Your License Has Just Expired Are You Still Authorized To Drive To The Nearest LTO To Renew? Do You Need A Photocopy, Or Ride A Motorcycle with DL Code B?

Your License Has Just Expired Are You Still Authorized To Drive To The Nearest LTO To Renew? Renewing your driver’s license is a required requirement set by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for all license holders in the Philippines. Ideally, you should renew your license at least one month before it expires to avoid complications. Unfortunately, many people delay this process, which often leads to expired licenses and illegal driving on public roads.

You might wonder, “Can I still travel to the LTO if my license has expired?” The answer is tricky. While you can technically drive, it is illegal. Driving with an expired license may result in fines, traffic tickets, or even imprisonment. Your insurance provider may refuse claims in case of an accident.

Recently, the LTO faced a shortage of plastic cards, prompting a temporary exemption for some drivers. However, the safest and legal option remains to renew your license before it expires to avoid penalties or legal issues.

LTO Portal Philippines

What Is an Expired Driver’s License?

An expired driver’s license is a license that has passed its validity date. Once your license expires, you no longer have legal permission from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to drive on public roads.

Why does this matter?
Driving with an expired license can result in:

Fines and traffic citations
Possible jail time in severe cases
Insurance claims being denied

Simply put, your expired license is no longer proof that you’re legally allowed to drive.

Why Do Driver’s Licenses Expire?

In the Philippines, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) requires drivers to renew their licenses regularly every three, five, or ten years, depending on the type of license. There are several important reasons for this:

Eye Test: To ensure your vision is still sharp enough for safe driving.
Medical Check: A complete physical and medical exam (PME) helps confirm that you won’t pose a risk to yourself or others on the road.
Updated Information: Renewal allows the LTO to update your records with your current address, latest photo, and other details.
Fraud Prevention: It reduces the chances of someone misusing your license if it gets lost or stolen.
Roadworthiness: Ensures all drivers remain safe and capable over time.
Government ID: Your license also serves as an official ID for transactions.
Lost Wallet Protection: Renewed licenses make it easier to recover if misplaced.

Licenses in the Philippines usually need to be renewed every 3, 5, or 10 years, depending on the type of license you hold.

Can You Drive with an Expired License in the Philippines?

Legally speaking, no. Driving with an expired license is considered illegal. Even if some countries allow a short grace period, the Philippines does not.

Driving with an expired license may lead to:

Traffic fines
Apprehension at checkpoints
Rejection of insurance claims if you’re involved in an accident

While some drivers think they can just quickly drive to the LTO to renew their license, this is not a legal solution. You should always aim to renew before your license expires.

Special Exemptions Due to LTO Plastic Card Shortage

Recently, the LTO faced a shortage of plastic cards needed for license issuance. Because of this, a temporary rule allowed drivers whose licenses expired from April 24, 2023 onward to drive until October 31, 2023 or until new cards were available.

While this is an exception, it doesn’t make it legal in general. Always check the latest LTO updates to stay compliant.

Can You Drive to the LTO with an Expired License?

Many people wonder if it’s okay to drive just to renew your license at the LTO. Legally, this is not allowed.

Here’s why:

Your license is expired, meaning you are not authorized to drive.
Getting caught may result in fines or citations.
Insurance companies may refuse claims for any incidents during this period.

Tip: If your license is about to expire, plan your visit to the LTO at least one month before the expiry date.

DL Code B: Can You Drive a Motorcycle?

Driver’s licenses in the Philippines come with restriction codes (DL Codes).

DL Code B is specifically for:

Non-professional motorcycles and scooters
It does not allow driving cars or other vehicles

Driving a vehicle outside your restriction code is illegal and can result in fines, suspension, or revocation of your license. Always check the code before driving any vehicle.

Can You Use a Photocopy of Your Driver’s License While Driving?

Some drivers think carrying a photocopy is enough. The answer is: No.

Why not?

