Land Transportation Office (LTO)

LTO Non-Professional Driver’s License (New)

To get a new Non-Professional Driver’s License, be at least 17 (18 for foreigners), hold a Student-Driver’s Permit that has been valid for at least one month, complete the Practical Driving Course, pass LTO’s theoretical and practical driving tests, and file with an electronically transmitted medical certificate and APL form. This is not driver’s license renewal.

First issuance of a Non-Professional Driver’s License after holding a Student-Driver’s Permit and completing PDC—not the same as renewing an existing license.

Last verified October 7, 2026

Updated October 7, 2026

Age, one-month Student Permit holding, PDC, exams, and documentary checklist align with LTO Citizen’s Charter 2025 New Driver’s License (Non-Professional) and LTO NCR new-NPDL guidance. New-license fee lines are confirmed at payment against the published schedule—not copied from renewal totals.

Quick Summary

Agency
Land Transportation Office (LTO)
How to apply
Online or walk-in
Published processing time
Depends on exam scheduling, biometrics, and office load. Confirm appointments and same-day release rules at your licensing site.
Published LTO fees
₱100.00

What You’ll Need

Use this as a preparation checklist. Items marked “If it applies” are situational.

  • Meet the age qualification

    Official source

    At least 17 years old for Filipino applicants; at least 18 for foreign applicants (per LTO NCR new NPDL qualifications).

  • Valid Student-Driver’s Permit held for at least one (1) month

    Official source

    Must be a holder of a Student-Driver’s Permit valid for at least one month from issuance. Keep the physical/current SP for presentation.

  • Practical Driving Course (PDC) completion certificate

    Official source

    Attend and pass PDC from an LTO-accredited licensed driver instructor path, LTO Driver’s Education Center, LTO-accredited driving school, or LTO-accredited TESDA training center. Present original and submit photocopy.

    Get it from: LTO DEC / accredited school / accredited TESDA / accredited instructor channel

  • Electronically transmitted medical certificate from an LTO-accredited clinic

    Official source

    Present original and submit one photocopy.

  • Duly accomplished APL form for new Non-Professional Driver’s License

    Official source
    1 original

  • Pass Automated Theoretical Examination and Practical Driving Test

    Official source

    LTO requires passing both the automated theoretical examination and the practical driving test for new NPDL.

  • Parental or guardian consent + valid government ID (if 17 years old)

    If it appliesOfficial source

  • TIN, if employed

    If it appliesOfficial source

How To Do It

  1. 1

    Hold your Student Permit long enough, then finish PDC

    Official source

    Wait until your SP has been issued for at least one month, complete PDC while the SP rules for practical training still allow it, and keep certificates ready for electronic transmission/presentation.

  2. 2

    File the new NPDL application

    Official source

    Submit APL, medical, PDC, and Student Permit for evaluation at the LTO licensing office or complete the published portal steps.

  3. 3

    Take the theoretical and practical tests

    Official source

    Pass LTO’s automated theoretical examination and practical driving test for the restriction codes you are applying for.

  4. 4

    Pay assessed fees and claim the license

    Confirm at office

    Pay the new-license assessment (not the renewal total) and claim the card per office release instructions.

Fees

Only amounts published by LTO are shown as figures. Third-party charges are flagged instead of guessed.

Application fee (published new-license schedule line)
Application fee line on LTO’s published DL fee schedule. Card/computer and other lines may be added in the assessment.
Official source
₱100.00
Total new Non-Professional license fees
Do not use the ₱585 plain-renewal total for a first-time NPDL. Confirm the new-license assessment on your Order of Payment. Medical and PDC school fees are separate.
Confirm at office
Confirm at LTMS / LTO cashier

Important Notes

  • New NPDL ≠ Driver’s License Renewal

    Official source

    If you already have a Non-Professional or Professional license and need to extend it, use the Driver’s License Renewal guide. This page is only for first issuance after a Student Permit.

  • New license validity

    Official source

    LTO NCR states a new driver’s license is valid for five years reckoned from the date of birth of the license holder, unless sooner revoked or suspended, with longer renewal validity available after a clean period under RA 10930 rules—confirm the validity printed on your card.

Where / How To Apply

LTO licensing offices publishing New Driver’s License (Non-Professional) walk-in service, and LTMS portal paths where offered after Student-Driver’s Permit and PDC records are in the system.

Open LTMS PortalVisit LTO website

Official Sources

Verify the checklist against the agency before you travel or pay.