The conductor’s license, just like the driver’s license, is also a license issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).Unlike the driver’s license, however, not many people know about the need for a conductor’s license in the Philippines except, perhaps, for those who actually work as one. In fact, it is also mandated by the Republic Act 4136 which is also known as the “Land Transportation and Traffic Code.”

The conductor’s license is just like the driver’s license. It is a necessary document issued by the LTO to those who wish to work as bus conductors in the Philippines. It is a documentary proof that a conductor has the necessary skills and qualifications to work and assist the drivers of buses and other public utility vehicles (PUVs). It also allows the LTO to regulate conductors in the country, much like how they regulate the drivers and vehicles, especially those who are out to serve the public citizenry 

What is an LTO Conductor’s License (CL)?

A Conductor’s License is a type of license or permit released to bus conductors only. This is issued by the Land Transportation Authority (LTO) under the mandate of the Land Transportation and Traffic Code. It is issued by the LTO to those who wish to work as a conductor assisting the driver in fare collection, checking and issuing tickets, and ensuring the safety of the passengers and cargo of any public service operator. It is also the conductors who are held liable in cases of violation regarding overloading of passengers or freight or cargo beyond its registered carrying capacity.

Much like the professional Driver’s License, the Conductor’s License is a necessary requirement from those who wish to work as a conductor and earn. It requires applicants to take a 20-item written assessment and attend an orientation or enhancement program, regardless of whether he can or cannot drive. It doesn’t require one to be able to drive. Instead, the license is issued to qualified individuals so they can legally perform the following tasks in the Philippines:

• collecting and issuing tickets, passes or fares
• checking the validity of issued tickets
• attending to the passengers
  providing assistance regarding boarding, seating and luggage particularly to the elderly, sick, disabled, or injured passengers;
• opening and closing doors for passengers;
• performing safety checks prior to departure
• signaling to drivers to stop or proceed when passengers disembark
• greeting passengers, checking boarding transportation equipment, and announcing routes and stops
  ensuring that safety regulations are observed
• responding to passengers requests and complaints; and
• taking charge of appropriate actions in cases of emergencies or accidents

According to the guidelines and procedures for the issuance of the Conductor’s License are governed by the Supplemental Implementing Rules and Regulations as provisioned by RA 10930, a valid conductor’s license allows an individual to secure work under any of the following capacities:

• Bus conductor
• Bus inspector
• Cable car conductor
• Passenger car conductor
• Railway passenger train guard
• Road freight conductor
• Ticket inspector (public transport)
• Train conductor
• Transport conductor

Benefits of an LTO Conductor’s License

Acquiring a conductor’s license is good in the sense that it offers to qualified individuals the following benefits:

• It helps avoid the potential penalties and legal repercussions associated with driving without or with an expired license. 
• It offers a valid photo ID that can be used when transacting in both public and private offices.
• The license renewal process becomes easier than getting a new one.
• It takes a long time, from five to ten years, to expire, depending on the license type.
• It helps regulate and keep the conductors in check, allowing for regulation in the industry.

Qualifications for an LTO Conductor’s License

As per RA 10930, obtaining a Conductor’s License (CL) in the Philippines requires one to satisfy the following qualifying conditions:

• Must be at least eighteen (18) years old 
• Must be physically and mentally fit to work and no contagious disease
• Must be able to read and write in Filipino and/or English 
• Must have passed the theoretical examination – New CL and those not renewed for more than two (2) years from the expiry date
• Must not have unsettled traffic violation
• Must have completed the Conductor’s Theoretical Course (CTC) from LTO Driver’s Education Center (DEC)
• Must not be a drug user or alcoholic
• Must be clean, neat, and presentable

• For new applications and those with dormant license (who has not renewed their CL for over two (2) years): Must have attended and passed the theoretical examination from either the LTO Driver’s Education Center, the LTO-accredited Driving School, or the LTO Accredited TESDA Training Center
• For those seeking to renew the five (5) year Conductor’s License for the first time: Must have completed the Conductor’s Enhancement Program (CEP) prior to application
• For those seeking to renew their Conductor’s License with Examination [Expired for more than two (2) years] and/or with five (5) to nine (9) Demerit Points: Must have completed the Conductor’s Re-orientation Course
• For those seeking to renew their Conductor’s License with Examination [Expired for more than two (2) years] and/or with ten (10) or more but less than forty (40) Demerit Points: Must have completed the Conductor’s Re-orientation Course and passed the Theoretical Examination

