metal plate by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in a bid to help protect the security of both drivers and car owners. Together with your car or motorcycle’s OR and CR, the LTO license plate number serves as the vehicle’s ID which allows law enforcers to track and tell whether a vehicle has the right to be used and driven on public streets or if it’s carnapped or stolen from someone else.

LTO license plates are essential for safety and security reasons. Unfortunately, many motorists are still waiting for their plate number to be released, despite already going through the motions of securing one. Thanks to the ever-increasing number of cars hitting the roads every year, LTO continues to have a hard time catching up, which incites anger among vehicle owners given the LTO’s No Registration, No Travel policy.

how to get lto license plate number lto philippines

What is an LTO License Plate Number

An LTO license plate number refers to the set of alphanumeric characters printed on a slim metal plate and attached to the front and back side of a motor vehicle. It serves as a vehicle’s ID, proving its legitimacy and giving the motor vehicle a unique identifier in terms of registration, road violations, and compliance with government laws. 

The LTO license plate and plate number works as a unit. After all, there can’t be one without the other. It is also an imperative for drivers and car owners to ensure that they initiate the process of securing one as driving around without a license plate number is illegal. It is be flagged down anytime and to be asked to present a Certificate of Registration (CR) and Official Receipt (OR) which could lead to hefty LTO fines and a lot of trouble for transgressors.

Use of Plate Number in Philippines

A license plate number is akin to a government-owned legal identification document, but only for motor vehicles. It comes in the form of a slim piece of metal that car owners and drivers are expected to place onto the car’s front and rear bumpers for several reasons:

  • It signals to law enforcers and other motorists that the vehicle has been duly registered and has therefore earned the right to traverse public roads. 
  • It also helps the authorities monitor if every vehicle on the road is adhering to traffic rules and regulations.
  • It serves as a visible identifier.
  • With a visible number plate, motorists are assured that violators can be caught and penalized. 
  • It does away with the possibility of having law enforcers on your tail as they would usually need to chase or flag down vehicles just to check the registration and driver’s license.
  • Having a valid and legal number plate enables both drivers and aspiring car owners to avoid as many legal problems and safety problems as possible.

Qualifications

According to the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the following can get any new motor vehicle or motorcycle registered so the car owners, drivers, and operator may get the OR/CR and secure an LTO license plate number:

  • Accredited importers
  • Accredited dealers
  • Motor vehicle owners 

Requirements

Because license plate numbers may be acquired from the LTO after the initial registration of motor vehicles, hence, the process requires the same set of requirements as such.  

For a complete list of motor vehicle registration requirements, you may learn more by reading this guide on how to register your motor vehicles at the LTO

In case you wish for a unique and customized LTO license plate, then the agency also offers vanity license plates. You may be able to get the list of requirements for this one when you learn about how to secure an LTO vanity license plate. 

In case of loss, the requirements for securing a duplicate license plate is detailed in this guide on how to secure a duplicate plate. 

Procedure: How to Get an LTO License Plate Number

As mentioned earlier, the process for securing an LTO license plate number starts with the registration of a motor vehicle or a motorcycle. Along with the OR/CR, the agency also releases the car sticker, plate number, and RFID sticker, though they aren’t given out all at the same time. In fact the LTO plate numbers are clearly stated in the OR/CR, but the slim metal plate where it is embossed for visibility usually takes much longer to be released. With the current backlog for license plate numbers at the LTO, it now takes even longer before one is released. 

For the detailed procedure on how to get an LTO license plate number, then you can follow these steps:

In Person, at the LTO Office 

Step 1: Gather and prepare all the required documents for registering the type of motor vehicle you have. 

Note: There is a different set of car registration requirements for brand new cars depending on the type—whether it is Locally, Imported, Registration of Light Electric Vehicle (LEV) (AO-2006-01), Registration of Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV), Three Wheeled Vehicle, or Tax Exempt.

Step 2: Visit the nearest LTO office that processes new vehicle registrations as not all LTO branches do so.

Note: You may always call the customer hotline of the nearest LTO branch from you to ask if they process new vehicle registration and save yourself the trouble of having to go there only to find out that they don’t process car registrations.

Step 3: Once there, go to the appropriate transaction counter.

Step 4: Submit all the documentary requirements you have gathered so the LTO evaluator can assess if the documents are complete and compute the fees based on the information that they have regarding your vehicle.

