A foreign driver’s license that has been issued by the local road authority in their home country may be used on Philippine roads for 90 days after arrival as long as it is in English. A foreigner who wants to use a foreign driver’s license that is not in English must obtain an official English translation from their local embassy.

When staying more than 90 days, they can either apply for a new one from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) or convert their foreign driver’s license into a local one at the nearest LTO licensing center.

The process of converting a foreign driver’s license into a local one is relatively straightforward if you have all the required documentation. In order to assist them, we have created this guide on how to convert a foreign driver’s license into a Philippine driver’s license at LTO.

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LTO Driver’s License vs. Foreign Driver’s License

Foreign driver’s licenses are issued to Filipinos abroad or to foreign nationals from their home countries. You can use it in the Philippines for up to 90 days. A foreign national who intends to stay longer than 90 days can also exchange or convert it into a local license.

The Philippine Land Transportation Office (LTO) issues Philippine LTO drivers’ licenses to qualified drivers in the country. Driver’s licenses from the LTO come in three types: student permits, non-professional driver’s licenses, and professional driver’s licenses.

Benefits of Converting Foreign Driver’s Licenses to Local Driver’s Licenses

Foreign nationals with foreign driver’s licenses are advised to convert them to local ones for the following reasons:

• If you come to the Philippines with a foreign license, you can only use it for 90 days after arrival. If you plan to live permanently in the Philippines, then you’ll need to obtain a local license to be able to drive legally, unless you obtain an International Driving License.

• There are almost no restrictions on using it in the Philippines since it is a recognized and valid form of identification.

Documents Required for Conversion from a Foreign DL to a Local DL

A foreign driver’s license exchange or conversion to a Philippine LTO driver’s license must satisfy the following requirements:

• To operate a motor vehicle, you must be physically and mentally fit

• Reading and writing skills in Filipino, English, or any local dialect are required

• Traffic violations must not be unsettled

• Presented in a neat, clean, and presentable manner

• Well-dressed is a must

• Written and practical driving tests must be passed by the LTO

• Driver’s license from a foreign country must be valid

• Applicants (foreigners and Filipinos) from countries operating right-hand drives must pass the practical exam

• A foreign driver’s license that has expired must be renewed by passing the theory and practical tests

• A minimum age of 18 is required

• A minimum of one month’s residency in the Philippines is required before applying for the license exchange

• Upon arrival, a valid visa for at least 120 days is required

• Proof that they will remain in the country for at least one year after applying

Documentation Requirements for Converting Foreign DLs to Local DLs

The following documents will need to be submitted before a foreign driver’s license can be converted to a local one by LTO:

• Fill out the Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) form completely and accurately

• A photocopy and original electronic medical certificate from an LTO-accredited clinic must be submitted

• Submission of a valid foreign driver’s license original and a photocopy

• In the event that the foreign driver’s license is not in English, the original official translation into English must be provided

• A valid passport with the first page, visa page, and the latest entry date in the Philippines must be presented in its original and one (1) photocopy submitted.

• Foreign driver’s license presentation

• Employer’s TIN

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

• Applicants temporarily residing in the Philippines must submit an original document along with a photocopy of his or her visa and stamp or Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR), which can be obtained from the Immigration Office.

Process of Converting or Exchanging a Foreign Driving License into a Philippine Driving License

You can convert your foreign driver’s license into a local one by following these steps:

• The applicant should visit the nearest LTO branch.

• Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) form must be requested and completed.

• Obtain a queue number and wait for your turn.

• To submit an APL form at the LTO, you must include all required documents.

• Once your documents are approved, pay all fees at the cashier.

• The written exam must be taken.

• Await the results of the exam.

  • Failure:

    • You will receive a computer-generated letter saying that the applicant may come back at their convenience the following day.

  • Passed:

    • You will need to take the actual driving test.

• Once you have taken the driving test, wait for the results.

            Failure:

• • • Transaction complete

• Passed:

  • • Payment of fees should be made at the cashier

    • Go to the window for encoding or biometrics.

    • In the new LTO-IT system, the LTMS portal, complete the form for the encoding of complete details.

    • Make sure you have your photo taken and your signature affixed.

    • Please wait for the OR and the DL Card to be sent to you by LTO.

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

Following Reminders are Important

These are some important reminders to keep in mind if you intend to convert your foreign driver’s license to a local Philippine driver’s license.

• A foreign driver’s license (FDL) can only be converted into one category at a time. It means that you can only select one of the categories, even if you have a FDL and are licensed for motorcycles, all cars, and non-HGV lorries.

