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Advance renewal of driver’s license online is just one of the many features of the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) Portal. It is a lot like the advance renewal service offered by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in their physical office branches, only more convenient and efficient as it is literally available for everyone anytime, anywhere. 

Advance renewal is not a feature available to everyone. It is available to licensed drivers and conductors, but only if they have a good reason to renew their licenses earlier than the standard 60 day period prior to expiry. Usually, advance renewal is granted to licensees who expect to be out of the country by the time their license expires, hence the need to renew early and avoid penalties for late renewal. If you ever find yourself in the same situation, then you will find this guide to advance renewal of license online quite useful.

What is Driver’s License Renewal?

Driver’s license renewal refers to the process of extending the validity period of a driver’s license at most 60 days prior to its expiry date. Traditionally, renewal occurs around one’s birthday, a narrow timeframe posing planning challenges During renewal, drivers typically update their personal information, undergo any required tests or assessments, and pay the necessary fees to obtain a new license with an extended expiry date. Renewal ensures that drivers continue to meet legal requirements and remain authorized to operate vehicles on public roads.

Advance Renewal of LTO Driver’s License

Advance renewal of an LTO driver’s license allows individuals to renew their licenses before the expiry date, typically from 61 days up to a year in advance. This option provides added flexibility for applicants, particularly those who anticipate being out of the country when their license expires. By completing the renewal process ahead of time, individuals can avoid potential penalties and violations and ensure they remain legally authorized to operate vehicles even if they are overseas during the renewal period.

Unlike before, renewing your driver’s license ahead of time is now available online 24/7 through the LTMS portal, allowing the public to plan their license renewal more effectively, while still accommodating their schedules and commitments. It is especially helpful if the license holder has weekday commitments and does not have a lot of time to queue at the LTO office but will be abroad when their license expires. This process resembles the standard renewal but without the need to retake the LTO theoretical examination, making the renewal process significantly more flexible and easier for the licensee, especially in terms of time, expenditures, and effort.

Qualifications

Before initiating the advance renewal procedures, make you meet the following eligibility requirements set by the LTO:

• Holder of Driver’s License not expired for more than two (2) years, including advance renewal for those leaving the country within one (1) year before expiry date
• Physically and mentally fit to operate a motor vehicle
• No unsettled traffic violation
• Completion of the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) before the initial renewal of the five (5) years DL
• Completion of the Driver’s Reorientation Course and examination for DL holders with accumulated demerit points

Requirements

Once you confirm your eligibility for advance renewal of LTO driver’s license, prepare the following documents:

• Duly accomplished Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) Form
• Electronically transmitted medical certificate from an LTO-accredited medical clinic
• Electronically transmitted Certificate of Completion of Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) for the initial renewal of DL with five (5) years validity
• Presentation of original Driver’s License
• Certificate of Completion of Driver’s Reorientation Course for applicants with demerit points
• Plane ticket 

Procedure

Once you’ve gathered all the prerequisites for advance renewal, you can initiate the online advance renewal procedures for your driver’s license through the LTMS portal. Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored for individuals navigating the advance renewal process:

Step 1. Ensure access to a computing device with a stable internet connection and a compatible web browser.

Step 2. Navigate to the official LTMS portal website, either by searching “LTMS LTO” or directly visiting portal.lto.gov.ph.

Step 3. Upon arrival at the LTMS portal website, you’ll have the option to log in or register. If new to LTMS, click “Register” to create an account, providing personal details. For existing users, simply log in.

Step 4. For new registrants, verify your account via the email link sent by LTO after registration. Skip this step if you’re already registered.

Step 5. Once verified, you will be directed to the LTMS portal login page.

Step 6. Log in using your registered email address and password, then check your Dashboard.

Step 7. Select “Licensing” in the LTMS dashboard.

Step 8. Accept the Terms of Use.

Step 9. Complete the Online Application form, selecting “Driver’s License” as the License Classification. Add your Medical Certificate.

Step 10. Choose “Renewal” as the application type, then proceed.

Step 11. Follow prompts to complete the procedure, including scheduling your appointment and selecting the LTO Office.

Step 12. Await application confirmation and proceed to payment.

Step 13. Pay renewal fees via your preferred payment channel and await the Official Receipt via email.

Step 14. On the appointment date, visit the selected LTO branch with proof of payment.

Step 15. Obtain a queue number and await processing.

Step 16. Proceed to the CSO window for biometric capturing when called.

Step 17. Wait for payment of the DL card in the designated area.

Step 18. Receive the Official Receipt.

Step 19. Present the OR to collect your new driver’s license.

Step 20. Sign the log sheet and claim your new DL card.

Remember to consider your DL’s expiry date and travel plans, renewing early if necessary to avoid penalties.

Fees

For advance renewal, the only fee you need to worry about is the license fee amounting to PHP 585.00. If other transactions are involved, the costs may vary.

Processing Time

The entire procedure will take approximately thirty (30) minutes, provided that all required documents are submitted. If other transactions are involved, the processing time, just like the costs may vary.

Summary

The advance renewal of a driver’s license online through the LTMS portal offers enhanced flexibility and convenience, akin to the traditional renewal service offered by the LTO branches, but with the added benefit of accessibility anytime, anywhere, thanks to the development of the online platform. This streamlined process accommodates license holders with weekday commitments who are planning to be abroad during their license’s expiration, ultimately ensuring a smoother and more efficient renewal experience while saving them the troubles from late renewals and penalties.

