Republic Act 4136 (RA 4136), otherwise known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, is, perhaps, the most important driving law ever enacted in the Philippines. Not only did it create the Philippine Land Transportation Commission, currently known as the Land Transportation Office (LTO) under the Department of Transportation (DOTr), but it also laid the groundwork for all Philippine traffic laws and regulations currently in effect.
The RA 4136 is like the official playbook in terms of vehicle and traffic regulation. It is quite comprehensive, covering everything from requiring vehicle registrations in a national database, setting the registration requirements and fees, setting the standards for the speed, penalties, and fees, and ensuring that all drivers have licenses that allows them to be on the open road legally.
Republic Act 4136 refers to the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, also well-known as one of the most important driving laws ever enacted. It was enacted in 1964 and somehow became the cornerstone that laid the foundation for all Philippine traffic laws and regulations. It also mandated the creation of the Philippine Land Transportation Office (LTO) to oversee and manage the land transport and road traffic.
The RA 4136 also serves as the Bible for everything that has anything to do with traffic management, road safety, and land transport in general. It mandated all motor vehicles to be registered. It also set the registration fees, requirements, and speed limits, as well as the penalties for non-compliance of vehicle and car owners. Likewise, it required the drivers to secure a license, whether professional or non-professional, and comply with the LTO’s registration and licensing requirements.
Scope and Coverage of RA 4136
As it serves as the basis of regulation of the land transport sector in the Philippines, the RA 4136 is comprehensive enough to cover every possible aspect of land transport. In its full range, the provisions covered by the Land Transportation and Traffic Code (RA 4136) includes:
Creation of the Commission (LTO)
This section covers the creation of an office designated and known as the Land Transportation Office (LTO), formerly Land Transportation Commission, headed by a Commissioner and a Deputy Commissioner in its mandate to administer the provisions and implementations of the law relative to road safety. It details the responsibilities and organizational structure of the LTO, along with its designated responsibilities and power.
Registration of motor vehicles
This section details the mandatory registration of all motor vehicles and other vehicles before they can be used or operated on or upon any public highway of the Philippines. According to the law, the registration of motor vehicles must be renewed on or before the date fixed for different vehicle classifications, otherwise, it will become delinquent and invalid and unfit for use on open roads.
Setting of registration fees (for Motor Vehicles)
The law also provides for the mandatory LTO fees related to motor vehicle registrations and renewal depending upon the vehicle classification, weight, and dimension. The section also details the permissions for use of various types of vehicles in highways.
Issuance, usage, and suspension of certificates of registration, records, number plates
Operation of motor vehicle, including application, fees, examination, issuance, suspension, revocation, and renewal of license to drive motor vehicles
The law also has provisions for the need for drivers to procure and carry around a valid license to drive and operate a motor vehicle for the current year as well as the possibility of having the vehicle impounded or the license confiscated when the licensee drives around when such license is delinquent, invalid, suspended, or revoked. The law also covers the implementing rules for foreigners, as well as the application fees and requirements and the conditions for suspension and revocation of a driver’s license in the Philippines.
Illegal Use of Licenses, Number Plates, Etc.
The law also covers and defines what constitutes the illegal use of licenses and number plates in the country, including imitation and false representations in an attempt to make or use a driver’s license, badge, certificate of registration, number plate, tag, or permit whether it is for personal use or with the intent to sell. False or fraudulent statements or representations, especially those done knowingly and with the intent to deceive, in an application for the registration of vehicles, or for a driver’s license is also covered here.
Passenger and Freight
This section covers the provisions for vehicle capacity, regardless if it’s in terms of passenger or freight or cargo and the ensuing penalties in cases of overloading.
