Driver’s licenses (DLs) issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) are government-issued identification documents that allow Filipinos to drive and operate motor vehicles in the country. According to relevant authorities, it certifies that an individual is capable of and permitted to drive safely. Additionally, it can be used for various government and private transactions.

LTO has implemented changes both to the application process, rules, and fees, as well as to the license validity in recent years. Some people find the actual application for a driver’s license confusing because of the significant changes. With the help of this article, any applicant for a driver’s license from the LTO can follow step-by-step procedures for applying. Furthermore, it provides an overview of the fees and requirements for applying for a Philippine driver’s license, as well as answers some of the most common questions related to it.

What is an LTO Driver’s License

The LTO driver’s license is an official Philippine government document that certifies a driver is legally permitted to operate a motor vehicle. It signifies that the holder has successfully completed all the requirements and assessments implemented by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), via the LTO, and is now allowed to drive freely on Philippine roads.

The driver’s license functions as a valid identification document, and it can be used by both government agencies and private businesses to verify the identity of an individual.

Types of Driver’s License 

Philippine drivers licenses come in different types.

Student Permit 

A student permit is a first-tier license type that serves as a prerequisite to obtaining an actual license. This type of permit, despite being called a “student permit,” already grants driving permission for an entire year. If accompanied by a licensed driver, students can already drive motor vehicles with student permits.

Non-Professional License

In addition to the student permit, the LTO also offers the less restrictive non-professional driver’s license. An individual can drive any licensed private automobile without a student permit. The student permit must be kept for at least six months, but the individual has a month to twelve (12) months to apply for a non-professional license depending on the date the student permit was issued.

Professional License

A professional driver’s license is at the top of the list of LTO licenses. You will need this type if you intend to drive a public or private vehicle for a living. The other license types must be held for a certain period of time before a professional driver’s license can be obtained.

Validity

Validity periods also vary based on license type and license issuance instance.

Student License

Student Permits have a validity period of one (1) year from the date of issuance. A Student Permit can no longer be used for practical driving after one (1) year. A new Student Permit will be required after two (2) years for the holder of the current permit. In addition, the holder must complete the required apprenticeship period, but records of previous training courses will be retained.

In contrast, a Student Permit can be renewed at any time before the expiration date if the holder is not ready to apply for a Non-Professional Drivers License. After one month of holding the Student Permit, individuals can obtain the Non-Professional Drivers License.

Non-Professional Driver’s License 

Unless it was revoked or suspended, a New Non-Professional Driver’s License is valid for five (5) years from the date of issuance. Upon renewal, a responsible Non-Professional Driver’s License holder with a clean record or those who have not committed any road traffic violations during the five (5) years preceding the license’s expiration shall be entitled to a renewal of the same type of driver’s license with a validity of ten (10) years.

Professional License

For first-time license holders and those who renew their licenses with traffic violations, Professional Driver’s licenses in the Philippines are valid for five (5) years, while for those renewing their licenses with a clean driving record, they are valid for ten (10) years.

Benefits 

A driver’s license entitles the owner to the following benefits:

• If you drive without a license or if your license is expired, you will face penalties and legal consequences.

• In addition to being a valid photo ID, it can be used for both public and private transactions.

• It is easier to renew a license through the LTO Portal than to get a new one.

• The expiration time depends on the license type, but it is usually between five and ten years.

• The licensee must undergo Periodic Medical Examinations (PMEs) and watch their health to ensure safe driving.

Qualifications 

Obtaining a driver’s license requires authorization from the LTO to operate a motor vehicle. This means the licensee has not only passed the driving assessments, but also met all of the following requirements.

• Physically and mentally fit

• You must be able to read and write Filipino, English, or any other dialect in the area

• Having an unresolved traffic violation is not allowed

• Presentable, neat, and clean

• Dress appropriately.

• The written and practical driving tests must be passed

• Foreign applicants: Must provide proof that they have resided in the Philippines for at least one month and will stay there for at least one year after applying.

Student License

• Individuals over the age of sixteen (16) who are Filipino citizens

  • Citizens of other countries who are at least eighteen (18) years of age and who have a proof of stay of at least six (6) months in the Philippines

• Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) must be completed

• A valid and active email address is required

Non-Professional Driver’s License

• A minimum age of seventeen (17) is required. For foreigners, the minimum age is eighteen (18).

