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

LTO’s Driver’s License Renewal

In the Philippines, a driver’s license is an important form of identification granted by the government via the Land Transportation Office (LTO). It is proof that the bearer has permission to drive a motor vehicle in the country. Thus, it becomes important for the holder to keep it valid and renew it on time.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • My driver’s license expired 10 years ago. Can I get it renewed?

    No. As per LTO, you need to start from scratch and apply for the student permit once again.
  • Is there an age limit for driver’s license renewal in the Philippines?

    No, there is no maximum age limit to get a driver’s license renewed in the Philippines.
  • Can I get my driver’s license renewed over the weekend?

    Yes, a candidate can apply for license renewal on Saturday at any LTO’s Driver’s License Renewal Office.
  • We have already discussed the driver's license application process in detail, which includes everything there is to know about the subject, including the different types, benefits, requirements, qualifications, step-by-step procedures, and much more. You can check the information here. Not to forget the information on online & foreign driving license application process and the various courses & exams related to the license procurement; all of which you can find here.

    Today, we’ll be addressing another important topic: the renewal of driver’s licenses in the Philippines. Without a doubt, it is a very taxing process, but one doesn’t have to undergo it frequently as LTO now issues licenses with 5- and 10-year validity (earlier, the validity remained limited to just three years). However, with this added advantage comes added conditions; only those with sufficient driving skills and knowledge of road safety and etiquette will get their license renewed.

    Coming to the point, there is a lot to learn about driver’s license renewal in the Philippines. So, without further ado, let us begin.

    Also Read: Want to buy a car? Here's a complete list of all associated costs

    Advantages of renewing driver's license

    One of the key benefits of renewing a driver's license is the legal permission to drive a motor vehicle without any legal problem or penalty. But that’s not it, there are a few other advantages like -

    • A valid driver’s license serves as a valid, government-issued ID and is therefore acceptable at various private and public offices
    • Individuals involved in an accident or emergency can be easily identified via a driver’s license
    • It grants the holder permission to drive a particular vehicle

    LTO’s Driver’s License Renewal

    Eligibility criteria for driver’s license renewal

    Driving license renewal in the Philippines (basic or advanced) requires the license holder in question (whether residing in the Philippines or working abroad as OFW) to meet certain criteria. Included in the list are -

    • He/she must be a holder of an active driver’s license or of a driving license that has been expired but not for more than two years
    • Must be physically and mentally fit to drive a motor vehicle
    • Must be free from any sort of traffic violation
    • The Driving Enhancement Program must be completed (for a 5-year driver’s license renewal)

    Eligibility criteria for driver’s license with demerit points

    Five to nine demerit points

    Driver’s Re-orientation course must be completed 

    10 or more but less than 40 demerit points

    Driver’s Re-orientation course must be completed

    Theoretical exam must be cleared

    Driver’s license expired for more than 2-years and/or 10 or more but less than 40 demerit points

    Driver’s Re-orientation course must be completed

    Theoretical exam must be cleared

    Automated Theoretical exam must be cleared

    Practical Driving Test must be cleared 

    Documents required for driving license renewal

    The list of requirements also varies depending on the type of renewal (plain or advanced). So, let's check out what all applicants need to prepare.

    Plain Driver’s License Renewal requirement -

    • Application for Permits and License form (duly accomplished)
    • Electronically transmitted medical certificate (original for presentation and one photocopy for submission)
    • Electronically transmitted Certificate of Completion of Driving Enhancement Program (when applying for renewal of license with 5-year validity for the first time)
    • Original driver’s license (expired or otherwise) for presentation

    Five to nine demerit points

    Certificate of Completion of Driver’s Re-orientation Course

    10 or more but less than 40 demerit points

    Certificate of Completion of Driver’s Re-orientation course must be completed

    Theoretical exam’s proof of passing

    Driver’s license expired for more than 2-years and/or 10 or more but less than 40 demerit points