Motor Vehicle Accessories
The Land Transportation and Traffic Code also have provisions for allowed use and modifications of specific vehicle accessories, including:
Right of way for police and other emergency vehicles
Tampering with vehicles
Hitching to a vehicle
Driving or parking on sidewalk
Driving while under the influence of liquor or narcotic drug
Obstruction of traffic
Duty of driver in case of accident
Penal and other provisions
This section details information on penalties and fines for violations related to road safety and land transport. The section contains the following:
Penalty for violation
late registration
failure to carry driver’s license
driving with delinquent license
driving with expired motor vehicle registration
driving with suspended or revoked license or motor vehicle registration
driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act)
Punishment for other offenses
Duty of clerks of court
Collection of fees, taxes and fines, liens, and allotment of funds
The law also includes provision and guidelines for collection of fees, national and local taxes, toll fees, as well as all other fees, taxes, and fines and their appropriation.
The lien upon motor vehicles
Disposal of monies collected to the Highway Special Fund according to Philippine Highway Act of 1953
Republic Act 4136 LTO Tagalog Filipino Version PDF
The PDF document titled “Republic Act 4136 LTO Tagalog Version” offers a comprehensive guide on the Land Transportation and Traffic Code in the Philippines. Please check out the Tagalog PDF file here:
This document, available in the local Filipino language, serves as an essential resource for understanding the rules, regulations, and rights pertaining to land transportation and traffic in the country. It provides detailed information on licensing, vehicle registration, penalties for violations, and more, as outlined in the Republic Act 4136.
Video: What does the Land Transportation and Traffic Code (RA 4136) say?
Learn more about RA 4136: Land Transportation and Traffic Code and its provisions and prohibitions by watching this video from MamiZang Vlogs:
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
For your reference, here are some of the most common questions and answers related to RA 4136:
1. When was RA 4136 enacted?
RA 4136, was authored and enacted in 1964. It’s a 58-year-old law so as new modalities of transportation emerge, and more private vehicles are being used, the law gets more and more amendments time and time again until it has become strongly tied with economic rights and the dignity of labor.
2. Did RA 4136 create the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) as well?
3. What does the law say about the application and issuance of a Student Driver’s permit?
Section 30 of the RA 4136 says that upon proper application and the payment of the fee prescribed in accordance with law, the Director or his deputies may issue student driver’s permits, valid for one year to persons not under sixteen years of age, who desire to learn to operate motor vehicles. That is, provided that they meet the minimum qualifications and are able to provide the documentary requirements.
Summary
True enough, Republic Act (RA) 4136, otherwise known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, has long been considered as the most comprehensive law on driving and traffic regulations is our Republic Act (RA) 4136, otherwise known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code. The law laid the groundwork for almost all of the traffic regulations in effect, including the creation of the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
RA 4136 required both the (1) registration of all motor vehicles; and (2) the application of all drivers for either a professional or non-professional license. The law also set the corresponding penalties for failure to comply with the registration and licensing requirements and rules, and the penalties were updated every now and then by the LTO through the enactment of other laws.
Along with the guidelines for improvised or temporary plates for motor vehicles with four wheels or more, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has also released a guideline for the motorcycles, issued via the Memorandum Circular JMT-2023-2400.
The new memo sets the new guidelines for the use of improvised and temporary motor vehicle plates, which will be used pending the issuance of an official license plate from the LTO. As plate numbers are officially required for the identification of the vehicle, thanks to the provisions of Section 17 of Republic Act No. 4136, the new rules that will govern the use of Improvised or Temporary License Plates, along with the prescribed format, are also indicated in this memo.
Improvised license plates as well as temporary license plates are two different types of motor vehicle license plates. Both are only used temprarily, while the owner awaits the issuance of the official and permanent one. Despite their similarities in nature, these two plates are actually quite different. For our purposes, let’s learn more about them.
Improvised plates
Improvised plates, for one, refers to the plates which may be made by the owner of the motor vehicle while awaiting for the official one. This plate type requires the authority or permit to use improvised plate issued by any LTO District or Extension Offices in cases where the owner requests for duplicate plates, and is valid until the actual plate is available. It also bears the words “improvised plate” below the assigned plate number on the plate.
Temporary plates
On the other hand, temporary plates refer to plates issued by dealerships to motorcycle owners pending the actual plate. Just like the improvised plate, the temporary plate may also be made by the owner. It also bears the words, “temporary plate” at the bottom part of the plate. However, the permit or authority to use temporary plate from the LTO is no longer necessary.
