Renewing your LTO license can be a time-consuming ordeal. The long lines, confusing requirements, and endless paperwork can overwhelm even the most patient individual. But fear not; we’re here to help you navigate the process quickly.
This comprehensive guide provides insider tips for a stress-free LTO license renewal experience. This article covers everything from documents to preparing for the dreary practical exams.
Whether you’re a first-time renewer or a veteran driver, our tips are designed to streamline the process and save you precious time.
Let us guide you through the steps to a seamless LTO license renewal!
LTO Now Issues Ten-Year Licenses
The LTO now issues ten-year-long licenses according to RA 10930, which states that any holder of a professional or non-professional driver’s license is entitled to a renewal of such license for ten (10) years, provided that no violation of traffic laws, rules, and regulations during the five years was committed.
If you are planning to renew your license this year, here are some things you need to know and prepare regarding the renewal process of your driver’s license in the Philippines.
Reminders About the LTO License Renewal Process
Renewal of the LTO license requires several steps.
Reminder #1. To renew your driver’s license, there are two (2) types of renewal you will need to process: Plain Renewal and Advance Renewal.
- The plain renewal requires applicants with 10 or more, but less than 40 demerit points with licenses that have expired for more than two (2) years to submit a Certificate of Completion of Driver’s Re-orientation Course and proof passing the Automated Theoretical Examination.
- On the other hand, advance renewal requires applicants to provide and submit plain tickets.
Typically, these are the requirements you need to prepare and provide before the renewal process:
- Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) form
- Photocopy of electronically transmitted medical certificate from LTO-accredited medical clinic
- Original driver’s license (expired or not)
- Certificate of Completion of Driver’s Re-orientation Course
- Certificate of Completion of Driver’s Re-orientation Course
- Proof of passing Theoretical Examination
Note: Submission of electronically Transmitted Certificate of Completion of Driving Enhancement Program (DEP) of LTO driver’s license with five (5) years validity varies if it is for initial renewal or you are applying for the first time or not.
Reminder #2. The first is identifying your license type. Since requirements vary depending on the license, it is essential to determine what type of license you use. The LTO issues licenses such as
- Requirements to Renew a Student License/Permit
- Presentation of student driver’s permit
- Medical certificate from an LTO-accredited clinic
- Presentation of original and submission of 1 photocopy of the Certificate of Completion of the 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) (Electronically transmitted to LTO by the accredited driving school / LTO DEC / LTO Accredited TESDA Training Center)
- How much does it cost to get a student permit?
- New Student Driver Permit = PHP 250
- Application Fee – PHP 100
- Permit/ License Fee – PHP 150
- Renewal of Student Driver Permit = PHP 150
- Renewal Fee – PHP 150
- Duplicate Student Driver Permit = PHP 250
- Certification Fee – PHP 100
- Duplicate Fee – PHP 150
- New Student Driver Permit = PHP 250
- Requirements to Renew a Non-Pro License
- Original non-pro driver’s license
- Medical certificate from an LTO-accredited Medical Clinic
- Certificate of Completion of the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE)
- LTMS Portal Account
- How much does it cost to renew a non-pro driver’s license?
- New non-professional driver’s license – P685
- Application fee – P100
- License fee (professional and non-professional licenses) – P585
- Renewal of non-professional driver’s license renewal – P585 (without penalties) / P660 to P735 (with penalties)
- Permit/license fee – P585
- Late-renewal penalties, if applicable:
- One day to one year expired – P75
- More than one year to two years expired – P150
- Renewal of non-professional driver’s license with revision of records – P685 (without penalties) / P760 to P835 (with penalties) Permit/license fee – P585
- Revision of records fee – P100
- Late-renewal penalties, if applicable:
- One day to one year expired – P75
- More than one year to two years expired – P150
- New non-professional driver’s license – P685
- Requirements to Renew Professional Driver’s License
- Original professional driver’s license
- Medical Certificate from an LTO-accredited medical clinic
- Certificate of Completion of the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE)
- LTMS Portal Account
- How much does it cost to renew a professional driver’s license?
- Renewal of professional driver’s license with revision of records – P685 (without penalties) / P760 to P835 (with penalties)
- Permit/license fee – P585
- Revision of records fee – P100
- Late-renewal penalties, if applicable:
- One day to one year expired – P75
- More than one year to two years expired – P150
- Renewal of professional driver’s license – P585 (without penalties) 660 to P735 (with penalties)
- Permit/license fee – P585
- Late-renewal penalties, if applicable:
- One day to one year expired – P75
- More than one year to two years expired – P150
- Renewal of professional driver’s license with revision of records – P685 (without penalties) / P760 to P835 (with penalties)
- Requirements for Renewal of Conductor’s License
- Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) form from the LTO website
- Original conductor’s license
- The certificate of completion of the conductor’s re-orientation course must be submitted by applicants with five (5) to nine (9) demerit
- How much does it cost to renew a conductor license?