Step 5: Have the MV tested for emissions and submit the Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR) containing the results.

Step 6: Pay all the necessary fees at the cashier and wait for your OR (official receipt).

Step 7: Once done, wait for your turn at the Releasing Counter to obtain the Certificate of Registration (CR), plates, and stickers.

Using the LTO LTMS Online Portal 

Here are the steps you should follow if you want to register your vehicle with the help of LTO Land Transport Management System (LTMS) portal online:

Step 1: Visit the LTO LTMS Portal online.

Step 2: Log into your account, or if you do not have one yet, register for an LTMS portal online account.

Step 3: Once done, you can then start using the LTMS portal for your specific needs with LTO, like paying off your traffic violation fines as well as your car registration and renewal fees. 

Step 4: Take note of the payment reference number (PRN) if you pay the fees online. 

Note: You may also schedule an online appointment to visit your preferred LTO branch to streamline the process for your car registration and renewal.

For a detailed guide on acquiring an LTO vanity plate, you may read about how to secure an LTO vanity license plate. 

For lost plates, the procedures are listed in this guide to securing a duplicate plate. 

Fees: How Much Does it Cost to Get an LTO License Plate Number

Since the registration procedure for motor vehicles is the same procedure for securing an LTO license plate number, then the price you will need to pay when you go through the procedure remains the same as when you register your car for the first time. It may vary depending on a few factors, but it typically costs somewhere around P1,000.00 plus additional fees for the license plate, the stickers, vehicle tags, and the inspection.

These additional fees include:

  • Metal license plate – Php 450.00
  • Stickers and tags – Php 50.00 each. 
  • Inspection fees – Php 90.00 to Php 115.00
  • Penalty fee if you fail to show up during the schedule of your car’s registration – Php 50.00

Where to Get an LTO License Plate Number

The date and location for the release of the metal plates are usually found when you verify your LTO license plate numbers online. However, it is usually at the originating LTO office where you process your initial registration, which could be at the following LTO offices:

  • New Registration Units of the Regional Offices (ROs) 
  • New Registration Units of the authorized LTO District Offices (DOs) 
  • New Registration Units of the LTO Extension Offices (EOs)
  • For exempt Motor Vehicles (MVs), Under bond, and MVs under written commitment: LTO Diliman District Office
  • For Used Imported MVs: From Subic Freeport – LTO SBMA Extension Office

How to Verify Your LTO License Plate Number

Since the LTO license plate is usually released much later than the OR/CR, you may check for the license plate number via the following channels:

By checking the OR/CR

The LTO license plate number is actually printed out on the OR/CR issued by the transacting LTO office upon completing the MV registration procedures

Via the LTO plate number verification online

A plate number verification for private vehicles can be done online, via the LTO SMS plate number verification system to see if the plate number and registration are legitimate. It is unclear if public utility jeepneys (PUJs) and other public utility vehicles (PUVs) such as taxis, tricycles, motorcycles, and trucks are included in the LTO’s verification system database. 

Via SMS

There’s an option for LTO SMS plate number verification, too, and it works regardless of network service (Globe, TNT, Smart, Sun Cellular, Dito, or Gomo). Likewise, it costs the same across all networks and is only serviceable during regular office hours, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

Important Reminders

For your reference, here are some important reminders you need to keep in mind when getting an LTO license plate number:

  • The LTO license plate number is usually issued after the LTO registration procedures for motor vehicles are completed.
  • The LTO plate number can be verified through the LTO verification system online or via SMS.
  • Getting the LTO plate number verified is extremely helpful if you do not want to stay too long at a police or a military checkpoint as you can just show them the message from the LTO proving that your car is totally clear of any apprehension and records.
  • This service is also quite useful for the police force, especially if they are out to get crooks and carnappers in a checkpoint.
  • The costs for the actual license plate (P450.00) is included in the fees paid for during registration.
  • Securing a duplicate plate is possible, in cases of loss, theft, or mutilation. 

Video: How to Get a License Plate in case of Loss

Learn more about how to get a new LTO license plate in case of loss or theft, watch this video posted by Tongbits TV:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You may also check on the common question and answers regarding how to get an LTO license plate here: 

1. Can I use a temporary plate before my license plate is released by the LTO?

Yes. You may get a temporary plate from the dealer where you purchased the motor vehicle or simply use your car’s conduction stickers as the temporary plate. Both are allowed by the LTO anyway.