Maintaining awareness of your LTO driving records as well as staying informed about your accumulated demerit points is an important responsibility that every driver’s license holder must pay attention to. After all, these points can not only influence the duration of your license validity, but also directly affect your ability to retain your valid driver’s license, renew into a license with longer validity, and affect the fines and penalties you might be required to pay. That said, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has made it easier to keep track by streamlining the process of checking for demerit points through the use of the Land Transport Management System (LTMS) portal, allowing drivers to conveniently check their demerit points online 24/7.

Thanks to this LTMS portal feature, licensed drivers and conductors can now proactively manage their driving records and violations in order to avoid facing more severe repercussions such as license suspension or cancellation. In this guide, we will walk you through the detailed steps on how you can check your demerit points online via the LTMS portal, ensuring you can leverage the benefits of using this platform more efficiently.

What are Demerit Points

Demerit points form a crucial aspect of the LTO’s traffic violation monitoring system, as mandated by Republic Act No. 10930. These points serve as indicators of a driver’s adherence to traffic laws, with different violations carrying varying point values. It is used to track and penalize drivers for traffic violations and are assigned based on the severity of the offenses committed. Accumulating a certain number of demerit points within a specific period can result in consequences such as license suspension, so it is important for drivers to understand the significance of these points. 

As mentioned, demerit points are assigned according to a system designed by the LTO. Different violations carry varying demerit point values, with more serious infractions accruing higher points. Accumulating a certain number of demerit points within a specified period can lead to severe consequences, so it’s best to keep watch on the amount of points you are getting or to simply avoid accruing them altogether. 

Benefits of Knowing Your Demerit Points

Knowing how your driving and traffic violations is one thing that helps you settle them on time, but watching out for the amount of demerit points you are accruing comes with several advantages:

• Help you keep your driving record clean
• Allows for proactive measures to rectify behavior and avoid further violations.
• Enables anticipation of potential consequences
• Encourages safer driving habits and contributes to overall road safety
• Help you monitor accumulated demerit points to avoid harsher penalties

Requirements

Checking for your demerit points via the LTMS portal is quite straightforward and convenient. Before you can proceed with checking your demerit points via the LTMS portal however, you first need to make sure that you have:

• Access to a reliable internet connection
• A valid email address for LTMS registration (For those without an LTMS account)
• A registered account on the LTMS portal
• Correct login credentials (email address or LTO Client Number and password)
• Access to a compatible device
• Updated web browser software
• Philippine driver’s license information
  • License number
  • Expiry Date

Procedure

The process of checking demerit points using the LTMS portal is straightforward and easy. Here’s the step-by-step procedure you can follow:

Step 1. Ensure Internet Connectivity

Make sure you have access to a computing device, astable internet connection, and a compatible web browser.

Step 2. Access LTMS Portal

Navigate to the official LTMS portal website. You can do this by typing “LTMS LTO” into your search engine or directly visiting the official LTMS portal website at portal.lto.gov.ph.

Step 3. Log in to Your Account

If you already have a registered account on the LTMS portal, log in using your credentials. If not, you’ll need to register for an account first by following the registration prompts.

Step 4. Navigate to Violations Section

Once logged in, locate and click on the “Violations” icon from the dashboard menu options.

Step 5. Check Demerit Points

Within the Violations section, you should see tabs for different types of violations. Look for the tab labeled “Demerit Points” which also happens to be the default tab, and check on how many demerit points you have acquired within the validity period of your current license. You may also want to check on the dates and type of violation for good measure.

Step 6. Review and Take Action

Review your demerit points status to see how many points you have accumulated. If there are any discrepancies or unsettled violations, take appropriate action to settle them.

That’s it! By simply following these steps, you can easily check your demerit points online via the LTMS portal and stay informed about how clean or messy your LTO driving record is.

Fees

Checking demerit points via the LTMS portal is free of charge, a testament to the LTO’s commitment to better, more accessible, and more transparent public service.

Processing Time

Unlike before, when checking on your LTO violations can only be done in person at an LTO office, checking for your LTO demerit points no longer takes that much time. At most, it could take about five (5) to fifteen (15) minutes, depending on your Internet speed. 

Video: Understanding LTO Demerit Point System

For a better understanding of the LTO Demerit Point System, you may check out this explainer video from DriveSafe PH: 

Important Reminders

Understanding the workings of the LTO Demerit Points is simple, but just in case, here are a few reminders worth taking note of to avoid being surprised when you finally check on your LTO violations:

• Regularly monitor your demerit points.
• Understand the implications of accumulating points on your license.
• Take proactive measures to maintain a clean driving record.
• Ensure your information on the LTMS portal is up-to-date.
• Adhere to all traffic laws and regulations.

Summary

Checking demerit points online via the LTMS portal is one of the few things that LTO offers to help empower the drivers to stay on top of their responsibilities and avoid penalties. Understanding the LTO demerit point system is crucial, and by actively monitoring them via the portal, you can take control of your driving future and minimize potential issues. Plus, it helps you stay aware of how compliant you are with the traffic laws or if you are a notorious lawbreaker, how close you are to getting your license suspended.