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Driver’s licenses are a privilege, not a right, and can only be obtained from the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Privileges come with certain requirements and provisions. In order to drive for a living, you must change your driver’s license category from Non-Professional to Professional.

Non-Professional Driver’s Licenses (NPDLs) cannot be used for work-related driving. In order to obtain a Professional Driver’s License (PDL), you must request a change in classification.

The following guide explains how you can apply for a change in driver’s license classification from Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) to Professional Driver’s License (PDL).

Professional Driver’s License (PDL) vs. Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL)

Different types of driver’s licenses are available to the public. A student permit, a non-professional driver’s license, and a professional driver’s license are available. Student permits are not considered driver’s licenses, so only the other two options remain.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to apply for a Professional Driver’s License (PDL) immediately. If you need your driver’s license to earn a living, you will have to submit a change of classification request to LTO at least once.

NPDL (Non-Professional Driver’s License)

The LTO offers a Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) to first-time license applicants with a student permit. The NPDL allows an individual to legally operate any licensed private automobile on their own. An individual has at least a month to up to twelve (12) months after receiving a student permit to apply for a Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL).

PDL (Professional Driver’s License)

The Professional Driver’s License (PDL) is the highest level of LTO licenses. Individuals can work and get paid to drive any public or private vehicle they are authorized to operate, or work as drivers for a living with this type of license. The student must hold the other license types, such as the NPDL and Student Permit, for a specific period of time before applying for a Professional Driver’s License (PDL).

Professional and Non-Professional Driver’s Licenses are issued in the Philippines using the same procedures and fees. Only difference is that you need to meet more LTO requirements and limitations if you are getting a professional license, because they can drive a greater variety of vehicles.

Therefore, the primary difference between a Professional and a Non-Professional Driver’s License is the type of vehicle the bearer is permitted to drive. It will still depend on the restrictions indicated on the license if a non-professional is allowed to drive heavy and big vehicles.

Read Aslo: National ID Tracking.

General Qualifications

To change your Driver’s License (DL) classification, you must meet six (6) general qualifications. Qualifications include the following:

• A minimum age of 18 is required

• To drive, you must be physically and mentally fit

• The ability to read and write in Filipino, English, or any other major dialect is required

• Traffic violations must be settled

• The Automated Theoretical Examination must be passed

• An NPDL is required.

As well as the general requirements, there are also qualifying conditions related to the current valid NPDL and how long it has been valid:

• From the date of settlement of fines and penalties, applicants with demerit points shall be prohibited from changing their classification:

  • Three months for 1-2 demerit points

  • 6 months for 3-4 demerit points

  • More than 5 demerit points – 1 year

• A DL holder must have passed the Automated Theoretical Examination to obtain a valid NPDL

• The applicant must pass both the Automated Theoretical Examination and the Practical Driving Test if their NPDL has expired

  • A valid NPDL must have been held by the applicant for at least six (6) months from the date the NPDL was issued for RC 1 or DL Codes A and A1.

  • A valid NPDL is required for RC 2 or 4 or DL Codes B, B1 and B2 for a period of one (1) year from the date of issuance

• An applicant wishing to add a restriction code must not have been cited for two (2) or more counts of reckless driving during the validity period of his/her current driver’s license.

Requirements for Driver’s License Classification Change

Before applying for and processing a Classification change for your license, you must secure four (4) things first. The requirements are as follows:

• Completed Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) form available at the LTO office or on the LTO website (lto.gov.ph).

• Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) original

• A copy of a Medical Certificate electronically transmitted to the LTO by a medical clinic accredited by the LTO 

• The BIR issues Tax Identification Numbers (TINs)

In the case of foreigners who have a valid NPDL 

It is necessary for foreigners with valid NPDLs to submit the following additional requirements in order to have their driver’s license classification changed:

At the time of arrival, one (1) photocopy of a valid working VISA valid for at least 120 days should be presented as well as the original

Other cases

• Certifications/Clearances (any of the following)

  • Clearance from the NBI

  • Clearance with the police

  • Clearance from court

  • A certificate from the commanding officer, if a military officer

• The drug test result was negative (from an LTO-accredited drug testing facility)

Those with accumulated TVDPs

There is a time limit for applying for a Driver’s License Classification change based on the number of demerit points accumulated, such as for those who have accumulated TVDPs:

• There is a 3-month prohibition on 1-2 TVDP,

• A total of three to four TVDPs for six months, and

• A one-year ban is imposed on TVDPs who exceed five

If you have a medical condition code

It is not permitted for those with Condition Codes 2, 3, 4, or 5 to operate For Hire/Public Utility Vehicles or commercial vehicles unless they have proof that they are permitted to do so, issued by a qualified LTO-accredited medical specialist.

