A driver’s license is a government issued document that gives you a privilege and legal authorization to drive, you will not be able to drive when you don’t have it. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is the one who issues and is also responsible for a Driver’s License.
In this blog, we are going to help you understand and know what the types of licenses are and its process of issuance in the Philippines.
Types of Licenses Available in the Philippines
In the Philippines, there are four (4) types of driver’s license which restrict the cardholder to drive under certain conditions.
- Student Driving Permit – This type of license will allow you to drive if there’s a professional or non-professional driver that will accompany the student permit holder.
- Non-Professional License – This type of license allows the individual to drive using a personal or private vehicle.
- Professional License – Enable the person to drive a vehicle as an occupation or for a paid purpose.
- Conversion of Foreign License to Local – It enables the foreign license holder to drive in the Philippines even after the 90 days from the day of arrival. “Convert” does not mean that you lose your foreign license, merely that you are converting to Philippine’s license. The foreign driving permit must be written in English. If your country does not issue driving permits in English, you can contact your embassy to obtain an official English translation. If you are a holder of a foreign driver’s license, consider reading this Driving in the Philippines with a Foreign License for more information.
How to get a Driver’s License Online?
To apply for a driver’s license online, you have the option of using the LTMS or LTO portal. Follow these steps to schedule an appointment online:
- Go to the LTMS website. If you haven’t registered yet, click on the Register Now button to create an account. Otherwise, login by clicking the Login button.
- On your dashboard, click on the Licensing icon.
- Read and agree to the Terms of Use.
- Choose the type of license you need (student permit or driver’s license).
- Click the Add Medical Certificate button and enter your medical certificate number.
- Select whether you’re applying for a new license or renewing an existing one.
- Fill out the online application form.
- Upload the required documents specified in the Document Description dropdown.
- Select your preferred LTO office, appointment date, and time. Then, click the Proceed to Payment button.
- Choose your preferred payment method and click the Proceed to Summary button.
- Read the disclaimers and click the Accept button.
- Your order summary and billing information will be displayed. Read and agree to the Terms and Conditions.
- Click on your chosen payment method and then click the Continue button. You will be redirected to a third-party site to complete the payment.
Process of Applying or Renewing Driver’s License
The process of applying or renewing your driver’s license online through LTO involves several steps, but it is actually a quick and easy process if you have all the necessary requirements. Just follow the steps provided below:
- Log in to your LTO online account using the LTMS portal.
- Choose the Licensing option.
- Read and agree to the Terms of Use.
- Select the type of license you need, whether it’s a student permit or driver’s license.
- Click on the Add Medical Certificate button.
- Enter your medical certificate number and click the Verify button to confirm.*
- Choose the type of driver’s license application, whether it’s for a new license or a renewal.
- Fill out the online application form.
- Upload any required documents mentioned in the Document Description dropdown.
- The applicable LTO fees will be displayed. Click the Apply button.
- Select your preferred LTO office where you will complete the transaction, along with your desired appointment date and time from the available options. Click the Proceed to Payment button.
- Choose your payment method from options such as BancNet, BPI Online, GCash, or UnionBank Online.** Click the Proceed to Summary button.
- Review the summary of your transaction. Click the Finish Transaction button.
- Read and accept the e-payment and appointment disclaimers by clicking the Accept button.
- Your order summary and billing details will be shown. Read and agree to the Terms and Conditions.
- Click on your chosen payment method and then click the Continue button. This will redirect you to a secure third-party site where you can complete your online payment transaction.
Issuance of New Driver’s License that is Non-Professional
For the issuance of New Driver’s License that is Non-Professional, the Land Transportation Office provides the following qualifications:
- Must be at least seventeen (17) years old. For foreigners, at least eighteen (18) years old.
- Must be able to read and write in Filipino and/or English.
- Must eb 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) or LTO accredited Driving School/ LTO accredited TESDA Training Center.
- Must be physically and mentally fit to operate a motor vehicle
- Must not have unsettled traffic violation
- Must have passed the Automated Theoretical Examination and Practical Driving Test
If the applicant has all the qualifications listed above, the applicant may now proceed to the submission of the following requirements listed below stated by the Land Transportation Office:
“1. Duly accomplished Application for Permits and License (APL) Form
3. Presentation of original and submission of one (1) photocopy
of Practical Driving Course (PDC)
5. Parental or Guardian’s consent (with valid government
ID with photo and signature) if applicant is seventeen (17) years old
Upon submission of the above requirements, applicants shall take the written exam and actual driving test. Once passed in both aspects, payment of fees at the cashier and encoding of details and biometrics shall then be done. Thereafter, the original receipt together with the driver’s license shall then be issued.
Come in an appropriate attire as you need to look presentable at the Land Transportation Office where you will process your application. It is also advised to come in early so that you will be able to finish the processing of your requirements at a much quicker pace. For those who are sight impaired, it is also advised to wear your prescription glasses during the practical driving test.
Validity Period of your Driver’s License
According to the Republic Act. No. 10930, the 5 year validity period of an issued driver’s license in the Philippines is now extended to a 10 year period – meaning, if you are applying for a license after the issuance of RA 10930, your license would last for 10 years.
Note that the validity of driver’s license without violation records is for 10 years, while those who have incurred traffic violations is for 5 years.
Under Republic Act 10930, professional license holders who have never violated any traffic law, rule, or regulation within the five-year period are entitled to a 10-year driver’s license validity upon renewal. However, motorists with traffic violations will get driver’s licenses with only five-year validity upon renewal.
What if I have a Foreign License but I also want to have a Philippine Driver’s License?
You can still use your foreign driving license in the Philippines for up to 90 days but if you are planning to stay for a long period of time, you can convert your foreign license. The Land Transportation Office will require you to have Valid Foreign License, Original copy of your Passport, Copy of valid Visa, Medical Certificate, Negative Drug Test, Driver’s License Application (ADL) and Taxpayer’s Identification Number. The LTO, however, only allows foreigners with valid visas with at least six (6) months validity to secure a Philippine drivers’ license. It is also necessary that the visa held by the foreigner is non-tourist. Meaning, there is a visa granted to the foreigner like spouse visa, employment visa, PEZA visa, retirement visa and the like.
Owning a Driver’s License is a big responsibility and as a Licensed Driver you are also responsible for your own safety and safety of other vehicles around you. That is the reason why LTO requires you to comply with the requirements and pass the series of written and practical examinations.
Do you need help with your Driver’s License? Contact FilePino to give you guidance and assistance.
Landline: (02) 8478-5826
Email: info@filepino.com
