Guidelines on Foreign Driver's License Conversion

It amends EMA-MC-01366 dated 09 October 2001 by clarifying issues in the revised guidelines on converting a foreign driver’s license into a Philippine driver’s license.

The applicant must submit (1) original and machine copy of a valid foreign driver’s license (with official English translation if not in English), (2) original and machine copy of a valid passport showing latest date of arrival, (3) original and machine copy of a valid visa or ACR if temporarily residing, (4) a Medical Certificate from an LTO-accredited/government physician, (5) a DOH-accredited drug test result, (6) age requirements (17 for non-professional; 18 for professional), and (7) proof/requirement that the applicant can read, speak, and write English.

An official English translation from the local embassy of the issuing country must be submitted.

A valid passport showing the latest date of arrival.

A valid visa or an Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR).

An original Medical Certificate issued by an LTO-accredited or government physician.

An original copy of a drug test result issued by a DOH-accredited drug testing center.

At least seventeen (17) years old.

At least eighteen (18) years old.

The applicant must know how to read, speak, and write English.

The applicant will be subjected to written and practical examinations.

By the type of motor vehicle used during the actual/practical examination, which determines the appropriate restriction code.

No. Applicants for non-professional driver’s licenses will no longer have to undergo written and practical examinations if the foreign license is valid.

Yes. Non-professional applicants are strictly limited to restriction code 1 or 2.

They must present: (a) Police/NBI/Court clearance from the area of residence; (b) Certificate of Employment from the local employer or foreign employer based in the Philippines; and (c) a valid working visa from the Bureau of Immigration or a valid working permit from DOLE.

They must present: (a) Police/NBI/Court clearance; (b) an Investment Permit from DTI or SEC registration for the business; and (c) if the applicant needs to operate a “Heavy” vehicle, the vehicle’s certificate of registration and current official receipt of payment—this heavy vehicle must be used as the test-drive vehicle during the actual examination to determine the restriction code.

When the applicant needs to operate a motor vehicle classified as “Heavy,” and that same vehicle must be used as the test-drive vehicle during the actual examination to determine the restriction code.

All circulars, orders, memoranda, rules, and regulations or issuances in conflict herewith are deemed superseded.