MANILA – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has unveiled a structured renewal plan for driver’s licenses that lapsed beginning April 1, 2023, due to a recent influx of plastic cards. This initiative seeks to address the existing backlog in driver’s license issuance.
According to Atty. Vigor Mendoza II, Chief Assistant Secretary of LTO, individuals with driver’s licenses expiring between April 1, 2023, and September 30, 2023, are now eligible to obtain their printed driver’s licenses. This development comes as a result of an increased production capacity and expedited delivery, thanks to the support of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista.
Mendoza stated, “Meron na po tayong sapat na bilang ng plastic cards to cover the printing of the driver’s licenses that expired mula April 1 hanggang September 30 dahil sa tulong ng ating DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista ay mas pinadami ang production at mas pinabilis ang delivery para ma-address na natin ang backlog sa driver’s license.”
The renewal schedule, outlined in a memorandum dated October 4 and addressed to all Regional Directors, district office heads, and other officials, is as follows:
- Driver’s Licenses expiring from April 1 to 30, 2023, can be renewed between October 6 and 31, 2023.
- For Driver’s Licenses expiring from May 1 to 31, 2023, renewal is open from November 1 to 30, 2023.
- Those with licenses expiring from June 1 to 30, 2023, can renew from December 1 to 31, 2023.
- Driver’s Licenses expiring from July 1 to 31, 2023, have a renewal window from January 1 to 31, 2024.
- Renewal for Driver’s Licenses expiring from August 1 to 31, 2023, is available from February 1 to 29, 2024.
- Those with licenses expiring from September 1 to 30, 2023, can renew from March 1 to 31, 2024.
- Mendoza explained that scheduling renewal dates aims to prevent overcrowding at LTO offices across the country. He emphasized, “Ang iniiwasan natin dito ay dahil nga may plastic card na ay biglang bugso ng tao sa ating mga opisina para mag-renew. Gusto nating magkaroon ng sistema upang mabilis at komportable sa ating mga kababayan.”
For individuals who have already renewed their licenses but received paper-printed versions, Mendoza clarified that they can revisit the licensing office and present their payment receipt to acquire the plastic driver’s license.
Previously, the LTO extended the validity of all driver’s licenses expiring from April 1, 2023, due to the plastic card shortage. However, this extended validity will expire if holders fail to renew on the designated dates. Mendoza urged the public to adhere to the provided schedule, highlighting that the renewal process is efficient, typically taking around 15 minutes, and designed to minimize wait times.