2. How can I check if the LTO license plates are available for pickup?

You may use the 15-digit Motor Vehicle (MV) number on the OR/CR on the LTO verification system online or via SMS to check if the license plates are ready for release. Of course, you may always reach out to LTO directly, either by making a phone call, sending a message, or making a personal trip to the LTO office where you processed your MV’s registration.

3. Where can I find the 15-digit Motor Vehicle (MV) number?

The 15-digit Motor Vehicle (MV) number can be found in the original official receipt/certificate of registration (OR/CR). If you check your OR/CR, you will see your Motor Vehicle (MV) number on the top-left side. You will need this to run plate number checks. Once the system recognizes the status, it will tell you all the registration information as well as when and where you can pick your plate up from an LTO office, if it has not yet been released.

Summary

If you are still reading, we’re pretty sure you are no longer wondering why there’s so much clamor to speed up the release of the LTO plate numbers. After all, the license plates are necessary to drive vehicles both for identification and safety and security reasons.

Moreover, together with your car or motorcycle’s OR and CR, your LTO plate number serves as your vehicle’s unique identifier, making it easier to track in cases of accidents. 

What is Driving Enhancement Program (DEP)

The Driving Enhancement Program (DEP), otherwise known as the Driving Enhancement Program Intervention Seminar, is a seminar mandated by the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Designed for driver’s license holders, the Driving Enhancement Program (DEP) is a training seminar that covers topics related to road safety and land transportation laws, rules, and regulations. 

The Driving Enhancement Program is also a mandatory requirement for license renewal. Through these courses, drivers are informed of the proper ways of being on the road. Then, these drivers are screened for knowledge retention, ensuring that only drivers who know what they are doing can get a chance to drive legally on any Philippine road. 

driving enhancement program dep

What is the Driving Enhancement Program (DEP)

The Driving Enhancement Program (DEP) is a seminar especially designed by the LTO for driver’s license holders, regardless of license classification. This program is required from license renewal applications, and is conducted in accordance with the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of R.A. No. 10930 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code of the Philippines. 

The Driving Enhancement Program (DEP) covers different topics, including, but not limited to road safety, traffic rules and penalties, a special segment on values, road courtesy, and discipline, as well as land transportation laws, rules, and regulations. It includes two different kinds of driving courses: the Comprehensive Drivers Education (CDE) course and the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC).

Comprehensive Drivers Education (CDE) course

The Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) is a five-hour mandatory refresher course for drivers and motorcycle riders who wish to renew their driver’s license in the Philippines. It was designed in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act (RA) 10930 in a bid to ensure that only qualified driver’s license applicants with adequate driving skills, knowledge of road safety, and proper road etiquette can have their licenses renewed into one with ten-year validity. It culminates with a 25-item multiple-choice exam known as the CDE online validation exam and may be taken in person at any LTO-accredited driving schools, at the LTO Driver’s Education Center (LTO DEC) in select LTO offices, or online via the LTMS portal.

Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC)

The Driver’s Reorientation Course is a course especially designed as a condition precedent to driver’s license renewal of those with violations during the validity of their driver’s licenses. Like the CDE, it culminates with a written exam, ensuring that the violators get the rules hammered into their being. It is a mandatory requirement for the renewal of a driver’s license with at least five (5) demerit points as well as those who had accumulated at least ten (10) demerit points or those who had committed the same violation for at least three (3) times. The DRC is also one of the requirements from public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers who have committed franchise-related violations. Failure to complete the DRC would also result in license suspension until the required attendance to the courses is complied with.

Benefits of Attending the Driving Enhancement Program

Completing either form of the Driving Education Program, whether it is the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) or the Driver’s Reorientation Course, means enjoying the same benefits afforded by either one of these driving courses.

Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE)

  • A chance to fulfill the requirements for LTO driver’s license renewal
  • A free lifetime CDE Certificate of Completion that does not expire
  • A self-paced refresher course on the basics of driving, road safety, and associated laws
  • A self-paced exam that can be taken and retaken as many times as possible at your own convenience
  • A certificate that proves that you are well-equipped to be a driver
  • A certificate that proves that you deserve the new LTO driver’s license with 10-year validity

Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC)

  • Being able to secure the Certificate of Completion which is a requirement for driver’s license renewal
  • Getting a refresher course on the old rules of the road you may have already forgotten 
  • Getting a crash course on new LTO rules
  • Being able to serve at least one of the penalties for accumulated demerits without spending money
  • Being able to avoid possible suspension of driver’s license 30 days after committing a driving or traffic violation 
  • You can get a driver’s license which doubles as a valid photo ID that can be used when transacting in both public and private offices
  • The license renewal process requires this if you have at least five (5) demerit points

Who may Avail of the Driving Enhancement Program

All holders of driver’s licenses who wish to renew their driver’s licensel, as well as licensees with 5-year validity shall undergo comprehensive driver’s education in the form of the Driving Enhancement Program so they may learn about road safety and proper road courtesy and have requirements for when they apply for the renewal of their driver’s license. 

Depending on the course type, the DEP is also designed for the following:

Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE)  

  • All holders of 5-year validity driver’s licenses
  • Plain renewal of driver’s license by holders who were issued student-driver’s permit prior to 03 August 2020;
  • Renewal of driver’s license with miscellaneous license transactions (e.g., revision of records, additional driver’s license code/s, etc.); 
  • Renewal of expired Philippine driver’s license with a valid foreign driver’s license (continuity Philippine driver’s license); 
  • Renewal of driver’s licenses with five or more demerit points (in addition to the completion of driver’s reorientation course); 
  • Renewal of driver’s licenses of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Filipinos living abroad 
  • Renewal of licenses expired for more than two (2) years; and 
  • Advance renewal for Filipinos with imminent travel out of the country 

Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC)

  • Every applicant for the renewal of license to operate any motor vehicle who has accumulated at least five (5) demerit points
  • Driver due for renewal who has accumulated ten (10) or more total demerit points
  • A driver who has accumulated at least 10 demerit points, 
  • A driver who has committed the same violation thrice during the validity of the driver’s license

Requirements

Because the Driving Education Program Intervention Seminar offers two different kinds of driving courses, the Comprehensive Drivers Education (CDE) course and the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC), the requirements will vary depending upon the course that will be taken. 

For more information on the CDE requirements, you may check this guide on how to secure the CDE Certificate.

If you are required to undergo the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC), then you can check for more information about what the Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC) really is instead. 

Procedures

Just like the requirements, the procedure for applying to take either the DEP will vary depending on whether you will take the CDE or the DRC.

For more information on taking the CDE, you may refer to this guide on taking the CDE and securing the CDE Certificate. 

If you are taking the DRC, then you can secure a Certificate of Completion by following this guide on what DRC is.

Fees

The LTO has the power to regulate the driver’s education fees charged by private driving institutions, ensuring the availability of driver’s education at reasonable prices without denying its accredited driving schools a fair return on their investment. The power is considered lodged with the LTO so as to properly and effectively discharge its functions and duties under the law and to discourage the collection of exorbitant and unreasonable fees for driver education.

Important Reminders

For your reference, here are some important tips you need to remember:

For Comprehensive Drivers Education (CDE)

  • The CDE may be availed from any of the LTO Driver’s Education Centers (DECs) nationwide. 
  • The CDE can also be accessed online for free anytime through the Land Transport Management System (LTMS) Portal using the driver applicant’s account.
  • Note that the access to the subsequent topics are restricted until the time allotted for the preceding topic has elapsed. 
  • In cases where the applicant is technologically challenged or has difficulty due to shortage of equipment to access or answer the COE Online Validation Examination, it is the discretion of the LTO Chief of Office to provide a randomized pen-and-paper test.
  • In order to pass the CDE examination, the applicant must correctly answer at least eighty percent (80%) of the twenty-five (25) questions randomly selected from the bank of questions. 
  • The CDE shall no longer be required for the renewal of all driver’s license holders that were issued with Student-driver’s Permit on or after 03 August 2020, and those who have renewed to their current driver’s license on or after 28 October 2021. 