What does the new memo says about the plate numbers of motorcycles?
Under the new memo, which was received by the UP Law Center on May 30, 2023, the improvised and temporary motorcycle plates – which will be usedby the motorcycle riders and owners pending the issuance of an actual license plate from the LTO – are now bigger and will follow the assigned plate number. However, the format may vary, depending on the availability of assigned plate number as well as the vehicle type.
The memo also details the colors to be used as follows:
Using Temporary And Improvised Plates
For your guidance, here’s the complete guide for the for the new improvised and temporary plate for motorcycles:
1. New Registration with Assigned Plates
If a brand new motorcycle already has its information uploaded in the LTO’s database, and there’s already a plate assigned to it, then its temporary license plate should look exactly as the image above. The actual letter and numbers of its plate will be printed with the words “Registered” and “Temporary Plate” on the top and bottom of the plate, respectively, too.
2. New Registration without Assigned Plate
In cases when there is no plate assigned to the motorcycle yet, then the temporary plate will bear the motorcycle’s MV File Number. The MV File Number will have to be printed out on the Temporary License Plate. The plate should indicate “Temporary Plate”. The dealership will also need to be indicated on the plate’s lower right-hand side.
3. Previously Registered Without Assigned Plate
If the motorcycle is already registered with the LTO, but has yet to be assigned its own plate number, then the temporary plate will need to make do with the MV File Number. Just like newly registered motorcycles with no assigned playe, previously registered motorcycles with no assigned playe will need the MV File Number to be printed on the Temporary Plate. This time, though, the dealership will no longer be indicated.
4. Electric Motorcycle and Tactical Wheeled Vehicle (TWV) with Assigned Plate
Yes, there are electric motorcycles that exist and they do have to be registered with the LTO, depending on their classification. For this type of motorcycle, the main indicator is the word “Electric” printed on the top portion of the plate, above its actual assigned plate numbers and letters.
Just like the electric motorcycles, the Tactical Wheeled Vehicles (TWV) also need to be registeres with the LTO. They may also use temporary plates and it will bear the same information as the electric motorcycles.
5. Vintage Motorcycle with Assigned Plate
The Vintage Vehicle Regulation Act – now a Law – is a law designed for vintage motorcycles. The law has provisions allowing for special plates for this type of vehicles. Just like the other types, however, the temporary plates will need to indicate such. Having said that, the word “Vintage” will have to be there, on the top right portion of the plate,and this will serve as its clear identifying mark.
6. Improvised MC Plate for Lost/Mutilated Plate
For lost, stolen, or damaged plates, the motorcycle must follow the old process and seek a replacement from the LTO. Once that has been done, a proper LTO authorization to use such improvised plates while waiting for the replacement plate. After that, then you may already use improvised plate with the details that you see above until the new pair of official plates can be issued.
When can vehicle owners use improvised license plates?
Improvised license plates can only be used in the event that the vehicle’s license plate of a registered motorcycle is damaged, lost, or stolen. However, in order to use an improvised license plate, the vehicle owner must first notify, request for a duplicate plate, and receive approval for such from the LTO.
Getting Temporary Plates
When seeking for temporary plates, motorcycle owner may get one from the following:
The dealerships where they got the motorcycle from as they are obliged to issue one pending the release of the actual physical license plates of newly registered vehicles;
The vehicle owners can make one themselves provided that their vehicles still do not have assigned license plates, but were registered prior to the release of the memorandum circular; or,
Vintage vehicle owners may also make one for themselves as long as the vehicles have been officially registered under the Vintage Vehicles Regulation Act.
Note: If there is no assigned plate number, either the conduction number or the MV file number is used. Temporary license plates do not need an authorization to use; just take note that primary responsibility for them falls upon the dealership for newly purchased brand-new vehicles, and the vehicle owner for previously registered vehicles.
What is the penalty for using an improvised license plate without the required approval from the LTO?
