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LTO License Check: How to Verify Driver’s License Validity Online

Checking to ensure that your LTO Driver’s License, whether it is a Student Permit, a Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL), or a Professional Driver’s License (PDL), is valid is one of the responsibilities of every driver or car owner. As such, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) ensures that every driver or car owner would remember to check for validity of driver’s license by allowing them the ability to do so online. 

In the advent of faster Internet connectivity and more accessible computing devices like smartphones and laptops, it has become so much easier to get connected and to do things online. However, not everyone feels compelled to take advantage of or learn more about the things that can be done over the Internet. For some, transacting face-to-face is better in terms of getting their needs met. That’s why, despite the convenience and ease offered by being able to check LTO Driver’s License validity online, some still don’t know that it is an option or even how it’s done.

lto drivers license verification check

What is an LTO Driver’s License

Driver’s licenses are explicit permits in the form of plastic palm-sized cards issued by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), via the Land Transportation Office (LTO), in a bid to prove that an individual is legally allowed to handle and operate specific motor vehicles on Philippine roads.

It not only proves that you have taken the necessary step to be able to secure the government’s approval to drive, but it also proves that the government finds you roadworthy enough to be allowed behind the wheels. It proves that you aren’t a road hazard, both to yourself and to others, as determined by the relevant authorities. It also functions as a valid ID, which can be used to prove that a person is who he claims to be when transacting with both government and private institutions. 

LTO Driver’s License Check

The LTO driver’s license verification is an LTO service especially designed to allow drivers to check the validity of their driver’s license. This service is meant to help them keep their licenses in check and ensure that they have sufficient reminders on when they need to get their licenses renewed. Though the expiry date is also printed on the driver’s license itself, this LTO service also ensures that they don’t have any reason not to remember when they are expected to renew their licenses.

Benefits of Having a Valid LTO Driver’s License

Having a valid driver’s license and getting the ability to check the license validity online can be considered good public service from the agency. It means that the agency cares enough to ensure that the licensee enjoy the following benefits:

  • 24/7 access without the need to go to any of the LTO offices to check on the license validity.
  • It’s time-saving as you don’t have to take time off from work or family to complete the verification.
  • It supports longer family time since there’s no need to wait in line at the agency branches.
  • It’s convenient as they just need a mobile or computing device—be it a desktop or laptop computer or even a tablet or a smartphone—to run the LTO license check any time of the day.
  • It helps promote administrative procedures since this service helps them do away with a trip to the department registry to get the information they need.
  • It helps them avoid potential penalties and legal repercussions associated with driving without a license or with an expired license. 
  • It offers a valid photo ID that can be used when transacting in both public and private offices.
  • It obliges the licensees to watch their due date for renewal to ensure roadworthiness and safety while driving.

Who Needs to Check LTO Driver’s License Status

This LTO service allows users to verify the validity of driver’s licenses. It can be done by any individual in the Philippines who wishes to check or verify the status of a specific Philippine driver’s license. However, it is particularly effective and helpful to the following groups:

  • People who are looking to hire a person they don’t really know as their driver;
  • People who need to rent a car with driver service; and
  • Drivers who wish to avoid being asked or having to answer too many questions when apprehended by the police
  • People whose jobs involve driving another person’s car
  • Car owners who wish to check whether the driver of their car to whom they would let out or lend
  • Authorities who need to check the legitimacy and validity of an apprehended driver’s license

Read This: If you Need to track the delivery of your driver’s license or plate number, you can use the LTO Tracker tool for that.

What do You Need to Verify Your LTO Driver’s License Validity Online

Running a driver’s license check or verification online is a simple process that doesn’t require much except for the following:

  • An active Internet connection
  • A computing device—preferably a smartphone
  • Active network service and load balance

What are the Requirements to Verify License Validity Online

To check or verify the status of an LTO driver’s license, you must have the following: 

  • An LTO driver’s license to check
  • First and Last Name

Step-by-step Procedures to Verify LTO Driver’s License Validity Online

To  learn how to verify the status of an LTO driver’s license, these are the steps you need to follow: 

Online, via the LTO website

Verifying the status or validity of an LTO driver’s license online is no longer available via the Online Inquiry tab on the LTO official website. You may, however, check on your LTO profile by logging into your Land Transport Management System (LTMS) portal online account and checking your information. 

If you do not have an LTMS account yet, you may register for an LTMS account. 

