No physical license? LTO says LTMS e-driver’s license is valid for traffic stops

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has reiterated that the e-driver’s license is a valid alternative to the physical driver’s license during inspections and traffic stops. Its validity has been in effect since 2023, following a directive from the Department of Transportation. Under Department Order No. 2023-015, the LTO and its deputized traffic enforcers are required to accept the e-driver’s license when presented via the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) portal or the eGovPH app.

That said, the e-driver’s license serves only as an alternative, not a replacement, for the physical card. It is intended for situations such as when a motorist forgets their license at home or loses their wallet. In all other cases, drivers are still strongly encouraged to carry their actual driver’s license whenever they are on the road.

Additionally, motorists must access the electronic license directly through the LTMS portal when presenting it to authorities. Only the official e-driver’s license will be honored as a valid substitute. Screenshots, photocopies, and other digital government IDs will not be recognized by LTO enforcers or their deputized agents.

If the apprehending officer does not honor the e-driver’s license, LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao urges motorists to report enforcers to the LTO.

The LTMS isn’t just a convenient way to access your digital driver’s license—it also serves as a central hub for managing your driving records. Through the portal, you can track active transactions such as license renewals, vehicle registrations, and pending applications, giving you a clear view of your current transactions with the LTO, whether in progress, pending, or completed. Additionally, the system allows users to monitor any recorded traffic violations, including fines and penalties, helping drivers stay informed and up to date on their obligations.