In cases anyone is bold enough to use an improvised license plate without the required approval from the LTO, then they need to be ready to face the consequences of violating Section II (e) of the Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01. This violation corresponds to a P5,000 fine and the confiscation of the improvised license plate from the motorcycle owner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For your reference, here are some of the most common questions and answers related to the use of temporary and improvised plates for motorcycles:
1. What is the difference between temporary plates and improvised plates?
The main difference between temporary and improvised plates is that improvised plates require an authority or permit to use from the LTO. The primary responsibility for getting it done also falls upon the vehicle owner, who first need to report the loss or damage to the LTO to secure an authorization to use improvised plates while waiting for the replacement plates.
2. What is the new plate number for motorcycle in the Philippines?
The new plate number refers to the new format issued by the LTO. This new format not only comes with guidelines but also sets the plate numbers for motorcycle in the DDD-LLL/L-DDD-LL (where L represents a letter and D represents a one-digit number) plates for motorcycles.
3. Does the new format of plate come with color and font type?
Yes. Though the font type remains the same, the latest LTO guidelines now specify colors for temporary and improvised plates: black font for private vehicles, red font for government vehicles, blue font for diplomatic vehicles, and green font for hybrid and electric vehicles.
4. What does the memorandum circular 2023 2400 say?
According to JMT-2023-2400, improvised plates are “defined as plates which may be made by the vehicle owner while awaiting for the replacement of their lost or mutilated plate number”. It adds, “The improvised plate shall contain the assigned plate number of the vehicle and with the words ‘Improvised Plate’ below it.
5. Is it okay to use temporary plate number for motorcycle?
Yes. Not only that, there’s no longer any need to secure any document authorizing the use of these temporary license plates from the LTO. For motorcycles that are already registered but still have no assigned plate number, the MV File shall be used and should indicate “Temporary Plate”. Do note thay only dealers are allowed to issue temporary plates so the new vehicle can be brought home in accordance to the ‘no plate, no travel’ policy. As for the improvised plates, these can only be used under these specific circumstances: loss, theft, or damage of existing plates.
Summary
Depending on the type of the vehicle or registration, this guide details the specific use of improvised and temporary plates for motorcycles in the Philippines. It is generally for the dealerships, but in case your dealership does not meet these specifics, or does not meet the LTO’s proper timeline for the release of your license plates (AKA bought before this plate shortage but still no plates given), you can make a report or do something about it. After all, some dealerships have already been fined, so yes, you can make demands or simply report these instances to the authorities.
An LTO driver’s license is a form of identification granted by the government through the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to prove that the bearer has permission to drive a motor vehicle in the Philippines. As such, it is important to keep it valid and to renew expired or expiring driver’s licenses religiously to avoid potential legal problems and penalties later on.
Renewing the LTO driver’s license requires two things: the completion of the mandatory 15-hour theoretical driving course (TDC) and having an expired or expiring driver’s license under your name. Though these look simple enough, driver’s license renewal can be tough and time-consuming as the LTO needs to ensure that only deserving applicants get the new driver’s license with 10-year validity upon completing the renewal process.
Applying for the renewal of your driver’s license can be taxing. Luckily, this is one thing that you don’t have to do very often anymore as the LTO now issues licenses with five- and ten-year validity instead of three (3). However, they also placed some conditions along with the longer validity period to ensure that only those with sufficient driving skills and knowledge of road safety and proper road etiquette will have their licenses renewed.
If you’re planning to renew your license any time soon, here are some of the things you need to know and yourself regarding driver’s license renewal in the Philippines.
