LTO extends license validity for those that expired during ECQ, MECQ

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has announced that it will be extending the validity period of all licenses and permits that have expired during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) and Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ). These expired licenses and permits will still be valid until July 31, 2021, according to the government office. This gives the public a 3-month window to give them enough time to schedule a renewal date. 

According to the LTO, the extension in the validity only applies to individuals who have permits or licenses that have expired during the ECQ and MECQ. This means that these individuals can still legally drive a vehicle with their current licenses or permits. It is important to note that this extension only applies to those who are living inside the NCR Plus zone only. Those who are situated outside the bubble will still need to renew their license and permits at their local LTO office. With the three-month extension in play, motorists will not need to worry about being flagged down by the MMDA, LTO enforcers, or the PNP-HPG for driving with an expired license. These government units have already been informed about the extension. 

For those who want to renew their licenses right away, you will have to wait for another few more weeks. The LTO has announced that its offices in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal will remain closed until April 30, 2021. This means that only after the lockdown has been de-escalated to GCQ or until further announcements have been made will people be able to renew their licenses. As cases still continue to rise, the LTO’s decision to extend the license and permit validities is a more than welcomed one. In these health and safety-conscious times, it’s best to follow guidelines in order to help stop the spread of COVID-19.