License to Drive

Though I'm a generally happy person, I'm also cynical by nature, and putting up a Thankful 365 entry that's entirely cheerful is kinda difficult. I doubt anyone is really interested in all of these Thankful 365 entries anyway, so I interrupt regular programming to give you a feature on some useful stuff that you'll hopefully need.

Today's topic: How to renew your Philippine Driver's license.

Why am I writing this? Because when I was trying to renew my license, I didn't find enough information to adequately prepare me. I mean, my knowledge was all based on previous experiences, and some areas even caught me by surprise. So, hopefully, this entry lessens the surprise for you and prepares you for what to expect.

1. Verify if your license is expired or not. Preferably renew your license before it expires, because renewal after expiry entails a fine (from PHP 75 to PHP 225).


2. Check the LTO website on where the most convenient renewal center is.


3. Go to that center and renew


• Aside from the renewal fees specified in the LTO website (PHP 417.63 in total), you also have to shell out almost PHP 500 for the medical exam (urine lab test, etc). So make sure you have enough cash.


• This step assumes you're just renewing your license and not changing anything else (ex. change of name, address, etc). If you have the need to change anything, or you're replacing a lost license, better renew your license in one of the LTO offices instead. You can check the LTO site for an office near you.


• There is usually no line an hour before closing time (for the renewal centers)


4. After you go through the hassle of the urine exam, having your picture taken, having your fingerprint taken, and affixing your imaginary signature on your pretty mugshot, the LTO personnel will then check your records with the main LTO database to check if you have outstanding tickets or unpaid traffic fines. If you do have outstanding tickets, you're screwed! No, really, you are. But don't sweat. You just have to go to MMDA's main office in Guadalupe to contest/clear your name/pay your fine. If you feel you've paid for the said offence already, you better have proof of payment, otherwise, you'd have to line up and pay all over again. Then line up again to have a "certificate of clearance", then go back again to the LTO office to proceed with your driver's license renewal.
   
   Don't worry, they won't be taking your picture again. So make sure your first mugshot is perfect.

It's that easy. On a good day it can take 2 hours, if you're unlucky it can take you 2 days. Whatever you do, keep your cool, smile (because people help other people who smile, really), and always keep your traffic fine receipts.