Via SMS

Step 1: Draft a text message to the LTO according to the following pattern:

LTO LICENSE [Driver’s license number] 

Step 2: Send it to 2600. 

Step 3: Wait for the system-generated message from the LTO once the text message was sent. 

The reply will give the following details

  • Period of license validity
  • If there has been any apprehension.
  • If there is any LTO alarm.

Fees

A charge of Php 2.50 is charged for the SMS service. Accessing the LTMS portal is free though.

Important Reminders

For your reference, here are some important reminders worth taking note of. 

  • Non-professional driver’s license issued for the first time is only valid for five (5) years.
  • 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 also required to submit a medical examination certificate from LTO-accredited clinics each time they renew their licenses.
  • License holders whose DL has expired for 10 years or longer are no longer allowed to drive and will be required to apply for a student permit again.

Video: How to Check the Status of Your LTO Driver’s License 

Learn more about how to check the validity of your driver’s license with LTO by watching the video from Ricardo Ronaldo:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most common questions and answers regarding checking the validity of the LTO driver’s license:

1. How long is the validity period of an LTO driver’s license?

The validity period changes depending on the license type. For Student Permits, the validity period is one year. On the other hand, first-time professional and non-professional driver’s licenses, as well as those who are renewing with traffic violations, get licenses that are valid for five years. If the licensee has a clean record, then he or she can renew his or her license and secure one with a 10-year validity period as per Republic Act 10930.

2. When will my license expire?

If you are looking for the expiration date of your driver’s license, then you can find it on the card’s front side. The validity period of your DL will also depend on whether your license is issued before or after your birthday. If your license was issued before your birthday, the current year is included in the validity period. Otherwise, the current year is not included when counting the validity period. 

3. Where can I find the information on my license type? 

If you need to check your new LTO driver’s license for the license type and restrictions, you may check the back of your license card. The license type information is in there, but unlike the old one, it is no longer on the front side.

4. Who do I reach out to for inquiries and concerns?

For more information or other concerns, you may contact the LTO at:

Land Transportation Office
Office Address: LTO Compound, East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, 1100 Philippines
Tel. No.: 89229061 to 63
Email Address: ltomailbox@lto.gov.ph
Official website: https://lto.gov.ph/

Summary

Whether you are a holder of a Student Permit, a Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL), or a Professional Driver’s License (PDL), ensuring its validity is one of the responsibilities of every driver or car owner towards road safety. After all, a valid driver’s license proves that the driver is roadworthy and that it is highly likely that the drivers and passengers of the vehicle will be safe during the trip. 

LTO Storage of Motor Vehicle

Storage of motor vehicles is a service offered by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to those who wish to avoid having to pay for motor vehicle registration and other LTO  fees for scrapped vehicles. It is particularly useful if you wish to be a law-abiding citizen but you have a car you can’t or don’t want to use anymore. It helps save money on motor vehicles you won’t be using but needs to register simply because the law says that “All motor vehicles and other vehicles must be registered.”

Because of the LTO storage service, it is possible to avoid being liable for the LTO fees once you have determined that you do not want to keep your vehicle as a running vehicle on public roads. This applies regardless if you want to totally scrap your car or you simply do not wish to keep a dilapidated or accident-damaged vehicle running on public roads. In such a case, it would be wise to avail of the LTO’s storage service.

lto storage of motor vehicle

What does LTO Storage of Motor Vehicle Mean?

The LTO storage service refers to the transaction where the Motor Vehicle (MV) or Motorcycle (MC) plates, Certificate of Registration (CR), and Official Receipt (OR) are all surrendered to the LTO and the vehicle shall not be used or operated for a period of time until reactivated. Once stored, such a vehicle cannot then be used on public roads, but at the very least, it means that the vehicle will not accrue any fees for the time it is in storage (or the time it has been scrapped).

Though it is uncommon for Filipinos to scrap a car as they usually simply sell it off, there does exist another option. This option to store vehicles allows you to keep a car and surrender the license plates to avoid any delinquency in payments of registration fees. It is a particularly useful service in cases when one gets into an accident that wrecks his vehicle or wishes to scrap his dilapidated or accident-damaged vehicle so it doesn’t run on public roads ever again.

Benefits

Some of the benefits associated with the LTO storage of motor vehicle service includes:

  • Allowing you to free up the space occupied by the car when you decide to scrap it.

