LTO now issuing driver’s licenses valid for 10 years

Photo from Land Transportation Office-Philippines Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Thursday started issuing driver’s licenses that are valid for 10 years.

Under Republic Act No. 10930, which amended the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, driver’s license holders with no traffic violation on file will get the new licenses with 10-year validity. Motorists with traffic violations will only get licenses with five-year validity upon renewal.

Section 3 of RA 10930 also mandates the LTO to conduct an examination on both applicants for new driver’s licenses and those renewing their expired licenses.

“The law wants to make sure that only qualified motorists who possess both driving skills and knowledge of road safety and road courtesy are given the privilege to drive motor vehicles,” said Edgar Galvante, chief of the LTO.

The LTO also extended the validity of expired driver’s licenses by two months from their expiry date.

The rollout of the new licenses with 10-year validity will start at the LTO’s Central Office-Licensing Section and the Quezon City Licensing Center, the agency said. —Mariejo S. Ramos