LTO Driver License Renewal – How to Renew LTO Driver License

LTO Driver License Renewal – How to Renew LTO Driver License. A LTO license is one of the forms of identification offered by the government through the Land Transportation Office (LTO) that proves that the person is entitled to drive a motor vehicle in the country and has the permission to do so. To avoid legal issues and penalties later on, it is important to maintain a valid driver’s license and renew expired or expiring licenses regularly.

A LTO driver’s license can only be renewed if two conditions are met: the completion of the mandatory 15-hour theoretical driving course (TDC) and the possession of an expired or expiring driver’s license. Although they may seem simple, driver’s license renewals can be difficult and time-consuming, because the LTO is required to ensure that only deserving applicants have access to a new driver’s license with a 10-year validity after renewal.

Driver’s License Renewal in the Philippines

Applying for a renewal of your driver’s license can be a taxing process. Thanks to the LTO, you no longer have to undergo this process very often, as licenses are now issued with a five- or ten-year validity instead of three (3) years. They also placed certain conditions along with the longer validity period to ensure that only those with sufficient driving skills and knowledge of road safety and proper road etiquette would be permitted to renew their licenses.

In case you are planning to renew your license in the near future, here are some of the things you should know about driver’s license renewal in the Philippines. 

Qualifications for LTO Driver’s License Renewal

It is required that you meet certain criteria to apply for plain and advanced renewals of your driver’s license, regardless of whether you live in the Philippines or are employed abroad as an OFW:

• You must possess an active driver’s license or a driver’s license that has expired but has not expired more than two (2) years
• A driver must be physically fit in order to operate a motor vehicle
• To be able to operate a motor vehicle, one must possess sound mental faculties
• Traffic violations that have not been settled must not exist
• The applicant must have completed the Driving Enhancement Program (DEP) prior to the initial renewal of their five-year driver’s license
• If you have accumulated five (5) to nine (9) demerit points on your driving record, you must complete the Driver’s Reorientation Course in order to qualify.
• Holders of a driver’s license with ten (10) or more demerit points, but less than forty (40), must have completed the Driver/s Reorientation Course and passed the Theoretical Examination
• Drivers whose license has been expired for more than two (2) years and/or who have more than ten (10) but less than forty (40) Demerit Points must have completed the Automated Theoretical Examination and Practical Driving Test (For Driver’s License), completed the Driver Re-Orientation Course, and passed the Theoretical Examination.

Requirements for LTO Driver License Renewal

For the Renewal of your LTO Driver’s License, you may need to prepare the following requirements depending on the type of renewal you will be completing:

Plain Renewal

• Form APL (Application for Permits and Licenses) completed duly
• Presentation of the original and submission of a photocopy of the electronically transmitted medical certificate from any medical clinic accredited by the LTO.  
• If applying for the renewal of a Driver’s License with five (5) years validity for the first time, electronic transmission of a Certificate of Completion of the Driving Enhancement Program (DEP) is required
• Please present your original driver’s license, whether it is expired or not
• For applicants with five (5) to nine (9) demerit points: Certificate of completion of Driver’s Reorientation Course must be submitted 
• For applicants with ten (10) or more but less than forty (40) demerit points: A certificate of completion of the Driver’s Reorientation Course as well as proof that the Theoretical Examination has been passed is required. 
• For applicants with ten (10) or more but less than forty (40) demerit points and with a Driver’s License expired for more than two (2) years: Applicants are required to submit their Certificate of Completion of the Driver’s Reorientation Course and their Automated Theoretical Examination. 

Advance Renewal

The term advance renewal refers to a situation in which Filipino citizens have expiring driver’s licenses who will not be able to renew them due to their absence from the country. The following requirements should be reviewed:

• Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) form, duly filled out
• Presenting the original and submitting one (1) photocopy of the electronic medical certificate obtained from any physician’s office that is accredited by the LTO.  
• Certificate of Completion of Driving Enhancement Program (DEP) for the renewal of a LTO Driver’s License with a validity period of five (5) years must be submitted electronically
• Presentation of an original driver’s license, whether it is expired or not
• For applicants with five (5) to nine (9) demerit points: A certificate of completion of driver’s re-orientation is required 
• For applicants with ten (10) or more but less than forty (40) demerit points: A certificate of completion of the Driver’s Re-Orientation Course, as well as proof of passing the theoretical examination must be submitted. 
• The cost of a plane ticket (for those who will be out of the country during the period when their license expires)

