Lost your LTO driver’s license? Follow these steps to get a new one

In our previous article, we covered the remedies for a lost license plate number, i.e., how to secure a duplicate LTO number plate. Today, our focus is on a lost LTO driver’s license. If you have lost your driver’s license or fear losing it someday, then this article is a must-read.

We all know that in the Philippines, driving without a license is illegal; therefore, a driver must always carry a credit-card-sized card. Here are some driver’s license-related penalties a driver must be familiar with -

Violation	Penalty
Driving without a license	PHP 3,000
Driving with an expired license	PHP 3,000
Driving with a suspended, fake, or revoked license	PHP 3,000
An individual with a student permit caught driving with someone without a non-professional or professional license	PHP 3,000
Driving with an expired or fake license	Motor vehicles will be towed or impounded
Improper use of license	Motor vehicles will be impounded
Expired Traffic Violation Receipt	Motor vehicles will be impounded
Tampered driving license and registration documents	Motor vehicles will be impounded

Furthermore, there are a few more driver’s license-related violations that are considered as bad as driving without a license. And as a responsible driver, you must know about them all and so the list includes -

• Carry photocopy of the driver’s license
• Carry a laminated copy of the driver’s license
• Instead of the LTO Digital ID, show a screenshot or saved image of the license.
• Instead of the physical driver’s license, show a saved image of the license.
• Showing an unclear photocopy or image of the QR code found behind the temporary paper license.

To be frank, there’s a lot to know about the LTO driver’s license and why you should not drive without it on public roads, which you can find here. Therefore, when a driver’s license gets lost, it is essential to get a replacement or duplicate license asap.

Also Read: Your guide to scoring a 10-year LTO Driver’s License

In this article, we’ll be discussing all about LTO Duplicate Driver’s licenses, including -

• Requirements
• Eligibility
• Fees
• Step-by-step procedure

So, let’s get started.

LTO Duplicate driver’s license - An overview

What is an LTO Duplicate Driver’s License? It refers to a license that is reissued to an applicant when the original license gets lost, stolen, or damaged.

Key facts about an LTO Duplicate License -

• It is different for a renewed LTO driver’s license issued right before or after the expiration date of the license.
• Only a valid driver’s license can be categorized as a duplicate license.
• Like a regular license, it authorizes the license holder to operate private vehicles.
• To secure a duplicate license, a driver needs a little time, some money, the required documents, and a whole lot of patience.
• A driver with a lost/stolen/damaged license can’t drive unless he/she secures a duplicate driver's license.

LTO Duplicate driver’s license - Who needs it?

Do you need a duplicate driver’s license? Yes, if you fall under any of the below-mentioned categories -

• Someone who has damaged or lost their valid driver’s license.
• Someone whose driver’s license got stolen.
• A non-professional driver who drives a light motor vehicle otherwise than as a paid employee.

Also Read: Got 5 demerit points? Here’s how to renew your driver’s license

LTO Duplicate driver’s license - Eligibility criteria

The Land Transportation Office finds the following individual eligible to secure a duplicate driver’s license in cases of the original license being stolen, damaged, or lost.

• Any individual who is the holder of a valid non-professional driver’s license that has been lost, stolen, or damaged.

LTO Duplicate driver’s license - Documents & information required

To secure a duplicate driver's license, an applicant must be ready with a few necessary information and documents. Below is a list of all the things that LTO mandates a duplicate driver’s license applicant to come prepared with when heading to a brand to replace the lost/stolen license.

Information required by LTO  Applicant’s personal information, including Full name Present address Gender Birth date Nationality Height Weight Blood test Telephone/mobile number Birthplace Father’s & mother’s name Spouse name Tax Identification Number (TIN) Employer’s business name, telephone number, and address

Documents required by LTO  Duly accomplished Driver’s License Application for Permits and License (APL) form If the driver’s license is stolen, then a complaint copy  A photocopy of the medical certificate  In case of mutilation of the driver’s license, the mutilated driver’s license An affidavit of loss/mutilation certified by an attorney-at-law and issued by a licensed notary public  Fee receipt LTO Certification of License Records LTO duplicate and renewal if the driver’s license is renewable Presentation of the original and one photocopy of any of the following government-issued valid ID (with photo & signature) - Social Security System (SSS) card, UMID Card, TIN Card, PhilHealth ID, Postal ID, and Voter’s ID

LTO Duplicate driver’s license - Processing time & validity period

Let us discuss two essential things regarding LTO duplicate driver’s license, i.e., its processing time and validity period.

