Many Filipino women choose to change their name on their official documents, such as passports, SSS IDs, and LTO driver’s licenses, after they get married. This is a way of showing their new marital status and honoring their husband’s family name. However, this is not a legal requirement, and women have the option to keep their maiden name if they wish. This may be uncommon in the Philippines, where culture and society expect women to adopt their husband’s surname, but it is perfectly legal and acceptable.

If you are one of those women who want to change your name on your LTO driver’s license after getting married or annulled, you may wonder how to go about it. What are the requirements, the process, and the costs involved? Don’t worry; we have got you covered. In this article, we will walk you through the steps of changing your name on your LTO driver’s license, from gathering the necessary documents to filling out the forms to paying the fees. We will also answer some of the frequently asked questions about changing your name on your driver’s license. This article is relevant to any Filipino who wishes to change their name on their driver’s license for any reason related to their marital status.

Benefits of Change Name in LTO Driver’s License

Changing your name on your LTO Driver’s License is unnecessary. You can use your maiden name on your driver’s license even after marriage, as there is no part of the license that shows your marital status. However, there are some benefits to changing your name on your license. These includes:

• If you change your name on your driver’s license, it will be easier to match it with other government-issued IDs and documents. This can help you avoid any issues or delays when dealing with government and private agencies.
• You can use it as a valid ID reflecting your married name.
• Changing your surname on your driver’s license can make it easier for you to claim motor vehicle insurance if the insurance policy and the vehicle registration are under your husband’s name. This shows that you have a legal relationship with the owner of the vehicle and the policyholder, and that you have permission to drive the vehicle. This can eliminate any doubts or queries from the insurance company when you file a claim.

Requirements for LTO Revision of Records: Change of Civil Status

Here are the documents you need to update your marital status in your LTO records and change your name on your driver’s license:

• LTO Driver’s License: Bring the original and a photocopy.
• Duly-accomplished Application for Driver’s License: Get this from your preferred LTO branch.
• PSA Authenticated Marriage Contract– Bring the original and photocopy of the PSA Marriage Contract. It must be in SECPA and authenticated by the Philippine Statistics Offices.
• If annulled, present a copy of the Court Order with Decree of Finality.
• If you are a widow, a Death Certificate of the deceased spouse.

Scan the supporting documents and save it as PDF or JPG in case you want to apply the change of civil status online.

How to Apply for Revision of Records: Change Name

You can update your surname on your driver’s license even if it its not due for renewal. However, it will be more economical if you do it when renewing your driver’s license. By doing so, you can hit two birds with one stone. But if you really need to change the surname on your license, you can apply for it anytime. You can do this transaction in person or through online. However, you still need to go to LTO to get your updated license and submit the documents.

Update Surname in LTO Branch

You can apply for a revision of civil status in person at an LTO branch. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are the best days to do so because they have fewer applicants. Make sure you bring all the required documents with you. Only LTO District Offices and Licensing Centers accept these applications. Unfortunately, Driver’s License Renewal Centers (DLRC) in malls do not handle Revision of Records transactions.

STEP 1: Visit the nearest LTO District Office or licensing center that handles revision of records transactions.

STEP 2: To change your civil status on LTO record, go to the guard on duty or the customer service desk and inform them of your request. They will probably hand you the LTO Form No. 21, which is the Application for Driver’s License form, and a list of requirements and a queue number. Complete the application form and tick the Change of Civil Status box under Revision of Records to indicate the type of application you are making.

STEP 3: Take the completed form and other documents to Window 1. The evaluator will verify that the documents are valid and complete. Then, he or she will forward them to the next window for more processing.

STEP 4: Wait until the cashier calls your name or queue number. Pay the fee and return to your seat.

STEP 5: When it is your turn, go to Window 2 for photo, signature and biometric capture. Then, sit back and wait for the Releasing window to announce your name or queue number.

STEP 6: When you hear your name, get your updated driver’s license from the Releasing window. Remember to sign the release form before you leave.

The process may take two to three hours, depending on how many applicants are there. But the queue in LTO district offices is shorter now because of the increasing number of license renewal centers in malls.

Revision of Records: Change in Civil Status Request via Online

You need a computer with a good internet connection to do this transaction online. You can also use a smartphone or a tablet, but a bigger screen might make it easier. Use whatever device you have and are comfortable with.

STEP 1: First, you need to have an LTMS account. To create an LTMS account, please follow this guide: How to Create an LTMS Portal Account

STEP 2: Log in to the system with your 15-digit username and the nominated password. Click Licensing option and accept the LTMS Terms of Use.

STEP 3: Click the Driver’s License option, then tap Next. When the page loads, click the Revision of Records tab, then click Next again.

STEP 4: The portal will now ask you what record(s) you want to revise. Click the Personal option, then click Next.

STEP 5: The system will automatically populate the persona details. Use the drop-down buttons to select your gender and civil status.

STEP 6: Upload the PSA Marriage Contract, Court Order, or death certificate. Please note that the document will be checked by an LTO officer. Make sure the file doesn’t exceed the allowed maximum file size of 2046 kb. 

STEP 7: The next page will show the application form showing your client ID, type of application, and the current DL codes of your license. It will also shows the fees you need to pay for the request. Click Apply to continue.

STEP 8: Choose your preferred payment channel. Please note that the convenience fees differs from each mode of payment. So, your total fees will depend on your chosen payment channel. Click Proceed to Summary to continue.

STEP 9: After payment, the application will be submitted for verification and approval of LTO. Once approved, LTO will contact you for the next instructions on when to go to an LTO branch to get your updated license.

Total Cost of Change of Name in LTO

The change of surname on your driver’s license does not cost that much. Here is the breakdown of fees that you have to pay for this transaction:

You can save money by updating your civil status after marriage, annulment, or death of spouse when you renew your driver’s license. You just have to pay an additional PHP 100.00 for the revision of records, besides the computer fee and license fee for the renewal. This lets you complete two transactions for only PHP 292.63. If you change your address separately, you will pay another computer fee and license fee.

Summary

You do not have to update your name in your driver’s license after getting married or annulled. LTO cannot stop you from driving even if your civil status is not updated. But if you prefer to use your husband’s surname, or you want to drop your ex-husband’s surname, you can apply for a change of name in LTO. The process is not complicated or difficult. You can follow the guide above and get your revised driver’s license in a few hours. This will also make it easier for you to deal with other agencies that require your updated identification.

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