Introduction:Nowadays, it is so much easier to connect to the Internet and do things online thanks to faster Internet connectivity and more accessible computing devices like smartphones and laptops. Nevertheless, not everyone feels compelled to take advantage of or learn more about what is possible over the Internet.

Face-to-face transactions may be more effective for some people when it comes to meeting their needs. Because of this, many people do not know that they can check LTO Driver’s License validity online, despite the convenience and ease offered by it.

All drivers and car owners have a responsibility to ensure their LTO Driver’s Licenses are valid, whether they are Student Permits, Non-Professional Driver’s Licenses (NPDL), or Professional Driver’s Licenses (PDLs). To ensure every driver or car owner is aware of the validity of a driver’s license, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) provides them with the ability to check online.

Read Aslo: National ID Tracking

What is an LTO Driver’s License?

An individual’s driver’s license is a plastic palm-sized card issued by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to prove that they are legally authorized to drive certain motor vehicles on Philippine roads.

In addition to proving that you have taken the necessary steps to get government approval for driving, it also proves that the government deems you roadworthy enough to be behind the wheel. You are proving that you aren’t a road hazard to yourself or others, as determined by the appropriate authorities. As a valid ID, it can also be used to prove identity when transacting with both public and private institutions.

LTO Driver’s License Check

This LTO service is designed to allow drivers to verify the validity of their driver’s licenses. This service helps them keep their licenses in check and reminds them when they need to renew their licenses. This LTO service also ensures that drivers do not forget when they need to renew their licenses, even though the expiry date appears on the driver’s license itself.

Benefits of Having a Valid LTO Driver’s License

It is considered good public service if the agency allows you to check the validity of your driver’s license online. Therefore, the agency ensures that the licensee enjoys the following benefits:

• License validity can be checked 24/7 without visiting any of the LTO offices.

• You don’t have to take time off from work or family to complete the verification, so it’s time-saving.

• As a result, family time is extended because there is no need to wait in line at agency branches.

• They can run the LTO license check anytime from any mobile or computing device-be it a desktop or laptop computer or even a tablet or a smartphone.

• By eliminating a trip to the department registry, this service promotes administrative procedures.

• Driving without a license or with an expired license may result in penalties and legal repercussions.

• As a result, it serves as a valid photo ID in both public and private offices.

• To ensure roadworthiness and safety, licensees must keep track of their due date for renewal.

Who Needs to Check LTO Driver’s License Status

Users can verify the validity of their driver’s licenses using this LTO service. An individual can check or verify the status of a Philippine driver’s license by using this service. The following groups are particularly benefited from it:

• Hiring a driver they don’t really know;

• Those who require driver service when renting a car; and

• When arrested by the police, drivers who wish to avoid answering too many questions should follow these tips

• Those who drive another person’s car for a living

• A car owner who wishes to verify whether the driver they are lending or renting their car is qualified

• Driver’s licenses that have been apprehended need to be checked for legitimacy and validity

What do You Need to Verify Your LTO Driver’s License Validity Online

Verifying your driver’s license online is a simple process that doesn’t require much except for:

• Connectivity to the Internet

• The use of a computing device, preferably a smartphone

• Load balancing and active network service

What are the Requirements to Verify License Validity Online

You will need the following information to check or verify the status of an LTO driver’s license:

• To check a driver’s license, you must have an LTO

• Name and surname

Step-by-step Procedures to Verify LTO Driver’s License Validity Online

Follow these steps to verify an LTO driver’s license’s status:

Online, Via the LTO Website

A driver’s license status or validity can no longer be verified online via the Online Inquiry tab on the LTO’s official website. You can check your LTO profile online by logging into your Land Transport Management System (LTMS) portal account.

You can register for an LTMS account if you do not have one yet.

SMS Via

Step 1: Prepare a text message for the LTO using the following format:

LTO LICENSE [Number of driver’s license]

Step 2: Message 2600.

Step 3: Once the text message has been sent, wait for the system-generated message from the LTO.

The reply will include the following information

• Validity period of the license

• In case of apprehension.

• In case of an LTO alarm.

Fees

SMS services are charged at Php 2.50 per message. There is no charge for accessing the LTMS portal.

Important Reminders

For your reference, here are some important reminders worth taking note of.

• Non-professional driver’s license issued for the first time is only valid for five (5) years.

• Holders of license with five-year validity must take the PME within 60 days before their 3rd birthdate from the issuance of their license.

• Those with a ten-year license, must undergo their PME before their 4th and 7th birthdays from the issuance of their license.

• When renewing their licenses, license holders must also submit a medical examination certificate from an LTO-accredited clinic.

• For drivers whose driver’s licenses have expired for 10 years or more, they will need to apply for a new student permit.

Video: How to Check the Status of Your LTO Driver’s License 

FAQs

QNO(1):How long is the validity period of an LTO driver’s license?

Ans:Depending on the license type, the validity period varies. A Student Permit is valid for one year. However, those who are renewing their licenses with traffic violations, as well as those who are getting their first professional license, receive five-year licenses. Republic Act 10930 allows licensees with clean records to renew their licenses and obtain a 10-year license.

QNO(2): How long do I have until my license expires?

Ans:On the front of your driver’s license, you can find the expiration date. Whether your license is issued before or after your birthday can also affect its validity period. A license issued before your birthday has a validity period that includes the current year. As a result, the current year is not counted when calculating the validity period.

QNO(3):Where can I find information about my license type? 

Ans:You may check the back of your license card for the license type and restrictions on your new LTO driver’s license. It still has the license type information, but it no longer appears on the front like the old one did.

QNO(4):Who do I reach out to for inquiries and concerns?

Ans:You may contact the LTO for more information or other concerns at:

Land Transportation Office
Office Address: Diliman Compound, East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, 1100 Philippines
Tel. No.: 89229061 to 63
Official website: https://lto.gov.ph/

Conclusion

Every driver or car owner is responsible for ensuring the validity of their license, whether they hold a Student Permit, Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL), or Professional Driver’s License (PDL). An active driver’s license proves that the driver is roadworthy and that the passengers and drivers will be safe during the trip.