Requirements for an LTO Conductor’s License

Application for a Conductor’s license in the Philippines require the applicants to secure, present, and submit the following documentary requirements:

• Duly-accomplished Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) Form

For New Conductor’s License Application

• Electronically-transmitted medical certificate from any of the LTO-accredited medical clinic nationwide (One (1) photocopy and presentation of the original medical certificate)
• Presentation of the original and submission of one (1) photocopy of any of the following proof of identification:
  • PSA Birth Certificate
  • Philippine Identification Card
  • Passport
  • PSA Certificate of Marriage for married women
• Any of the following clearances:
  • NBI Clearance
  • Police Clearance
  • Court Clearance
• Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN)

For those Intending to Change their Civil Status

• PSA-Authenticated Marriage Contract

For those who need a Change of Address

• Barangay Clearance, with the applicant’s complete address
• Proof of billing statement

For Changes in any Other Personal Details

• Presentation of the original and submission of one (1) photocopy of any of the following proof of identification:
  • PSA Birth Certificate
  • Philippine Identification Card
  • Passport

For Lost or Mutilated Conductor’s License

• Affidavit of Loss
• Proof of the mutilated license (if available)

For Advanced Renewal

• Electronically Transmitted Certificate of Completion of Conductor’s Enhancement Program (CEP) for the initial renewal of DL with five (5) years validity
• Presentation of original Conductor’s License
• Submission of Certificate of Completion of Conductor’s Re-orientation Course for applicants with five (5) to nine (9) demerit points
• Plane ticket

For OFWs and Filipinos Living Abroad

• Presentation of one (1) photocopy of passport (first page, visa page, and departure from the Philippines and latest arrival overseas)
• Presentation of original Letter of Authority if sending an authorized representative
• Submission of Certificate of Completion of Conductor’s Re-orientation Course for applicants with five (5) to nine (9) demerit points

For Renewal of Expired Conductor’s License with five (5) to nine (9) Demerit Points

• Certificate of Completion of Conductor’s Re-orientation Course

For Renewal of Expired Conductor’s License with ten (10) or more Demerit Points

• Certificate of completion of Conductor’s Re-orientation Course
• Proof of completion of Automated Theoretical Examination

Procedures for Securing an LTO Conductor’s License

If you are interested in securing one, there are two ways to do so: in person by visiting the LTO branches, or online, via the Land Transport Management System (LTMS) portal. 

In-Person Application

To apply for a conductor’s License by visiting an LTO branch with licensing functions, here are the steps that you should follow:

Step 1: Visit your preferred LTO Licensing Centers , LTO Licensing Extension Offices, LTO District Offices, or LTO Extension Offices near you.

Step 2: Proceed to the Customer Service Counter and have your documents checked for authenticity and completeness.

Step 3: Secure a Conductor’s License Application Form.

Step 4: Secure a queue number and wait for your turn.

Step 5: When your number is called, proceed to the transaction counters.

Step 6: Submit the application form along with all your documentary requirements to the Evaluator.

Step 7: Wait for your turn and proceed to the Photo-taking/Signature Area to have your picture and signature taken.

Step 8: Proceed to the Cashier when your name is called to pay the application fee and keep the Official Receipt (OR).

Step 9: Proceed to the Testing Area and present the Official Receipt (OR) to take the written exam.

Step 10: After passing the written exam, proceed to the Cashier when your name is called and pay the necessary fees for the license. Keep the Official Receipt (OR).

Step 11: Proceed to the Releasing Counter, present the Official Receipt and claim the temporary license or card type license.

Online Application

Application for and Renewal of the LTO Conductor’s License (CL) may also be done online through the LTMS portal (portal.lto.gov.ph), but the Conductor’s License must be claimed at the chosen LTO Office.

