How to Convert a Foreign Driver's License
Foreign nationals residing in the Philippines or Filipino citizens who obtained their driver's license abroad can convert their foreign license to a Philippine driver's license at the LTO. This process is also known as "conversion" and allows you to legally drive in the Philippines beyond the 90-day tourist driving period.
Overview
Cost
~₱585 - ₱808
LTO license fees (excluding medical, NBI, etc.)
Timeline
1-3 Days
May take longer if verification is needed
Key Fact
Must Be Valid
Foreign license must be valid and current
Reciprocity
Some Countries
Have agreements that may waive exam requirements
Who Can Apply
- Foreign nationals with valid work visa or residency - Must have a valid Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR-I Card) or appropriate visa
- Returning OFWs / Filipino citizens with foreign license - Filipinos who obtained their driver's license in another country
- Holders of International Driving Permit (IDP) wanting permanent PH license - IDP holders who wish to obtain a full Philippine driver's license
- Foreign license must be valid (not expired) - Expired foreign licenses cannot be converted; you would need to apply as a new applicant
Requirements
| # | Document | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Valid Foreign Driver's License (Original) | Must be current and not expired; bring original copy |
| 2 | Certified True Copy of Foreign License | From the issuing country's embassy, if required by LTO |
| 3 | Philippine Visa or ACR-I Card | For foreign nationals; must be valid work visa or residency permit |
| 4 | PSA Birth Certificate | For Filipino citizens; original PSA-authenticated copy |
| 5 | Valid Passport (Original + Photocopy) | Data page and latest entry stamp; bring original and photocopy |
| 6 | Medical Certificate | From an LTO-accredited clinic; includes physical, visual, and hearing examination |
| 7 | Drug Test Result | Negative drug test from an LTO-accredited testing facility |
| 8 | NBI Clearance | National Bureau of Investigation clearance; valid and recent |
| 9 | Translation of Foreign License | If not in English; must be certified translation (embassy or accredited translator) |
| 10 | 1x1 and 2x2 ID Photos | Recent photos with white background |
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Verify Your Foreign License
Confirm that your foreign driver's license is valid and not expired. If your license is not in English, you must obtain a certified translation from the issuing country's embassy or an accredited translator. Some LTO offices require embassy authentication or verification of your foreign license before processing the conversion. Contact the LTO office in advance to confirm what specific verification they require for your country of origin.
Step 2: Get Required Clearances
Obtain an NBI Clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation. You can apply online at clearance.nbi.gov.ph or walk in at any NBI office. Additionally, get your medical certificate and drug test from an LTO-accredited clinic. These clinics are usually located near or within LTO office premises. The medical exam includes physical, visual, and hearing tests.
Step 3: Go to LTO Main Office or District Office
Some foreign license conversions may only be processed at specific LTO offices, such as the LTO Main Office in East Avenue, Quezon City or designated regional offices. Not all LTO district or extension offices handle foreign license conversions. Call ahead to confirm that your chosen office processes conversion applications. Bring all your requirements in original and photocopy form.
Step 4: Submit Application
Present all your documents at the foreign license conversion window. An LTO officer will verify the authenticity of your foreign license. The officer may contact the embassy or foreign licensing authority of your country to verify that your license is legitimate and in good standing. This verification process may take additional time depending on the responsiveness of the foreign authority.
Step 5: Take Required Exams
You will be required to take a written exam consisting of 40 items covering Philippine traffic rules, road signs, and regulations. A practical driving exam may also be required depending on your country of origin. Countries that have reciprocity agreements with the Philippines may be exempt from one or both exams. Check with the LTO officer handling your application to confirm which exams apply to you.
Step 6: Pay Fees and Receive Philippine License
After passing the required exams (or if exempt), proceed to the cashier to pay the license fees of ₱585 (Non- Professional) or ₱808 (Professional). Your biometrics (photo, digital signature, and fingerprint) will be captured. You will then receive your Philippine driver's license. Note that your foreign license may be returned to you or retained by the LTO — this varies depending on the LTO office and the country of issuance.