• Student-Driver’s Permit valid for at least one (1) month

• Licensed drivers, LTO Driver’s Education Centers (DECs), LTO-accredited Driving Schools, and LTO-accredited TESDA Training Centers must attend and pass a Practical Driving Course (PDC).

• You must pass the Automated Theoretical Examination and the Practical Driving Examination

Professional License

• The applicant must be at least eighteen (18) years old

• A non-professional driver’s license must be held for a minimum of six (6) months

• The student driver’s permit must be valid for at least one (1) month after issuance

Requirements 

To obtain an LTO driver’s license, applicants must also prepare the following documents:

Student License

• Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) form that has been duly completed.

• One (1) photocopy and the original of an electronically transmitted medical certificate from an LTO-accredited clinic

• Any of the following originals and one (1) photocopy:

  • Certificate of Birth from PSA/NSO

  • Identification card of the Philippines

  • The passport

  • Civil Registry (for areas without PSA)

  • Marriage Certificate from PSA

• For applicants below 18 years old: one (1) parent’s consent or a person who has custody, care, or supervision over the applicant authorizing the applicant to secure a student permit with presenting one (1) original and submitting one (1) photocopy of any valid government issued ID of the parent/affiant with photo and signature.

• The original and one (1) photocopy of any of the following valid identification cards with the applicant’s photo and signature:

  • Card of Philippine Identification (PhilID),

  • Passport from the Philippines,

  • Card for the Social Security System (SSS),

  • Card with UMID,

  • The PhilHealth ID card,

  • Card TIN,

  • An official postal ID,

  • A voter’s ID card,

  • The barangay ID,

  • ID of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC),

  • Identification card for senior citizens,

  • ID card for OFWs,

  • The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID number,

  • ID of the National Council for Disabled Affairs (NCDA),

  • ID for solo parents,

  • Certification of Voters,

  • The e-Card for the Government Services and Insurance System (GSIS),

  • The Seaman’s Book,

  • GOCC ID, Government Owned and/or Controlled Corporations

  • HDMF or Pag-IBIG ID,

  • Certification by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD),

  • ID of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)

  • For foreigners, they must also provide an original and a photocopy of their passport with a minimum entry date of one (1) month and a visa duration of six (6) months, or, if they were born in the Philippines, the original and one (1) photocopy of their PSA birth certificate.

• TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number), if employed

• The Certificate of Completion of the 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course (electronically transmitted to LTO by the accredited driving school / LTO DEC / LTO Accredited TESDA Training Center)

Non-Professional Driver’s License

• An Application for Permits and License (APL) form that has been duly completed

• A medical certificate electronically transmitted from an LTO-certified clinic, as well as a photocopy

• The original and one (1) photocopy of the Practical Driving Course (PDC) completion certificate

• Obtain a valid Student-Driver’s Permit (refer to the validity of the SP)

• For applicants under seventeen (17) years of age, parental consent is required (with a valid government-issued ID with the applicant’s signature and a photo).

  • PHILID Card,

  • Passport from the Philippines,

  • Card for the Social Security System (SSS),

  • Card with UMID,

  • ID for PhilHealth,

  • Card TIN,

  • Postal ID,

  • Voter’s ID,

  • Barangay ID,

  • ID of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC),

  • Identification card for senior citizens,

  • ID of an OFW,

  • The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID number,

  • ID of the National Council for Disabled Affairs (NCDA),

  • Parent ID for a single parent,

  • Certification of Voters,

  • The e-Card for the Government Services and Insurance System (GSIS),

  • The Seaman’s Book,

  • A list of Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs),

  • Pag-IBIG ID or Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF),

  • DSWD Certification,

  • IBP ID (Integrated Bar of the Philippines)

• TIN (Tax Identification Number), if employed

• Results of a negative drug test from a testing center accredited by the Department of Health (DOH) or a government hospital

Professional License

• Form for Permits and Licenses (APL) duly completed

• The original and one (1) photocopy of the LTO-accredited medical certificate

• PDC original and one (1) photocopy

• Original student permit or non-professional driver’s license

• The original and one (1) photocopy of the PSA birth certificate

• Clearance from the NBI or the police is required

• Client ID for LTO

• TIN, if employed

• Results of a negative drug test from a testing center accredited by the Department of Health (DOH) or a government hospital

Application Procedures

Following these steps will guide you through the application process once the documentary requirements are ready:

Student License

1. The applicant should visit the nearest LTO branch.

2. Complete the Application for Permits and Licenses (APL).

3. Obtain a queue number and wait your turn.

4. Upon being called, submit the completed APL and all other requirements with the attached queue number

5. Take a look at the Driver’s Road Safety Pledge.

6. You will be called for a photo and signature capture once your queue number/name is called.

7. For fee payment, proceed to the Cashier.

8. Make sure you wait for the Official Receipt (OR) and Student Permit to be released.

9. The Student Permit must be claimed and the log sheet must be filled out.

Non-Professional Driver’s License

1. The applicant should visit the nearest LTO branch.

2. APL (Application for Permits and Licenses) forms must be requested and completed.

3. Wait for your turn in the queue after securing a queue number.

4. Please submit the duly completed APL form along with the queue number and all requirements

5. Once your documents have been approved, proceed to the Cashier to pay the scheduled fees.

6. Examine in writing.

   • If you fail: You will receive a computer-generated letter informing you of the failure. If you would like to retake the test the following day, you may do so.

   • Passed: Proceed to the actual driving test

7. The actual driving test should be taken

   • The transaction will be terminated if it fails

   • Passing:

     • To pay fees, proceed to the cashier

     • Complete the form for encoding complete details in the new LTO-IT system, the LTMS portal, and proceed to the encoding or biometric window.

     • Receives the OR and the DL card

     • The LTO log sheet and the release form must be signed.

Professional License

1. The applicant should visit the nearest LTO branch.

2. Complete the Application for Permits and Licenses (APL).

3. Obtain a queue number and wait your turn.

4. APL forms must be submitted at the LTO office along with the required documents.

5. You must pay all fees at the cashier once your documents are approved.

6. You will need to take both written and practical exams.

7. Await the exam results.

   • The transaction will be terminated if it fails

   • Passed:

     • To pay fees, proceed to the cashier

     • Next, proceed to the window for encoding or biometrics.

     • Encode complete details in the new LTO-IT system, the LTMS portal.

     • Take a photo and sign your name.

     • Your OR and DL Card will be sent to you by LTO once they are received.

     • The LTO log sheet and the release form must be signed.

Online, via the LTMS Portal

1. You can access the LTMS portal at https://portal.lto.gov.ph/.

2. Log in with your email address and password if you are a registered user. You may also register for an account if you prefer.

   • You can register at the LTMS portal website by clicking “Register Now.”

   • By clicking Yes, you agree to the terms of the agreement.

   • Then click “Next.”

   • Select “Enroll as an Individual.”

   • Enter the required information. The registration portal allows you to double-check your personal information if you have an existing license;

   • When you reach “Create Account,” click next.

   • Your registration should be confirmed by a pop-up window.

   • To verify your account, check your email and click the link.

   • To complete registration, click “Set Password for Login” and update your password.

3. Go to your dashboard and click “Licensing.”

4. Please read the terms and conditions and click “Accept.”

5. You can apply for a variety of license types.

6. After clicking “Add medical certificate,” click “Next.”

7. Check the number on your medical certificate.

8. Choose either “New” or “Renewal” according to your needs.

9. You can continue to fill out the application until you are finished.

You can schedule an appointment and pay online. Nevertheless, if you want to apply for a new license, you still have to take the LTO examination.

Important Reminders

Here are some reminders before processing an application for an LTO driver’s license:

• To avoid delays, prepare all the necessary documents (including photocopies) before going to the LTO office.

• To finish it within a day, visit the LTO office early.

• By reviewing the LTO Portal or other reviewers, you can prepare for the exams.

• When taking pictures or undergoing examinations, be sure to dress appropriately and avoid wearing an underskirt or sando, sports shorts, or slippers.

• Wear eyeglasses during the application, especially the practical driving test, if you need them.

• You can only get your Practical Driving Course (PDC) and PDC Certificate from driving schools accredited by the LTO.

• The first time a non-professional driver’s license is issued, it is only valid for five years.

• A five-year license holder must take the PME within 60 days of their third birthdate following the issuance of their license.

• In the event that a license is issued for a period of ten years, the licensee must undergo their PME before their 4th and 7th birthdays from the date of issuance.

• When renewing their licenses, license holders are also required to submit medical examination certificates from LTO-accredited clinics.

• Drivers whose licenses have expired for at least 10 years will be required to apply for a student permit again.

• Most drivers’ licenses are released the same day that they are applied for, but this may vary by office.

• If the candidate fails the LTO driving or practical test, he or she must re-take both the written and practical exams the next day.