LTO Expects 'Zero Backlog' for Driver’s Licenses by July 1

(SPOT.ph) You read that headline right. Everyone should have received their pending driver's licenses and vehicle plate numbers from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) by July 1, clearing the department of backlogs in a span of just two months.

LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza said that the agency has successfully bid out a contract for 9.7 million plastic cards to address the past issuance delays, ensuring a steady influx of materials to produce plastic cards for driver's licenses.

"As far as the supply is concerned, dire-diretsyo tayo... We have sufficient driver's license cards to support the demand until the end of the year," Mendoza said in a press briefing. "Dahil dito, by July 1, dapat wala na pong backlog."

He said he expects the same result for the backlog in plate numbers for newly purchased vehicles from 2022 to 2024.

This assurance comes after years of logistical setbacks, including a legal obstacle that had previously stalled the distribution of plastic cards. An injunction order halted the supply chain for these essential items, forcing the LTO to resort to temporary paper licenses in mid-2023. This order was recently lifted, allowing the LTO to resume normal operations. 

As of March, LTO had a backlog of around four million plastic cards.

Also read: Finally: LTO Begins Distribution of Plastic Cards

How to claim driver’s licenses on a plastic card

ICYMI: The LTO has released the schedule for license renewals to facilitate a smoother transition from paper to plastic licenses.

For driver’s licenses with expiration dates from April 1 to Aug. 31, 2023 and April 1 to 30, 2024, they are scheduled for renewal from April 15 to 30, 2024.

For diver’s licenses with expiration dates from September 1 to December 31, 2023 and May 1 to 31, 2024, they are scheduled for renewal from May 1 to 31, 2024.

For driver’s licenses with expiration dates from January 1 to March 31, 2024 and June 1 to 30, 2024, they are scheduled for renewal from June 1 to 30, 2024.

“Failure of the driver to renew his/her driver’s license beyond the prescribed schedule shall render the license expired,” LTO said in the memo.

Meanwhile, those who have already renewed licenses with a paper version will have to present the payment receipt to any LTO office to get a plastic card version.

While waiting for your claiming period, motorists with a paper license may also use the electronic driver’s licenses (eDL) through the Land Transportation Management Systems (LTMS) portal as an alternative to a physical copy. Under LTO Memorandum Circular No. HAV-2023-2410, eDL holders will “have the same privileges and responsibilities accorded to holders of a physical driver’s license.”

Also read: GUIDE: Everything You Need to Know About LTO’s Electronic Driver’s Licenses