Online vehicle registration expected to open in September

MANILA - Motorists may now apply for driver’s license and student driver's permit online through the Land Transportation Office’s Land Transportation Management System portal, as the agency seeks to prevent crowding in offices amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The website may be accessed via portal.lto.gov.ph, where individuals can pick the transaction they wish to avail, upload documentary requirements, and pay fees online.

The service is currently available in 24 LTO pilot sites. These are at the Central Office in Quezon City, Eastwood, San Fernando, Angeles, Cabuya, Davao, Lipa, Baguio, Tagu, Naga, General Santos, Calapan, Ormoc, Roxas, Laoag, Dumaguete, Tagbilaran, Butuan, Bayombong, Malaybalay, Pagadian, Ever Gotesco DLRO (Driver’s License Renewal Office), and Muntinlupa.

Next week, more than 20 additional sites are expected to utilize LTO’s website. These are in Marikina, Pasig, Manila West, Manila South, Baloc, Sta. Maria, Tarlac, Guagua, Santiago, Masbate, Balayan, Taal, Tagaytay, Imus, Dasmarinas, Binangonan, Antipolo, Sta. Cruz (Pila), Laguna, Candon, Vigan, and Batac.

“Iwasan na natin yung transaksyon kung saan dadagsa yung tao and magkakaroon tayo ng problema sa pag-implement ng sinasabing social distancing. Medyo nagreduce din kami ng tao dun sa pinaka-windows namin. Kung above 59 (years old), work from home na. Ang mine-maintain namin a little more than 50 percent,” LTO chief Edgar Galvante said Tuesday.

“Kung magwo-walk in ka, ang dami mo pang dadaanan eh. Pag nag-online ka, na-set na yung appointment mo, at nakapagbayad ka na online. Pagpunta mo sa LTO, magba-biometrics ka lang, picture, then release na yung iyong lisensya. So na-shorten mo yung process,” LTO management information division chief Rector Antiga added.

Online vehicle registration through the same portal is currently undergoing pilot testing and is expected to be open to the public in September.

The LTO is looking into accrediting courier services for the delivery of driver’s licenses and vehicle license plates to those who will avail of the online services.

Challenges in digital literacy, however, stand in the way for some LTO clients.

“Hindi po kasi ako marunong maggawa ng e-mail po, kaya personal akong pumunta dito sa LTO,” said Herminigildo Mayo, who applied for student-driver’s permit.

The LTO said it has assigned personnel in offices to assist those having difficulties using the online portal. The agency also clarified that it will continue to accept walk-in clients, but encourages the public to transact online.