- Total Fee = PHP 752.63
- Permit Fee – PHP 585
- Application Fee – PHP 100
- Fee for computer – PHP 67.63
- Fees for Additional Penalties
- Up to one (1) year expired: Php 75.00
- Over one (1) year and up to two (2) years expired: Php 150.00
- More than two (2) years expired: Php 225.00
- On-time Renewal: Applicants pay only the license and one computer fee
- People with expired licenses that are 1 day to 2 years old must pay the license fee, a penalty, and (1) one computer fee
- The application, license, penalty, and (2) two computer fees must be paid by reexaminees.
- Total Fee = PHP 752.63
- Other Fees
- Replacement Fee – PHP 225
- Certification Fee – PHP 100
- Clearance Fee – PHP 30
- Duplicate Fee – PHP 50
- Revision of Records – PHP 100
- For Authorized Representative (Temporary Driver’s License)
- Letter of Authorization
- Photocopy of the following:
- Passport’s first page
- Visa page
- Departure from the Philippines
- Latest arrival overseas
- Driver’s License
- Driver’s License Receipt (if available)
- For License Holder (Upon Arrival in the Philippines)
- Drug test result
- Original and photocopy of TIN or TIN Card
- Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) form
- Original and photocopy of electronically transmitted medical certificate (LTO medical clinic-accredited)
- Original and photocopy of the passport’s first page and arrival pages
- Original copy of Official Receipt (OR), which serves as temporary driver’s license
- Electronically transmitted Certificate of Completion of Driving Enhancement Program (DEP) for the initial renewal of driver’s license with five (5) years validity
Understanding the distinctions between these licenses and checking which one applies to you solves half of your LTO license renewal problems.
Reminder #3. Know your demerit bracket. Requirements vary depending on the number of demerits points you have incurred throughout your driving:
- Applicants with five (5) to nine (9) demerit points: Submit a Certificate Completion of Driver’s Re-orientation Course
- Applicants whose DL have expired for more than two (2) years and/or with 10 or more but less than 40 demerit points:
- Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) form
- Original and photocopy of the electronically transmitted medical certificate (LTO medical clinic accredited)
- Original delinquent Driver’s/Conductor’s License
Reminder #4. Here is the list of LTO driver’s license renewal fees in the Philippines, regardless of their classification:
Note: The Change Classification fee only applies if you want to change your licensing type.
Reminder #5. Gather the necessary documents for renewal. Typically speaking, requirements for renewal include the following:
- Valid ID
- Philippine Passport
- Social Security System (SSS) Card
- Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Card
- Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) Card
- Land Transportation Office (LTO) Driver’s License. Student Permit may be accepted if in card format
- Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) ID
- Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) E-Card
- Philippine National Police (PNP) Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence
- Airman License (issued August 2016 onwards)
- Philippine Postal ID (issued November 2016 onwards)
- Seafarer’s Record Book
- Original Driver’s License Card
- Medical Certificate
- Comprehensive Driver’s Education Certificate (taken online or at any select LTO Office)
- Accomplished Application Form for Driver’s License (ADL)
- Clearance From Pending Traffic Violations (if applicable)
( Source: Department of Foreign Affairs | Valid IDs for Authentication )
Ensuring that your documents are complete and up to date helps avoid delays and complications throughout the renewal process. Check the LTO website or contact their customer service hotline for the most up-to-date information.
A Step-By-Step Guide on On-Site LTO License Renewal 2024
Disclaimer: The steps in this guide do not apply to drivers whose licenses have expired for more than ten years. Those with expired licenses for over ten years must reapply for a student’s license. Drivers with licenses that have expired for more than two years must retake the theoretical and practical exams. To renew your LTO driver’s license on-site, here are the nearest LTO offices.
These are the following steps you need to follow:
Step #1. Secure a CDE or Comprehensive Driver’s Education Certificate. You can take this exam online via the LTM Portal or have it taken face-to-face at a select LTO Driver’s Education Center. You can find the center nearest to you by clicking on this link. You must get 13 or more out of 25 questions to pass the exam.
Disclaimer: The next step may vary based on the result of your written exam. If you fail, after you receive your computer-generated result, you have to come back on another day to retake the exam.
Step #2. Next, fill out a medical form. Here, you must provide your personal information, such as weight, height, and eyesight. This certifies that you are physically fit to drive and free from any medical conditions that may impair your ability to operate a vehicle.
