THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) yesterday began issuing driver’s license cards with five-year validity.
The LTO head, Edgar C. Galvante, a Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary, said individuals applying for a new license as well as applicants for license renewal will be issued the new 5-year cards, to be initially implemented in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Mr. Galvante said applicants who filed in October will be getting their plastic cards starting next week.
Mr. Galvante said the new plastic license cards are “durable” and contain “several security features.”
He added that the old cards were made of PVC material, were thermally printed and had limited security features.
President Rodrigo R. Duterte earlier this month signed Republic Act (RA) No. 10930, which amends Section 23 of Republic Act No. 4136, otherwise known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
The new law states that: “except for student permits, all drivers’ licenses shall be valid for five years reckoned from the birthdate of the licensee, unless sooner revoked or suspended.”
The law also provides that holders of professional and nonprofessional driver’s licenses who do not commit violations under the Land Transportation and Traffic Code or any other traffic laws during the five-year period are entitled to a renewal of driver’s license for 10 years, subject to the possible restrictions by the LTO. — Patrizia Paola C. Marcelo
