How to Renew Your Driver’s License

Time will come that your valid ID will not be valid anymore.  Thanks to that date when you were born.

So, I decided to renew my Driver’s License the other day (1/9/2017), several days prior to my birthday.

I arrived as early as 7:15 AM at LTO MRT Ayala Station just to discover that the office will be opened at 9:00 AM.  I thought all government offices are open at 8:00 AM, but it isn’t.  I still waited though after getting advised that soon there will be a long line waiting outside. Anyway, 1 hour and 45 minutes of waiting is not that long (or is it?) and I have a TV series I can watch on my phone to kill time.

At around 8:30 AM, an LTO personnel handed us a form (Information Sheet) that we have to fill-out. He advised us that we will start early at least with the medical requirement.

The Medical Check-Up

I paid Php350.00 for the medical check-up that was performed which includes eyesight check-up, color blind test and taking your weight (is that even a medical check-up?).  Apparently, that's the medical check-up that allowed me to renew my license.  I just don’t know if they would accept your most recent (let’s say, within the last 6 months) Annual Physical Examination you have taken [if you have, because most (or at least, some)] companies require this as an annual requirement to their regular employees.  I think they should, knowing that it was conducted by a more abled institution.  But I don’t know if they will.

Renewal Process

Step 1: Submit Requirements

The next process is to submit the Information Sheet and the Medical Certificate, together with your old Driver’s License at Window 1.  I was asked if I will be changing my address.  I said, I won’t, and was advised to be seated and wait for my name to be called.  If you will, then you will be handed with a form for you to fill out. 

Step 2: Encoding

After a few minutes, I was called again at Window 1 to capture my ID picture and signature, then was seated again for the next process.

Step 3: Payment

I paid Php650.00 for the renewal of my license at the Cashier.  Charges may differ if you renew your license after its expiry date. An equivalent penalty will be paid by those with expired ID of more than a month.

Step 4: Biometrics

After just a while, I was called at Window 4 where biometrics, and another ID picture and signature was taken. 

Step 5: Releasing

Not long after, I was called at the Releasing Counter for the release of my ID.  I just logged down the details of my ID on a sheet of paper. And voila! I got my Driver’s License renewed!

It took me (just) less than an hour to finish the whole process of renewal. 

The license is now valid for 5 years.  So, I'll see you LTO after 5 years!!! :)

Tips / Advice:

• Arrive at your nearest LTO ID Renewal Center early to skip the long queues, but at least know what time does your office of choice opens.
• Bring your old Driver’s License.  JUST BRING IT.  You'll need to present it and they will need it the whole processing time.
• If you're a senior citizen, present your Senior Citizen’s ID so you may skip the long queues and for discount on fees.  You earned it, so, use it!
• Always check the details when the LTO personnel encodes your details in their system.  A screen is flashed outside the window so you can check your details.  You don’t want your name or address misspelled on your ID, right?

For more information on how to renew your Driver's License, you may visit:
http://www.lto.gov.ph/license-permit-issuance/284-non-professional-driver-s-license.html

Good luck!