  • Helps keep your LTO records clean and free from violations. 

  • In case you can’t decide whether to keep or scrap it just yet, you still do not have to worry about paying for LTO registration fees and other related fees while the car is in storage.

  • There is an option for reactivation from storage, in the event you wish to use the car again.

  • You may still be able to drive the car, if only around the village or as a practice vehicle.

Who May Avail

The LTO storage of motor vehicles is available to all motor vehicle owners. It is a particularly useful service for those with old vehicles which they can’t let go either for practical or sentimental reasons.

Requirements

If you decide that you do not wish to be held liable for not paying LTO registration and other fees for a vehicle you no longer use, then you’d want to surrender it to LTO for storage. Before you can do so, however, you will need the following documents:

  • Original Certificate of Registration (CR)

  • In the absence of CR: Submit affidavit of loss

  • Motor Vehicle / Motorcycle plates

  • In case of a lost plate: Submit an affidavit of loss

  • For non-availability of plate: Submit Certification

Procedures

The actual process to store a car and surrender the license plates to avoid any delinquency in payments of registration fees is simple. 

Here are the steps you will need to follow:

Step 1: Visit your preferred LTO Office, whether an LTO District / Extension Offices that processed the storage transaction.

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

Step 3: Secure an Application Form for storage of motor vehicles.

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: Once the requirements are retrieved and verified, you will be issued a billing form.

Step 8: Proceed to the cashier for payment of fees.

Step 9: Wait for the official receipt (OR) to be released.

Step 10: Once paid, present your OR and surrender your number plates, Certificate of Registration (CR), and Official Receipt (OR) of Return Plate and Licenses for storage.

Once stored, the vehicle associated with the plates and OR/CR can no longer be used on public roads again, but at the very least, it means that the vehicle will not accrue any fees for the time it is in storage (or the time it has been scrapped).

Fees

Some of the fees associated with LTO Storage of Motor Vehicle service includes the following:

Storage Fee – P45.00 

Legal Research Fee – 10.00 

Total: P55.00 + surcharge (if applicable)

Where to Avail

If you are interested in availing of the LTO storage service, then you may visit any LTO District or Extension Offices that process storage transactions.

Reactivation from Storage

If by chance the car needs to be used on public roads once again, the LTO does allow for reactivation from storage. Just make sure to prepare to submit the following requirements:

  • LTO Copy and electronically transmitted insurance Certificate of Cover (COC)

  • Original Certificate of Emission Compliance (CEC) 

  • Original Receipt (OR) of Return Plate and Licenses

  • Actual Motor Vehicle Inspection 

  • Valid Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR)

With these documents, you may reactivate your motor vehicle from storage and renew its registration. It means that the vehicle has been restored to road-worthy condition and should be allowed for the retrieval of the plates that you have had stored.

Important Reminders

If you are processing a request to store your motor vehicles’ number plate and OR/CR, you need to keep the following tips in mind:

  • It is mandated by law to pay for registration fees and other LTO fees of all cars, regardless if it’s in good running condition or scrapped.

  • It ensures that the owner of a vehicle is always identifiable in case of any accidents or untoward incidents that require such to be found out. 

  • The LTO storage of motor vehicles allows you to avoid liability from fees, penalties, and delinquencies in case you decide to scrap your motor vehicle.

  • Though scrapping is rare in the Philippines, it still pays to know that there is an option other than reselling for parts or as a second-hand vehicle.

  • It is also possible to reactivate motor vehicles from storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

For your reference, here are some common questions and answers regarding motor vehicle storage:

1. What happens if I decide to keep my car and not have it stored?

By law, you will need to keep renewing the vehicle registration by going through the renewal procedures and paying for the associated fees. 

2. Will I need to have my plates and OR/CR stored if I decide to scrap my car?

Yes, unless you prefer to have it transferred to another vehicle (usually in case of vanity plates) or keep paying for the renewal of your vehicle registration faithfully even when the car is no longer being used. 

3. What if I want to use the car on public roads again? 

If by chance the car is needed to be used once again on public roads, the LTO does allow for reactivation from storage. It requires the vehicle to be restored to road-worthy condition and have its registration renewed before the retrieval of the plates that you have had stored is allowed.

4. How much do I need to pay to avail of the LTO storage service?

To avail of the LTO storage service, you will only need to pay a total of P55.00 along with the applicable surcharge. 

