All you need to know about the LTO Medical Certificate

If you are new to the Philippines driving scene, it is essential to know that having a driver’s license is a must. And do you know the one main requirement for securing a driver’s license is the LTO Medical Certificate along with other documents like the Application for Permits and License form and an eye test result. It serves as a proof to the authorities that the applicant meets the physical and mental requirements necessary for safe driving.

Overall, the Medical Certificate is mandatory for applicants seeking new or renewed licenses, ensuring that every licensed driver complies with health standards established by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Knowing the importance of the LTO Medical Certificate, let’s now dive into its specifics, from its purpose to the process of obtaining it, validity, cost, and much more.

Also Read: All you need to know about different license-related exams conducted by LTO

What is an LTO Medical Certificate?

The LTO medical certificate is an official document issued by an accredited medical professional confirming an applicant's physical and mental health status. It is part of the LTO’s broader mission to enforce road safety through regulated licensing procedures.

This document is issued after assessing various health factors including vision, hearing, motor skills, and cognitive health. And with it, LTO aims to minimize the risk posed by health-related conditions that could impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.

LTO medical certificates are primarily needed for -

• First-time driver’s license applications (including student permits, non-professional, and professional licenses).
• Renewal of existing driver’s licenses.
• Upgrades or modifications to a driver’s license, such as shifting from a non-professional to a professional license.

What information is included in the LTO Medical Certificate?

The LTO Medical Certificate includes a comprehensive set of details about the driver and their health (particularly on the aspects that directly impact an individual’s driving ability). The Department Order 2015-014 mandates the certificate to have the following information -

Personal details	Full name Complete address Professional Tax Receipt (PTR) number Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) number of the physician who conducted the medical exam
Physical & mental health assessment	It should prove the following about the applicant - Is mentally & physically for driving Is not colour blind Is drug-free Has good eyesight or needs correction glasses Is able to hear clearly or needs a hearing aid
Mention any form of disabilities	It should mention any kind of disability the applicant suffers from including - Orthopedic impairment (amputated left or right arm or leg with prosthesis, one paralyzed leg either left or right) Partial blindness Speech or hear impairment Highly contagious diseases (for PDL applicants)
Mention all existing diseases or medical conditions	High blood pressure Limb problems Stroke Visual disturbances (like cataracts & glaucoma) Diabetes Dementia in-depth health assessment helps ensure that drivers are fit for the responsibilities and demands of the road.

Note, this in-depth health assessment helps ensure that drivers are fit for the responsibilities and demands of the road.

Also Read: Here's how you can get an Electronic Driver's License (eDL)

Mandatory health checks for LTO Medical Certificate

Did you know that there are a few medical tests a driver’s license applicant must pass to obtain an LTO Medical Certificate? The list includes -

• Eye test
• Blood tests
• Blood pressure checkup
• Drug test
• Hearing & speaking test
• Disability checkup
• Dementia checkup

Wondering, what is the need for all these health checkups. There is a good reason why LTO requires an applicant to go through the following tests. For instance -

Drug test: To check if the applicant uses illegal substances that can affect his/her physical and mental health

Eye test: To ensure the applicants meet the standard binocular visual acuity of not less than 20/40 by Snellen in both eyes, with or without corrective lenses

20/50 vision with corrective glasses/lenses	Allowed to drive
20/60 vision	Allowed to drive during the daytime only
Applicant with cataracts	Not allowed to drive at night

Other tests (hearing & speaking, disabilities, and others): To check whether the applicant’s ability to drive safely is compromised or not

Where and how do I get the LTO Medical Certificate?

First, let us answer the question: Where do I get the LTO Medical Certificate? This important piece of paper can be secured from any of the following places -

• LTO-accredited clinics
• Government physician
• Government clinics
• Government hospitals

Note, that these LTO-accredited clinics are located throughout the Philippines, often near LTO branches for convenience. Only these clinics and licensed practitioners authorised by the LTO can issue valid medical certificates for license-related transactions. A list of accredited clinics is available on the official LTO website and can also be confirmed by contacting local LTO offices.

Moving on, let us check out how to secure LTO Medical Certificate -

Step 1: Locate an accredited clinic

Use the LTO website to find a nearby accredited clinic. Most accredited clinics are close to LTO branches, making it convenient to complete both the medical and licensing steps.

Step 2: Prepare the necessary documents

Bring a valid government-issued ID to help complete the form accurately. Be ready to disclose any relevant medical history.

Step 3: Undergo a medical examination

The physical examination includes -

• Vision and Hearing Tests: To ensure your visual and auditory senses meet minimum safety requirements.
• Physical Fitness Evaluation: A brief check of reflexes, motor function, and overall fitness.
• Mental Health Screening: A basic assessment of cognitive function and psychological well-being.

In case an applicant has a medical condition, he/she must bring related documentation or prescription, as they may need to be noted in the certificate.

Step 4: Pay the examination fee

Pay the required fee to the clinic for the medical examination. Fees may vary, so check with the clinic directly for current pricing

Step 5: Submission of certificate

After the examination, the clinic will electronically submit your certificate to the LTO’s Land Transportation Management System (LTMS). This step eliminates the need for physical paperwork, making it more secure and efficient.

LTO Medical Certificate cost

The cost of an LTO medical certificate varies depending on the location and clinic but generally falls around PHP 500. This fee covers the standard medical examination required to complete the certificate. Often accredited clinics offer additional tests or more comprehensive assessments, increasing the overall cost.

LTO Medical Certificate validity

The LTO Medical Certificate is sent by medical clinics to the LTO office electronically and is valid for just 15 days from the date of issue.

This short validity period ensures that the health information is recent and accurately reflects the driver’s current condition. To avoid the need for re-examination, applicants should plan their license application or renewal process to fall within this 15-day window.

Note, that if the certificate expires before the application process is completed, applicants must undergo a new medical examination and secure another certificate from an accredited clinic.

LTO Medical Certificate: Essential tips for applicants

Chose an accredited clinic

Make sure to visit only an LTO-accredited clinic. These clinics are authorized to submit certificates directly to the LTO, ensuring the document gets accepted without issues.

Schedule your exam carefully

Since the medical certificate is only valid for 15 days, plan to complete your application or renewal within this period to avoid having to repeat the examination.

Bring required documents

Do bring a valid ID and provide complete health information.

Be transparent

Make sure to be honest about any existing medical conditions ensuring compliance and proper documentation.

Check fees & payment options

Costs for the certificate can vary, so inquire about fees before the appointment. Also, confirm payment methods, as some clinics may only accept cash.

Get your vision checked beforehand

Good vision is one of the key components for a driver, therefore it is wise to get your eyesight evaluated in advance if you have known vision issues. This can prevent delays if corrective measures are needed.

Confirm submission to LTMS

Ensure that the clinic electronically submits the certificate to the LTMS portal. This step is essential for linking the certificate to the license application in the LTO system.

Bottom line

The LTO medical certificate is an essential document for anyone applying for or renewing a driver’s license in the Philippines. By certifying the driver is in good physical and mental health, the LTO Medical Certificate aligns with the LTO’s mission to promote responsible driving.

Also Read: The complete breakdown of LTO Fees: Registration, licensing, and penalties in the Philippines