There are different fees associated with the renewal of driver’s license in the Philippines, regardless of its classification. Some of these costs include;
Renewal of Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) or Professional Driver’s License (PDL) for Filipinos in the country and for OFWs
Plain Renewal Fees
License Fee – P 585.00 Total – P 585.00
Renewal of One (1) Day to One(1) Year Expired DL Fees
License Fee – P 585.00 Penalty – P 75.00 Total – P 660.00
Renewal of More than One (1) Year to Two (2) Years Expired DL Fees
License Fee – P 585.00 Penalty – P 150.00 Total – P 735.00
Renewal of DL Expired for More than Two (2) Years Fees
License Fee – P 585.00 Penalty – P 225.00 Application Fee – P 100.00 Total – P 910.00
Other Fees
Change Classification fee = P 100.00 Additional Restriction Code (ARC) = P 100.00 Note: The Change Classification fee only applies if you wish to change a Valid Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) to Professional Driver’s License (PDL), a valid Professional Driver’s License (PDL) to a Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL), or an Expired NPDL to PDL / PDL to NPDL
Benefits of Renewing an LTO Driver’s License
Renewing your driver’s license means you will continue to have legal permission to drive a motor vehicle on Philippine roads, thereby allowing you to prevent any legal problems or penalties from cropping up. Other than this, there are a few other benefits that driver’s license renewal offers.
It serves as proof that you are authorized to drive legally in the Philippines
You get authorization to drive a particular type of vehicle
It serves as a valid, government-issued identification document, which also helps identify who you are in cases of accidents or emergencies
It also works as a valid, government-issued ID that are acceptable for use in transacting with various offices
It helps your wallet find its way back to you.
Qualifications for an LTO Driver’s License Renewal
Application for plain and advanced renewal of your driver’s license, regardless if you are in the Philippines or are working abroad as an OFW, requires you to meet certain eligibility criteria, including the following:
Must be a holder of active Driver’s License or Driver’s License that has expired but not for more two (2) years
Must be physically fit to operate a motor vehicle
Must have sound mental faculties fit for operating a motor vehicle
Must not have any unsettled traffic violation
Must have completed the Driving Enhancement Program (DEP) prior to initial renewal of the five (5) years Driver’s License
For holders of Driver’s License with accumulated five (5) to nine (9) demerit points: Must have completed the Driver’s Re-orientation Course
For holders of Driver’s License with ten (10) or more but less than forty (40) demerit points: Must have completed the Driver/s Re-orientation Course and passed the Theoretical Examination
For those whose Driver’s License has been expired for more than two (2) years and/or with ten (10) or more but less than forty (40) Demerit Points: Must have passed the Automated Theoretical Examination and Practical Driving Test (For Driver’s License), completed the Driver’s Re-orientation Course, and passed the Theoretical Examination
Requirements for an LTO Driver’s License Renewal
Here’s a list of requirements that you need to prepare for the Renewal of your LTO Driver’s License, depending on the type of renewal you will need to process:
Plain Renewal
Duly accomplished Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) Form
Presentation of the original and submission of one (1) photocopy of the electronically transmitted medical certificate from any LTO- accredited medical clinic.
Electronically Transmitted Certificate of Completion of Driving Enhancement Program (DEP) if applying for the renewal of a Driver’s License with five (5) years validity for the first time
Presentation of the original Driver’s License, expired or otherwise
For applicants with five (5) to nine (9) demerit points: Submission of Certificate of Completion of Driver’s Re-orientation Course
For applicants with ten (10) or more but less than forty (40) demerit points: Submission of Certificate of Completion of Driver’s Re-orientation Course and proof of passing the Theoretical Examination
For applicants with ten (10) or more but less than forty (40) demerit points and with Driver’s License that has been expired for more than two (2) years: Submission of Certificate of Completion of Driver’s Re-orientation Course and proof of passing the Automated Theoretical Examination
Advance Renewal
Advance renewal is a situation where Filipinos who have driver’s license that will expire but they will not be able to renew it because they will be out of the country. Please check out the requirements below:
Duly accomplished Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) Form
Presentation of the original and submission of one (1) photocopy of the electronically transmitted medical certificate from any LTO- accredited medical clinic.
