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The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is now issuing the new LTO digital ID—an online electronic driver’s license (eDL) developed as part of the agency’s digitization efforts and is set to serve as the traditional driver’s license card starting July 2023, following the news on the shortage of plastic cards as announced by the LTO. 

Developed in cooperation with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the LTO instead of using the originally planned “super app” has opted to offer the eDL through its very own Land Transport Management System (LTMS) portal online. Some holders of valid driver’s license cards can already check their LTMS account for their eDL, but if you are not sure about how to do it, then let this guide help you. 

What is an LTO Digital ID?

As the name suggests, the LTO Digital ID, also known as the Electronic Driver’s license (eDL), is an electronic version of a driver’s license issued and stored in a secure digital format. It is a valid, secure, and an alternative form of authorization for persons operating motor vehicles. As the online counterpart of the physical driver’s license cards, traditionally printed on plastic cards, the eDL, which is now made available to the public, can only be stored, viewed, and accessed via the LTMS portal online using electronic devices. Aside from its purpose as a temporary digital driver’s license, the eDL was also created to replace the paper-based official receipt that serves as a temporary driver’s license. It contains a unique QR code that law enforcers can now scan to authenticate the document in the event that the license holder is apprehended.

The eDL has been in the works since 2020, supposedly for the planned e-gov “super app” being developed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology. Faced with the shortage of plastic cards, the LTO opted for a digital license, made available on its own LTMS platform instead of the originally planned super app. Under LTO Memorandum Circular No. HAV-2023-2410, which details the implementing rules and regulations governing the issuance, recognition, and use of electronic Driver’s License in the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the eDL was created in collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and is the agency’s latest temporary solution to the problem on shortage of plastic cards.

Benefits of an LTO Digital ID

Holders of eDL shall be accorded the same privileges and responsibilities available to holders of physical driver’s licenses. These include the following: 

• The eDL shall serve as a valid authority, identification
• It also serves as an alternative form of authorization to operate a motor vehicle, subject to restrictions specified in the license. 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 through the LTO Portal.
• It takes a long time, from five to ten years, to expire, depending on the license type.
• It obliges the licensee to go for Periodic Medical Examinations (PME) and watch their health to ensure safe driving.

and shall be subject to the same rules on traffic violations, imposition of fines and penalties, as holders of physical driver’s licenses. 

Eligibility for an LTO Digital ID

Only holders of valid Driver’s Licenses issued by the LTO shall be given access to the eDL module. However, before you can get a driver’s license you not only need to pass the LTO driving assessments but also satisfy the following qualifications:

• Must be physically and mentally fit 
• Must be able to read and write in Filipino, English, or any local dialect
• Must not have unsettled traffic violation
• Must be neat, clean, and presentable 
• Must be well-dressed.
• Must pass the written and practical driving examination
• For foreign applicants: You must have proof that you have been residing in the Philippines for at least one month and that you’ll be staying in the Philippines for at least one year from the date of application.

Student License

• Filipino citizens who are at least sixteen (16) years of age and above
  • Foreign citizens who are at least eighteen (18) years old and must have been in the Philippines for at least one (1) month and proof of stay for at least six (6) months
• Must have completed Theoretical Driving Course (TDC)
• Must have an active and valid email address

Non-Professional Driver’s License

• Must be at least seventeen (17) years old. For foreigners, at least eighteen (18) years old.
• Must be a holder of Student-Driver’s Permit valid for at least one (1) month from issuance
• Must have attended and passed the Practical Driving Course (PDC) from LTO-accredited licensed driver, LTO Driver’s Education Center (DEC), LTO-accredited Driving School, or LTO-accredited TESDA Training Center
• Must have passed the Automated Theoretical Examination and Practical Driving Test

Professional License

• Must be at least eighteen (18) years old
• Must be a holder of Non-Professional Driver’s License for at least six (6) month from issuance
• Must be a holder of Student-Driver’s Permit valid for at least one (1) month from issuance

Requirements for an LTO Digital ID

Before you can be eligible for an LTO Digital ID, you must first have the following:

