The Philippines features a vast road network that stretches over 217,000 kilometers, bending its way through diverse terrains and bustling cities. This road network serves as the backbone of the island’s transportation system, allowing people and goods to be carried across vast distances. Presently, the road system in the Philippines is categorized into four types: national roads, provincial roads, city and municipal roads, and ‘Barangay’ (rural) roads.
Recognizing the crucial role of transportation in economic development, the Philippine government is continuing to invest heavily in creating and renovating roads, particularly in urban areas. This includes projects to expand and improve heavily used inner-city roads, intersections, and bridges. In addition to that, the country is moving towards introducing alternative transportation options, such as metro systems in major cities, that can help alleviate traffic congestion. Also, the rise of e-commerce has further alleviated the need for efficient transportation systems.
Amidst a well-functioning transportation network lies the requirement of obtaining valid driving licenses and their renewals so that the country’s traffic department can promote safer and better driving measures. So, if you are looking to get your driving license renewed in the Philippines, then all you have to do is follow our thorough guide for a seamless experience.
Here are the Steps to Follow For Renewal
The Land Transportation Office (LTO), under the Department of Transportation of the Philippines, states that the validity of your current license must be at least one month before it expires, but no later than two years after. And if your license has already expired for more than two years, you will need to re-do the driving test (both written and practical).
Additionally, you should have no unsettled traffic violations and be mentally and physically fit to operate a motor vehicle. To start the renewal process, simply follow the below-mentioned steps closely.
- First, you need to head over to the official LTO website here.
- On the downloadable forms web page, click on the ‘Download’ option beside the ‘Application For Student Driver’s Permit / Driver’s License / Conductor’s License (APL)’ option.
- Once downloaded, proceed to print out the form and then start filling it out with the necessary information.
- Begin by first stating your personal data, such as your name, present address, telephone number, present driving license number, birth date, gender, nationality, and height and weight.
- After that, state your related persons’ names (father, mother, and spouse), and choose the type of application you are opting for. Since you are opting for a renewal, check mark ‘Renewal’ on the application form.
- In the next step, you will be required to state your driver’s license vehicle category. The Philippines has two primary vehicle categories (light and heavy) and nine sub-categories between them.
- Once done, complete the rest of the form and then sign it.
- Finally, submit the driving license renewal form along with the required supporting documents to the LTO Regional Office near you. You can find a nearby LTO Regional Office via the official ‘Contact Us’ web page.
Some Useful Information
Before applying for a driving license renewal at any LTO office in the Philippines, applicants must complete their Comprehensive Driver’s Education, or CDE (not required for licenses issued after August 2020 or renewals after October 2021). Also, license holders who have accumulated five (5) to nine (9) demerit points have to complete the Driver’s Reorientation Course and its examination, while those with ten (10) or more demerit points (but less than forty) should have to complete both the Driver’s Reorientation Course and its examination and the automated theoretical examination.
When it comes to supporting documents when applying for driving license renewals, applicants must provide a photocopy and presentation of the original medical certificate, issued by medical clinics accredited by the LTO. Additionally, users must also present their original driver’s or conductor’s license.
Alternatively, if you are applying from abroad, then a photocopy of your passport (first page, visa page, departure from the Philippines, and latest arrival overseas) along with an original letter of authority from an authorized representative should be presented with the aforementioned documents as well.
Talking about the different types of driving licenses based on the vehicle category issued by the LTO of the Philippines, they primarily include ‘light’ and ‘heavy’ vehicle categories. Light vehicle categories include sub-categories A (motorcycle), A1 (tricycle), B (passenger vehicles having less than eight seats and weighing up to 5000 kg), B1 (passenger vehicles having more than eight seats and weighing up to 5000 kg), and B2 (light commercial vehicles used for carrying goods and weighing up to 3500 kg).
On the other hand, the sub-categories under ‘heavy’ vehicles include C (heavy commercial vehicles used for carrying goods weighing more than 3500 kg but less than or exceeding 12,000 kg), D (buses, coaches, and other passenger vehicles having a weight exceeding 5000 kg), BE (articulated passenger cars weighing less than 3500 kg), and CE (heavy articulated passenger cars weighing more than 3500 kg).
For any further support, you can get in touch with the LTO communications office via phone (+639958310746) or email (ltomailbox@lot.gov.ph).