Adding Restriction Codes

The written and practical driving exams must both be taken, along with the additional restriction code fee.

Procedures for DL Classification Change from Non-Pro to Professional

You can then proceed with the actual application procedures for DL classification changes once these qualifications and requirements have been met:

The classification has been changed from NPDL to PDL with the same restriction codes

Step 1. The nearest LTO office to you may be a Licensing Center, a Licensing Extension Office, an Authorized LTO District Office, or an LTO Extension Office.

Step 2. Make sure they process DL classification changes and whether they require appointments or accept walk-ins.

• Booking an appointment online with LTO ahead of time is recommended if they require one.

Step 3. Ask where you can get an Application for Driver’s License (ADL) from the LTO office.

Step 4. If you have completed the form completely, get a queue ticket at the service counter and wait for your number to be called.

Step 5. Please submit your completed ADL form along with all requirements.

Step 6. During the evaluation process, the LTO evaluator will make sure your submissions are complete and authentic.

Step 7. After everything is confirmed, you will need to pay the application fee at the Cashier.

Step 8. Once you have paid, proceed to the encoding / biometric window and complete the form for encoding your new information.

Step 9. As soon as you receive your claim stub, the LTO officer will inform you when you can pick up your OR (Official Receipt) and license.

Step 10. Before your license is released, you will need to sign in the log sheet when you return to collect it.

Fees Associated with DL Classification Change

Processed driver’s licenses with a change in classification do not have a definitive fee. According to the applicable penalties, the final amount could range from Php 425.00 to Php 1,375.00 depending on the circumstances surrounding the license.

For more information, check out the following breakdown:

PDL to NPDL fees that are valid

• A fee of P 100.00 is required for application

• A replacement fee of P 225.00 is required

• Fees for renewal: –

• The classification has been changed to P 100.00

Total Amount: P 425.00

PDL to NPDL fees that have expired

• A fee of P 100.00 is required for application

• Fee for replacement: –

• Fee for renewal: P 585.00

• Classification change: P 100.00

Total: P 785.00 + penalty

There are additional fees

• The license fee is P 585 if it is due for renewal

• Penalty computation:

  • Expired 1 day to 1 year = 75 pesos

  • P 150.00 for 1 year and 1 day to 2 years

  • To 10 years, 2 years and 1 day = P 225.00

• P 100.00 for additional Restriction Codes (ARC)

Where to Change to DL Classification from NPDL to PDL

LTO Licensing Centers, LTO Licensing Extension Centers, LTO Authorized District Offices, LTO Extension Offices, or the LTO Central Office – License Station can process a change of DL classification from NPDL to PDL.

Important Reminders

Here are a few reminders for anyone interested in changing their DL classification from NPDL to PDL:

• If a driver’s license has been expired for more than two (2) years, they must pass the Practical Driving Test.

• An examination will be conducted only if the Non-Professional License is valid and if there are no additional restrictions.

• If the Non-Professional License is valid and an additional restriction code is applied, written and practical exams will be given.

• In the event that the Non-Professional License has expired, you will have to write a written exam and take a practical exam.

• Non-Professional License holders must also pass a written and practical exam if their license is dormant.

• Anyone can apply for LTO DL Classification changes as long as they meet the general requirements.

• Changes between PDL and NPDL are also possible.

• If you wish to change classification from NPDL to PDL as well as add a restriction code, there is a different process.

• Changing from PDL to NPDL requires the same requirements and procedures.

Video: Convert DL Classification from NPDL to PDL

FAQs

How much does it cost to upgrade non pro license to pro?

The cost of changing from professional to non-professional (and vice versa) is the same. The fee for replacing a valid license will be P225, while the fee for renewing an expired license will be P585. Driver’s license late-renewal penalties will apply to the latter as well.

Is PDC required for non pro license?

Does the Practical Driving Course (PDC) have to be taken when upgrading my Student Permit? Yes, I do. When upgrading your student permit into a non-professional driver’s license (NPDL), you must enroll for the Practical Driving Course (PDC).

Conclusion

The process of changing your driver’s license classification is simple, isn’t it? It is just a matter of fulfilling all the general requirements, passing the LTO written and practical driving exams, and requesting the change at any LTO licensing center.

Before receiving the new PDL card which reflects the new Driver’s License Classification, you must pay the relevant LTO fees and have your biometrics logged. Once you’re prepared, it doesn’t even take that much time, so it’s best to get it done and avoid hefty penalties when you get caught driving vehicle types you’re not authorized to drive.