Submission of electronically Transmitted Certificate of Completion of Driving Enhancement Program (DEP) for the initial renewal of LTO Driver’s License with five (5) years validity
Presentation of original Driver’s License, expired or otherwise
For applicants with five (5) to nine (9) demerit points: Submission of Certificate of Completion of Driver’s Re-orientation Course
For applicants with ten (10) or more but less than forty (40) demerit points: Submission of Certificate of Completion of Driver’s Re-orientation Course and proof of passing the Theoretical Examination
Plane ticket(for those who will be out of the country during the date their license will expire)
Renewal of Driver’s License of OFW and Filipinos Living Abroad
Initial Requirements (for temporary driver’s license application through a representative)
Presentation of original Letter of Authority of authorized representative allowing him or her to renew and claim Driver’s License
One (1) photocopy of the passport’s first page, visa page, and departure from the Philippines as well as the latest arrival overseas
Photocopy of Driver’s License
Photocopy of Driver’s License Receipt (if available)
Additional Requirements (upon the license holder’s arrival in the Philippines)
Drug test result
Presentation of the original and submission of one (1) photocopy of the TIN or TIN Card
The license applicant shall present himself/herself within 30 days upon arrival to the same office where the renewal was made for photo-taking and for the submission of the following documents:
Presentation of the original and submission of one (1) photocopy of the electronically transmitted medical certificate from any LTO- accredited medical clinic.
Presentation of the original and submission of one (1) photocopy of the passport’s first and arrival pages
Presentation of original Official Receipt (OR) which serves as temporary Driver’s License
Submission of the electronically transmitted Certificate of Completion of Driving Enhancement Program (DEP) for the initial renewal of the driver’s license with five (5) years validity
For applicants with five (5) to nine (9) demerit points: Submission of Certificate of Completion of Driver’s Re-orientation Course
Renewal of Driver’s License with Examination [For those whose DL has expired for more than two (2) years and/or with ten (10) or more but less than forty (40) Demerit Points]
Duly accomplished Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) Form
Presentation of the original and submission of one (1) photocopy of the electronically transmitted medical certificate from LTO accredited medical clinic
Presentation of original delinquent Driver’s/Conductor’s License
How to Renew LTO Driver’s License in LTO Office (In-Person)
To renew your LTO driver’s license at the nearest LTO office, you may follow the steps below:
Step 1: Requests and accomplish the Application for Driver’s License (ADL) form
Get the queue number and wait for your turn.
Secure an Application for a Driver’s License (ADL) form.
Accomplish the Application for Driver’s License (ADL) form.
Step 2: Submit the accomplished ADL form along with the requirements and the queue number.
Step 3: Proceed to the Cashier for payment of fees.
Step 4: Take written examination
If failed
Receive the computer-generated letter of the results and come back on another day to retake the exam.
If passed
Proceed to the actual driving test.
Step 5: Take the actual driving test
If failed
Come back on another day to re-apply for a license renewal.
If passed
Proceed to the cashier for payment of fees.
Proceed to the encoding and biometric window to accomplish the form for encoding of complete details in the new LTO-IT system.
Wait for the Official Receipt (OR) and the Driver’s License (DL) Card.
Step 6: Signs in the log sheet.
How to Renew LTO Driver’s License Online via the LTO LTMS Portal
Renewing your driver’s license online is possible but you need an LTMS portal online account. The following guides will teach you how to register at LTMS and renew your driver’s license through the LTMS portal.
Part I: LTMS Registration
Step 1: Visit the Land Transport Management System (LTMS) portal homepage at https://portal.lto.gov.ph.
Registration portal of LTO LTMS system
Step 2: Click “Register now.”
Step 3: Read the Terms of Agreement, and click the check box that says “Yes, I Accept.”
Step 4: Enter the security code.
Step 5: Click “Next.”
Step 6: Choose your type of registrant according to your profile. Select “Enroll as an individual” when asked for the type of registration.
Step 7: Select “Yes” when asked if you already have a Philippine driver’s license. Provide the following information to complete the registration process:
Driver’s/conductor’s license number
Expiry date
Official receipt number (or mother’s maiden name if you no longer have your receipt)
Confirm your nationality (Filipino or otherwise), then, click “Next.”
For alien residents: provide the following details:
Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) number
Expiry date
Nationality
Click “Next.”
