Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and other Filipinos living abroad will soon be able to fully renew their driver’s license online, according to the Land Transportation Office (LTO). This initiative goes in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s “full digitalization” order, which aims to make government services fast and convenient for everyone.
LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II stated that the full online renewal of driver’s licenses seeks to make the process easier for OFWs. Previously, they had to wait for a long time before they can apply for driver’s license renewal.
OFWs Soon to Benefit from Online License Renewal
“We hope to fully implement this within this year,” Asst. Sec. Mendoza said, as cited by an LTO press release. “Once fully implemented, this is indeed a big help to all our clients, especially OFWs, because they do not have to go to our offices or wait for their return to the Philippines to renew their driver’s license.”
“Tayo ay nagpapasalamat sa suporta ng ating DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista upang maisakatuparan ang proyektong ito na siya namang bilin ng ating mahal na Pangulo (We are thankful for the support of DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista in implementing this project, which is in line with the directive of our President) to bring the government services closer to the people,” he commented.
The LTO Chief also mentioned that for this project, the agency is continuously working with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), under the leadership of Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.
Project Launching in Taiwan Next Month
Moreover, Asst. Sec. Mendoza announced that the online renewal of driver’s licenses will be launched in Taiwan this September. He mentioned that “digitalization” efforts will be featured to Filipinos in Taiwan during an upcoming big celebration in the area.
“Hindi lang ito sa Taiwan, buong mundo na po ito at malaking tulong ito para sa ating mga kababayan (This is not only in Taiwan but worldwide, and it is a big help for our countrymen) because the driver’s license we issue is recognized worldwide,” he explained.
Furthermore, the LTO Chief stated that aside from Taiwan, they are working with the DMW to expand the project in the Middle East, United States, Europe, and other countries with large Filipino populations.
Final Thoughts
Having a driver’s license is definitely a big help, wherever we may be in the world. For OFWs, being able to renew their driver’s license online would be very convenient, indeed!
Meanwhile, if you are a driving instructor and you’d like to apply for LTO accreditation, check out this article for a step-by-step guide.