To apply for a conductor’s license online, simply follow these steps:

Step 1: Register at the Land Transportation Management System (LTO-LTMS) portal.

• Click the ‘Register’ tab at the top of the LTMS homepage.
• When prompted for your license/serial number, click No.
• Enter your basic personal information like your name, address, contact information, and date of birth.
• Once completed, verify your LTO LTMS account using the verification link sent to the e-mail address you provided within 24 hours. 
• You will be prompted to create your password.

Step 2: Once registered, sign in to your account using your new password.

Step 3: Once logged in, select ‘Licensing’ on the LTMS dashboard to access the online license application portal.

Step 4: Complete the online licensing application form, especially the fields with red marks as they are vital in your application including the following:

• educational attainment
• place of birth
• eye color
• height
• weight
• emergency contact person, and  
• complete address

Step 5: Once done, click ‘Apply Changes.’

Step 6: You’ll be redirected to the dashboard so you will need to click ‘Licensing’ again.

Step 7: Read and accept the LTMS’ Terms of Use.

Step 8: Once done, you will need to select the appropriate details, including:

• Type of license (Conductor’s License);
• Type of application (New Application, Renewal, Revision of Records, Replacement, etc.); and
• The preferred appointment schedule and LTO office.

Note: In the event of dormant licenses or those that have not been renewed for two (2) or more years, you will need to follow the same procedure to secure a Conductor’s License (CL).

Validity Period of an LTO Conductor’s License

A new LTO-issued Conductor’s License (CL) is valid for a maximum of five (5) years until the licensee’s fifth birthday since the license was released, unless sooner revoked or suspended. A holder of a Conductor’s License who has not committed any violation/s during the five (5) year period preceding its expiration shall be entitled to renewal of the same license with a validity period of ten (10) years.

Fees to Pay for an LTO Conductor’s License

To secure a conductor’s license from the LTO, one must prepare to pay the following fees:

Regular fees

• License/ Permit fees: Php 585.00
• Application Fee: Php 100.00
• Computer Fee: Php 67.63
  Overall Total: Php 752.63

Additional Penalty fees

• Expired for one (1) day up to one (1) year: Php 75.00
  Expired for more than one (1) year up to two (2) years: Php 150.00
  Expired for more than two (2) years: Php 225.00
• For On-time Renewal: Applicants only need to pay the license and (1) one computer fee
• For those with 1-day to 2 years expired licenses: They need to pay the license, penalty, and (1) one computer fee
• For Re-examinees: They need to pay the application, license, penalty and (2) two computer fees.

Other fees

• Replacement Fee: Php 225.00
• Certification Fee: Php 100.00
• Clearance Fee: Php 30.00
• Duplicate Fee: Php 50.00
• Revision of Records: Php 100.00

Where to Get an LTO Conductor’s License

To secure an LTO conductor’s license, the applicant may go to any of the following LTO offices for the application procedures.

• LTO Licensing Centers 
• LTO Licensing Extension Offices
• LTO District Offices 
• LTO Extension Offices

Important Reminders

Make sure you come prepared when applying for a conductor’s license. Don’t forget to check these tips and reminders:

• An LTO Conductor’s License (CL) is a document mandated by IRR of the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
• A conductor’s license is secured from the LTO before an individual can legally work as a bus conductor in the Philippines.
• The first Conductor’s License (CL) issued to conductors in the Philippines during new applications has a validity period of three (3) or five (5) years.
• Renewal may result in the issuance of a Conductor’s License with a five- or ten-year validity.
• Even dormant licenses can be renewed in person or online via the LTO-LTMS portal.
• The procedures for securing a Conductor’s License is almost the same as the application for a Professional Driver’s License.
• Those who will be applying for the conductor’s license but still hold the 3-year validity license cards are required to personally appear at the chosen LTO Office to undergo the biometric capturing process as part of the requirements for the printing of the 5-year validity license cards.
• In areas where there are no PSA branches or offices available, applicants may present the original and photocopy of their birth certificate validated by the Office of the Local Civil Registry with attached Official Receipt.

