Every motorist in the Philippines must be aware of the importance of a driver’s license, as you will face a penalty or legal repercussions if you hit the road with an expired license. To avoid such a problem, you can read this passage carefully, which will help you get your driver’s license renewed with step-by-step instructions.
When do you renew your driver’s license?
Generally, drivers with a clean record will be eligible for a 10-year driver’s license. However, drivers with traffic violations will be issued a five-year license. According to the LTO, no matter which driver’s license you hold, you must apply for a new one if you are in such a situation.
- Licensees can obtain your driver’s license 60 days before the actual expiry date.
- Licensees are leaving the country, but you haven’t renewed your license in the last 12 months.
- Professional or non-professional license credentials have not expired in the last two years.
What are the requirements for the renewal of a driver’s license?
Since you know when you need to renew your driver’s license, you must also meet the requirements to obtain a new license.
- You must complete the application form for a driver’s license (ADL).
- Provide an original and photocopy of the government-issued ID with your picture and signature.
- You must provide a professional or non-professional original driver’s license.
- You must provide a copy of the medical examination certificate, which will be electronically transmitted to the LTO by an accredited clinic.
- You must offer a printed copy of the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) Certificate with over a 50% passing score.
- If you have had an expired driver’s license for more than two years, you must provide certificates that you have passed theoretical and practical driving exams.
- If you are employed, you must provide the identification number or TIN.
How to renew your driver’s license?
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) currently offers convenient ways to renew your driver’s license online or on foot. Here you can choose any way you want according to your needs.
Walk-in Application
- Visit the nearest LTO branch or licensing center with the required documents mentioned above.
- You need to show your driver’s license ID and CDE certificate to the LTO officer.
- Get the medical test at the medical exam kiosk.
- Log in to the LTMS portal on the public computer to verify your information, or you can update any information as needed. Log out after you’re done. Just skip the Remember Username, otherwise, your account could be saved on the computer.
- They need to collect your biometrics and photos. Or you can choose to keep your current photo.
- Then you can wait for your driver’s license to be issued.
Online Application
If you don’t want to go to the local LTO branch, you can stay home and apply for a new driver’s license on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or any digital device. Here you can follow the steps below to get your new driver’s license.
- Visit the LTMS website, log in to your account
- Select Licence in the dashboard and complete the application form.
- Select the driver’s license in the License Classification.
- Click “Add Medical Certificate” to place your medical certificate number on it.
- Select Renewal to continue your application.
- Choose the renewal appointment schedule and preferred LTO office.
- Choose a payment channel to pay the renewal fee.
- On the scheduled date, obtain your biometric data collection at the local LTO office.
How to renew your Driver’s License Renewal if you are an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker)?
If OFWs are outside Metro Manila, they can have their Driver’s License renewed at any LTO District Office or Licensing Center. They can ask a representative to get the driver’s license application form, submit all the requirements, pay the corresponding fees and get the OFW’s temporary Driver’s License. However, after 30 days of arrival, OFW applicants must visit the LTO office where representatives apply for a license renewal. You must submit additional requirements, complete biometrics, such as photo-taking, signature and fingerprinting, and claim your license card at the Releasing Counter
How to renew your driver’s license in advance?
Normally, driver’s license holders apply for a new one as early as 60 days before it expires. If you need to travel to another country before your license expires, you can apply for a new one in advance. Bring relevant documents to the Licensing Centre or District Offices to prove your travel, complete an application and pay the fees.
How much is the driver’s license renewal fee?
You must pay the renewal fee according to the type of license you are applying for.
- License fee: Php 585
- Computer Fee: Php 67.63
In addition to the normal license fee, you also get a penalty if you don’t update your driver’s license on time:
- License Expired from 1 day to 1 year: Php75
- License expired for more than 1 year to 2 years: Php150
- License expired for more than 2 years: Php225
If you delay renewing your driver’s license for more than 2 years, you also need to pay an extra computer fee (Php100).
If you are an OFWs, no matter how long your driver’s license expires, you must pay the application fee for Php100.
Therefore, if you do not renew your driver’s license before it expires, it is possible to get a penalty. To avoid this problem, we recommend that you renew your driver’s license in advance.
Which type of driver’s license should I renew?
According to the rules, you can apply for a new one for a 10-year validity, if you have resolved traffic violations. Here you need to check the violation situation on the LTO online portal. If there are 0 points shown and NO UNSETTLED APPREHENSIONS FOUND, then you can get a 10-year driver’s license renewal.
Conclusion
All in all, the LTO has offered many convenient ways for drivers to renew their licenses regardless of whether they are in or out of the Philippines. Since you can get a license with a 10-year validity if you don’t have a traffic violation record, it’s the best time to renew a driver’s license.
Dolores Xiao