For Driver’s Reorientation Course (DRC)

  • The DRC shall be conducted only through the LTO Driver Education Center (DEC).
  • To pass the DRC examination, the applicant must obtain at least eighty percent (80%) of the twenty-five (25) questions randomly selected from the bank of questions. 
  • The DRC intervention program shall be completed within thirty (30) days from the last apprehension. 
  • Failure of the driver to complete the DRC within thirty (30) days from the date of the last apprehension shall cause the suspension of the driver’s license upon prior notice until the required attendance to the course is complied with. 
  • ln addition to the completion of the required DRC, a driver due for renewal who has accumulated ten (10) or more total demerit points shall be required to pass the automated Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) and examination before he/she may be allowed to renew his/her driver’s license.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To help the public learn more about the Driving Education Program (DEP) of the LTO, here are some common questions and answers about it:

1. Are CDE and DRC the same?

No. While both the CDE and the DRC are considered components of the DEP and mandated by law for drivers who intend to renew their licenses, the two are two different courses available to different sets of people. The CDE is required from all license renewal applicants whereas the DRC is only required from traffic violators.

2. Can I take both the CDE and the DRC?

Yes, if you are required to do so, usually in cases when you are a traffic violator who wants to renew your license.

3. Are CDE and DRC available online?

The CDE is available online via the LTMS portal, but the DRC is only available in LTO DECs. 

Summary

The Driving Education Program (DEP) of the LTO is yet another program implemented by the agency to ensure that the drivers who get licensed deserve to be on the road. Not only does it serve as a refresher course and a penalty of sorts, it is also a mandatory requirement for those who are trying to renew their licenses. The courses are also easier to take now, so there really is no reason not to take it.

How to Renew LTO Accreditation for Driving Schools

With more driving schools on the list of accredited partners of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the driving schools are getting their opportunity to be officially licensed. As such, more driving schools start to emerge, resulting in more schools in need of LTO accreditation renewal so they can continue offering driving courses to all license applicants in the Philippines. 

Just like the accreditation service, the LTO also offers accreditation renewal service for driving schools in the country. Going through the accreditation renewal procedures allow the driving schools to continue operating legally and producing more responsible drivers in the country. 

renew lto accreditation for driving schools

LTO Accreditation Renewal for Driving Schools

Being an LTO-accredited driving school allows driving schools to legally operate as a steering and driving learning institution. The accreditation usually requires these schools to pass stringent assessment and screening procedures before they can get the authority to engage in the conduct of lectures on Theoretical (TDC) and Practical Driving Courses (PDC). With the accreditation renewal, the institutions are seeking permission to continue enjoying the benefits afforded to them by their initial accreditation. 

Importance of Renewing LTO Accreditation for Driving Schools

Just like the LTO accreditation for driving schools, the renewal of accreditation is important due to the following reasons: 

  • It ensures that driving institutions comply with LTO-prescribed standards on driving instructor’s qualifications, physical sites and facilities, equipment, materials, and other similar requirements;
  • It standardize the education course components, as well as the topics and minimum time requirements, among all accredited driving institutions; 
  • It raises the standards of instruction to a specific level of quality to develop safety consciousness and positive driving attitudes on the road;
  • It gives the schools the authority to offer driver and conductor education programs; 

  • It monitors the operation of driving institutions, ensuring that the facilities and equipment, as well as the quality of instruction, are strictly maintained;
  • It makes for efficient implementation of rules and regulations in relation to the operation of driving institutions.

Eligibility for LTO Accreditation Renewal for Driving Schools

The renewal of LTO accreditation for driving schools is an LTO service available to all driving schools that have already been established, operating, and which have previously been issued a certificate to operate.

Requirements for Renewal of LTO Accreditation for Driving Schools

To renew the LTO accreditation for driving schools, you must first prepare the following documentary requirements:

  • Duly accomplished application form under oath and signed by the owner; 
  • Payment of non-refundable application fee amounting to One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00); 
  • An audited financial statement for the previous year, prepared by a certified public accountant; 
  • Valid Business Permit; 
  • Certificate of Registration from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR); 
  • List of accredited instructors with their driver’s license number and other pertinent qualifications; · 
  • Official Receipt (OR) and Certificate of Registration (CR) of the vehicles registered under the name of the proprietor of the driving school in case of a sole proprietorship, or in the name of partnership or corporation, whichever is applicable; and 
  • Payment of non-refundable renewal accreditation fee amounting to Three Thousand Pesos (P3,000.00). 
  • For late renewal: A fee of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00).

Procedures for Renewal of LTO Accreditation for Driving Schools

For a complete guide on how to renew your LTO accreditation as a driving school, please check the following steps:

Step 1: Visit the Regional Accreditation Committee (RACs) at the LTO Regional Office with jurisdiction over the location of the driving school. 

