Converting your foreign driver’s license (FDL) into a Philippine driver’s license (PDL) online can be done through the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) Portal. Converting your license online offers convenience and accessibility, allowing you to complete the process without the need for multiple visits to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) branches. It’s beneficial to convert your foreign license to a Philippine one if you plan to stay in the Philippines for an extended period, as it ensures compliance with local regulations and enables you to legally operate a motor vehicle in the country. Additionally, having a Philippine driver’s license may be required for various purposes, such as employment or identification, making the conversion essential for practical reasons.
If you are a foreigner with a valid foreign driver’s license with you, and you plan to stay in the country for more than 90 days or if you have an expired driver’s license, converting your foreign driver’s license to a Philippine driver’s license is a necessity. However, if you are here for a short stay, you can use your valid foreign driver’s license within 90 days from the date of your arrival. On the other hand, if the driver’s license is not in English, you will need to get an official English translation of your foreign driver’s license from your country’s embassy to be able to use it. Nevertheless, if you are one of those who need to convert their foreign license into a local one, then this guide can walk you through the steps involved, from understanding the qualifications and requirements to navigating the procedures and fees associated with the conversion online via the LTMS portal.
Converting Foreign License to Philippine License via LTMS Portal
Converting a foreign driver’s license into a Philippine driver’s license involves the process of officially adopting your foreign license to comply with local regulations and laws. While a foreign driver’s license allows temporary use in the country for up to 90 days, converting it to a Philippine license is necessary for longer-term residency or permanent stay. The LTO issues different types of licenses, including Student Permits, Non-Professional Driver’s Licenses (NPDL), and Professional Driver’s Licenses (PDL), each serving specific driving purposes. Converting your foreign license to a Philippine one offers several benefits, including legal compliance, access to local driving privileges beyond the 90-day limit, and recognition as a valid form of identification throughout the Philippines. Additionally, obtaining a Philippine driver’s license ensures familiarity with local traffic laws and enhances road safety for both yourself and other motorists.
With the help of the LTMS portal, the LTO streamlines the conversion process, allowing foreign individuals to apply for the conversion of a valid foreign driver’s license or renewal of an expired Philippine driver’s license with a valid foreign driver’s license. This online platform also offers other license-related services online, making LTO services more convenient and accessible, while reducing the need for physical visits to the LTO branches.
Benefits
Converting your foreign driver’s license through the LTMS Portal offers several benefits, including the following:
- Converting your foreign driver’s license into a Philippine driver’s license ensures compliance with local regulations, allowing you to legally operate a motor vehicle in the country beyond the initial 90-day period.
- A Philippine driver’s license serves as a recognized form of identification, providing access to various services and establishments nationwide.
- By converting your foreign license online, you streamline the documentation process, avoiding the need for multiple visits to physical LTO branches and expediting the conversion process.
- Because of the online procedures, foreign driver’s license gets to save time and avoid multiple visits to LTO branches, as most of the process can be completed online.
- Applicants who are converting their FDL to Philippine driver’s license can also choose their preferred appointment location, date, and time, providing flexibility in scheduling.
- There is also an option for delivery via courier service ensuring convenience.
Qualifications
To qualify for the conversion of a foreign driver’s license to a Philippine driver’s license, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Must be physically and mentally fit to operate a motor vehicle
- Must be able to read and write in English, Filipino and/or any major dialect
- Must be a holder of a valid foreign driver’s license, in case of expired foreign Driver’s License, the applicant must have passed the Theoretical Examination and Practical Driving Test
- Must not have unsettled traffic violation
- Must have passed the practical examination for applicants (Foreigners and Filipinos) from countries operating right hand drive vehicles
- Must have a valid visa for at least 120 days upon the date of arrival
Requirements
Before initiating the conversion process, ensure you have the following documents ready:
- Duly accomplished Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) Form
- Electronically transmitted medical certificate from LTO accredited medical clinic. Submission of one (1) photocopy and presentation of original medical certificate
- Presentation of original and submission of one (1) photocopy of valid foreign Driver’s License. If the foreign Driver’s License is not in English language, original official English translation
- Presentation of original and submission of one (1) photocopy of valid passport showing the first page, visa page and latest date of entry in the Philippines.
- Presentation of Foreign Driver’s License
- TIN, if employed
Procedures
To convert your foreign driver’s license using the LTMS, you simply need to follow these steps:
For Expired Foreign Driver’s License and/or from Countries Operating Right Hand Drive Vehicles
Step 1: Make sure that you have a stable internet connection and a compatible web browser on your device.
Step 2: Navigate to the official LTMS portal by typing “LTMS LTO” into your search engine or directly visiting the official LTMS portal website.
Step 3: Log in to your registered LTMS account by keying in your login credentials, using either your registered email address or LTO Client ID and the nominated password. Then, click the “Sign In” button.
Note: If you have yet to register for an LTMS portal account, then you’ll need to create an LTMS portal account first by clicking the Register button and following the registration prompts.
Step 4: Once logged in, locate and click on the Licensing icon on the Dashboard menu options.
Step 5: Read and accept the Terms of Use.
Step 6: In the Licensing section, you’ll find the types of license such as Driver’s License and Conductor’s License. Click on the type of license that you have, then click Next.
Step 7: You will then see the different transactions you can do via the LTMS portal, including New, Renewal, Conversion of Foreign License, Additional Code or Category, Change of DL Classification, Renewal of Delinquent PDL with Valid Foreign DL, Dropping of Category or Additional or Removal of Driving Conditions, Revision of Records, Enhancement of DL, Change of Clutch Type, and OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) DL Renewal. Select Conversion of Foreign License.
- In case of renewal of an expired Philippine driver’s license with a valid foreign driver’s license, select Renewal.
Step 8: Complete the required fields and upload the necessary documents.
Step 9: Select your preferred LTO branch for the appointment location/agency as well as your preferred date and time.
Step 10: Take a moment to review the license details and verify its accuracy. Pay attention to important details such as dates, spelling, and other details then submit the application.
Step 11: Select payment mode.
Step 12: Wait for the application confirmation and proceed to the selected payment channel.
Step 13: Pay the application fee and wait for the Official Receipt to be received via email.
Step 14: On the appointment date, visit the LTO branch, show up to the Client Service Officer (CSO) of the preferred location/agency, and present the paid transaction with the required documents.
Step 15: Get a queue number and wait.
Step 16: Wait for the processing update to be completed and for your number to be called, then proceed to the Client Service Officer (CSO) window for biometric capturing.
For Valid Foreign Driver’s License and Renewal of Expired Philippine Driver’s License with a Valid Foreign Driver’s License, proceed to Step 23.
For Valid Foreign Driver’s License from Countries Operating Right Hand Drive Vehicles, proceed to Step 20.
Step 17: Proceed to the examination area for the theoretical exam.
Step 18: Wait for the queue in the examination area and take the exam.
If the Applicant Failed the Theoretical Exam
Step 19: Wait for the examination result and notice allowing you to reapply in the following regular working day or any day at your convenience.
If the Applicant Passed the Theoretical Exam
Step 20:. Proceed to the actual driving test.
Step 21: Take the actual driving test according to the type of vehicle/DL code you want on your license.
If the Applicant Failed the Practical Exam
Step 22: Receives the examination result and notice to retake the LTO practical exam after 7 calendar days from the date of last practical examination
If the Applicant Passed the Practical Exam
Step 23: Proceeds to the waiting area and waits for your name to be called out by the cashier for payment of the DL.
Step 24: Wait for the OR then return to the Client Service Officer (CSO) window.
Step 25: At the Client Service Officer (CSO) window, present the OR.
Step 26: Wait for the Philippine DL to be issued to you and then sign your name on the log sheet to prove that it has been released to you.
Fees
Regardless if it is done online via the LTMS portal or in person at the LTO branch, the fees for converting a foreign driver’s license to a Philippine driver’s license range from ₱852.63 to ₱920.26, depending on whether you need to take the written and practical driving exams.
Processing Time
The processing time, including waiting time, begins upon the submission of complete requirements. When done online, the entire transaction can be completed within one (1) hour and twenty (20) minutes to two (2) hours and ten (10) minutes, depending on whether you have a valid or an expired foreign driver’s license. If the transaction cannot be completed on the same day, applicants will be advised to return on the next working day and will be prioritized at the step where they left off. The transaction may take longer if the applicant fails any of the LTO exams required.
Video: How to Convert Your Foreign Driver’s License into a Philippine Driver’s License
For a visual walkthrough on how to convert your Foreign Driver’s License into a Philippine Driver’s License, you may check out this video from Born Martinez:
Tips and Reminders
For your reference, here are some important notes to remember when converting your FDL to an LTO-issued Philippine driver’s license:
- When converting a foreign driver’s license (FDL), you can only convert one category at a time. This means you must choose between motorcycles, cars, or non-HGV lorries.
- If you want to add more categories later, you’ll need to wait at least a month before requesting additional DL codes.
- Foreigners can only operate heavy or articulated vehicles with specific DL codes BE, C, CE, or D if they have a DOLE Alien Employment Permit (AEP) stating they’re required or authorized to operate such vehicles.
- If renewing an expired Philippine driver’s license with a valid FDL and additional DL code, you must pass theoretical and practical exams unless the FDL category matches the Philippine DL category.
- The DL category in your FDL serves as the Primary Document Code (PDC) for the equivalent Philippine DL category you’re applying for.
- If your issuing country practices left-hand traffic, you must undergo a practical driving test.
- Processing time starts when you submit all required documents and includes waiting time.
- If you can’t complete your transaction in one day, you’ll be advised to return the next working day and will be prioritized where you left off.
- Foreigners converting FDL to Philippine DL will receive their license via registered mail through the Philippine Postal Service.
- Ensure all required documents are complete and authentic before submitting your application.
- If your foreign driver’s license is still valid, you may not need to take the written and practical exams.
- Follow all instructions carefully and double-check appointment details and payment information.
- Be aware of additional requirements for specific license categories, such as heavy or articulated vehicles for foreigners.
Summary
Converting your foreign driver’s license to a Philippine driver’s license through the LTMS portal is a convenient and efficient way to secure an LTO-issued license. Not only that, being able to do it online means you get to avoid the infamous Philippine queues in government offices and you get to finish the process from the comforts of your own space. In case you need to visit an LTO branch to complete the procedures, the LTMS portal also offers flexibility in scheduling appointments and the option for delivery via courier service, making the conversion process seamless and appealing as it ensures a smooth and more comfortable transition for foreign individuals residing in the Philippines.