A lost, stolen, or damaged driver’s license issued by the Land Transportation Office is every motorist’s worst nightmare. You don’t need to worry about being unable to drive or ride your motor vehicle (MV) or motorcycle (MC) until you replace it.

The most terrifying part of the application process is learning how to duplicate or replace your driver’s license with the LTO. It may seem intimidating and inconvenient, especially if you have no idea how to go about it.

But,contrary to popular belief, the answer is actually quite simple. A little bit of money, some knowledge, some documents, and a whole lot of patience are all it takes. While it may still seem inconvenient, since the LTO driver’s license is quite important, you’ll probably still go to the LTO to get a duplicate LTO driver’s license.

The inconvenience of not being able to drive to and from work or school is greater if you possess your own private vehicle. You can learn more about duplicate licenses in this guide, including the requirements, fees, and the step-by-step procedures for replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license.

How do I get a Duplicate LTO Driver’s License?

Duplicate licenses are issued to replace valid licenses that have been lost, stolen, or mutilated. A LTO driver’s license issued right before or after expiration counts as a renewal instead. A license cannot be considered a duplicate or a replacement unless it is valid. Regardless of whether the license is professional or non-professional, and whatever restriction codes are in it, the same rules apply. A private motor vehicle license is issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) of the Philippines, just like a regular driver’s license.

What is the need for a Duplicate LTO License?

LTO duplicate licenses are necessary if you are:

• Non-professionals who operate light motor vehicles other than as employees

• Non-professional driver who drives a vehicle other than a transport vehicle with a light motor.

• Those who hold a Non-Professional Driver’s License from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) of the Philippines are authorized to operate private motor vehicles.

• An individual who has lost or damaged your valid LTO driver’s license

• A person whose valid driver’s license was stolen

Read Aslo: National ID Tracking

Who is Eligible for an LTO Duplicate License

LTO allows the following methods for obtaining a replacement license in the event of loss, damage, or theft:

• A Non-Professional Driver’s License holder who intends to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged valid Non-Professional Driver’s License is eligible to apply.

How much does a Replacement LTO Driver’s License Cost

If your driver’s license has been lost, damaged, or stolen, you will need to pay these fees before getting a duplicate.

• The replacement fee is P 225.00

• The certification fee is P 100.00

• The clearance fee is  P 30.00

• The duplicate fee is P 50.00

You may be required to pay up to P 405.00, but do keep in mind that this price may change at any time. If there are any other applicable fees that you’ll need to pay, check with the specific LTO Branch you’re visiting.

How long is the Processing Time for Duplicate License in LTO

In cases of loss, damage, or theft, a replacement LTO Driver’s License can be obtained within 30 working days, or as advised by the relevant department authority.

How long is the Validity Period of the Duplicate License

The validity period of a replacement driver’s license can be found by checking the reissued driver’s license card to find the expiration date.

What are the Requirements for Applying for a Replacement Driver’s License in LTO

Prepare the following items before visiting the nearest Land Transportation Office (LTO) branch to replace or duplicate your license:

Required Information

• The full name of the person

• The present address is

• The nationality

• Based on gender

• Date of Birth

• The height of

• The weight

• Type of blood

• Phone number / cell phone number

• TIN (Tax Identification Number)

• Place of birth

• Names of father and mother

• Name of the spouse

• Name and phone number of employer

• Business address of employer

Required Documents

• Driver’s License Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) duly completed

• A copy of the medical certificate

• Theft complaint copy (if it is stolen)

• Certified by a lawyer and notarized by a licensed notary public, Affidavit of Loss/Mutilation

• A mutilated driver’s license (in the case of mutilation)

• Please submit one (1) photocopy and present a government-issued legal ID with a photo and signature, such as:

  • Card for the Social Security System (SSS)

  • Card with UMID

  • ID card for PhilHealth

  • Card with TIN

  • A postal ID is required

  • Voter’s ID

• Recipient’s receipt

• An LTO Regional Office clearance if the application is made outside Metro Manila (if the application is made outside Metro Manila).

