Getting a Philippine Driver’s License: 2026 Guide for Expats & Long-Stay Visitors
Getting a Philippine driver’s license is a key step for expats and long-stay visitors who plan to drive in the Philippines beyond their initial arrival period. While foreigners can usually drive using a valid foreign license for up to 90 days, anyone staying longer must convert or apply for a local Philippine driver’s license through the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to remain legal on the road.
On a personal level, when I first came to the Philippines, getting a new driving license was the last thing on my mind. I knew I could use my existing one for 90 days and assumed converting it would be a quick formality. I even bought myself a motorbike and, with the days ticking away, finally decided I’d better head to the local LTO and get it sorted — only to discover I had slightly underestimated what the process involved.
In this guide, Getting a Philippine Driver’s License, I’ll walk you through how expats and long-stay visitors can obtain a Philippine driver’s license — explaining the requirements, the LTO application process, and what to expect at each stage along the way.
Table of Contents
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Understanding the LTO: How Foreigners Can Get a Driver’s License in the Philippines
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is the government agency responsible for issuing driver’s licenses in the Philippines. If you're a foreigner applying for a local license — whether by converting your current license or starting from scratch — all paperwork, exams, and approvals go through the LTO. Offices can be found in every major city and provincial capital, but expect long queues, especially at busier branches.
Be cautious of so-called fixers — people who linger outside LTO offices offering to “speed up” your application for a fee. Some wear fake IDs or claim to have inside connections. While this might seem like a convenient shortcut, it’s illegal and can lead to forged documents, disqualification from applying, or even license revocation. Many foreigners have learned this the hard way.
Official LTO online portal — register, book appointments, and manage driver’s license applications.
The only proper route is through the official LTO process. The agency now operates a centralised online portal (LTMS) where you can register, book appointments, and manage your application digitally. Not every branch uses it flawlessly, but it’s a big step forward in transparency and convenience. With the right documents prepared in advance and by following the official process, there’s no need to pay anyone unofficially. It may require patience — but it’s worth doing right.
How to Apply for a Philippine Driver’s License
The driver’s license application process can feel confusing if you’re unfamiliar with the full procedure. While the Land Transportation Office applies the same official requirements nationwide, how they’re implemented can vary between branches. Larger centres such as Cebu and Manila tend to be more integrated with the LTMS online system, while some provincial offices still rely on paper forms — something I’ve seen at my local LTO in Tagbilaran, Bohol. It’s best to first understand the application steps, then visit your local LTO to get advice based on your visa status, and supporting documents.
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Visa Eligibility and ID Requirements for a Philippine Driver’s License
In practice, eligibility for a Philippine driver’s license comes down to one main requirement: you must be a long-stay foreign visitor with valid residency documentation. For most applicants, this means holding an ACR I-Card or SRRV card alongside a qualifying visa that allows extended stay in the Philippines.
Holding a long-term residency visa supports eligibility by clearly establishing lawful stay and identity. The LTO relies on the ACR I-Card (or equivalent government-issued resident ID) as part of the application review.
One practical caveat applies when using the tourist visa route. During my application at the LTO in Tagbilaran, Bohol, I was asked to show proof of at least six months of tourist visa extensions alongside my ACR I-Card before my application would be accepted. This requirement does not appear consistently in published LTO guidance.
In all application cases, I highly recommend that you confirm document expectations directly with your local LTO office before applying.
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Important Application Consideration
One important factor to consider is timing. A foreign driver’s license is only valid for the first 90 days after arrival, while the full application process — from initial application through to issuance of a non-professional Philippine driver’s license — can take around the same amount of time. Meeting all local requirements within this window can be challenging, so planning ahead is essential to avoid being left without a valid license while documents are still being processed.
Philippine Driver’s License Application Process
Below is the full application process for obtaining a non-professional Philippine driver’s license as a foreigner. The steps are presented in order, based on how the LTO processes applications in practice, with timing shown to help you plan each stage correctly.
Key Points Before You Begin
This process assumes you entered the Philippines on a tourist visa and are following the tourist visa route. An ACR I-Card is only issued once you have stayed in the Philippines for 90 days and completed the required visa extensions.
Your foreign driver’s license is only valid for driving in the Philippines during the first 90 days after arrival, so careful timing is important to avoid being left without a valid license while your application is in progress.
Stage 1: Day 1 to Day 59 — Preparation Stage (Pre-ACR I Period)
This is your initial window after entering the Philippines on a tourist visa. At this point, you are not yet eligible to apply for a student permit, but you can take essential steps to get ahead — including starting the required theoretical course and securing your visa extension.
| What You Can Do | Notes |
|---|---|
| Enter the Philippines | Arrive visa-free or with a 30-day tourist visa. |
| Apply for a 29-day visa extension (optional) | Recommended — brings your total stay to 59 days without needing an ACR I-Card. |
| Take the 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) | Can be completed before reaching Day 59 — an ACR I-Card is not yet required. |
| Get a Medical Certificate (optional) | Can be completed early; valid for 60 days and required later for your permit. Must be carried out at an LTO-accredited clinic. |
| ❌ You cannot apply for a Student Permit yet | The LTO requires an ACR I-Card and sufficient visa validity before issuing a permit. |
Stage 2: Day 59 to Day 89 — Student Permit Application
After Day 59, you’ll need to secure your ACR I-Card and ensure your visa is extended. This stage allows you to officially apply for a student permit, which is a required step before moving on to a non-professional license. Once the permit is issued, a mandatory 30-day waiting period begins before you can take the next step.
