How to Get a Driver’s License in the Philippines

This article will be useful for many tourists who have decided to visit the country, not only with the goal of relaxing on a beach with golden sand and turquoise ocean waves but also for those planning a longer stay to see the unforgettable mountain terrain with their own eyes or to dive under a rushing, refreshing waterfall in the heat.

The Philippines is no different from many developed countries in terms of the presence of public transport. In the Philippines, several types of transport can be highlighted: tricycles, jeepneys, and buses. I must regretfully admit that even I am sometimes shocked by the use of local public transport. It is very difficult to understand in which direction your “bus” is heading.

Of course! Using public transport does not cause major issues, and you will be able to reach any point on the islands. However, for long-distance travel, it is best to use personal transport, such as a scooter, motorcycle, or car. To operate a vehicle in this country, you must have authorization—a driver’s license!

Your Foreign Driver’s License

For all tourists planning a short stay in the Philippines, I recommend bringing your foreign driver’s license with you on your trip. You can use it here for 90 days from the moment of your arrival in the Philippines. Here, you can rent a means of transportation either for one day or on a monthly basis. After three months have expired, you must obtain a local driver’s license at the “LTO” (Land Transportation Office).

Converting a Foreign Driver’s License in the Philippines

For all other tourists who have decided to stay in the country for more than 180 days, I recommend converting your foreign driver’s license into a local one (Philippine Driver’s License). This service is provided at the LTO in just one day. However, certain conditions must be met: What are the requirements?

• Your valid foreign license. It must be in English. Otherwise, you will need to provide an official English translation, which you can obtain from your embassy or a translation bureau. (Also bring 1 photocopy).
• Original copy of your valid passport.
• Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR Card).
• Original or valid copy of your visa or an official receipt for a valid visa issued by the Bureau of Immigration.
• Original medical certificate with an official receipt. (Accredited by the Land Transportation Office (LTO)).
• Fully completed Driver’s License Application Form (this is also available and can be filled out at the LTO).

You can obtain the medical certificate 100 meters to the right of the main entrance to the LTO grounds from a fixer. Look for the inscription on the vest — “LTO Accredited.” The cost of my medical certificate was only 500 pesos.

So, when all your documents are prepared, you can follow our instructions on the path to obtaining that coveted piece of plastic (currently — paper).

Conversion Procedure:

1. We arrived at the main office on East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City (LTO Main Office in Manila). Enter the LTO grounds straight ahead, keeping to the left side, and find the large hall where we will submit our documents.
2. Find Window No. 2 and submit your documents at this window.
3. Wait approximately 10–20 minutes to be called again for your photo and fingerprints.
4. Next, we were sent to Window No. 8 to pay fees of about 800 pesos. Then wait again for approximately 30 minutes. However, you might have to wait longer. (I waited about 1 hour).

In our case, they simply gave us a copy of the license printed on paper with a stamp and informed us that they would mail it to our home address. We received the original 3 weeks later.