• You will have to request additional restriction codes at least a month later if you want additional categories.

• Foreign license holders of heavy or articulated vehicles may only operate DL Code BE, C, CE or D upon submitting a DOLE Alien Employment Permit (AEP) that states the applicant is required or authorized to operate such vehicle and must satisfy the requirements for experience and training specified in the Supplemental IRR of R.A. No.11093 Table 6.

• Applicants renewing invalid or expired Philippine DLs with valid FDLs and additional DL codes must pass theoretical and practical examinations (not necessary if the vehicle category is found in the FDL).

• DL categories in the FDL should serve as PDCs for the equivalent Philippine DL Codes.

• It is necessary for the applicant to undergo a practical driving test if the country where the passport was issued practices left-hand traffic.

• Upon submission of complete requirements, processing time includes waiting time.

• The client will be advised to return on the following working day if the transaction cannot be completed within the day, at which point he/she will be prioritized at the place where he/she left off.

• Filipino Postal Service will issue foreigners’ Driver’s Licenses via registered mail if they are applying to convert their FDL to PDL. The memo was dated 27 February 2019.

• Since the COVID-19 pandemic has brought adverse conditions, applicants for the conversion of their FDL may elect to have their licenses delivered by a courier at their own expense.

Video: Converting Your Foreign Driver’s License Into a Local LTO License

By watching this video posted by Born Martinez, you can convert your foreign driver’s license into a Philippine license issued by the LTO:

FAQs

QNO(1):Is foreign drivers license valid in the Philippines?

Ans:From the date of arrival in the Philippines, foreign driver’s licenses are valid for 90 days in the Philippines. Those planning to stay and drive in the Philippines for more than 90 days need to obtain a Philippine driving license from the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

QNO(2):How does ‘converting’ my foreign license work?

Ans:If you ‘convert’ a foreign driver’s license, you do not lose your foreign license, just that you are granted a Philippines license without having to take a driving test by providing proof that you have already passed the relevant test in your own country.

QNO(3):What would motivate a foreigner to obtain a Philippine driving license?

In general, there are several reasons to do so, but here are two (2) main ones:

• If you live permanently in the Philippines, you will only be able to drive legally if you obtain a local license to accompany your foreign driving license. Foreign driver’s licenses can only be used in the Philippines for up to 90 days after arrival.

• It is recognized anywhere in the Philippines as a valid photo ID.

QNO(4):I have a foreign license. Can I drive around the country?

Yes. A valid foreign driver’s license can be used in the country for up to 90 days from the date of arrival. This means that if you intend to stay for a longer period of time, converting your foreign license into a Philippine driver’s license is a must. Though you also have the option to apply for an International Driver’s License.

QNO(5):Can a foreigner drive a motorcycle in the Philippines?

Ans:Therefore, you should obtain a motorcycle license before renting one. It is valid for 90 days if you have a foreign driving license, but make sure you also have your international driving license on hand. The translations are helpful if you are having a problem.

QNO(6):Does a foreign license have to be converted into a Philippine license through examinations?

Ans:Yes, I do. Foreign licenses issued by left-hand drive countries will not need to be reexamined if they are still valid. The same cannot be said if your foreign license was issued in a right-hand drive country, since you will have to pass the practical examination. A practical driving test will be required if your license is expired, as well as a written theoretical examination.

QNO(7):How does the Theoretical Driving Exam cover topics?

There are several components to the theoretical or written exam:

• The background and evolution of LTO and its role in development

• An overview of the functions and organization of LTO

• Vehicle registration and driver’s license application processes

• Regulations and rules governing traffic, including signs, signals, and pavement markings

• LTO-established laws and administrative issuances

• Recognition of hazards and prevention of road accidents using hazard scanning

• A description of how vehicle accessories work and how to use them

• There are various parking techniques, such as parallel parking, reverse parking, angle parking, and three-point parking

• Safety and basic troubleshooting for vehicles

• Discipline practices, defensive driving, and road safety

• Techniques for driving safely on different types of roads,

• The density of traffic, as well as

• The weather

Conclusion

If you convert or exchange your foreign driver’s license into a Philippine driver’s license issued by the LTO, you will not lose your foreign license. Basically, if the foreign license is still valid, you can get an equivalent Philippine license and skip most of the LTO processes.

As a foreign license holder, you will also be permitted to operate some vehicles legally on Philippine roads. Additionally, the process of converting your foreign license into a local license isn’t difficult, although it isn’t free.