In the Philippines, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) issues mainly 3 categories of licenses, including student’s permits, non-professional driver’s licenses, and professional driver’s licenses. In this passage, we are going to introduce the professional driver’s license, including its requirements, first-time application, renewal, and other concerning issues.
What Is a Professional Driver’s License in the Philippines?
A professional driver’s license (PDL) is the highest level of LTO license in the Philippines. It is designed for those who want to earn a living by driving public or private commercial vehicles, such as buses, trucks, motorcycles, tricycles, or taxis. On the front side of this plastic card, there is basic personal information and a photograph of the cardholder. On the back side, there are LTO restrictions and condition codes indicating what vehicle types are permitted.
Who Can Apply for a Professional Driver’s License?
To apply for a PDL, applicants must satisfy the following qualifications.
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
- Be physically and mentally healthy to drive an automobile.
- Be able to read and write in English or Filipino.
- Do not have more than 1 count of reckless driving during the validity period of the existing driver’s license.
- Have been holding a valid student permit for at least 6 months if applying for light vehicles with Restriction Code (RC) 1,2,4, and 6.
- Have been holding a valid non-professional driver’s license for at least 12 months if applying for heavy vehicles with Restriction Code (RC) 3,5, 7, and 8.
Required Documents for Professional Driver’s License Application
Eligible persons should prepare a variety of documents to prove their qualifications and identity. Here is the checklist of professional driver’s license requirements.
- A filled-out application form.
- Original and photocopy of medical certificate from an LTO-accredited medical institution.
- A valid student permit (for light vehicles) or a valid non-professional driver’s license (for heavy vehicles).
- Original and photocopy of the Practical Driving Course (PDC) certificate (or a digital certificate transmitted to the authority).
- Philippine National Police (PNP) Clearance or National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance.
- Original and photocopy of PSA birth certificate
- Tax Identification Number (TIN, if applicable).
How to Apply for a Professional Driver’s License
After confirming you satisfy the requirements for a professional driver’s license, you can start applying for a professional driver’s license. The process is similar to a non-professional one, Next is a specific instruction.
How to Apply for a Professional Driver’s License In Person
- Head to the nearest LTO branch with the supporting documents.
- Ask for a queue number and application form.
- Fill out the form and wait until your number is called.
- Submit the completed form along with other required documents to the officer.
- Take a written Professional Driver’s License Basic Driving Theory Test in the examination room.
- Take a Practical Driving Test after passing the written test.
- Pay the remaining fees at the cashier and receive an official receipt (OR).
- Capture a photograph and signature at a biometrics window.
- Present the OR and collect the PDL card at the releasing counter.
How to Apply for a Professional Driver’s License Online
To reduce waiting time, applicants are also encouraged to file an application online and book an appointment for the professional driver’s license exam through the steps below.
- Visit the LTO online service – Land Transport Management System (LTMS) portal.
- Click on the “REGISTER NOW” to create an account. If you already have an account, skip this step and log in.
- Read the “Terms of Agreement” and check the box next to “Yes, I agree” at the end. Enter the security code and click on “Next”.
- Choose “Enroll as an Individual”.
- Provide information about the existing license, nationality, personal information, and contact. After all required fields are filled, click on the “Create Account”. A pop-up window will appear saying that you are successfully registered.
- Check your email and click on the verification link to activate your account.
- Jump to the LTMS portal again and set a password.
- Navigate to the “Licensing” section on the personal dashboard.
- Read the terms and conditions and agree to them.
- Choose “Professional Driver’s License” for License Type.
- Click on “Add medical certificate” to upload the photocopy of the certificate and verify the certificate number.
- Click on “New” for application for professional driver’s license.
- Fill out the application form online.
- Make an appointment for a written and practical LTO examination.
- Pay the application fees through e-payment or bank transfer.
- Go to the selected LTO branch on the scheduled date and time with the required documents.
- Take the tests according to the officer’s instructions.
- Submit biometrics after passing the tests.
- Collect the driver’s license by mail or at the counter.
How Much is A Professional Driver’s License
The professional driver’s license fees consist of several parts and some of them vary. Here is a detailed price list.
| Type of Fees | Estimated Fees |
| Application fee | PHP 100 |
| Computer fee | PHP 67.63 |
| License fee | PHP 585 |
| Extra computer fee | PHP 67.63 |
| Medical certificate | PHP 100-500 (depending on the medical institutions) |
How Long is the Validity of a Professional Driver’s License?
A professional driver’s license in the Philippines is valid for 5 years after initial issuance. Provided that you do not have any record of violating the traffic rules, a 10-year license will be issued after the renewal of professional driver’s license in the Philippines. Otherwise, another 5-year license will be issued again.
How to Renew a Professional Driver’s License
As stated before, the driver’s license will expire every 5 or 10 years. Driving with an expired license is illegal, which might lead to severe punishment. Therefore, it is necessary to renew it at least one month before the expiration. This section will talk about how to renew a professional driver’s license in the Philippines.
How to Renew a Professional Driver’s License Online
- Visit the LTMS portal and log in. New users should register first.
- Choose the “Licensing” service on the dashboard. New registrants should complete the profile first.
- Read the terms and conditions and click on “Accept”.
- Choose “DRIVER’S LICENSE” for LICENSE CLASSIFICATION.
- Click on “Add Medical Certificate” button next to the “Next” button. Enter the certificate number and then click “Verify”.
- Choose “Renewal” for TYPE OF APPLICATION. Click the Next button to continue.
- Choose a LTO office and schedule an appointment.
- Pay the renewal fees online.
- Visit the chosen LTO office on the date of appointment and submit biometrics.
- Receive a renewed driver’s license.
How to Renew a Professional Driver’s License Offline
- Go to the nearest LTO office, request an application form for professional driver’s license renewal, and fill it out.
- Submit the filled-out form along with other supporting documents when your number is called.
- Double-check the license information that the officer retrieves from the LTO system. If there is any unpaid fine, you must settle it before continuing.
- Go to the photo booth to take a photo and capture a digital signature.
- Pay the renewal fees at the cashier in cash or debit card.
- Collect the new license as well as the expired card that was submitted before.
Benefits of Getting a Professional Driver’s License
The professional driver’s license in the Philippines carries essential personal information, allowing the cardholder to enjoy multiple benefits in the Philippines.
- It allows individuals to legally drive for a living.
- It is one of the primary IDs, serving as an acceptable proof of identity in public and private transactions.
- A driver’s license holder can rent a car.
- The name, address, and telephone number listed on the back of the card help to verify your identity in emergencies.
- It could be converted into an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in a foreign country.
FAQ
📌What are the different types of driver’s licenses in the Philippines?
The student driver’s permit, valid for one year, allows individuals to drive accompanied by a non-professional or professional driver’s license holder. The non-professional driver’s license, valid for 5 years, is issued to drive private vehicles for non-commercial purposes. The professional driver’s license, valid for 5 years, authorizes a person to drive a public/private vehicle and get paid.
📌What’s the age limit for a professional driver’s license?
The minimum age for a professional driver’s license is 18.
📌How long does it take to get a professional driver’s license in the Philippines?
It usually takes a few hours and you can pick it up on the same day of application. When there are a large number of applications, the waiting time will be extended. Please put away your official receipt if you have to return to LTO to collect the card on another day.
Summary
If you want to work as a driver, a professional driver’s license is mandatory. It not only allows you to use your vehicle freely but also serves as an identity document. Applicants must be 18 years old and have obtained a student’s permit or non-professional license. Application for a professional driver’s license can be filed at the LTO office or on the LTMS online portal. After holding the license, you are supposed to renew it in person or online.
Dolores Xiao