Enter your contact information (email address and mobile number) and submit.
Step 8: Visit your inbox for the verification link.
Step 9: Click the verification link and complete the following required information:
Emergency contact
Medical information
General information
Address
Step 10: Once done, the portal will assign a 15-digit number that will serve as your username.
If you already have an LTMS account, then you can skip the registration part and start directly with your driver’s license renewal.
Part II: Online Driver’s License Renewal via the LTMS
Once you have an LTMS account and the required documents (including the CDE certificate), you can renew your driver’s license via the LTMS.
Here are the steps you have to follow to renew your LTO driver’s license online:
Step 1: Login into the LTMS online portal using your account email address or the 15-digit LTO client number provided to you and your nominated password.
Step 2: Select Licensing in the LTMS dashboard.
Note: If your LTMS account;is newly registered, clicking on Licensing will direct you to a form where you need to enter your personal information to complete your profile. After filling out the form, you will be redirected to the dashboard and you should see a notification showing that your profile has been saved. Just click Licensing again to continue.
Step 3: Read and accept the LTMS Terms of Use by clicking the blue Accept button.
Step 4: On the Online Application form, select Driver’s License as the License Classification.
Note: Don’t click the Next button because you will have to provide a medical certificate first before proceeding to the renewal process.
Step 5: Instead, click Add Medical Certificate and key in your Medical Certificate Number. Then, click Verify.
Step 6: Select Renewal as the type of application, then, click Next.
Step 7: Select your preferred appointment schedule and LTO Office.
Step 8: Pay the applicable renewal fees through your preferred payment channel.
Step 9: Proceed to your selected LTO Office on your appointment date.
Note: Although you have already processed your driver’s license renewal application online via the LTMS portal, you will still need to go to the LTO office on your appointment date.
How to Renew Driver’s License for OFWs or a Filipinos Living Abroad
If the OFW or his/her authorized representative is within Metro Manila, the OFWs can have their Driver’s License renewed at the LTO License Section Central/ Office. Otherwise, renewal applications can be processed at any LTO District Offices or Licensing Centers.
Renewal Application through a Representative
Step 1: Head to the customer service counter of your preferred LTO Office and get the Driver’s License Application Form (which you may also download online), the checklist of requirements, and a queue number and wait.
Step 2: Go to the Evaluator Counter and submit all the initial requirements to be checked for completeness and authenticity.
Step 3: The representative should head to the cashier to pay the corresponding fees.
Step 4: Head to the Releasing Counter and get the Driver’s License Receipt which will serve as the OFW’s temporary Driver’s License.
Completing the OFW Renewal Application
Upon returning to the country, the OFW applicant is expected to visit the LTO Office where the license renewal was processed within 30 days upon arrival.
Step 1: Visit the LTO office where the representative applied for license renewal within 30 days after arriving in the country.
Step 2: Submit the additional requirements.
Step 3: Go to the photo-taking and signature area and wait for your turn.
Step 4: Head to the Releasing Counter and present the Driver’s License Official Receipt to claim your License Card.
Step 5: Log your name and affix your signature on the Release Form.
How to Renew Driver’s License in Advance (Advance Renewal)
Driver’s license holders may renew their licenses as early as 60 days prior to the expiry date. But, if you want to apply for a renewal as early as 61 days to 1 year before your license expires, you will need to submit proof that you will be out of the country by the time your license expires.
To process advance renewal applications, simply follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit any Licensing Centers or District Offices with Driver’s License transactions.
Step 2: Head to the customer service counter and get the Driver’s License Application Form, checklist of requirements, and queue number and wait for your turn.
Step 3: Go to the Evaluator Counter and submit all the needed requirements to be evaluated for completeness and authenticity.
Step 4: Head to the photo-taking and signature area and wait for your turn.
Step 5: Go to the cashier, pay for the required fees, and get the Official Receipt (OR) when called.
Step 6: Proceed to the Releasing Counter and present the Official Receipt (OR) to claim your License Card.
Step 7: Write your name and affix your signature on the Release Form.