| What You Can Do | Notes |
|---|---|
| Apply for ACR I-Card | This is mandatory for all foreigners staying beyond 59 days and is required for license processing. |
| Request a longer visa extension | Some LTO offices require sufficient remaining visa validity when issuing a student permit or license. During my application, I was asked to show at least six months of tourist visa extensions. This requirement can vary by branch, so confirm with your local LTO office. |
| Apply for Student Permit at LTO | Submit your ACR I-Card, valid visa, medical certificate, and Theoretical Driving Course certificate to the LTO. |
| Begin the 30-day holding period | The 30-day holding period starts from the date your student permit is issued. |
| Take the Practical Driving Course (PDC) | Once your student permit is issued, you may complete the 8-hour Practical Driving Course at any LTO-accredited driving school. This is hands-on instruction using either a car or motorcycle. A PDC certificate is required when applying for a non-professional license. |
| ✅ Drive with supervision | You may legally drive once your student permit is issued, but you must be accompanied by a person holding a non-professional or professional license. |
Stage 3: Day 89+ — Non-Professional License Application
After completing the 30-day waiting period from the date your student permit was issued, you become eligible to apply for a non-professional driver’s license. This final phase involves taking the written and practical exams and submitting all required documentation. Once approved, you’ll receive your Philippine driver’s license — valid for five years on first issuance. If you maintain a clean driving record with no violations during that period, the license is extended to ten years at renewal.
| What You Can Do | Notes |
|---|---|
| Complete the 30-day waiting period | Must be counted from the issue date of your student permit, not from your arrival in the country. |
| Go to the LTO with complete documents | Bring your student permit, ACR I-Card, valid visa, medical certificate, and both TDC and PDC certificates. Register for the exams at your local LTO office. |
| Take and pass the written exam | Based on the Theoretical Driving Course material. Usually a computer-based multiple-choice test at the LTO branch. |
| Take and pass the practical driving test | Conducted by LTO staff using your chosen vehicle type (motorcycle or car). Assesses real-world driving ability. |
| ✅ Receive your Non-Professional Driver’s License | Valid for five years on first issuance. If no traffic violations are recorded during this period, the license is extended to ten years upon renewal. Restriction codes (e.g., RC 1 or RC 2) are based on the vehicle you tested with. |
Driving License Costs in the Philippines
Applying for a Philippine driver’s license as a foreigner involves several stages. While official LTO fees are relatively low, total costs can vary depending on where you complete required courses and medical checks. The table below outlines typical costs you should plan for in 2026.
| Item | Estimated Cost (₱) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Certificate | ₱300 – ₱700 | Must be obtained from an LTO-accredited clinic; prices vary by location. |
| Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) | ₱1,000 – ₱3,500 | Required for student permit applicants; cost depends on driving school. |
| Student Permit | ₱317.63 | Official LTO fee; typically valid for one year. |
| Practical Driving Course (PDC) | ₱2,000 – ₱7,000 | Varies by vehicle type and school; required before the practical exam. |
| Non-Professional License Application | ₱685 | Covers application, testing, and license card issuance. |
Useful Links
LTO Official Website — For branch locations, updated licensing procedures, and downloadable forms.
Vehicle License Application Form — Review the LTO license application form here.
Final Thoughts: Getting Licensed the Right Way
Getting a Philippine driver’s license is less about speed and more about preparation. Before you begin, it’s important to fully understand your visa status and any limitations it brings — particularly if you’re following the tourist visa route, where timing, extensions, and document requirements can quickly become critical.
The application process is manageable once you understand how it works and plan ahead. Breaking it into clear stages helps avoid unnecessary delays, especially given the 90-day validity of a foreign license and the time required to progress from student permit to a non-professional license.
One of the most practical steps you can take is to visit your local LTO office early in the process. Requirements and expectations can vary by branch, and confirming what documents are needed in advance can save time and frustration later. Follow the official process, avoid shortcuts and fixers, and allow enough time for each stage — with preparation and patience, getting licensed in the Philippines is entirely achievable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners legally drive in the Philippines using a foreign driver’s license?
Yes. Foreigners can usually drive using a valid foreign driver’s license for up to 90 days from the date of arrival. After that, you’ll need to apply for a Philippine driver’s license through the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to remain legal on the road.
When should I start the Philippine driver’s license application process?
If you plan to stay long-term, start planning early. Your foreign license is only valid for 90 days after arrival, and moving from student permit to a non-professional license can take a similar amount of time once you account for document requirements and the mandatory waiting period.
Do I need an ACR I-Card to apply for a Philippine driver’s license?
Yes. An ACR I-Card is required before you can apply for a student permit and proceed to a Philippine driver’s license. Under the tourist visa route, the ACR I-Card is only issued once you have stayed in the Philippines for 90 days and completed the required visa extensions.
How long does it take to get a non-professional driver’s license in the Philippines?
For applicants following the tourist visa route, the full process often takes around 90 days from arrival to issuance. Timing depends on when your ACR I-Card becomes available and the required 30-day holding period after your student permit is issued.
Can requirements differ between LTO offices?
Yes. While requirements are set nationally, how they’re applied can vary by branch. Some offices may request additional proof of visa validity or extensions, so it’s best to visit your local LTO early to confirm exactly what documents they expect before you apply.
How long is a Philippine non-professional driver’s license valid?
A non-professional Philippine driver’s license is valid for five years on first issuance. If no traffic violations are recorded during that five-year period, it is extended to ten years upon renewal.
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