Here’s a situation all drivers hope not to get in; realizing you don’t have your driver’s license with you when you are already halfway to your destination. You checked everything, racked your brain many times, trying to remember when and where you last had it with you, and it always turns out blank.
If, after a series of brainstorming and turning your bags and wallets inside out, you still haven’t found it, it’s probably time to accept the reality and be ready to move on.
Put in such a scenario, one would probably panic and brace themselves for the daunting experience of getting a card replacement. To add to that, a driver knows full well also to not even attempt to drive while trying to get a replacement or else risk having a violation. (insert violation post link)
What should you do then if you lose your LTO driver’s license?
Take with you a lot of patience and be ready to spare some time; here’s a detailed guide on how to get a replacement for a lost driver’s license in the Philippines.
- Prepare the necessary documents.
- Affidavit of loss
Try your best to recall when and where you last had your license with you and when and where your license was lost, and relay it to the nearest notary public.
Make sure to bring a valid ID with you and some cash for payment.
Have a scanned copy of this document, and take it with you as you process to the next step.
Important note:
Report Your Lost License for Your Own Protection
Once your driver’s license goes missing, especially if it’s stolen, you must file a police report to make sure that you are protected in case your lost ID would be used for crimes or would be left on crime scenes.
- Application Form
There are two ways you can get a hold of an application form. One is to visit the LTO website, download the LTO lost license online application form, print it, and fill it out completely and legibly. Another is to go to the nearest LTO branch and get it done.
2. Schedule an appointment
This is an optional but highly encouraged step to take to be sure that you will be accommodated once you go to the LTO branch near you.
In the same way as getting an application form, there are also two ways you can process your card’s replacement.
The first is by scheduling an appointment through the official Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) Portal website. On the website, you can choose a convenient schedule by clicking the e-learning tab in the upper-right corner, clicking on licensing, and applying for a duplicate/replacement license.
You will be asked to upload a scanned copy of your notarized affidavit of loss before you can submit the application.
Once done, you’ll be asked to set an appointment at your preferred branch.
3. Visit the LTO branch near you
Visit your preferred LTO branch on your scheduled date, or if you weren’t able to schedule an appointment via the LTMS Portal, you can head on to the nearest LTO branch and process your driver’s license replacement application there.
Here’s what you will do in the office:
- Look for the Customer Service Counter or Public Assistance and Complaints Desk. Here you will submit your documents.
- Notarized affidavit of loss
- Valid ID
- A checklist on the procedure, as well as a Driver’s License Application Form, will be provided (It is always best to come to the office ready to submit the form to save time).
- Get a queue number and wait for your number to be called.
- You will be directed to the evaluation window once it is your turn. Here you will submit all the documents that you now have.
- Notarized affidavit of Loss
- Valid ID
- Filled out Driver’s License application form.
- Your photo and signature are already available in the system since you are only getting back for a replacement. You will now be redirected to another window where you will be given an assessment of fees to pay.
- Proceed to the cashier and prepare the amount indicated. The fee covers the replacement, duplicate, certification, clearance, and computer charges.
The fees, as listed on the LTMS website, are as follows:
a. Replacement fee – P225
B. Certification fee – P100
C. Clearance fee – P30
D. Duplicate fee – P50
E. Additional fees may be asked depending if you would ask for a change in the details of your previous Driver’s License.
- Proceed to the releasing window and present the official receipt. They would either release your new card-type license or give you a temporary license, depending on the current situation.
In some cases, one can bring their new driver’s license home, but In case the card-type license is not yet available or for any other reason, just be attentive to the instructions that would be given to you by the officer in charge.
You may be asked to come back at a later time or date, or a temporary license can be issued if you really need to drive.
8. Then, imprint your name and affix your signature on the releasing logbook or form.
TIPS:
- Come to the Land Transportation Office prepared. Have all your documents ready to save you the hassle of going back and forth. Bring a pen, a bottle of water, an extra face mask and alcohol too.
- Bring a Valid Identification Card and an extra card if you have one since you will be asked to provide proof of your identity to ensure that you are really the owner of the lost driver’s license.
- Check the information on the license to see if everything is correct; the license type, restrictions, and how your name is spelled.
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