Important Reminders
Before processing an application for an LTO driver’s license, here are a few reminders:
Prepare the required documents (including the photocopies) before visiting the LTO Office.
Go to the LTO office early, so you can finish it within the day.
Prepare for the exams by reviewing through the LTO LTMS Portal or other available materials.
Dress appropriately and avoid wearing underskirt/sando, sports shorts, and slippers.
Holders of license with five-year validity must take the PME within 60 days before their 3rd birthdate from the issuance of their license.
Those with a ten-year license, must undergo their PME before their 4th and 7th birthdays from the issuance of their license.
License holders are required to submit a medical examination certificate from LTO-accredited clinics every time they renew their licenses.
License holders whose Driver’s License has expired for 10 years or longer are no longer allowed to drive or renew their licenses. Instead, they are required to apply for a student permit again.
Failing the LTO Driving or Practical test will entail re-taking both written and practical exams the next day if it’s convenient for the applicant.
Advance renewal is also allowed to those who intend to leave the country from sixty-one (61) days to one (1) year before the expiry date of their Driver’s License.
Make sure that you have settled all past traffic violations and attended the required reorientation course before license renewal.
If you have a violation/s, you may process license renewals at the main or regional LTO offices. Note that satellite offices don’t process the renewal of driver’s licenses with violations.
If possible, it’s better to renew your license early as you may already do so within 60 days prior to the DL expiry date. By doing so, you’ll be able to avoid paying penalty fees.
Video: Renewal Procedures for LTO Driver’s License
To help guide you on the steps to renew your LTO driver’s license, watch this video uploaded by uBecRida Motovlog on Youtube:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions and answers related to the renewal of the LTO driver’s license:
1. Can I drive with an expired driver’s license?
No. Drivers with expired driver’s licenses are not supposed to drive until their license is renewed. Otherwise, they might face criminal charges and might be fined with a corresponding penalty fee.
2. Do I need to retake the driving test when renewing a driver’s license?
If the license has been expired for over two (2) years or you have incurred ten (10) or more but less than forty (40) demerit points, then you will be required to retake the driving test.
3. Can a driver’s license be renewed after it expires?
Yes, expired driver’s licenses can still be renewed, as long as they have only been expired for less than 10 years. Otherwise, you need to re-apply for a new driver’s license, starting from the student permit. Plus, licenses that have long expired may require license holders to retake examinations and pay higher penalty fees.
4. Can I still renew my driver’s license if it has expired for over 10 years?
No. According to the LTO guidelines, holders of driver’s licenses that have expired for 10 years or more can no longer apply for renewal. Instead, they must start from scratch and apply for a student permit again.
5. Can I skip on the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE)?
No. The LTO requires all drivers, regardless of experience level, to complete the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) as a requirement for driver’s license renewal. According to the LTO, the new requirement is not much of a burden, as it can be completed online or offline for free.
6. What is the age limit for driver’s license renewal in the Philippines?
There is no maximum age limit for driver’s license renewal in the Philippines. As long as you stisfy the qualifications and are still physically and mentally able to drive a vehicle, then you can renew your license regardless of your age.
7. Is it possible to renew my license on weekends?
Yes, you can apply for renewal of your driver’s license (or even apply for a student permit) on Saturdays in any LTO Driver’s License Renewal Office.
Summary
Renewal of an LTO driver’s license may seem like a hassle due to the requirements it comes with, but the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has kept working on its service delivery by improving the options for transacting with the agency. Through this improvement, most LTO processes, including the application for the renewal of a driver’s license in the Philippines, have been streamlined and simplified, in an effort to help make them easier for the public.
Not only that, the LTO driver’s license also has a longer 10-year validity period now, which saves license holders more trips to the agency offices to process its renewal. Really, there are only benefits to gain from keeping your driver’s license valid by regularly processing renewals in exchange for one day of trouble at the LTO office, so make sure you don’t shirk your responsibilities as a law-abiding driver.
For more information on driver’s license renewal or other LTO processes, simply reach out to LTO via the following:
