An Easy Guide on How to Renew Driver's License 2024 in the Philippines

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Every country has its own requirements for issuance and renewal of driver’s licenses. In the Philippines, an institution in charge of driving permits is called the Land Transportation Office, or LTO. All future or actual drivers have to interact with LTO on the matters of driver’s license renewal, receipt, driving courses and exams.
Having a valid driver’s license is mandatory in the Philippines, so it is vital for both Philippines citizens and visitors to have it extended on time. If you want to figure out how to renew your LTO license, keep reading and we will guide you through this process.

Who is Eligible For a Ten-Year License?

To get your first driver’s license, you have to take a 15-hour theoretical driving course and an 8-hour practical driving course. Those who pass receive a license for five years. When this period comes to an end, a non-professional or professional driver, who has had no violations of road traffic rules, is legally permitted to renew their driver’s license for ten years (1).

What are the Requirements for Driver’s License Renewal?

When it comes time to renew your driver’s license, being prepared with the right documents and information can make the process smoother and quicker. Knowing the specific requirements for driver’s license renewal is essential to avoid any delays or complications. Here’s a comprehensive list of the requirements you’ll need to fulfill for renewing your driver’s license

📌 General LTO Renewal Requirements

If you have an active driver’s license (DL) that is about to expire, or your previous DL expired not more than 2 years ago, you have the right to renew your driver’s license. If your license expired over 2 years ago, you’ll need to apply for a new DL.

In compliance with Republic Act No. 10930, all drivers who want to renew their licenses must take the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) program and pass the online validation exam. The exam consists of 25 questions, you’ll need to get at least 13 of them to pass (2).
If you plan to renew your DL, you mustn’t have any unsettled traffic violations. Drivers who commit traffic violations are assigned a penalty score called “demerit points”. The more demerit points you’ve got, the more courses and exams you will have to take to improve your driving skills and knowledge of traffic rules.

5 up to 9 demerit points	You’ll need to pass the Driver’s Re-orientation Course (DRC)
10 up to 39 demerit points	You should pass the DRC and the Theoretical Examination
A driver license expired more than 2 years ago	You’ll have to get certificates that confirm you’ve passed the DRC, the Theoretical Examination and the Practical Driving Test (3)

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📌 Required Documents for LTO Renewal

You will have collect the following package of documents for the DL renewal procedure:

• A valid or expired driver license
• A filled-in LTO application form for renewal
• A medical certificate issued by an LTO-accredited healthcare provider ― you must submit a photocopy and present the original as a proof
• A CDE Certificate with at least a 50% score
• Applicable DRC and exam certificates if your DL expired over two years ago or you have demerit points

Driver’s License Renewal Procedure

You can renew your permit either in an LTO office, or online via the Land Transport Management System (LTMS) portal.

📌 Offline Renewal of a Driver’s License

If you prefer to apply in-person, here’s what you’ll need to do:

To renew a driver’s license, start by filling out the Application for Driver’s License form. After completing the form, submit it along with all required documents. Next, proceed to pay the necessary fees at the designated desk.

Once the fees are paid, you’ll need to take a written examination. If you pass the written exam, you can move on to the practical driving test. However, if you fail, you’ll need to request your exam results, work on improving your knowledge, and plan to retake the test later.

If you’re successful in the practical driving test, the next step is to have your picture taken and provide your biometric data. Then, wait to receive your Official Receipt and the new License Card. If you do not pass the driving test, you will need to plan to retake it at a later time to renew your license.

Finally, once you have your new license, confirm receipt by signing in the log sheet.

📌 Online Renewal of a Driver’s License

To save time, consider the online DL renewal:

1. Register or log in on the Land Transport Management System (LTMS) portal (4).
2. Go to the LTMS dashboard and choose Licensing. Keep in mind that if you’ve just registered, you’ll need to settle your profile first: fill in your name, birthdate, driver’s license number, expiry date, etc. Once it’s done, go back to the dashboard.
3. Choose Driver’s License in the License Classification of the Online Application form, attach a scanned copy of your medical certificate and press Verify.
4. Select Renewal among the application types and click Next.
5. Schedule an appointment with a convenient LTO office. Your driver’s license will be processed by the LTMS portal, but you will still have to visit the LTO office to receive the License Card.
6. Transfer the applicable fee.
7. Pick up your DL Card at the LTO office and on the date you’ve selected.

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Drivers License Renewal for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)

If you are a Philippines citizen working abroad, you can renew your driving license in two stages.
The first stage includes actions carried out through a representative. This person prepares the following documents:

• Original Letter of Authority that entitles them to act on your behalf
• A photocopy of your passport pages containing: your photo, visa, details on the departure from the Philippines and the latest arrival to another country
• A photocopy of your driver’s license and that of the Official Receipt.

Once the representative submits the documents, LTO issues the Official Receipt, but not the License Card. You will get the DL Card upon arrival to the Philippines. When you return to the country, the second stage begins. You should:

• Take a drug test
• Get a medical certificate by LTO-accredited healthcare provider
• Complete the CDE program and take the test
• Complete the corresponding courses based on demerit points
• Fill in the application form

Once it’s done, visit an LTO office within 30 days after you arrive in the country (6). There you will have your photo taken and will submit the application form, your certificates and test results, along with the following documents:

• The original and a photocopy of your passport’s first and arrival pages
• The original and a photocopy of the Tax Identification Number Card
• The Official Receipt you used as a temporary DL

Finally, go to the Releasing Counter and receive your License Card in exchange for the Official Receipt.

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How Much Does It Cost to Renew a Driver’s License?

The driver’s license renewal fee doesn’t depend on the type of permit you have, but on the time that has passed since your driver license expired. Thus, the longer you wait to renew the license, the more you will pay. Let’s take a look at the current fees:

General fee – Р 585.00

Extra charges for late renewal (they are added to the general fee)

DLs expired	Penalty	Application fee	Total
1 day — 1 year before renewal	PHP 75.00	―	PHP 660.00
1 year — 2 years before renewal	PHP 150.00	―	PHP 735.00
More than 2 years before renewal	PHP 225.00	PHP 100.00	PHP 910.00

Other fees

If you want to change your DL type from non-professional to professional or get an Additional Restriction (DL) Code to be able to drive specific kinds of vehicles, for example, trucks, you will be charged an additional PHP 100.00.

Penalties for Late Renewal of a Driver’s License

Using an invalid driver license is a violation of law and is penalized in the Philippines.

Violation	Penalty
Driving without a valid DL, with an expired, revoked, suspended or fake DL	Fine of PHP 3,000.00 Ban to obtain a DL for 1 year after the fine is paid (5).
Submitting fake documents when applying for or renewing a DL
For non-residents: driving with a valid foreign DL after the 90-day allowed period

Tips for LTO License Renewal

Some LTO centers don’t process applications right away: they get applicants registered in the logbook and set a date for submitting the required documents. Visit your neighboring LTO office to find out their operating routine. To accelerate processing of your request, sign in the LTO website and schedule an online appointment in the Personal Appointment Scheduling System (PASS).
Be wary that the application process includes taking a photo, so dress appropriately: stick to a more official dress code when attending an LTO center.

Renewing your driver’s license with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in the Philippines can be a smoother process if you follow these tips:

• Check Your License Expiry Date: Be aware of your license’s expiry date to avoid any penalties. It’s advisable to begin the renewal process a month before the expiry date.
• Complete the Medical Exam: Before proceeding to the LTO, complete the required medical exam. This can often be done at clinics located near LTO offices. The exam typically includes a vision test and a general health check.
• Prepare the Necessary Documents: Have all the required documents ready. This usually includes your current driver’s license, a duly accomplished Application for Driver’s License (ADL) form, and your medical certificate. Additionally, bring a valid government-issued ID for verification.
• Attend the Driver’s Seminar and Exam (if required): For some renewals, especially if your license has been expired for a while, you might need to attend a driver’s seminar and pass the written and practical exams. Check with the LTO if this applies to your renewal.
• Plan Your Visit: LTO offices can be crowded. To avoid long queues, plan your visit early in the morning or on less busy days. Some LTO branches might also offer an online appointment system to schedule your visit.
• Stay Updated on New Rules and Regulations: LTO occasionally updates its rules and regulations. Stay informed about any new requirements or changes in the renewal process by checking their official website or verified social media channels.

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