Renewal of Driver’s License of OFW and Filipinos Living Abroad

The initial requirements (for applying for a temporary driver’s license through a representative)

• Please present the original Letter of Authority allowing the authorized representative to renew and claim the driver’s license
• One (1) photocopy of the passport’s first page, visa page, and departure from the Philippines, as well as the date of the most recent overseas arrival
• Obtain a photocopy of your driver’s license
• A photocopy of the receipt for your driver’s license (if available)

The license holder must meet additional requirements once he or she arrives in the Philippines.

• Test results for drugs
• A copy of the TIN or TIN card must be submitted in addition to the original
• Forms for Applications for Permits and Licenses (APL) completed in full
• License applicants must present themselves within 30 days after arriving at the same office where the renewal was made for photo-taking and for submitting the following documents:
  • Presenting the original and submitting one (1) photocopy of the electronic medical certificate obtained from any physician’s office that is accredited by the LTO.
  • Presentation of the original passport and submission of one (1) photocopy of both the first and arrival pages
  • Presenting the original Official Receipt (OR), which serves as a temporary driver’s license
  • Submitted electronically, the Certificate of Completion of the Driving Enhancement Program (DEP) for the initial renewal of the driver’s license with a validity of five (5) years
  • For applicants with five (5) to nine (9) demerit points: Certificate of completion of Driver’s Reorientation Course must be submitted 

Driver’s License Renewal with Examination (For those with a DL that has expired for more than two (2) years and/or with more than ten (10) but fewer than forty (40) demerit points)

• Form APL (Application for Permits and Licenses) completed duly
• A photocopy of the electronically transmitted medical certificate from a clinic accredited by LTO must be submitted in addition to the original certificate
• Delinquent driver’s/conductor’s license must be presented

How to renew an LTO driver’s license online through the LTMS portal

A driver’s license renewal can be done online, but you need an account on the LTMS portal for this to work. We’ll walk you through the registration and renewal process for your driver’s license through LTMS in the following guides.

Part I: LTMS Registration

• Step 1: Go to the Land Transport Management System (LTMS) portal homepage at https://portal.lto.gov.ph.

• Step 2: Press “Register now.” button
• Step 3: Please read the Terms of this Agreement, and select the check box that says “Yes, I Accept.”
• Step 4: Provide your security code.

• Step 5: Press the “Next” button.
• Step 6: Choose your registrant type according to your profile. Choose “Enroll as an individual” when asked for the type of registration.

• Step 7: Choose “Yes” when asked if you already have a Philippine driver’s license. Complete the registration process by providing the following information:

• Expiry date
• Driver’s/conductor’s license number 
• Official receipt number (or your mother’s maiden name if you no longer have your receipt)

• Verify your nationality (Filipino or otherwise), then press “Next.” button.
• Please provide the following information for alien residents:
  • Expiry date
  • Nationality  
  • Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) number
• Press “Next.” button
• Please enter your contact information (email address and mobile number) below.

• Step 8: Check your inbox for the verification link.
• Step 9: Tap on the verification link and complete the following required information:

• Address
• Medical information
• Emergency contact
• General information

• Step 10: After you complete the registration process, the portal will assign you a username that consists of 15 digits. 
• If you already have an LTMS account, you may skip the registration process and proceed directly to renewing your driver’s license.

Part II: Online Driver’s License Renewal via the LTMS

The LTMS can be used to renew your driver’s license once you have created an account and provided the required documents (including the CDE certificate).

The following are the steps you must follow in order to renew your LTO driver’s license online:

• Step 1: login the LTMS online portal using your email address or the 15-digit client number provided to you, along with your password of choice.

• Step 2: Choose Licensing in the LTMS dashboard.

Note: If you have just registered for your LTMS account, clicking on Licensing will take you to a form where you must enter your personal information. Once you have filled out the form, you will be directed to the dashboard and you will see a notification that your profile has been saved. To continue, simply click Licensing again.