• An active LTMS Portal Account – a registered and verified LTO portal account of a driver’s license holder;
• An Electronic Device – a device, such as smartphone, tablet, or other similar electronic devices capable of securely storing and displaying the electronic driver’s license;
• A Driver’s license (DL) – an authority in the form prescribed by the LTO granted to a person to operate a motor vehicle that is either non-professional or professional driver’s license  

Nevertheless, the other requirements for applying for driver’s licenses remain. That said, you may find this list useful:

Student License

• Duly accomplished Application for Permits and License (APL) Form.
• Original and one (1) photocopy of electronically transmitted medical certificate from an  LTO-accredited medical clinic
• Original and one (1) photocopy of any of the following:
  • PSA/NSO Certificate of Birth
  • Philippine Identification Card
  • Passport
  • Local Civil Registry (for areas where there is no PSA)
  • PSA Certificate of Marriage
• For applicants below 18 years old: one (1) parent’s consent or a person having custody/care or supervision over the minor applicant authorizing the applicant to secure a student permit with presentation of one (1) original and submission of one (1) photocopy of any valid government issued ID of the parent/affiant with photo and signature
• Original and one (1) photocopy of any of the following valid ID with photo and signature of the applicant:
  • Philippine Identification (PhilID) Card, 
  • Philippine passport, 
  • Social Security System (SSS) Card, 
  • UMID Card, 
  • PhilHealth ID, 
  • TIN Card, 
  • Postal ID, 
  • Voter’s ID, 
  • Barangay ID, 
  • Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID, 
  • Senior Citizen ID, 
  • OFW ID, 
  • Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID, 
  • National Council of Disabled Affairs (NCDA) ID, 
  • Solo Parent ID,
  • Voter’s Certification, 
  • Government Services and Insurance System (GSIS) e-Card, 
  • Seaman’s Book, 
  • Government Owned and/or Controlled Corporations (GOCC) ID, 
  • Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) or Pag-IBIG ID, 
  • Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Certification, 
  • Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID
  • In addition, for foreigner, presentation Original and one (1) photocopy of passport with entry date of at least one (1) month and visa duration of six (6) months from date of application, or if born in the Philippines, presentation of the Original and one (1) photocopy of duly accomplished PSA birth certificate  
• Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN), if employed
• Original and one (1) photocopy of Certificate of Completion of the 15-hours Theoretical Driving Course (Electronically transmitted to LTO by the accredited driving school / LTO DEC / LTO Accredited TESDA Training Center)

Non-Professional Driver’s License

• Duly accomplished Application for Permits and License (APL) Form
• Original and one (1) photocopy of electronically transmitted medical certificate from LTO-accredited medical clinic
• Original and one (1) photocopy of Practical Driving Course (PDC) completion certificate
• Valid Student-Driver’s Permit (Refer to validity of SP)
• If the applicant is seventeen (17) years old: Parental or guardian’s consent (with valid government I.D with photo and signature)
  • Philippine Identification (PhilID) Card, 
  • Philippine passport, 
  • Social Security System (SSS) Card, 
  • UMID Card, 
  • PhilHealth ID, 
  • TIN Card, 
  • Postal ID, 
  • Voter’s ID, 
  • Barangay ID, 
  • Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID, 
  • Senior Citizen ID, 
  • OFW ID, 
  • Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID, 
  • National Council of Disabled Affairs (NCDA) ID, 
  • Solo Parent ID,
  • Voter’s Certification, 
  • Government Services and Insurance System (GSIS) e-Card, 
  • Seaman’s Book, 
  • Government Owned and/or Controlled Corporations (GOCC) ID, 
  • Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) or Pag-IBIG ID, 
  • Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Certification, 
  • Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID
• Tax Identification Number (TIN), if employed
• A negative drug test result from a Department of Health (DOH)-accredited testing center and/or government hospital

Professional License

• Duly accomplished Permits and License (APL) Form
• Original and one (1) photocopy of LTO-accredited medical certificate
• Original and one (1) photocopy of PDC
• Original valid student permit or non-professional driver’s license
• Original and one (1) photocopy of PSA birth certificate 
• Valid NBI Clearance or Police Clearance
• LTO Client ID
• Tax Identification Number (TIN), if employed
• A negative drug test result from a Department of Health (DOH)-accredited testing center and/or government hospital

