LTO Driver's License Renewal: Check out the cost, requirements, and more

In the Philippines, a driver’s license is an important form of identification granted by the government via the Land Transportation Office (LTO). It is proof that the bearer has permission to drive a motor vehicle in the country. Thus, it becomes important for the holder to keep it valid and renew it on time.

We have already discussed the driver's license application process in detail, which includes everything there is to know about the subject, including the different types, benefits, requirements, qualifications, step-by-step procedures, and much more. You can check the information here. Not to forget the information on online & foreign driving license application process and the various courses & exams related to the license procurement; all of which you can find here.

Today, we’ll be addressing another important topic: the renewal of driver’s licenses in the Philippines. Without a doubt, it is a very taxing process, but one doesn’t have to undergo it frequently as LTO now issues licenses with 5- and 10-year validity (earlier, the validity remained limited to just three years). However, with this added advantage comes added conditions; only those with sufficient driving skills and knowledge of road safety and etiquette will get their license renewed.

Coming to the point, there is a lot to learn about driver’s license renewal in the Philippines. So, without further ado, let us begin.

Also Read: Want to buy a car? Here's a complete list of all associated costs

Advantages of renewing driver's license

One of the key benefits of renewing a driver's license is the legal permission to drive a motor vehicle without any legal problem or penalty. But that’s not it, there are a few other advantages like -

• A valid driver’s license serves as a valid, government-issued ID and is therefore acceptable at various private and public offices
• Individuals involved in an accident or emergency can be easily identified via a driver’s license
• It grants the holder permission to drive a particular vehicle

Eligibility criteria for driver’s license renewal

Driving license renewal in the Philippines (basic or advanced) requires the license holder in question (whether residing in the Philippines or working abroad as OFW) to meet certain criteria. Included in the list are -

• He/she must be a holder of an active driver’s license or of a driving license that has been expired but not for more than two years
• Must be physically and mentally fit to drive a motor vehicle
• Must be free from any sort of traffic violation
• The Driving Enhancement Program must be completed (for a 5-year driver’s license renewal)

Eligibility criteria for driver’s license with demerit points

Five to nine demerit points	Driver’s Re-orientation course must be completed
10 or more but less than 40 demerit points	Driver’s Re-orientation course must be completed Theoretical exam must be cleared
Driver’s license expired for more than 2-years and/or 10 or more but less than 40 demerit points	Driver’s Re-orientation course must be completed Theoretical exam must be cleared Automated Theoretical exam must be cleared Practical Driving Test must be cleared

Documents required for driving license renewal

The list of requirements also varies depending on the type of renewal (plain or advanced). So, let's check out what all applicants need to prepare.

Plain Driver’s License Renewal requirement -

• Application for Permits and License form (duly accomplished)
• Electronically transmitted medical certificate (original for presentation and one photocopy for submission)
• Electronically transmitted Certificate of Completion of Driving Enhancement Program (when applying for renewal of license with 5-year validity for the first time)
• Original driver’s license (expired or otherwise) for presentation

Five to nine demerit points	Certificate of Completion of Driver’s Re-orientation Course
10 or more but less than 40 demerit points	Certificate of Completion of Driver’s Re-orientation course must be completed Theoretical exam’s proof of passing
Driver’s license expired for more than 2-years and/or 10 or more but less than 40 demerit points	Certificate of Completion of Driver’s Re-orientation course must be completed Automated Theoretical exam’s proof of passing

Automated Theoretical exam’s proof of passing

Advance Driver’s License Renewal requirement -

• Application for Permits and License form (duly accomplished)
• Electronically transmitted medical certificate (original for presentation and one photocopy for submission)
• Electronically transmitted Certificate of Completion of Driving Enhancement Program (when applying for renewal of license with 5-year validity for the first time)
• Original driver’s license (expired or otherwise) for presentation
• Plane ticket

Five to nine demerit points	Certificate of Completion of Driver’s Re-orientation Course
10 or more but less than 40 demerit points	Certificate of Completion of Driver’s Re-orientation course must be completed Theoretical exam’s proof of passing

OFW & Filipinos Living Abroad Driver’s License Renewal requirement

Initial requirement (for a representative)

• Original Letter of Authority of authorized representative
• Passport’s first page, visa page, latest arrival overseas, departure from the
• Philippines (one photocopy each)
• Driver’s License (1 photocopy)
• If available Driver’s License Receipt (1 photocopy)

Additional requirement (license holder in the Philippines)

• Drug test result
• Application for Permits and License form (duly accomplished)
• TIN card (original & 1 photocopy)

OFWs need to present himself/herself within 30 days of arrival in the country at the same office where the renewal application was obtained by the representative for photo-taking and submission of the following documents:

• Electronically transmitted medical certificate
• Passport’s first and arrival pages photocopy
• Original OR
• Electronically transmitted Certificate of Completion of Driving Enhancement Program (when applying for renewal of license with 5-year validity for the first time)

Five to nine demerit points

Certificate of Completion of Driver’s Re-orientation Course

Driver’s License Renewal with Examination

This one is for candidates with a license expired for more than two years and/or with 10 or more but less than 40 demerit points. They require the following documents -

• Application for Permits and License form (duly accomplished)
• Electronically transmitted medical certificate (original & 1 photocopy)
• Driver’s/ conductor’s license

Ways to renew driver’s license in the Philippines

Driver’s license in the Philippines can be renewed in two ways -

• First, in person at the LTO office
• Second, online through the LTMS Portal

Both of these will be discussed in detail soon, so stay tuned with Carmudi.

Driver’s License Renewal Cost in the Philippines

Fees/Renewal type	Plain	1 Day to 1 Year expired license renewal	More than 1 Year to 2 Year expired license renewal	More than 2 year expired license renewal
License Fee	PHP 585	PHP 585	PHP 585	PHP 585
Penalty	NA	PHP 75	PHP 150	PHP 225
Application Fee	NA	NA	NA	PHP 100
Total	PHP 585	PHP 660	PHP 735	PHP 910

Note that the authorities also charge a PHP 67.63 computer fee; however, the fee rises to PHP 135.26 when the license has expired for more than two years.

In addition to the above-mentioned fees, there are a few other fees charged by LTO. It includes a PHP 100 change classification fee and a PHP 100 additional restriction code. Note the former only applies when a candidate wants to change the license type, i.e., from a valid non-professional license to a professional driver’s license or from a valid professional driver’s license to a non-professional driver’s license or from an expired non-professional driver’s license to a professional driver’s license or vice-versa.

Driver’s License Renewal Fees for OFWs

Fees/Renewal type	Plain	1 Day to 1 Year expired license renewal	More than 1 Year to 2 Year expired license renewal	More than 2 year expired license renewal
License Fee	PHP 585	PHP 585	PHP 585	PHP 585
Penalty	NA	PHP 75	PHP 150	PHP 225
Application Fee	PHP 100	PHP 100	PHP 100	PHP 100
Total	PHP 685	PHP 760	PHP 835	PHP 977.63

A PHP 67.63 computer fee is charged across all license renewal types.

Summing up

Driver’s license renewal in the Philippines may be tough and time-consuming, as the LTO needs to ensure that only deserving applicants (with full knowledge of road safety rules and laws) get the new 10-year-valid license.

Also Read: LTO’s Driver’s License Renewal: Step-by-step guide to online & offline process