Video: How to Apply and Renew the LTO Conductor’s License

Learn more about the step-by-step procedures for renewing a driver’s or conductor’s license from this video posted by Christine Diane.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For your reference, here are some of the most common and frequently asked questions and answers regarding the Conductor’s License.

1. Where can I find my Conductor’s License number?

If you have a Conductor’s License already, then this is the same as the serial number on your ID. If you don’t have one yet, then you’d want to skip this portion when registering online for an LTO-LTMS account.

2. How much does it cost to get a Conductor’s License in the Philippines?

Depending on whether you are a first-time applicant or a re-examinee or are simply seeking for a renewal or a replacement of your conductor’s license, these are the fees you will need to pay:

• Regular fees:
  • License/ Permit fees: Php 585.00
  • Application Fee: Php 100.00
  • Computer Fee: Php 67.63
    Overall Total: Php 752.63

• Additional Penalty fees:
  • Expired for one (1) day up to one (1) year: Php 75.00
    Expired for more than one (1) year up to two (2) years: Php 150.00
    Expired for more than two (2) years: Php 225.00
  • For On-time Renewal: Applicants only need to pay the license and (1) one computer fee
  • For those with 1-day to 2 years expired licenses: They need to pay the license, penalty, and (1) one computer fee
  • For Re-examinees: They need to pay the application, license, penalty and (2) two computer fees.

• Other fees:
  • Replacement Fee: Php 225.00
  • Certification Fee: Php 100.00
  • Clearance Fee: Php 30.00
  • Duplicate Fee: Php 50.00
  • Revision of Records: Php 100.00

3. Can I use the LTO-issued Conductor’s License in place of a Driver’s License?

No. Conductor’s License is exclusively for bus conductors. It differs from a Driver’s License and was not created as a permit to drive. Having said though these two are issued by the same regulatory body, LTO, they have very different purposes and cannot be used interchangeably.

4. Do I need to enroll or complete a seminar at a driving school to get a Conductor’s License?

Yes. If you are renewing your five-year Conductor’s License for the first time, then you will need to complete and secure a completion certificate for the Conductor’s Enhancement Program (CEP) designed by the LTO from any LTO-accredited institution. Those who are renewing with demerits will also need to complete a Conductor’s Re-orientation Course (CRC) to be able to proceed with the transaction.

5. Can I renew my Conductor’s License before it expires on the last working day prior to my birthday?

Yes. It is possible but there is a separate set of requirements and procedures for advance renewal. Nevertheless, it is possible to secure a renewal prior to expiration of your Conductor’s License.

Summary

Obtaining a Conductor’s License (CL) from the LTO may not be as widely known as securing a Driver’s License, but it is equally important, especially if you are seeking a career as a conductor as proves that they have what it takes to carry out the duties of a transport conductor in assisting the drivers of buses and other public utility vehicles (PUVs) in the country. It is also mandated by the law so you kind of have no choice in the matter. The process for application and renewal of the LTO conductor’s license is also easy as it is quite similar to that of the driver’s license, but with a few exceptions like that of the classifications/restrictions.

So, if you intend to seek a career as a conductor or are already working as one without a conductor’s license, then it’s best to secure a Conductor’s License (CL) from the Land Transportation Authority (LTO) as soon as possible.

Contact Information

For more information or to address your inquiries or concerns regarding the application or renewal of the Conductor’s License, you may reach out to LTO via the following contact information:

Land Transportation Office

Via the LTMS portal: Visit the LTO’s official website and fill out their Contact Us form (https://portal.lto.gov.ph/ords/f?p=PUBLIC_PORTAL:CONTACT_US:115716301949471:::::)
Via phone call: You may contact them at their telephone number (632) 922-9061 to 66.
Via email: You may also send them an email at clientcare@lto.gov.ph.
Via the LTO Text Hotline Service: You may use LTO’s nationwide SMS service for drivers and vehicle owners by typing LTOHELP and sending it to 2600.
Note: The LTO Text Hotline service is only available during office hours on weekdays. If you avail this service after 5 PM, you won’t get any replies, but you will still be charged a Php 2.00 fee, as it is the fee for using the service.
By visiting the LTO office: For information, you may check this list of Complete LTO branch offices for the one closest to you.