• Certification of license records by the LTO

• Duplicate and renewal forms (if the license is renewable) for driver’s licenses at the LTO

How to Replace Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Driver’s License in LTO

If you need a replacement or duplicate Non-Professional Driver License to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged one, you will need to follow these steps:

In-Person Applications for Replacement Driver’s Licenses

Step 1: Obtain an application form from the LTO Central Office or from any LTO officer or download it from the LTO website.

Step 2: Make sure all the necessary details are filled out in the application form, as incomplete applications cannot be accepted.

Step 3: Before submitting the application, be sure to attach all the required documents mentioned in the “Required Documents” section above.

Step 4: Register online for the Land Transportation Office Management System (LTMS).

Step 5: Visit the LTO branch on the day of your appointment and submit all the documents with the completed form.

Step 6: The concerned authority will review the application and documents after receiving the application. All requirements must be met for the application to be accepted.

Step 7: Make a payment at the cashier and wait for a receipt acknowledging the payment. Please save it for future reference.

Step 8: Once paid, the application will be processed further. Applications will be updated via SMS to the applicant’s mobile phone.

Step 9: The applicant receives a call from the office regarding the application so that he can come in for the required procedures, such as the vision test.

Step 10: After completing the vision test, the applicant must complete the biometric procedure at the office.

Note: Depending on the department authority, the entire process can be completed within 30 days.

Through the LTMS Portal, you can apply for a replacement driver’s license online

Step 1: An applicant must visit the LTMS Portal to apply for a replacement Non-Professional Driver License if lost, stolen, or damaged.

Step 2: Click the “Register Now” button to register.

Step 3: Carefully read all the details, enter the captcha, and click “Next”.

Step 4: Click on “Enroll as an Individual ”.

Step 5: Fill out all the nationality details and click “Next”.

Step 6: After registering, the applicant must login to the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) Portal website using the nominated email ID and password, and then click the “Sign in” button.

Step 7: Click the licensing button.

Step 8: Apply for a duplicate/replacement license.

Step 9: Complete the application form with all the details.

Step 10: Scan and upload the affidavit of loss and other documents listed above along with your application.

Step 11: Pay the fees listed above online by clicking “Payment confirm.”

Step 12: The applicant has to click “Submit” once all the details have been entered.

Step 13: Upon acceptance, the application will be processed further and updates will be sent to the applicant’s mobile phone via SMS.

Step 14: After the application has been submitted, the applicant will receive a call from the office.

Step 15: Next, the applicant will need to complete the vision tests and biometrics procedures at their preferred LTO branch.

Note: The entire process can be completed within 5 – 7 days or as advised by the department authority.

Important Reminders

Here are some reminders for those who are renewing or replacing a driver’s license:

• Incomplete applications will not be accepted or processed. Please complete the application form before submitting it.

• When applying for this procedure, all applicants must provide genuine information.

• The LTO Licensing Fees may vary depending on the expiration date and the date of application.

• LTO offices issue replacement Non-Professional Driver’s Licenses to applicants once they have been processed.

• It is the same process to replace a Non-Professional Driver’s License and a Professional Driver’s License, though there are more requirements when requesting a duplicate Professional Driver’s License due to the higher number of vehicles allowed.

• You will have to pay an additional 100 pesos if you need to update your license information.

• You must submit an electronic medical examination certificate when renewing your license.

• It may be more cost-effective to apply for a license renewal if it has been years since you lost your license.

• A delinquent license, meaning one or more serious traffic violations, will require additional testing.

• Here is a guide to registering for an LTMS online account if you need assistance with the LTMS Portal online.

• A picture of your ID and your signature are no longer required, as the LTO should already have these.

LTO Duplicate License: What are the Steps and How Much Does it Cost? (Video)

FAQs

QNO(1):Is digital driver’s license valid?

Ans:The alternative form of authorization is valid, secure, and can be used for motor vehicle operations.

QNO(2):Do I need to submit a Medical Certificate when getting a duplicate driver’s license from LTO?

Ans:You will need to submit and go through the same renewal procedures as usual if your license is lost or damaged.