Don’t risk it: Here’s how to confirm driver’s license validity

It is the responsibility of every car owner and driver in the Philippines to ensure that his/her driver’s license is valid. It doesn’t matter whether you hold a Student Permit, a Non-Professional Driver’s License, or a Professional Driver’s License - a valid driver’s license indication towards your roadworthiness, which makes not only you but others on the road safe. Overall, it is a big contributor to making the country’s roads safe and sound.

While LTO emphasises that every driver and car owner must carry a valid license at all times, it also provides the means to check the validity of the DL online. This enables everyone to be up and running to renew the license as it approaches the end of its validity period.

But is online the mode to check the validity of an LTO driver’s license? No, LTO understands that while the accessibility of fast internet connection and compatible devices is widespread in the country, there are still a bunch of people not comfortable with the technology and still prefer old-school, face-to-face interaction. Therefore, for them, there is an alternate way to check the LTO driver’s validity.

In this article, we’ll be learning all about the LTO Driver’s License, its validity period, how to check its validity, the benefits of a valid license, and much more. So, if you are a Filipino with a driver’s license or are worried about its validity, just continue reading and take all the information in.

So, let’s begin

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

LTO Driver’s License Verification Service

What is LTO Driver’s License Verification Service? It is an LTO service designed for license holders to check the validity of their permits.

LTO Driver’s License Verification Service - Who needs it?

The Driver’s License Verification service is for anyone who wishes to check the validity status of a Philippine license. However, it’s not just that; this service is utilised by the following set of individuals as it solves their respective core issue/problem.

By people looking to hire a driver	Helps them know the person they are hiring.
By people renting a car with a driver service	Peace of mind knowing that they are in safe hands.
Drivers in general	Helps them avoid the scrutiny of the police when stopped for questioning.
By people who drive another’s car, as part of their job	Helps them prove his/her roadworthiness and show that he/she is legally allowed to drive on the public roads.
By authorities	Helps them check the legitimacy and validity of the apprehended individual.

The service is widely used due to the following reasons -

• To crack down on fake driver’s licenses.
• The digital shift in the LTO licensing system, which supports transactions without requiring physical IDS.
• Rising strictness in road safety laws.

LTO Driver’s License Verification Service - Benefits

It seems like the Land Transportation Office makes every effort to ensure that all drivers have a license and can check the validity period for the same on their own without any hassle. The LTO Driver’s License Verification Service offers the following benefits -

• It helps the driver to keep their license validity in check. 
• This service ensures that the driver’s license holder gets sufficient reminders to get it renewed on time.
• While the driver’s license expiry date is mentioned on the license itself, this service makes sure that the driver has no reason not to remember the due date for renewal.
• The service has no time constraint; check the DL’s validity as you please with the 24/7 accessibility of the  LTO verification service.  
• It is a time saver, as you don’t need to take time off to visit the LTO centre to complete the verification.
• With this service, you get to skip the long and tiring queues at the LTO branch; all the information will come to you.
• With an internet connection, you can check a DL’s validity at any time of the day on your smartphone, laptop, tablet, or desktop.
• It promotes administrative procedures, as DL holders are not required to visit the Department of Registry for information on the matter.
• This service helps DL holders avoid potential penalties and legal repercussions related to driving without a license or with an expired license.
• This service helps keep your DL valid, which makes it a valid ID usable in private and public office transactions.
• The service makes sure the license holder complies with the license due date, which will confirm his/her roadworthiness. 

LTO Driver’s License Verification Service -  Requirements

It is quite simple to check the validity of a driver’s license in the Philippines, especially online. All you need are the following pre-requisites -

• An active internet connection
• A compatible electronic device, like a smartphone, desktop computer, laptop, or tablet 
• Lastly, an active network service and load balancing

As for the documents or details required to take advantage of the LTO Driver’s License verification service. All you need is - 

• The LTO Driver’s License, whose validity is in question
• Licensee’s first & last name 

LTO Driver’s License Verification Service: Where and how to access

You can verify the status or check the validity of a driver’s license in any of the following ways: the LTMS Portal or the SMS service. 

LTO Driver’s License Verification Service: Step-by-step guide

Let us understand the verification process in detail, yes, in both ways.

