Been wondering if you are eligible to have a driver’s license with a 10-year validity? Remember, not everyone can get such a privilege. Well, originally, Philippine driver’s license can only be used for 3 years until renewal. Fortunately, under the Republic Act (RA) 10930, ratified in 2017, the validity is extended up to 10 years which can be availed, only, if motorists are able to meet certain conditions.
Yes, it is now possible to renew your expired driver’s license and obtain a new one with a 10-year validity as of October 2021. Some LTO offices, such as the LTO’s Central Office-Licensing Section and the Quezon City Licensing Center, currently issue 10-year driver’s licenses. Aside from Metro Manila, the LTO recently announced that LTO offices in Region I, Region II, Region III, Region IVA, and Region V can now issue a 10-year valid driver’s license.
To help you grasp everything you need to know about the 10-year driver’s license, we have compiled some useful information for you to refer including the qualifications, eligibilities, fees and how to get one.
You must not have had any traffic violations throughout the validity period of your current driver’s license. Meaning, you must have zero demerit points. If you have at least one demerit point or a traffic offense on your record, you are ineligible for a 10-year valid driver’s license and must instead apply for a 5-year valid driver’s license. Demerit points reset with each renewal so anyone can get a 10-year valid driver’s license as long as they meet the requirements. Read: Motorists with Demerit Points for Disqualification on 10-year License Extension
You must complete the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) seminar at any Driver’s Education Center, LTO-accredited driving school, or the LTO’s Land Transportation Management System (LTMS). After attending the seminar, you must also pass the required examination. Read: How to get Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) Certificate
You must have a valid driver’s license that has been expired for at least 9 years. Those who have been due for ten years or more are no longer eligible for renewal and must reapply for a student permit. Licenses that have been expired for more than two years (but not more than ten years) can still be renewed, but they must pass both the theoretical and practical driving tests. You must complete the Comprehensive Driver’s Education and pass the corresponding validating exam starting October 28, 2021 . The CDE certificate is a primary prerequisite for renewing your driver’s license, thus, you can’t go to the LTO to renew your license unless you already have it. Professional Driver’s License Holders: During the validity period of the present license, you should not have a record of two or more counts of reckless driving. Fees for renewal
License Fee (Pro & Non-Pro) – Php 589 Penalty Fee for one (1) day to one (1) year expired – Php 75 Penalty Fee for more than one (1) year to two (2) years expired – Php 150 Penalty Fee for more than two (2) years expired (re-exam) – Php 225 Computer Fee – Php 68 Application Fee (for more than two years expired) – Php 100 Additional Computer Fee (for more than two years expired) – Php 67.63 Fees to be paid for a Dormant License (Pro & Non-Pro)
A driver’s license becomes dormant if it hasn’t been renewed for over two years.
Application Fee – Php 100 Computer Fee – Php 67.63 License Fee – Php 585 Penalty – Php 225 Additional Computer Fee – Php 67.63 LTO Student Driver’s Permit Renewal Fees
Application Fee: Php 100 License Renewal Fee: Php 150 Penalty Fee for one (1) day to one (1) year expired – Php 50 Penalty Fee for more than one (1) year to two (2) years expired – Php 100 Penalty Fee for more than two (2) years expired – Php 150 Other Fees
Aside from license renewal fees, motorists might also encounter other transaction fees such as:
Change Classification from Professional to Non-professional (and vice-versa) : Change Classification Fee: Php 100 Replacement Fee: Php 225 (valid licenses), Php 585 (expired licenses) Additional Restriction Code (RD) : Php 100 (also applicable for every information changed in one’s license)Conversion Fee (for foreign licenses) : Php 100 Read: Updated LTO Fees For Student Permits, New License Etc.
Although the validity period has changed, the method has remained mostly unchanged.
In light of the country’s current health crisis, the LTO encourages the public to renew their licenses online using the new portal at portal.lto.gov.ph.
However, if you prefer a walk-in application or if the online portal is down for maintenance or unavailable, you may follow the procedures below.
Step 1: Obtain a CDE certificate (Comprehensive Driver’s Education). If you are renewing a non-professional or professional driver’s license, you must now provide a CDE Certificate. Furthermore, you must have an LTO Client ID before visiting the LTO office. The LTO Client ID serves as verification that you’ve already signed up for the LTMS Public Portal.
Step 2: Go to the LTO office or license center closest to you. You may proceed to one of the LTO renewal offices in chosen malls that are less congested for a faster transaction.
Step 3: To the receiving personnel, submit all relevant documentation (usually on Window 1).
Step 4: Your license information will be retrieved from the system by the personnel. You will be provided the license details so that you can confirm whether all of the information is still correct or if any changes should be made.
Step 5: Proceed to the cashier and pay the appropriate fees.
Step 6: Go to the encoding section to have your photograph, biometrics, and digital signature taken.
Step 7: The expired card, as well as the Pro or Non-Pro Driver’s License Card with the Official Receipt, will be released. On the Release Form, you will be requested to write your name and sign it.
Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) and Practical Driving Course (PDC), which are meant for student permit and Non-Pro/Pro Driver’s License applicants, respectively, are not required for renewal applicants. Starting October 28, 2021, drivers applying for renewal will be required to complete Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) and earn a CDE certificate. You must retake both the written and practical exams at the LTO district or licensing office if your driver’s license has been expired for more than two years (the renewal centers located at malls are strictly for regular renewal applicants only). Renewal of a driver’s license that has been expired for 10 years or more is no longer possible. Instead, they must start over and apply for a student permit. Read: LTO Announces Free 15-Hour Theoretical Driving Course (TDC)
The new LTO Land Transportation Management System allows you to renew your driver’s license online (LTMS).
Step 1: Log in to the web site of the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS). Enter your account email address/LTO client number and password to access your LTMS account.
Step 2: In the LTMS dashboard, go to Licensing. If you’ve just made an LTMS account, selecting Licensing will take you to a form where you’ll need to fill out the needed information to finish your profile. You will be routed to the dashboard after completing the form, with a message on the right side of your screen indicating that your profile has been saved. To continue, simply click Licensing on the dashboard again.
Step 3: Take a look at the LTMS Terms of Service. To proceed, click the blue Accept button.
Step 4: Select Driver’s License as the License Classification on the Online Application form. You must first produce a medical certificate before proceeding with the renewal process, so don’t click the Next button just yet.
Step 5: Select Add Medical Certificate from the drop-down menu. You will be prompted to input your Medical Certificate Number after selecting this button. After you’ve entered all of the needed information, click Verify.
Step 6: Choose Renewal as the application type. To proceed, click the Next button.
Step 7: Choose your desired appointment time and LTO location.
Step 8: Pay the renewal costs using your preferred method of payment.
Step 9: On the day of your appointment, go to the LTO Office you’ve chosen.
Read: Apply Driver’s License, Register Motor Vehicle and Pay Thru LTO Online Portal
Even if you completed your driver’s license renewal application online, you must personally claim your license on your scheduled appointment date. Make sure you bring all of the essential documents to your appointment and present them to the LTO.
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