A photocopy is not an official document
Traffic enforcers can issue fines if you present a copy instead of the original license
Insurance claims may be denied in case of an accident

Alternative: If you’ve lost your license, report it immediately to the LTO and apply for a replacement.

What Happens if You Drive with an Expired License?

If you’re unlucky to get pulled over with an expired license:

You might get lucky: A sympathetic officer may give a warning and direct you to the LTO.
You might face penalties: A traffic ticket, fines, or even court cases.

Remember, there is no grace period in the Philippines for expired licenses. Renew before the expiry to avoid problems.

How to Renew Your Driver’s License in the Philippines

There are two ways to renew: In-person or Online via the LTMS portal.

Requirements:

Expired or soon-to-expire license
Medical certificate from an LTO-accredited clinic
Updated photo
Completed application forms

Fees:

License Fee: P 350
Computer Fee: P 67.53
Application Fee: P 100
Change Classification: P 100
Additional Restriction Code (ARC) / DL Code: P 100
Penalty Fees (for expired licenses)
- 1 day–1 year: P 75
- 1 year & 1 day–2 years: P 150
- More than 2 years: P 225

Steps for Renewal:

Check your license expiry date
Get a medical certificate
Prepare all documents (including duplicates)
Go to the LTO early or apply online
Pay the required fees
Take the necessary tests if applicable (e.g., PME)
Receive your new license

Video Guide

Important Reminders For Renewing Your Driver’s License

Here are some key reminders you should keep in mind when renewing your LTO driver’s license:

If your license expires on a weekend, holiday, or non-working day, make sure to renew it on or before the last working day before the expiry.
Always prepare all required documents, including duplicates, before visiting the LTO office.
Arrive early at the LTO to avoid long lines and complete your transaction on the same day.
Review for the exams through the LTO LTMS Portal or other available materials.
Observe the proper dress code for LTO clients.
For a five-year license, complete your Physical & Medical Exam (PME) within 60 days before your 3rd birthday from the license issuance.
For a ten-year license, undergo PME before your 4th and 7th birthdays from issuance.
Always submit a medical certificate from LTO-accredited clinics when renewing.
If your license has expired for 10 years or more, you cannot renew it; you must apply for a new student permit.
Failing the LTO driving test requires retaking both written and practical exams the next day, if convenient.
Advance renewal is allowed 61 days to 1 year before expiry, especially if you plan to leave the country.
Settle all past traffic violations and complete the required reorientation course before renewing.
Licenses with violations must be renewed at main or regional LTO offices; satellite offices do not process them.
If possible, renew your license 60 days before expiry to avoid paying heavy penalties.

Tips to Avoid Expired License Problems

Track your expiry date: Set reminders on your phone.
Renew early: At least 1 month before expiration.
Clear violations: Pay fines and attend reorientation courses if needed.
Online renewal: Convenient and saves time.
Keep license safe: Avoid losing your original card.

Special Cases and Updates

Temporary extensions due to LTO plastic card shortage
OFWs or delinquent drivers have separate procedures
Long-expired licenses (10+ years): Must reapply for a student permit
Advance renewal: Up to 1 year before expiry for those planning to leave the country

Always check the LTO official website for updates.

FAQs

Can I drive with an expired license in the Philippines?

Ans: No, driving with an expired license is illegal and may lead to fines, citations, or insurance issues.

How long can I wait to renew an expired license?

Ans: You can renew up to 2 years after expiration, but it is recommended to renew as soon as possible.

Can I drive a motorcycle with DL Code B?

Ans: Yes, DL Code B allows motorcycles, but not other vehicles. Driving outside your code is illegal.

Can I use a photocopy of my license while driving?

Ans: No, only the original license is accepted. Using a photocopy may result in fines.

Is there a grace period for expired licenses in the Philippines?

Ans: No, there is no official grace period. However, the LTO sometimes announces temporary exemptions due to special circumstances.

Conclusion

Driving in the Philippines is a privilege, not a right. An expired license means you are not legally allowed to drive. While there are temporary exemptions in rare cases, the safest option is always to renew your license on time.