5. Can I still drive my car around after surrendering the number plates for storage?

By law, publicly driving a car without plates and OR/CR is not allowed. You may, however, drive it within your private property and nobody will complain.

Summary

Say you got into an accident and ended up with your vehicle at a total loss, then you’ll either hope for insurance to kick in or end up with a scrap of unusable metal. Once you have determined that you do not want or you are unable to keep your vehicle as a running vehicle on public roads, it would be wise to avail of the LTO’s storage service.

The LTO storage service allows you to store a car and surrender the license plates, avoid delinquency, and avoid paying for the hefty LTO fees associated with owning a vehicle. It’s a simple process and it saves you from burning your money unnecessarily too while you decide what to do with your crappy or old vehicle.

The important lesson here is to know exactly what you will do with a dilapidated or accident-damaged vehicle. When you do, getting on with the actual procedures isn’t always as hard as it seems.

How to Change Chassis of Motor Vehicle in LTO

Chassis modification is one of the things that the Land Transportation Office (LTO) generally doesn’t allow. After all, most cars have rigid dimensions and modifications that change the dimension and weight of the chassis and wheelbase may affect its handling. Changing the chassis of the motor vehicle may also   cause the chassis to flex in weird places if the modification compromises its rigidity and structural integrity. 

However, changing the chassis is something that some car enthusiasts like to do. Whatever their reason for doing so, chassis modifications are being done in many places, so the LTO makes it a point to require registration and run official physical inspection and testing to guarantee roadworthiness and a safe experience and environment for drivers, passengers, and operators. 

lto change chassis motor vehicle car

LTO Vehicle Modifications: Change Chassis

The car’s chassis, or frame, refers to the very foundation for every other component that the motor vehicle carries. It serves as the basis where everything else is built on and could be either a unibody or a body-on-frame style. Despite its functionality, the chassis, especially its parts, are often neglected unless there’s a broken or badly worn part. 

As the chassis the car handling and consequently the torsional rigidity and stability of the vehicle, worn out steering and suspension parts of the chassis may cause potential dangers to both drivers and pedestrians. Before that happens, the chassis needs to be modified, changed, or replaced. In some cases chassis modification is simply a result of personal preferences and aesthetics. 

Whatever the reason is for your interest in changing your car’s chassis, it’s best to remember that these changes need permission from the LTO. Hence, it needs to be applied before you can drive the car on public roads again. 

Benefits of Changing the Chassis of a Motor Vehicle

Being able to change your vehicle’s chassis at will means enjoying the following benefits: 

  • You may upgrade your vehicle into one that suits your speed and performance preferences.

  • A change in vehicle chassis may give the car a longer lifespan.

  • Depending on the type of chassis you have, you may be able to make changes to other parts for better aesthetics.

  • You may be able to get a bigger car, or one with more spaces if you add length to your chassis.

  • It gives you freedom to decide how you want your car to perform.

  • You can save more money as chassis modification also involves getting its parts checked for wear and tear.

Eligibility to Change the Chassis of a Motor Vehicle

Just like when making any other type of motor vehicle (MV) modifications, changing the chassis of a motor vehicle is allowed to anyone who owns a registered motor vehicle and who intends to change chassis for whatever reason. These changes are allowed by LTO, provided that those who are requesting for such change can present all the requirements and have the ability to pay all the relevant LTO fees.

LTO Requirements for Chassis Modification

Car modifications resulting in changes in the car’s chassis may be allowed, but it has to be declared and permitted by the LTO. As such, the car owners need to prepare and submit the following list of documents, depending on the class of the vehicles they own and other conditions.

General Requirements

The basic requirements for application for chassis modification in LTO includes:

Additional Requirements

The need for additional documents may vary depending on the class of change the car as well as other conditions regarding the motor vehicle being modified. 