Fees Breakdown
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| License Fee (Non-Professional) | ₱585 | 5-year validity Non-Professional license |
| License Fee (Professional) | ₱808 | 5-year validity Professional license |
| Computer Fee | ₱67.63 | For processing and written exam |
| Medical / Drug Test | ₱300 - ₱500 | Paid directly to the LTO-accredited clinic |
| NBI Clearance | ₱155 | Standard NBI clearance fee |
| Translation / Authentication | Varies | Depends on embassy or translator fees; only if license is not in English |
| TOTAL (Estimated) | ₱1,100 - ₱1,530+ | Including medical, NBI, and LTO fees |
Countries with Reciprocity Agreements
Some countries have agreements with the Philippines that allow easier conversion of driver's licenses. Holders of licenses from these countries may be exempt from one or both exams (written and practical). Known countries with reciprocity agreements include:
- Japan - Reciprocity agreement in place
- South Korea - Reciprocity agreement in place
- Some ASEAN countries - Under the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Tourism Professionals and bilateral agreements
Note: Reciprocity agreements change over time. Always verify the current status of any agreement with the LTO before your visit. Contact the LTO Main Office or check the official LTO website for the most up-to-date list of countries with reciprocity agreements.
International Driving Permit (IDP)
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid for 90 days for tourists driving in the Philippines
- An IDP is not a substitute for a Philippine driver's license for residents or long-term visa holders
- If you are staying in the Philippines for longer than 90 days, you must convert your foreign license to a Philippine driver's license
- The IDP must be accompanied by your valid foreign driver's license at all times while driving
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tourists drive in the Philippines with a foreign license?
Yes, tourists can drive in the Philippines using their valid foreign driver's license or International Driving Permit (IDP) for up to 90 days from the date of arrival. After 90 days, you must convert your foreign license to a Philippine driver's license to continue driving legally.
Do I need to surrender my foreign license?
This varies by LTO office and the country that issued your license. Some LTO offices may retain your foreign license as part of the conversion process, while others will return it to you. Ask the LTO officer handling your application about their specific policy before submitting your documents.
Is there an exam for converting a foreign license?
Usually, yes. Most applicants are required to take the 40-item written exam on Philippine traffic rules. A practical driving exam may also be required. However, applicants from countries with reciprocity agreements with the Philippines may be exempt from one or both exams. Check with the LTO for the current list of countries with reciprocity agreements.
How long is the new Philippine license valid?
The converted Philippine driver's license is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance. You will need to renew it at any LTO office before it expires, following the standard license renewal process.
Can I convert an expired foreign license?
No, your foreign driver's license must be valid (not expired) at the time of application. If your foreign license has expired, you will need to either renew it in the issuing country first, or apply for a new Philippine driver's license as a fresh applicant (starting with a Student Permit).
What if my foreign license is not in English?
If your foreign driver's license is not in English, you must obtain a certified translation. This can be done through the embassy of the issuing country in the Philippines or through an accredited translator. The translation must be certified and official. Some LTO offices may also require the translation to be authenticated by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Can I convert a foreign motorcycle license?
Yes, you can convert a foreign motorcycle license to a Philippine license with the appropriate restriction code (Restriction Code 1 for motorcycles). The same conversion process applies. Your Philippine license will reflect the vehicle type(s) you are authorized to drive based on your foreign license.
Which LTO offices process foreign license conversions?
Not all LTO offices handle foreign license conversions. The LTO Main Office in East Avenue, Quezon City is the primary processing center. Some LTO Regional Offices and select District Offices may also process conversions. Always call ahead to confirm that the office you plan to visit handles foreign license conversion applications.
Important Reminders
- Call the LTO office first to confirm they handle foreign license conversions and to ask about any specific requirements for your country
- Bring all original documents and photocopies - LTO may require multiple copies of certain documents
- Driving beyond 90 days without a Philippine license is illegal - Violators may face fines and other penalties under Philippine law
- No fixers policy - Transact directly with LTO personnel; using fixers is illegal and can result in penalties
- Processing times may vary - Verification of foreign licenses can take additional days or weeks depending on the issuing country
- Keep a copy of your foreign license - Before submitting, make photocopies or take photos of your foreign license in case it is retained by the LTO
- Check LTO announcements for any changes in requirements, fees, or reciprocity agreements
Need Help?
Contact LTO
- LTO Hotline: (02) 7790-8140
- Customer Service: 1-3424 (Smart)
- Email: info@lto.gov.ph
- Website: www.lto.gov.ph
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the LTO Licensing Center you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest LTO Licensing Center first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.