Vehicles

Driving in the Philippines as a foreigner: foreign licence, conversion, renewal, lost card

How long your foreign licence is valid, when you need a translation, how to convert it into a Philippine licence, learn to drive here, renew, and replace a lost, damaged or never-received card — and which LTO offices handle each step.

Last verified: 2026-10

Situations covered (12)

You can drive with your foreign licence until day 90
Get an official English translation before driving
After 90 days, your foreign licence no longer allows you to drive
Your stay is too short to convert: extend first
Conversion without exams, in one visit
Conversion with a practical driving test
Expired foreign licence: written and practical exams
Student permit first, then a licence after at least one month
Renewal: online exam, medical, then one visit
Expired more than 2 years: written and practical exams
Duplicate licence: affidavit, then one visit
Card never received: claim it first, duplicate only as a last resort

ImportantEducational and methodological guide. It does not replace a consultation with a lawyer registered with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP). LTO requirements for foreign applicants are not applied identically in every office, and fees change: call the office you plan to visit, and check the LTO announcements before going.

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