Step 2: Proceed to the RAC Secretariat and secure the application form for the accreditation of driving schools. You may also download the form from the LTO website (www.lto.gov.ph).

Step 3: Submit the application form and the documentary requirements to the Office of the Regional Director concerned, through the designated officer at the RAC Secretariat in the LTO Regional Office for evaluation for completeness and for verification.

Step 4: Once the documents are evaluated and verified by the designated personnel from the RAC Secretariat Regional Office, you will be issued a Payment Order Slip (POS).

Step 5: Upon issuance of your Payment Order Slip (POS), proceed to the cashier for the payment of non-refundable application fee. 

Step 6: Once paid, wait for the OR to be issued.

Step 7: Once your OR for the payment of the application fees is released, proceed to the RAC and submit a copy of the Application Fee OR.

Step 8: Wait for the RAC Secretariat to complete the evaluation of the submitted documents as well as the conduct of the mandatory reinspection of the driving school’s facilities, equipment, motor vehicles, and other requirements within fifteen (15) working days upon receipt of the complete documentary requirements. 

  • Step 8a: If found non-compliant, the RAC will send a written notification detailing any deficiency or nonconformity in the submitted requirements as well as recorded findings after the conduct of reinspection.  
  • Step 8b: You will be given a non-extendible period of seven (7) working days from receipt of the notice to comply with the findings. 
  • Step 8c: Within five (5) days, the LTO Regional Director will either disapprove the application or endorse the same together with the approved Inspection Report to the Central Office Driving Institutions Accreditation Committee (CODIAC).

Step 9: The CODIAC and the Inspection Team will conduct an inspection of the driving school’s facilities, equipment, motor vehicles, and other requirements as prescribed.

  • Step 9a: Otherwise, the CODIAC, within a period of five (5) working days, shall either disapprove the application or endorse the same together with the approved Inspection Report.
    • If found non-compliant: In case the CODIAC finds a deficiency or nonconformity in the submitted requirements, the CODIAC Vice Chairperson shall immediately notify in writing the applicant, through the RAC, stating the grounds for disapproval. 
    • If approved: The CODIAC Secretariat shall prepare a Certificate of Renewal of Accreditation which shall be valid for one (1) year from the date of payment of the accreditation fee.
  • Step 9b: The CODIAC Vice Chairperson shall then recommend the approval of the same to the Assistant Secretary. 
  • Step 9c: The Assistant Secretary, within fifteen (15) working days upon receipt in his office, shall approve or disapprove the applications for accreditation as endorsed by the CODIAC.
    • If the Assistant Secretary failed to do so, the application is considered approved provided that all required documents have been submitted and all required fees and charges have been paid.

Step 10: Wait for the Payment Order Slip (POS) to be issued.

Step 11: Upon issuance of your Payment Order Slip (POS), proceed to the cashier for the payment of the accreditation fee and other related fees. 

Step 12: Once paid, wait for the OR to be issued.

Step 13: Once your OR for the payment of the accreditation and other fees is released, submit a copy of OR to the RAC Secretariat.

Step 14: Once the CODIAC Secretariat shall renew the driving school’s accreditation to the LTMS immediately upon receipt of the approved Certificate of Renewal of Accreditation.

Step 15: Wait for the approved Certificate of Renewal of Accreditation to be released after the RAC disseminates it to the LTO-accredited driving school. 

Cost of Renewal of LTO Accreditation for Driving Schools

When applying for renewal of LTO accreditation for a driving school, you may want to prepare to pay the following fees: 

  • Application Fee – P 1,000.00
  • Legal Research Fee – P 10.00
  • Accreditation Fee – P 3,000.00
  • Late Renewal Fee – P 5,000.00
  • Legal Research Fee – P 10.00

Where to Apply for Renewal of LTO Accreditation for Driving Schools

When applying for renewal of LTO accreditation for your driving school, you would need to visit the Regional Accreditation Committee (RACs)  at the LTO Regional Office where the driving school is accredited.

Processing Time

Renewal of LTO accreditation for driving schools is a multi-stage process, meaning, each process may be done within a day or two, depending on the availability or compliance of the applicant. The total processing time, however, is estimated to be within 40 working days as well.