Procedures for Securing an LTO Digital ID

Once you have the following requirements, you may proceed with the appropriate procedures. Here’s how:

Step 1: Create and register an LTMS portal account at https: //portal.lto.gov.ph; 

• Visit the LTMS portal at https://portal.lto.gov.ph/.
• Register for an LTMS account online.
  • At the LTMS portal website, click “Register Now.”
  • Read and agree to the terms of the agreement by clicking Yes. 
  • Click “Next.”
  • Click “Enroll as an Individual.”
  • Key in the required details. If you already have an existing license, you may just double check your personal information on the personal page of the registration portal; 
  • Click next until you reach the option to click “Create Account.”
  • You should see a window pop-up confirming successful registration. 
  • Check your email and click the link to verify your account. 
  • Click “Set Password for Login,” when prompted and update your password to complete the registration process.

Step 2: Once registered in the LTMS portal account, the DL holder may now log-in using their registered e-mail or Client ID and enter their password; and 

Step 3: Upon opening the LTMS portal account, click LTO Digital ID to check if your eDL is already available and may now be readily accessed. 

Note: As a newly-launched LTO service, it is highly likely that it is experiencing birthing pains, resulting in glitches and errors. 

Validity

Depending on the license type and the instance of license issuance, the validity period may also vary.

Student License

For the Student Permit, the license comes with a validity period of one (1) year from the date of issuance. After one (1) year, the Student Permit can no longer be used for the purposes of the practical driving course. After two (2) years, the holder of the Student Permit will need a new Student Permit with the same permit number. The holder will also need to undergo the required apprenticeship period though all the previous records of training courses taken shall be retained. 

On the other hand, renewal of the Student Permit may be done on or before the expiry date if the holder is not ready to apply for the Non-Professional Drivers License. For those securing the Non-Professional Drivers License, they can do so after only holding on to the Student Permit for a month.

Non-Professional Driver’s License 

First time applicants or New Non-Professional Driver’s License will have a validity period of five (5) years from the initial issuance, unless it was revoked or suspended. Upon renewal, a responsible Non-Professional Driver’s License holder with a clean record or those who have not committed any road traffic violation/s during the five- (5) year period preceding the license’s expiration shall be entitled to a renewal of the same type of driver’s license with a validity of ten (10) years.

Professional License

Just like the Non-Professional Driver’s License, Professional Driver’s licenses in the Philippines are valid for five (5) years, for first-time license holders and those who renewed their licenses with traffic violations, or ten (10) years, for those renewing their licenses with a clean driving record. 

Fees

The requirement and existing fees for new and renewal of DL shall remain. Hence, no additional fees shall be paid for the issuance and access to the eDL.

Where to Get it

The LTO electronic Driver’s License (eDL) is only available online via the LTO portal, LTMS. 

