Philippines DOTr - Extended Validity Period of Car Plate and Driver's License

Great things are happening now at the Land Transportation Office (LTO). The Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugabe has signed a Department Order extending the validity period of car plates and driver's licenses, from the present three years to a five year validity period. The effort will definitely benefit the public in general, particularly the motorists.

This is in line of the plan of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in the coming years to address the complex transportation and traffic issues. 

As clarified by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) spokesperson Cherie Mercado-Santos, the validity extension covers new registrations and that one has to wait the expiration period of their current registrations and apply again for registration to avail the new validity period.

Starting October, the new validity period will be initially implemented in the National Capital Region and later in all regions of the country.

Part of the plan for next year is to include a car plate upon purchase of a new car.

The Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade also announced the next year plan of online renewal of driver's licenses. Anyone can renew their license without having a personal appearance at the Land Transportation Office. However, the online renewal of driver's license is only possible for those without violations or citations. Those with records of violations or crime may apply renewal directly to the head office.