Purpose of the amendments
- LTO Memorandum Circular No. 495-2004 is issued to clarify issues relevant to converting a foreign driver’s license into a Philippine Driver’s License.
- The amendments provide clearer general requirements for applicants.
- The amendments provide clearer specific requirements and conditions for converting to non-professional and professional Philippine driver’s licenses.
- The amendments determine when examinations are required and how restriction codes are applied based on vehicle type and license status.
General requirements for conversion
- Applicants must submit an original and machine copy of a valid foreign driver’s license.
- If the foreign driver’s license is not in English, applicants must submit an official English translation issued by the local Embassy of the issuing country.
- Applicants must submit an original and machine copy of a valid passport showing the latest date of arrival in the Philippines for foreign applicants.
- Foreign applicants must submit an original and machine copy of a valid visa or Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) when the applicant temporarily resides in the Philippines.
- Applicants must submit an original copy of the Medical Certificate issued by an LTO accredited or government physician.
- Applicants must submit an original copy of the drug test result issued by a DOH Accredited Drug Testing Center.
- Age and language requirements apply: at least seventeen (17) years old for non-professional applicants; at least eighteen (18) years old for professional applicants; and the applicant must know how to read, speak and write English.
Non-professional conversion rules
- For conversion of an expired foreign driver’s license to a non-professional Philippine driver’s license, the applicant must undergo written and practical examinations.
- For expired-license non-professional conversion, the type of motor vehicle used during the actual examination determines the appropriate restriction code that will be issued.
- For conversion of a valid foreign driver’s license to a non-professional Philippine driver’s license, the applicant no longer undergoes written and practical examinations.
- Applicants for a non-professional Philippine driver’s license are strictly limited to having a restriction code of 1 or 2.
Professional conversion rules—employee case
- For conversion to a professional Philippine driver’s license when the applicant is hired as a company employee, the applicant must present:
- an original copy of Police/NBI/Court Clearance issued from the area of residence;
- an original and machine copy of a Certificate of Employment from the local employer or foreign employer based in the Philippines; and
- an original and machine copy of a valid working visa issued by the Bureau of Immigration or a valid working permit issued by the Department of Labor and Employment.
Professional conversion rules—own business case
- For conversion to a professional Philippine driver’s license when the applicant operates his or her own business, the applicant must present:
- an original copy of Police/NBI/Court Clearance issued from the area of residence;
- an original and machine copy of an Investment Permit duly issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) or Security and Exchange Commission (SEC); and
- an original and machine copy of certificate of registration and current official receipt of payment if operation requires a motor vehicle classified as "Heavy".
- For the "Heavy" requirement, the motor vehicle used as the test drive vehicle during the actual examination shall determine the appropriate restriction code.
Supersession and compliance mandate
- LTO Memorandum Circular No. 495-2004 provides that all circulars, orders, memoranda, rules and regulations, or issuances in conflict with its provisions are superseded.
- The circular requires strict compliance with its amended guidelines on conversion of foreign driver’s licenses into Philippine driver’s licenses.