Validity

Upon renewal of LTO accreditation for driving schools, the driving schools can get a Certificate of Renewal of Accreditation with a validity period of one (1) year from the date of payment of the accreditation fee. However, depending upon the performance assessment in the last accreditation period and upon recommendation of the RAC and the CODIAC, a driving institution with good standing and no record of violation and suspension may get a renewal of accreditation with a validity period of two (2) years. 

Important Reminders

For your reference, here are some important tips and reminders you’d want to remember when applying for renewal of the LTO accreditation for driving school.

  • The applicant for renewal of accreditation of driving school is filed with the Office of the Regional Director through the Regional Accreditation Committee (RAC) having jurisdiction over the location of the driving school.
  • A period of thirty (30) working days is given to the applicant to file for renewal of accreditation. 
  • The last day of filing for renewal of LTO accreditation of driving school shall be twenty (20) working days prior to the expiration of the certificate of accreditation. 
  • A late renewal fee costs up to Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) shall be charged upon failure to file a complete renewal application within the prescribed thirty (30)-day period.
  • Applications with incomplete requirements shall not be entertained.
  • A Certificate of Renewal of Accreditation shall be valid for one (1) year reckoned from the date of payment of accreditation fee. Based on the performance 
  • assessment during its last accreditation period and upon recommendation of the RAC and the CODIAC, a driving institution with good standing and no record 
  • of violation and suspension shall be entitled to a renewal of accreditation valid for two (2) years.
  • Accreditation of Driving School is under multi-stage processing. Each process may be done within the day or in another day, depending on the availability or compliance of the applicant.
  • Processing time includes waiting time and starts upon the submission of complete requirements, and excludes the time for shipping of the certificates and other documents from Regional Office to Central Office and vice versa.
  • In the event of findings of deficiency or nonconformity in the submitted requirements as well as recorded findings after the conduct of inspection, the applicant shall immediately be notified in writing and shall be given a non-extendible period of seven (7) working days from receipt of the notice to comply with the findings
  • The Assistant Secretary, within fifteen (15) working days upon receipt in his office, shall approve or disapprove the applications for accreditation as endorsed by the CODIAC. If the Assistant Secretary failed to do so, the said application shall be deemed approved provided that all required documents have been submitted and all required fees and charges have been paid by virtue of Sec. 10 of R.A. No. 11032, otherwise known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.
  • No driving school shall operate without the possession of any valid certificate of accreditation. 
  • Based on the performance assessment during its last accreditation period and upon recommendation of the RAC and the CODIAC, a driving institution with good standing and no record of violation and suspension shall be entitled to a renewal of accreditation valid for two (2) years. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For more information, here are some common questions and answers regarding renewal of LTO accreditation for driving schools:

1. Why do driving schools need to consistently renew their LTO accreditation?

All driving schools need to consistently renew their LTO accreditation in order to operate and to consistently assure the government and the public of the quality of driver’s education that they offer. It also proves that drivers who were issued their driver’s licenses are deserving applicants with sufficient driving skills and knowledge of road safety and proper road courtesy.

2. Can I visit any LTO office to renew the LTO accreditation for my driving school? 

No. You can only visit the RAC at the LTO Regional Office where the driving school is accredited. This LTO office must be the same one with jurisdiction over the location of the driving school. 

3. How much does it cost to become an LTO-accredited driving school?

LTO accreditation for driving school takes about forty (40) days and costs at leasts P6,020.00. In the event of late renewal, there’s a late renewal penalty amounting to P5,000.00 as well. 

4. How long is the validity period of the Certificate of Renewal of Accreditation for driving schools?

The Certificate of Renewal of Accreditation is usually valid for only one (1) year from the date of payment of accreditation fee. However, depending upon the performance assessment in the last accreditation period and upon the recommendation of the RAC and the CODIAC, a driving institution with good standing and no record of violation and suspension may get a renewal of accreditation with a validity period of two (2) years. 

5. When should I renew the LTO accreditation for driving schools?

The LTO accreditation for driving schools must be completed within twenty (20) working days prior to the expiration of the certificate of accreditation. After that, the driving schools have thirty (30) working days to file for renewal of accreditation and avoid the late renewal penalty.

Summary

With the increase in the number of driving schools in the country, it is imperative for the LTO to be more vigilant about watching out for non-registered driving schools. As such, the LTO offers the option to renew the LTO accreditation so the driving schools can operate legally in the Philippines. With this guide on the renewal procedures for LTO accreditation of driving schools, we hope that the process become easier for you to complete.

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