LTO expands online OFW license renewal

In a bid to make government services faster and more convenient for Filipinos abroad, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) launched the second leg of its online driver’s license renewal caravan for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Japan.

LTO Acting Assistant Secretary Atty. Greg Pua Jr. said the initiative, done in coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers, Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Labor and Employment, followed the successful launch in Taiwan last year that assisted over 1,000 OFWs.

“We expect at least a thousand of our kababayan to avail of our serbisyo caravan,” Pua said. “Part of this initiative is an information drive that includes teaching our kababayan in Japan how to use the online platform for driver’s license renewal.”

Pua said the program also serves as a live test to address technical glitches and improve the system based on user feedback.

To renew online, OFWs must prepare a scanned copy of their soon-to-expire or recently expired license, and a medical certificate issued by an LTO-accredited telemedical facility. The renewal platform requires a stable internet connection and a smartphone with access to Google Play or Apple’s App Store.

Once payment is processed, the LTO will print the license and notify the OFW when it is ready for delivery via courier. The process may take three to five days from application to delivery in Japan.

Pua advised OFWs to use larger devices like laptops or tablets for the required telemedical exams, which can be completed in about 10 minutes.

Under the Bagong Pilipinas initiative, LTO is also eyeing expansions to the Middle East, the United States and Europe.