Step #3. Upon completing the TDC and medical exam, you must turn over your expired license and CDE certificate.
Step #4. Once you have submitted all the requirements, you must pay the fees. A license renewal amounts to Php 589.00 for both pro and non-pro licenses.
Step #5. After paying, you are to proceed to the biometric windows to encode the required details in the new LTO-IT system. To accomplish this, proceed to the cashier for payment of fees and wait for the official receipt (OR) and the driver’s license card. The people from the office accommodate any changes in signatures.
Step #6. Lastly, wait until your license is printed and ready for release.
Tips for a Stress-Free LTO License Renewal
Getting your license renewed is notorious for the complaints that come along with it. One of the most common frustrations aired out by renewers is the long waiting time. Some have spent an entire day waiting to undergo the process. This can be incredibly challenging, especially for those with busy schedules.
To avoid getting the worst LTO license renewal experience, here are some expert tips to help you easily navigate the process:
Tip #1: Plan
Create a checklist of all the required documents and ensure that these are all valid and current. This will save you from last-minute scrambling and potential delays.
Tip #2: Check the LTO Website
LTO’s website is your friend in times like this. Check their website regularly for any updates or changes in requirements before heading to the licensing center.
Tip #3: Arrive early
This will give you a head start and increase your chances of finishing the renewal process quickly. Avoid peak hours to minimize waiting time.
Tip #4: Bring extra copies of Documents
It’s always a good idea to bring extra copies of your documents. This will be useful if any discrepancies or additional copies are needed.
Following these expert tips, you can confidently and quickly tackle the LTO license renewal process.
Insider Advice for a Seamless LTO License Renewal Experience
In addition to expert advice, here are some insider tips that can further enhance your LTO license renewal experience:
Advice #1. Choose the right licensing center:
Some centers may have shorter queues or more efficient processes. Do some research and ask for recommendations to find the center that best suits your needs.
Advice #2. Bring snacks and entertainment:
Waiting in line can be tedious, so come prepared with snacks, water, and something to keep you occupied. This will help make waiting more bearable.
Advice #3. Dress comfortably:
Wear comfortable clothing and footwear when heading to the licensing center. You may be standing or sitting for extended periods, so you must be physically at ease.
Advice #4. Double-check your application:
Always double-check all the details for accuracy. One mistake can cause delays or even rejection. Take your time to ensure everything is correct and complete.
Incorporating these insider tips into your renewal journey allows you to breeze through the process and minimize potential hiccups.
Alternative Options for LTO License Renewal
If you cannot line up at any LTO office, you can explore the alternative measures LTO offers for license renewal. Their options include online renewal and mobile licensing units. These alternatives aim to provide a more efficient and hassle-free experience for individuals who prefer to avoid traditional licensing centers.
Option 1: Online Renewal
The online renewal allows you to complete the process without needing physical visits. However, only some license types are eligible for online renewal. Make sure to double-check if your license qualifies for online renewal or not.
Option 2 : Mobile Licensing Units
You can find these mobile units deployed in various areas. These aim to make renewing easier for people who travel long distances just to get a new license. Mobile licensing units bring the process closer to communities, thus reducing the time and effort required.
Frequently Asked Questions about LTO License Renewal
No. You must settle any pending traffic violations under your name before renewing your license. Please do so to avoid the denial of your renewal application.
Applicants within the NCR region or Metro Manila can apply for renewal at the License Section of the Central Office of the LTO in Quezon City. However, those outside NCR can renew their license in a different location. However, additional requirements may apply, so it’s advisable to inquire beforehand.
No, an expired license is not considered a valid ID. Always ensure that your ID is current and not expired.
Congrats on getting your license renewed!
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Thank you so much for this informative post! I’ve been putting off renewing my LTO license for months now, but your guide has given me the confidence to take the first step. I found the steps on completing the requirements for license renewal very helpful, especially the part about asking for endorsements from my employer and neighbors. I’ll be sure to bookmark this post for future reference. Can’t thank you enough for your help!
Thank you so much for this guide! I was so stressed out trying to figure out the process of renewing my LTO license, but your step-by-step instructions made it so much easier. I was able to get mine renewed in no time!
Thank you so much for sharing this guide! I was able to successfully renew my LTO license thanks to your clear and concise steps. Your tips on avoiding common mistakes were especially helpful.
Is the result of my cde on line needed to print or the approval of ltms and bring it for the renewal of my drivers
Hi, Panchilita!
Yes.
You are to print and bring your CDE certificate if you are in the process of renewing your driver’s license.
CDE Online/website requires 80% or 20 out of 25 correct answers