Philippines: Now, some OFWs can renew driver’s licence via app
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration announces pilot test to ease DL renewals abroad
Manila: Do you need to renew your driver’s licence while staying abroad as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW)?
You may soon be able to do so without flying home. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has recently launched pilot test for driver’s licence renewals for OFWs in Taiwan.
Filipinos residing in Taiwan can now take advantage of the eGovPH app, which aims to simplify transactions between the Philippine government and its citizens.
"Driver’s licence renewals through the eGovPH app are currently in pilot testing for our fellow Filipinos in Taiwan. This app makes the renewal process faster and more convenient, even from a distance," OWWA shared in a Facebook post.
App
The eGovPH app offers a single sign-on feature.
This provides easy access to various government services such as PhilHealth, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), and the Social Security System (SSS) through a unified platform.
OWWA clarified that while the service is currently limited to Taiwan, the agency is working to expand this service to more countries via the eGovPH app.
"Make sure to download the eGovPH app," OWWA urged people in a separate comment.
OWWA is a national agency tasked with implementing welfare programs and services to meet the needs of OFWs and their families.
Renewal options
Here’s the usual process and requirements for renewing a Non-Professional and Professional Driver's License for Filipinos, whether they are in the Philippines or abroad:
1. Renewal of Non-Professional Driver's License (In the Philippines)
Requirements:
- Original Driver’s Licence (must not be expired for more than two years)
- Duly accomplished Application for Driver's License (ADL) Form
- Medical Certificate (issued by a Land Transportation Office [LTO]-accredited clinic)
- For Expired Licences (more than 2 years but less than 10 years): Additional Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) certificate.
- For holders with outstanding violations: A clearance or compliance certificate may be required.
2. Renewal of Professional Driver's License (In the Philippines)
Requirements:
- Original Driver’s License
- Duly accomplished ADL Form
- Medical Certificate (from an LTO-accredited clinic)
- Drug Test (for professional licence holders in some cases, depending on LTO office)
- Certificate of Employment or any document proving current employment (for drivers of public utility vehicles)
- Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) (if the license has expired for more than two years but less than ten years)
- Clearance for any traffic violations (if applicable)
3. Renewal of Driver's License (Non-Professional and Professional) for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
Requirements (via eGovPH or through the Philippine Embassy/Consulate):
- Original Driver’s Licence (must not be expired for more than two years)
- Duly accomplished ADL Form (can be completed online via eGovPH app)
- Medical Certificate (may be required through an accredited clinic in the country of residence or embassy-approved clinics)
- Valid Passport and proof of OFW status (if needed)
- Payment of renewal fee (usually done online via the eGovPH app or at the consulate)
- For licenses expired for more than 10 years, holders will need to re-apply as a new applicant, including undergoing all theoretical and practical driving tests.
For OFWs using the eGovPH app (currently in pilot testing for Taiwan-based workers), requirements may differ slightly depending on the rollout.