    Certificate of Completion of Driver’s Re-orientation course must be completed


    Automated Theoretical exam’s proof of passing

    Automated Theoretical exam’s proof of passing

    Advance Driver’s License Renewal requirement -

    • Application for Permits and License form (duly accomplished)
    • Electronically transmitted medical certificate (original for presentation and one photocopy for submission)
    • Electronically transmitted Certificate of Completion of Driving Enhancement Program (when applying for renewal of license with 5-year validity for the first time)
    • Original driver’s license (expired or otherwise) for presentation
    • Plane ticket

    Five to nine demerit points

    Certificate of Completion of Driver’s Re-orientation Course

    10 or more but less than 40 demerit points

    Certificate of Completion of Driver’s Re-orientation course must be completed

    Theoretical exam’s proof of passing

    OFW & Filipinos Living Abroad Driver’s License Renewal requirement

    Initial requirement (for a representative)

    • Original Letter of Authority of authorized representative
    • Passport’s first page, visa page, latest arrival overseas, departure from the
    • Philippines (one photocopy each)
    • Driver’s License (1 photocopy)
    • If available Driver’s License Receipt (1 photocopy)

    Additional requirement (license holder in the Philippines)

    • Drug test result
    • Application for Permits and License form (duly accomplished)
    • TIN card (original & 1 photocopy)

    OFWs need to present himself/herself within 30 days of arrival in the country at the same office where the renewal application was obtained by the representative for photo-taking and submission of the following documents:

    • Electronically transmitted medical certificate
    • Passport’s first and arrival pages photocopy
    • Original OR
    • Electronically transmitted Certificate of Completion of Driving Enhancement Program (when applying for renewal of license with 5-year validity for the first time)

    Five to nine demerit points

    Certificate of Completion of Driver’s Re-orientation Course

    Driver’s License Renewal with Examination

    This one is for candidates with a license expired for more than two years and/or with 10 or more but less than 40 demerit points. They require the following documents -

    • Application for Permits and License form (duly accomplished)
    • Electronically transmitted medical certificate (original & 1 photocopy)
    • Driver’s/ conductor’s license

    LTO’s Driver’s License Renewal

    Ways to renew driver’s license in the Philippines

    Driver’s license in the Philippines can be renewed in two ways -

    • First, in person at the LTO office
    • Second, online through the LTMS Portal

    Both of these will be discussed in detail soon, so stay tuned with Carmudi.

    Driver’s License Renewal Cost in the Philippines

    Fees/Renewal type

    Plain

    1 Day to 1 Year expired license renewal

    More than 1 Year to 2 Year expired license renewal

    More than 2 year expired license renewal

    License Fee

    PHP 585

    PHP 585

    PHP 585

    PHP 585

    Penalty

    NA

    PHP 75

    PHP 150

    PHP 225

    Application Fee

    NA

    NA

    NA

    PHP 100

    Total

    PHP 585

    PHP 660

    PHP 735

    PHP 910

    Note that the authorities also charge a PHP 67.63 computer fee; however, the fee rises to PHP 135.26 when the license has expired for more than two years.

    In addition to the above-mentioned fees, there are a few other fees charged by LTO. It includes a PHP 100 change classification fee and a PHP 100 additional restriction code. Note the former only applies when a candidate wants to change the license type, i.e., from a valid non-professional license to a professional driver’s license or from a valid professional driver’s license to a non-professional driver’s license or from an expired non-professional driver’s license to a professional driver’s license or vice-versa.

    Driver’s License Renewal Fees for OFWs

    Fees/Renewal type

    Plain

    1 Day to 1 Year expired license renewal

    More than 1 Year to 2 Year expired license renewal

    More than 2 year expired license renewal

    License Fee

    PHP 585

    PHP 585

    PHP 585

    PHP 585

    Penalty

    NA

    PHP 75

    PHP 150

    PHP 225

    Application Fee

    PHP 100

    PHP 100

    PHP 100

    PHP 100

    Total

    PHP 685

    PHP 760

    PHP 835

    PHP 977.63

    A PHP 67.63 computer fee is charged across all license renewal types.

    Summing up

    Driver’s license renewal in the Philippines may be tough and time-consuming, as the LTO needs to ensure that only deserving applicants (with full knowledge of road safety rules and laws) get the new 10-year-valid license.

    Also Read: LTO’s Driver’s License Renewal: Step-by-step guide to online & offline process

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