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

DRIVER'S LICENSE LOST

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.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Is it possible to get a duplicate license, even with pending traffic violations?

    Yes, a driver can apply for a duplicate license even with a record of pending traffic violations. However, the driver might be required to undergo a few additional exams, to prove their credibility as a driver.
  • Are drivers required to submit a Medical Certificate to secure a duplicate driver's license?

    Yes, if the driver’s original license, which is now lost or damaged is due for renewal. Furthermore, such applicants need to follow the same license renewal process as everyone else.
  • Where shall I apply for a duplicate license?

    You can apply for a duplicate license at the nearest LTO branch, however, make sure to carry all the required documents.
  • What expense do I have to incur to secure a duplicate license?

    An applicant for a duplicate driver’s license needs to pay around PHP 405, however, it is advisable to check the associated fees (like a replacement, clearance, certification, and duplicate) with the LTO branch you intend to visit, as the price may change without notice.
  • What do you do if the lost or damaged license is expired? Apply for renewal or a duplicate license?

    In the case where the lost or damaged license has expired, the concerned driver simply needs to apply for renewal. However, it is essential that the applicant needs to undergo documentary requirements for a lost or damaged license to prove they did have a valid license.
  • 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 driver’s license Photo from Vecteezy

    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.

    Lost  Driver’s License Photo from iStock

    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

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