LTO extends validity of expired driver’s licenses

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has ordered the “automatic” extension of the validity of expired driver’s licenses. In a memorandum, the LTO declared that the validity of these licenses will be extended to April 2, 2024, or until it obtains an adequate supply of plastic cards, whichever comes first. LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II explained on Friday that the extension covered licenses, which expired on April 3 this year “because this was when the shortage of our plastic cards started.” Since it was an automatic extension, Mendoza said those with expiring licenses during the covered dates would not need to go to the LTO office to extend the validity of their driver’s licenses. Old or expired licenses will remain valid until replaced by a new plastic card. The LTO earlier extended the validity of driver’s licenses to Oct. 31. —Dexter V. Cabalza