• Step 3: Please read and accept the LTMS Terms of Use by pressing the blue Accept button.

• Step 4: Select Driver’s License as the License Classification on the Online Application form.

Note: Please do not click the Next button as you will have to provide a medical certificate prior to completing the renewal process.

• Step 5: Rather, click Add Medical Certificate and enter your Medical Certificate Number. After that, click Verify button.

• Step 6: Choose Renewal as the type of application, and then click next button.

• Step 7: Choose your preferred appointment schedule and any LTO Office.
• Step 8: Proceed with your preferred method of payment for renewal fees.
• Step 9: On the day of your appointment, proceed to the LTO office of your choice.

Note: Even if you have already processed your driver’s license renewal application online through the LTMS portal, you are still required to go to the LTO office for your appointment.

Driver’s License Renewal – Video Guide

How to Renew LTO Driver’s License in LTO Office (In-Person)

The steps below can be followed to renew your LTO driver’s license at the nearest LTO office:

• Step 1: Obtain and complete the Application for Driver’s License (ADL) form

• Wait for your turn by getting your queue number.
• Forms for applying for a driver’s license (ADL) should be obtained.
• Form ADL (Application for Driver’s License) must be completed.

• Step 2: Submit the completed ADL form along with the queue number and the requirements.
• Step 3: Make your fee payment at the Cashier.
• Step 4: Take the written examination

• If failed
  • Take the computer-generated letter of the results and return to the testing center on another day to take the test again. 
• If passed
  • Next, you will be tested on your driving abilities.

• Step 5: Perform the actual driving test

• If failed
  • For a license renewal, you will need to apply again another day.
• If passed
  • Payment of fees should be made at the cashier.
  • Go to the encoding and biometric window in order to complete the form for encoding of complete information in the new LTO-IT system.
  • Await the Official Receipt (OR) and the Driver’s License (DL).

• Step 6: Fill in the log sheet with your signature.

How to Renew Driver’s License for OFWs or a Filipinos Living Abroad

The OFW or his/her authorized representative may renew his/her driver’s license at the LTO License Section Central/Office if he/she is present in Metro Manila. If a renewal application is not available online, the LTO District Offices and Licensing Centers will be able to process the application.

Renewal Application through a Representative

• Step 1: Visit the customer service counter of your preferred LTO Office and obtain the Driver’s License Application Form (which you may also download online), the checklist of requirements, and a queue number and wait.
• Step 2: Present all of the initial requirements to the evaluator counter in order to verify their completeness and authenticity.
• Step 3: The representative should proceed to the cashier to pay the corresponding fees.
• Step 4: You will need to obtain a Driver’s License Receipt from the Releasing Counter in order to be able to obtain a temporary driver’s license for the OFW.

Completing the OFW Renewal Application

It is expected that upon returning home, the OFW applicant will visit the LTO Office in order to renew his or her license within 30 days of arrival.

• Step 1: Go to the LTO office where the representative applied for license renewal within 30 days after arriving in the country.
• Step 2: Provide the additional requirements.
• Step 3: Proceed to the area where you will take a photo and sign your name.
• Step 4: Present your Driver’s License Official Receipt at the Releasing Counter to get your License Card.
• Step 5: Complete the Release Form by signing and logging your name.

How to Renew Driver License in Advance (Advance Renewal)

The expiration date of a driver’s license may be renewed as early as 60 days before it expires. You will have to submit proof that you will leave the country by the time your license expires if you want to apply for a renewal 61 days to 1 year before it expires.

Following are the steps for processing advance renewal applications:

• Step 1: Go to any Licensing Centers or District Offices for Driver’s License transactions.
• Step 2: Proceed to the customer service desk and obtain a Driver’s License Application Form, a checklist of requirements, and a queue number. Wait in line for your turn.
• Step 3: Submit all necessary requirements to the Evaluator Counter to be evaluated for accuracy and completeness.
• Step 4: Go to the photo-taking and signature area and wait for your turn.
• Step 5: Pay for the required fees at the cashier, and get the Official Receipt (OR) when requested.
• Step 6: Present your Official Receipt (OR) at the Releasing Counter and claim your License Card.
• Step 7: Sign the Release Form by writing your name and signing your signature.