LTO DL verification via LTMS Portal

• Log in to your LTMS Portal account 
• Check the required information 

If you don’t have an LTMS account, register first by following the prompts and providing the required information. The box below gives a brief description.

How to register for the LTMS account? Step 1: Visit the LTMS Portal and click "Register Now” Step 2: Accept the ‘Terms and Conditions’, then input the security code displayed Step 3: Choose the registration type (individual or organisation). Select “Yes” to confirm you have a Philippine driver’s license Step 4: Provide personal details such as your driver’s license number, license expiry date, and OR (Official Receipt) number. You’ll also be asked for contact information like your email and mobile number. Step 5: Confirm registration via a verification link sent to your email. Step 6: Once verified, log in using the credentials provided to you. You’ll receive a 15-digit Client ID to use for future logins.

Also Read: Need help accessing your LTMS account? Here’s how you can recover it

LTO DL verification via SMS

• Pick up your smartphone, click on the message icon, and then draft a text message in the following format: LTO LICENSE [Driver’s License Number>
• Send this message to 2600
• You will receive a system-generated reply from LTO with the following information: period of license validity, apprehension (if any), and LTO alarm (if any)

LTO Driver’s License Verification Service: Charges

The service is completely free of charge. You can use the LTMS portal for free for DL validity information or any other service. However, the SMS service costs PHP 2.50 per text.  

Also Read: The complete breakdown of LTO Fees: Registration, licensing, and penalties in the Philippines.

LTO Driver’s License Verification: Common issues & how to fix them

There is a chance that the LTO Driver’s License verification process doesn’t go as expected. You might incur any of the following issues, but don’t worry, we’ll tell you how to deal with them like a pro. 

Issue 1. Driver’s license not found error 

So, you have entered the driver’s license number, and instead of the required details, the system says ‘License Not Found’. In such a situation, you should double-check the license number entered, make sure there are no spaces or special characters, and try again later, as there might be an issue with the server.

Issue 2. The LTMS portal is not responding 

There are chances that the LTMS portal is not responding or loading. Here we’d suggest a few things, including switching to a different browser, clearing the cache, and trying a different internet source (if it's Wi-Fi, switch to mobile data & vice versa).

Issue 3. Outdated or incorrect license status 

In case the concerned driver’s license was recently renewed or updated, the system might take time to get updated. However, in case wrong information is presented by the system, you can either write to LTO Client Care or visit a nearby LTO branch.

LTO Driver’s License Verification - Safety tips you must consider

• Official resources only - When verifying driver’s license details, make sure to do so via the official LTO Land Transport Management System (LTMS) portal or other official LTO channels.
• Stay clear of unofficial verification sites/services - Avoid using unofficial websites that do not appear legitimate or are not affiliated with the LTO for verification purposes. 
• Do not share your personal information - It is not advisable to share details with individuals claiming to do license verification for you. Always protect your personal information.
• Keep your license secure - Keep your license in a safe location, avoid handing it to strangers or getting it lost or damaged.
• Report scams - In case you are unable to find a legitimate verification source, it’s best to postpone the search. However, it is suggested that you report a shady website or individual.

LTO Driver’s License Verification - Basic reminders

• The student permit is valid for 1 year.
• A non-professional driver’s license, issued for the first time, is valid for 5 years. 
• If you have a driver’s license with 5 years' validity, make sure to take the PME within 60 days before the 3rd birthdate from the issue of the license. 
• If you have a driver’s license with 10 years' validity, make sure to take the PME  before the 4th and 7th birthdate from the issue of the license. 
• At the time of license renewal, one must submit the medical examination certificate from an LTO-accredited clinic.
• If a driver’s license has expired for 10 years or more, it is no longer valid. The holder of such a license must reapply for a student permit to resume his/her driving journey in the country.

Also Read: Here’s how to add and verify a medical certificate on the LTMS portal.

Bottom line

Be it an employer, or businessman, or a Filipino looking to hire a driver for a trip or otherwise, it is essential to ensure the validity of one’s driver’s license. Further, a driver’s license also serves as a valid government-issued ID, which makes it essential to confirm its validity status. This guide will help you understand the importance of checking the same, and you can also find the steps to do the same without any hassle. 

Also Read: Step-by-step guide to checking LTO violations and penalties online.