In such cases, there are additional requirements listed as follows: 

For Hire Vehicles

  • Confirmation of Franchise from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) with copy of Decision/Order

  • Original Certificate of Registration (CR) and latest original Official Receipt (OR) of payment

  • Original copy of Sales Invoice of Chassis

  • Plates

  • Affidavit of Change of Chassis

  • Clearance from Philippine National Police-Traffic Management Group (PNP-TMG)

  • Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR)

  • Copy of Dealer’s Report duly authenticated by the Assistant Secretary with Official Receipt (OR)

  • Confirmation of CR/OR (CIR-91-137) if issued by other LTO Agency

  • Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN)

Private Vehicles

  • Original Certificate of Registration (CR) and latest original Official Receipt (OR) of payment

  • Original copy of Sales Invoice of Chassis 

  • Affidavit of Change of Chassis 

  • Clearance from Philippine National Police-Traffic Management Group (PNP-TMG)

  • Actual inspection of MV with duly accomplished MVIR (Motor Vehicle Inspection Report)

  • Confirmation of Dealer’s Report from Registration Section / Regional Office

  • Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN)

For Vehicles under Chattel Mortgage

For Vehicles Owned By A Corporation

  • Board Resolution or Secretary’s Certificate

For Motor Vehicles Owned By A Single Proprietor

  • Registration of Business Name issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

How to File Application for Change Chassis of Motor Vehicles

Changing your vehicle’s chassis isn’t simple. It’s typically overlooked during maintenance but it does serve as one of the vehicle’s most important parts.  Like other LTO transactions, however, chassis modification or changes requires submission of the documentary requirements mentioned above and execution of the step-by-step procedure listed below:

Step 1: Visit the LTO Office closest to you. 

Step 2: Secure a queue number at the LTO officer-in-charge and wait for your turn.

Step 3: Once your number is called, proceed to the transaction counters. 

Step 4: Submit all the required documents to the Evaluator for evaluation and computation of fees.

Step 5: Once the evaluation is completed, get the actual inspection of motor vehicles with duly accomplished Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR) done.

Step 6: Once the MVIR is ready, proceed to the queue for the cashier window and wait for your turn.

Step 7: Once your name is called, pay for the necessary fees and secure an Official Receipt (OR).

Step 8: Once done, proceed to the Releasing Counter.

Step 9: Present the OR to get the new Certificate of Registration (CR), plates, stickers, and other requested documents.

Step 10: Once you have received the CR and other relevant documents, signs in the CR log book.

Where to File Application for Change in Vehicle Chassis

Filing for a change in chassis for your motor vehicle can be done in any LTO Office, district, or extension offices, whichever is more convenient.

Fees for LTO Chassis Modification

The procedures for engine swap for motor vehicles in LTO will require applicants to pay the following:

  • A total of one hundred pesos (P100.00) for the color change fee.

  • Other LTO fees (MVUC, etc.)

Important Reminders

For your reference, here are some things you need to remember when applying for a permit to change chassis:

  • Note that all types of changes are subject to inspection as it needs to be checked for safety and to ensure that the change will not cause harm to yourself and to others.

  • That said, the procedure always comes with other fees. 

  • Changing the chassis of a motor vehicle is an optional procedure, though it’s best to always keep it in check for worn out parts.

  • It can be done at any of the LTO offices in the Philippines.

  • Chassis modification is only possible if it doesn’t involve adding length or changing the weight of the frame, which may affect torsional rigidity, stability, and handling of the motor vehicle.

Video: Guide on the Requirements for Changing Chassis in LTO

You can learn more about the procedures on how to change chassis in LTO by watching this video from Mivec Man Challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To help make your application for change in vehicle body design as painless as possible, we rounded up the most common questions and answers related to it.

1. Can I apply for the change in chassis from any LTO branch office?

Yes. You may apply for chassis modification and have it registered at any LTO branch, provided that they offer the service. 

2. Is there a difference when filing for applications for change of engine between private and for hire vehicles?

Yes. There are differences in documentary requirements, but the procedures remain the same. The restrictions remain the same as well, in the sense that it is allowed so long as it doesn’t cause change in vehicle classification or affect the vehicle’s handling and safety.

3. How much does it cost to modify or change chassis in the Philippines?

The price may vary depending on the type of chassis—material, design, etc.—you require. 

4. Is LTO imposing a fee for changing the chassis of my car?

Yes. The LTO collects a P100.00 charge for changing the chassis of your car.

Summary

Chassis modification is a tricky procedure. Make it too long or too heavy that it affects the alignment and handling of the vehicle, resulting in accidents. Ignore the chassis and you might end up with worn or torn parts, resulting in the same kind of danger. It’s a sensitive procedure that may affect the safety of the drivers and passengers, which is why this kind of change is heavily regulated by the LTO. Despite the regulation, it is possible to get it done, so longa s you are willing to spend money to pay for the LTO fees and time to process the numerous documentary requirements.

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