Driver’s License Fees, Validity & Renewal in the Philippines

LTO Portal Guide 2026

Understanding how much a driver’s license costs, how long it is valid, and when it must be renewed helps Filipino drivers avoid penalties and unnecessary delays. Many issues at the LTO happen not during application, but during late or incorrect renewals.

All rules regarding fees, validity, and renewal are set by the Land Transportation Office (LTO). This guide explains current costs, renewal timelines, penalties, and common mistakes in clear and practical terms.

👉 For a full overview of licensing rules, see the Driver’s License in the Philippines – Complete Guide

Driver’s License Fees in the Philippines

LTO driver’s license fees are standardized nationwide, but the total amount paid may vary depending on license type, validity, and additional requirements such as medical certificates or penalties.

Knowing the expected costs in advance helps you prepare and avoid surprises during your LTO visit.

Standard LTO License Fees (Estimated)

License Type	Approximate Fee
Student Permit	₱300+
Non-Professional License	₱600 – ₱800
Professional License	₱800 – ₱1,000
Renewal (Non-Pro / Pro)	₱585+

⚠️ Medical certificates and penalties are not always included in the base LTO fees.

Additional Possible Costs

Medical certificate from LTO-accredited clinic
Late renewal penalties
Replacement for lost or damaged licenses

👉 Step-by-step application costs are explained in How to Get a Driver’s License in the Philippines

🔍 People Also Ask

❓ How much does it cost to renew a driver’s license in the Philippines?
Renewal usually costs ₱585 or more, depending on license type, medical certificate fees, and whether penalties apply.
👉 Cost breakdown: How to Get a Driver’s License in the Philippines

❓ How long is a Philippine driver’s license valid?
A driver’s license in the Philippines is valid for five or ten years, depending on your traffic record and LTO eligibility rules.
👉 Validity explained: Driver’s License in the Philippines – Complete Guide

❓ What happens if my driver’s license expires?
You cannot legally drive with an expired license and face penalties or re-examination depending on how long it has been expired.
👉 Avoid penalties: Common Driver’s License Mistakes

❓ Do I need to take an exam when renewing my license?
Most standard renewals do not require exams, unless the license has been expired for a long period or the LTO requires reassessment.
👉 Renewal rules: Types of Driver's Licenses

Driver’s License Validity Periods Explained

The Philippines now issues Expired Driving License longer-validity driver’s licenses, rewarding compliant drivers with fewer renewals and lower long-term costs.

Understanding license validity helps you plan renewals ahead of time and stay legally compliant.

License Validity Options

- 5-year validity – Standard issuance
- 10-year validity – For drivers with no traffic violations

Drivers with recorded traffic violations are usually limited to a 5-year license.

Student Permit Validity

- Valid for 1 year only
- Cannot be renewed as a Student Permit
- Must be upgraded to a Non-Professional license

Driving with an expired license is illegal, regardless of how recently it expired.

How to Renew a Driver’s License in the Philippines

Renewing a driver’s license is generally faster than applying for a new one, provided your license has not been expired for too long.

Most renewals now require LTMS registration before visiting an LTO branch.

Basic Renewal Requirements

- Expired or expiring driver’s license
- LTMS account
- Medical certificate
- Valid government-issued ID

Written or practical exams are usually not required for standard renewals unless directed by the LTO.

When Can You Renew?

- Up to 60 days before expiration
- After expiration (with penalties)

Renewing early helps you avoid penalties and long queues.

Penalties for Late or Expired License Renewal

Failing to renew your license on time results in penalties that increase based on how long the license has been expired.

These penalties apply even if the license holder claims they were unaware of the expiration.

Common Penalty Rules

Expired less than 1 year: monetary penalty
Expired more than 1 year: higher penalties
Long-expired licenses: may require re-examination

Driving with an expired license may also lead to fines during traffic stops.

👉 Avoid these issues by reviewing Common Driver’s License Mistakes People Make

Renewal for OFWs and Filipinos Abroad

OFWs and Filipinos residing abroad may still renew their Philippine driver’s licenses under specific conditions.

In some cases:

- An authorized representative may assist
- Online LTMS processing is required
- Additional documentation may be requested

Requirements may vary depending on the length of stay abroad and license status.

FAQs – Driver’s License Fees, Validity & Renewal

Can I renew my driver’s license before it expires?

Yes. The LTO allows renewal up to 60 days before the expiration date, helping drivers avoid penalties and long waiting times.

Is a medical certificate required for renewal?

Yes. A medical certificate from an LTO-accredited clinic is required for most driver’s license renewals.

Can I drive while my license is expired?

No. Driving with an expired license is illegal and may result in fines or additional penalties during traffic inspections.

Do traffic violations affect license validity?

Yes. Drivers with recorded violations are usually not eligible for the 10-year license validity.

Final Thoughts: Renew on Time and Avoid Penalties

Driver’s license fees, validity, and renewal rules in the Philippines are straightforward when understood properly. Most problems arise from late renewals, missing documents, or misunderstanding penalty rules.

By renewing on time, maintaining a clean driving record, and following official LTO procedures, Filipino drivers can save money and avoid unnecessary stress. For a complete understanding of licensing rules, return to the Complete Guide about Driver’s License in the Philippines or continue with the next cluster article.