OFWs renewing their Philippine driver’s licenses can now do so without paying for the medical check-up or courier delivery, following a policy update from the Land Transportation Office.
According to the Philippine Information Agency, the LTO is now shouldering both the cost of the required medical examination and the courier fees previously charged for sending medical certificates to the Philippines. The move aims to make overseas license renewals more affordable and easier to complete.
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What changed
Under the updated process, OFWs renewing their driver’s licenses no longer need to pay for:
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The medical examination required for license renewal, and
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The courier service formerly used to deliver medical results to the LTO.
Medical examination results are now transmitted electronically by LTO-accredited clinics overseas directly into the LTO system. This removes the need for physical document delivery and reduces processing time.
The LTO clarified that the waiver applies only to the medical exam and courier fees. Other standard license renewal charges, including renewal fees and penalties if applicable, remain unchanged.
Who benefits
The update applies to OFWs renewing their Philippine driver’s licenses while abroad. Many overseas Filipinos choose to keep their licenses valid for future use in the Philippines, whether for personal mobility, family needs, or work-related purposes upon return.
By removing these added costs, the LTO aims to ease the financial burden on OFWs and support continued access to government services overseas.
How the process works
OFWs are required to undergo a medical examination at an LTO-accredited clinic overseas. Once completed, the clinic uploads the medical results directly to the LTO database through digital channels.
Applicants may then proceed with their license renewal through authorized platforms without arranging courier services or submitting physical documents. The LTO advised applicants to confirm clinic accreditation to avoid delays or rejected applications.
Why this matters
Medical fees and international courier costs have long added extra expense and delays for OFWs renewing licenses from abroad. By covering these costs, the LTO supports faster processing, lower out-of-pocket expenses, and the government’s broader push toward digital public services.
Important clarification on OFW medical exams
Separately, OFWs are required to undergo an annual medical examination for overseas employment, which is shouldered by the Department of Migrant Workers. This annual OFW medical exam is different from the medical check-up used for LTO driver’s license renewal.