Important Reminders

The following reminders should be taken into account prior to processing an application for an LTO driver’s license:

• Be prepared to present the required documents (including photocopies) at the LTO office.
• Make sure you get to the LTO office early so you can finish it that day.
• Make sure you are prepared for the examinations by reviewing the materials available through the LTO LTMS Portal.
• Ensure that you dress appropriately and avoid wearing underskirts/sandos, sports shorts, and slippers.
• If the license is valid for five years, the holder of the license must take the PME within 60 days of the third anniversary of the date the license was issued.
• For those with a ten-year license, they must undergo their PME before their fourth and seventh birthdays following the issuance of their license.
• When renewing one’s license, license holders are required to submit a certificate of medical examination from an accredited clinic recognized by the LTO.
• License holders whose driver’s licenses have expired for 10 years or longer are not permitted to drive or renew their licenses. Instead, they will be required to reapply for a student permit.
• If an applicant fails the LTO driving or practical test, he or she will have to retake both the written and practical tests the next day, if it is convenient for them to do so.
• Those who intend to leave the country sixty-one (61) days to one (1) year before the expiration date of their driver’s license are also entitled to an advance renewal.
• If you intend to renew your license, you should ensure that you have settled all previous traffic violations and attended the required reorientation course.
• If you are in possession of a violation/s, you may renew your license at the main or regional offices of the LTO. Driver’s license renewals with violations cannot be processed at satellite offices.
• As much as possible, you should renew your license early as you may already be able to do so within 60 days of the expiration date of your driver’s license. You will be able to avoid paying penalty fees if you do so.

Renewal of a LTO driver’s license costs

It is important to note that there are different renewal fees associated with the renewal of a driver’s license in the Philippines, regardless of its classification. There are several costs involved in this process, including;

Filipinos and OFWs renewing their Non-Professional Driver’s Licenses (NPDL) or Professional Driver’s Licenses (PDL)

Plain Renewal Fees

Renewal of One (1) Day to One(1) Year Expired DL Fees

Renewal of More than One (1) Year to Two (2) Years Expired DL Fees

Renewal of DL Expired for More than Two (2) Years Fees

Other Fees

LICENSE SCHEDULE OF FEES AND CHARGES

Benefits of Renewing an LTO Driver’s License

If you renew your driver’s license, you will continue to have legal permission to operate a motor vehicle on Philippine roads, therefore preventing legal disputes or penalties in the future. There are, however, a few other benefits associated with renewing a driver’s license.

In the Philippines, it serves as proof that you are legally authorized to drive

• An authorization to drive a particular type of vehicle is granted to you
• In an emergency or in case of an accident, it serves as a valid government-issued identification document
• As well as serving as a valid, government-issued identification card, it can also be used in a number of offices in order to conduct business
• Your wallet will find its way back to you as a result of this service.

FAQs About LTO driver’s License

Can I renew my driver’s license even if I have traffic violations?

Yes, but you must first settle all outstanding violations and may need to process your renewal at main or regional LTO offices, as satellite offices don’t handle renewals with violations.

What happens if my driver’s license has been expired for more than 10 years?

You cannot renew it anymore. Instead, you’ll need to apply for a new student permit and start the licensing process from scratch.

How early can I renew my LTO driver’s license?

You can renew your license as early as 60 days before it expires. If you’re leaving the country, you may apply for advance renewal 61 days to 1 year before the expiry date.

What documents do I need for license renewal?

Commonly required documents include your old license, a medical certificate from an LTO-accredited clinic, completed application forms, and proof of completing courses like the DEP or reorientation, if applicable.

Can I renew my driver’s license online through the LTMS?

Yes. As long as you have an LTMS account and your required documents, including the CDE certificate, you can process your renewal online. However, you’ll still need to visit the LTO office for photo-taking and biometrics.

Conclusion

Renewing your LTO driver’s license is essential not just to keep driving legally, but also to maintain a vital government ID. By understanding the requirements, preparing ahead, and following proper procedures—whether you’re in the Philippines or abroad myou can avoid penalties and enjoy the full benefits of a valid license. Always renew on time to stay compliant and secure on the road.