LTO extends validity driver’s licenses expiring in July

Since COVID-19 first broke out in the country last March 2020, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has been extending the validity of driver’s licenses mainly for safety reasons. For the month of July, the government agency is continuing this effort for the convenience and safety of motorists.

Another round of extension for driver's licenses

In a press statement, the LTO announced that the validity of driver’s licenses expiring this month, including student permits and conductor’s licenses, has been extended by two months. This means that they are still valid until September 30, 2022. To note, expiring medical certificates are also part of the extension.

The agency noted that the rising COVID-19 cases in the country prompted it to extend the validity of expiring licenses. According to the Department of Health (DOH), it detected 79 new cases of Omicron subvariant infections – 60 were BA.5 cases, 17 were BA.2.12.1 cases, and two were BA.4 cases.

As such, the LTO is taking precautionary measures to prioritize the health not only of its employees but of Filipino motorists. It continues to roll out efforts to avoid the suspension of operations that happened earlier this year. Minimum safety protocols such as the wearing of a face mask and observing social distancing are practiced.

Motorists have more time to prepare for the renewal

No penalties will be collected in the meantime, as long as motorists follow the dates mandated to them by the LTO. But despite the validity extension, the agency is still encouraging concerned motorists to renew their licenses as soon as possible. This is to avoid crowding inside the LTO branches, especially as the deadline draws near.

The validity of cars with a plate number ending in “7” has also been recently extended until August 31, 2022. With the extended validity, motorists can prepare ahead of time for the registration, especially amid the challenges of soaring fuel prices. Fortunately, though, a huge rollback was announced for this week.

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