Starting with processing time, the entire task of getting a duplicate driver’s license in cases of loss, damage, or theft will most probably be completed within 30 working days. However, it is best to confirm with the respective department authority. In the case of an online procedure (via LTMS Portal), the entire process can be completed within 5 to 7 days or as suggested by the concerned authority.

As for the validity period of the duplicate license, the license holder is advised to check the information on the reissued license. The card mentions the expiry date of the duplicate license.

LTO Duplicate driver’s license - How much does it cost?

Getting an LTO duplicate driver’s license comes at a cost and, sadly, is not available for free. An applicant is required to pay certain fees to get the replacement license, all of which are mentioned below.

Replacement Fee	PHP 225
Certification Fee	PHP 100
Clearance Fee	PHP 30
Duplicate Fee	PHP 50
Total	PHP 405

Note that it is best to check the different fee amounts with the specific LTO branch, as the prices may change without prior notice.

LTO Duplicate driver’s license - Step-by-step guide

If your non-professional driver’s license has been stolen, lost, or damaged, the concerned driver would be required to get a replacement or a duplicate driver’s license. Now, the same can be done in two ways -

• In-person by visiting the LTO office
• Online by visiting the LTMS Portal

Let us discuss both options in detail, starting with the in-person visit process -

LTO Duplicate Driver's License process: Offline by visiting the LTO branch Step 1. Visit the nearest LTO branch and secure the Driver’s License Application for Permits & Licensees (APL) form. You can collect the same by visiting the LTO Central office or downloading it from the LTMS Portal. Step 2. Duly complete the APL form, fill out the necessary details, and double-check. It is important, as an incomplete form will get rejected. Step 3. Make sure to attach all the documents with the APL form as mentioned under the ‘Required Documents’ section. Step 4. Go to the LTMS Portal and schedule an appointment with the desired LTO branch to gain a duplicate driver’s license. Step 5. On the day of the appointment, head to the LTO office and submit the APL form with all the required information and documents. Step 6. The concerned LTO official will evaluate the form and the attached documents to see if everything is in place. The application will be approved, if everything is perfect. Step 7. Head to the cashier’s counter and pay the necessary fees. Here you’ll receive an acknowledgment receipt, which you should keep safe. Step 8. Now that everything is done, the application will be processed further. The update on the application status will be sent to the applicant via SMS. Step 9. After the completion of the process, the LTO office will call the applicant to come in and fulfill the required procedures, like taking the vision test. Step 10. Go for the biometric test, and that’s about it.

 

LTO Duplicate Driver’s License process: Online by visiting the LTMS Portal Step 1. Check if you have an LTMS Portal. If yes, it's great, and proceed with the below-mentioned steps. If not, then first register yourself and create an LTMS account. Step 2. Log in to the LTMS account with your nominated email ID and password. Step 3. Click on the licensing tab. Step 4 Click on ‘Apply for a Duplicate/Replacement License.’ Step 5. Fill out the APL form and enter all the details carefully. Step 6. Upload all the required documents, along with a copy of the affidavit of loss. Step 7. Pay the required fee online and click ‘Confirm Payment.’ Step 8. Enter the required details and click ‘Submit.’ Step 9. The submitted application and attached documents will be evaluated by the authorities. If everything is ok, the application will be accepted and processed further. Step 10. Moving forward, the applicant will receive the application status via SMS. Step 11. Upon completion of the process, the applicant will receive a call from the LTO office. Step 12. Next, the applicant will be required to visit the preferred LTO branch for the vision test and biometric procedure.

Bottom line

No need to panic if you have lost or damaged your driver’s license, as LTO offers duplicate licenses in such circumstances. The best part is that the entire process of acquiring a replacement license is simple and cost-effective, thus relieving the applicant of all the stress of losing this essential, valid ID. However, one piece of advice that works in your favor is reaching the LTO office a bit early; this will help you avoid long queues and get work done quickly.

Also Read: LTO Driver's License Renewal: Check out the cost, requirements, and more