LTO Driver’s License
Renewal in the Philippines (2026 Guide)
You are driving and stop at a check point, you take out your driving license from your pocket and see that it is about to expire. Now you are worrying about how to renew it.
In this guide you will get the LTO Driver’s License renewal process with requirements details. You will know who needs it, its fees, exams, and special cases such as licenses expired for 5 years or more. Start your application by logging into the official LTO Portal dashboard.
What’s the LTO Driver's License?
The LTO Driver’s License is an official document and Philippine government-issued plastic card which provides authority to an individual to drive a motor vehicle on the road. In 2026, most licenses issued to those with no traffic violations are valid for 10 years, on the other hand those with demerit points receive a 5-year validity.
There are three common types:
- Student Permit
- Non-Professional Driver’s License
- Professional Driver’s License
Note: All licenses have an expiry date and you must be renewed on time. Ensure you have no outstanding tickets by checking the LTO violations and penalties list.
Who Needs to Renew Their Driver’s License?
- Expiring Licenses: Drivers whose licenses will expire within the next 60 days and need renewal soon.
- Expired Licenses: Drivers who did not renew on time and may have to pay extra fines.
- OFWs: Filipino drivers working or living abroad who still want to keep their Philippine driver’s license active.
- Licenses to expire: The licenses of the drivers who are going to expire in the next 60 days are almost ready for renewal.
- Licenses expired: Drivers who failed to properly renew their license and might have to pay additional fines.
- OFWs: The Filipinos driving overseas want their Philippine driver’s license to remain valid, thus the renewal of the license.
If you cannot access your driver profile, you will need to retrieve LTO portal account details first.
LTO License Renewal Requirements 2026
Before applying for the renewal registration of your driver’s license you should prepare a few important documents which are required during the process. These documents are used to verify that you are able to get the license. Documents includes:
- Original Driver’s License: You must have your driver’s license even if it has already expired.
- CDE Certification: you must have a CDE certificate as a proof of having passed the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) exam (via LTMS portal). It is issued in the form of a certificate.
- Medical Certificate: You require a medical certificate which an LTO-accredited clinic will send electronically to the LTO.
- LTMS Account: Your digital account for all LTO services.
Drug Testing for LTO License Renewal
According to the law signed in 2026, drug testing is not required anymore for the renewal of standard driver’s licenses under Republic Act No. 10586. In some cases, however, it may still be demanded, either because you are involved in certain legal proceedings or because an LTO officer has reason to believe that a drug test is necessary.
All drivers must take the CDE Online Validation Exam. This is a free exam which is available on the LTMS portal. You must get a passing score of 80% (20 out of 25 items).
Special cases
- Change of Status: If you got married or changed your name, bring a PSA Marriage Contract.
- Additional Restriction Codes: If you want to add a “Motorcycle” or “Heavy Vehicle” code, you must pass a new practical driving test.
- Lost License: Requires an Affidavit of Loss and additional “Duplicate” fees.
After your application is processed, you can monitor the card printing status via the LTO tracker.
How to Renew Your Driver’s License
If you have prepared all the above mentioned required documents then you can renew your license by the convenient method. Below we are discussing different options for you, you can pick the one which is the most suitable for you.
Method 1: Visiting the LTO Office
- Drivers can visit the nearest LTO office or renewal center. Search for the term “LTO license renewal near me” to find the nearby branch. Its availability depends on your location and system status. Popular renewal centers include:
- LTO Driver’s License Renewal Center Guadalupe
- LTO Driver’s License Renewal Center Robinsons Galleria
- Submit your CDE Certificate and Medical Certificate there.
- And have your biometrics (photo and fingerprints) taken.
- Pay the fees and wait for your card printing.
Method 2: LTMS Online Appointment
- Log in to your LTMS Account. Visit our page to get a full guide and activate your LTMS account.
- Select “Licensing” and then “Renewal.”
- Choose your preferred LTO branch and time slot.
- Pay the fees online to minimize time spent at the window.
Method 3: For OFWs
If you are abroad, and you need to renew your driving license. You don’t have to worry about it! You can start your renewal through the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your country.
After you finish the online CDE exam and medical check (done through approved clinics that allow remote verification), a trusted representative in the Philippines can collect your license card for you.
LTO License Renewal Fees
The cost depends on license type and validity.
Renew License LTO Price (Estimated)
Fee Type | Amount (Estimate) |
Renewal Fee | ₱585.00 |
Penalty (1 day to 1 year expired) | + ₱75.00 |
Penalty (1 year to 2 years expired) | + ₱150.00 |
Penalty (Over 2 years expired) | + ₱225.00 (Requires Retesting) |
Medical Fee (Clinic charge) | ₱400.00 – ₱600.00 |
Conclusion
In 2026, the LTMS system will make the process of renewing your LTO driver’s license in the Philippines simple. By being proactive with the requirements and selecting the appropriate renewal method, motorists will be able to escape the hurdles of delays, fines, and waiting times that are too long.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I renew my LTO license online?
You do it, when you login your account on the LTMS portal and schedule online appointments. For a complete guide read the article above.
What are the requirements for renewal of a driver's license?
You must have your previous driving license, medical certificate and you have a login account on the LTMS portal.
How much is LTO license renewal?
Your total cost on medical and penalties, it usually ranges from ₱900 to ₱1,200.
How to take an exam in LTO for renewal of license?
You perform your exam online at LTMS portal, it is completely free of cost. Or you can do it in your selected LTO office.
Can I take the LTO written exam online?
Yes, some drivers are allowed to take the exam online through the LTMS Portal.
What is the passing score for the LTO exam 2025?
Basically you have to achieve 80% passing scores, but it depends on the LTO rules where you are performing the exam.
How long is the grace period after a license expires?
There is a short grace period, but penalties apply after expiration.
What is the penalty for late renewal of an LTO license?
Penalties increase the longer the license remains expired.
How to schedule an appointment in LTO for renewal of license?
First you have to login the account and then schedule an appointment in a few simple steps. Check the guide above.
How to take a driver's license renewal test online?
If you qualified, you would take the test within their LTMS account.
How many items is the LTO exam for renewal?
The number of questions on the exam typically falls within the range of 25 to 60, which varies according to the type of license you are applying for..
Can I take the LTO exam online many times?
It is possible that you can take the exam again but LTO policies dictate the number of attempts allowed.
