Requirements and Procedure for Applying Driver’s License in the Philippines

Are you planning to buy or drive a motor vehicle in the Philippines? If yes, you need to get a driver’s license first to avoid being caught and pay the penalty of driving without license.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) under the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) is the government agencies responsible for driver’s licensing. Like in the other country the driver’s license is the official document that permits an individual to drive a motorized vehicle in the Philippines.

Quick Links

• Eligibility for Drivers Licensing
• Requirements for applying Driver’s License in the Philippines
• How to Apply for new Driver’s License
• Driver’s License Fees and Charges

According to LTO there are three classifications of driver’s license; student permit, non-professional driver’s license, and professional driver’s license.

Student Permit – Student permit is a requirement to get non-professional and professional drivers license. Anyone who is 16 years of age and above can apply for student permit. When you get a student driver’s license you can only drive a motor vehicle if you have accompanied by a person who has a non-professional or professional driver’s license.

Non-professional driver’s license – Applicant should be at least 17 years old with a valid student permit of at least 1 month old. Having a non-professional driver’s license allows you to drive a private motor vehicle with a gross weight not higher than 4500 kilograms like sedan, SUV, pickup etc.

Professional driver’s license – Applicant should be at least 18 years old with a valid student permit if at least 5 months old in possession. Having a professional driver’s license allows you to drive almost any motor vehicle depending on your license restrictions. Restriction code is based on the gross vehicle weight (GVH).

• 1 – Motorcycles/ Motorized Tricycles
• 2 – Vehicle up to 4500 KGS GVW
• 3 – Vehicle above 4500 KGS GVW
• 4 – Automatic clutch up to 4500 KGS GVW
• 5 – Automatic clutch above 4500 KGS GVW
• 6 – Articulated vehicle 1600 KGS GVW and below
• 7 – Articulated vehicle 1601 up to 4500 KGS GVW
• 8 – Articulated vehicle 4501 kgs and above GVW

Before you apply for a new license know what kind of vehicle you want to drive and apply for the right driver’s license classification and restrictions. Of course you need to apply first student permit.

Eligibility for Drivers Licensing

• At least seventeen (17) years old.
• Physically and mentally fit to operate a motor vehicle
• Not a drug user or alcoholic
• Able to read and write in Filipino or English
• Clean, neat and presentable

Requirements for applying Driver’s License in the Philippines

Student Permit

1. Original and photocopy of birth certificate, if not available any of the following;

• Joint affidavit of two (2) disinterested persons who know the applicant and who can attest to his/her age and identity accompanied by non-availability of record from NSO or local civil registry office.
• Any legal document to prove his age and identity,  such as GSIS, SSS, Passport or any government issued identification card.

2. Minor applicants (under 18 years old) need a parent’s or guardian’s written consent with a photocopy of an ID card as proof of identity. If parent or guardian is not present, the written consent must be notarized

3. Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN) if employed

4. A filled out application for driver’s license (ADL) [Download here].

Non-professional

• Duly accomplished application form for driver’s license (ADL) [Download here].
• Valid student permit (at least one month old)
• Medical certificate with official receipt (from LTO accredited or Government physician)
• Negative drug test result (from a DOH accredited drug testing center & Government Hospital)
• Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN) if employed
• Must have passed the written and practical examinations

Professional

• Duly accomplished application form for driver’s license (ADL) [Download here].
• Valid student permit (at least five month old / NP – four month old)
• Medical certificate with official receipt (from LTO accredited or Government physician)
• Negative drug test result (from a DOH accredited drug testing center & Government Hospital)
• Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN)
• NBI or police or court clearance
• Must have passed the written and practical examinations

How to Apply for new Driver’s License

For Student Permit

1. Go to the Customer Service Counter to get your checklist of requirements and secure a Driver’s License Application Form. This form is available for download here, you can fill out this form before going to LTO. Get a queue number.
2. When your number is called, go to the evaluator counter and submit all the required documents to have it checked for completeness and authenticity.
3. When your name is called, go to where your photo and signature will be taken.
4. Go to the cashier to pay the fees and to obtain an official receipt (OR).
5. Proceed to the releasing counter with the OR and claim the student driver’s permit.

For Non-professional and Professional Driver’s License

1. Go to the customer service counter to get your checklist of requirements and secure a driver’s license application form. This form is available for download here, you can fill out this form before going to LTO. Get a queue number.
2. When your number is called, go to the evaluator counter and submit all the required documents and have it checked for completeness and authenticity.
3. When your name is called, go to where your photo and signature will be taken.
4. Go to the cashier to pay the application fee.
5. Go to the Examination Room for the lecture and written exam.
6. After passing the written exam, wait for your name to be called for the practical exam.
7. After passing the practical exam, go to the cashier when your name is called for payment of necessary fees and obtain an official receipt (OR).
8. Go to the releasing counter, wait for your name to be called and present the OR and claim the card type license.

Driver’s License Fees and Charges

Student Permit

Non-professional and Professional

For more information, please contact LTO Main Office on East Avenue, Quezon City 1100, Tel: (632)922-9061 to 66, Email: [email protected] or visit their website.

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated or employee of Land Transportation Office (LTO). If you have questions and concerns, please contact LTO directly.

Source: LTO, Philippines Official Gazette