Important Reminders

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

• The physical LTO driver’s license shall continue to be the primary form of authorization prescribed by the LTO granted to a person to operate a motor vehicle that is either in non-professional or professional driver’s capacity.
• The eDL can only be accessed through the LTMS portal account where an assigned QR code, fingerprint, and photo of the driver’s license holder can be verified. 
• Those using their eDLs have the same privileges and responsibilities as holders of physical driver’s licenses. 
• The eDL will also serve as a valid form of authorization and identification recognized by LTO enforcers.
• There are no additional fees for the issuance or access to the eDL.
• When presenting the eDL in lieu of the physical driver’s license cards to any LTO law enforcement officer or deputized agent, photographs or screenshots shall not be recognized/ accepted as there are verification features in the app that helps them to ensure authenticity of eDL presented during apprehension.
• Failure to present their eDL through the LTMS portal account will be charged with a failure to carry a driver’s license. 
• The Management Information Division in the Central Office is in-charge of ensuring that the eDL is readily accessible to the portal account holder at all times.
• The verification and authentication of eDL can be done by scanning the QR code using electronic devices such as, but not limited to, smart phone, tablet, or other designated devices capable of securely storing and displaying the eDL.
• The verification and authentication of eDL may also be done by scanning the bar code using the law enforcement handheld device.
• For Filipinos who are living abroad whose driver’s license was renewed online using LTMS, an eDL shall likewise be available in his/her portal account.
• Once there is an apprehension of a traffic violator, the eDL will be tagged as alarmed until the payment/ settlement of the equivalent fine. 
• Apprehended motorists will also be issued electronic temporary operator’s permits (eTOP), which will be valid for 72 hours. Motorists must settle their violations within this period, or else their temporary permits will expire.
• The Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP) or Electronic Temporary Operator’s Permit (eTOP) shall be valid for seventy-two (72) hours from the date and time of issuance of TOP, after which it becomes invalid and the driver shall be prohibited from operating any motor vehicle. 
• If a driver or operator fails to settle the apprehension within fifteen (15) days from date of issuance of TOP, the latter’s access to their eDL feature in the LTMS portal account will be suspended for thirty (30) days from the date of payment of fine. 
• The suspension of LTMS portal account after failure to settle apprehension shall be lifted after the settlement of the case and payment of fine. 
• The hearing officer or adjudicator shall have the authority to lift the suspension before the lapse of the 30-day period on meritorious grounds and upon approval of the approving officer. 
• The penalty of suspension or revocation imposed on physical driver’s licenses shall apply to an eDL, whenever necessary. 
• During the adjudication, the hearing officer or adjudicator shall verify if the apprehended violator has a suspended or revoked eDL at the time of apprehension. Upon determination, the hearing officer/ adjudicator shall impose the appropriate fine and penalty. 

Video: How to Secure an LTO Digital ID (eDL)

Learn more about how to access your LTO Digital ID or electronic driver’s license (eDL) for use by watching this video from Rappler:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For your reference, here are some common questions and answers regarding eDLs, the LTO digital ID. 

1. Does the LTO eDL works the same way as the physical license cards?

Yes. It can serve the same way as a physical license card. However, you can only access it via the LTMS portal. Screenshots of the bar code is not allowed for presentation, especially during apprehensions. Failure to log into the LTMS Account to access the eDL for presentation is a violation of the law equivalent to driving without license.

2. What happens if I was issued an electronic temporary operator’s permits (eTOP) but failed to settle my violation within 72 hours?

Electronic temporary operator’s permits (eTOP) issued to apprehended motorists is only valid for 72 hours. Motorists must settle their violations within this period, or else their temporary permits become invalid and the driver shall be prohibited from operating any motor vehicle. If a driver or operator fails to settle the apprehension within fifteen (15) days from date of issuance of eTOP, the eDL feature in the LTMS portal account will be suspended for thirty (30) days from the date of payment of fine. 

3. Where do I reach out to for questions or concerns regarding the eDL?

For more information, inquiries, or concerns, you may reach out to the LTO via the following contact information:

Land Transportation Office (LTO)
LTMS portal: Visit the LTO’s official website and fill out their Contact Us form at https://portal.lto.gov.ph/ords/f?p=PUBLIC_PORTAL:CONTACT_US:115716301949471.
Phone call: You may contact them at their telephone number (632) 922-9061 to 66.
Email: You may also send them an email at clientcare@lto.gov.ph.
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
LTO office: For information, you may check with any of the LTO branch offices near you.

Summary  

A physical driver’s license in the Philippines may no longer be available at the LTO driver’s license due to the recent shortage in plastic cards. As such, the agency rolled out the electronic Driver’s License (eDL), both as a response to the shortage and as part of their desire to improve the digitization of the bureau. However, it may not be as convenient as screenshots of the LTO digital ID is not an acceptable option. That said, one needs to have an active LTMS account, a stable internet account, and a driver’s license. Either way, it would take more than simple desires to find cheaper alternatives to securing a driver’s license. In any case, if you actually have a vehicle, be it a motorcycle, a four-wheel drive, or one that you use to earn a living, securing an eDL means being able to use your vehicle freely, without worrying about legal repercussions. It also serves as a valid ID, so you really won’t be losing out when you secure an electronic driver’s license or an LTO Digital ID in the Philippines.