Getting a DFA Certified LTO Certification (Red Ribbon)
A week before our landing, after much pondering, I decided to get an LTO Certification with Ribbon so I can drive in Canada under a G2 license without having to undergo G1 (Student License) training and examination.
Surprisingly, this process is not too tedious. Overall, even though I’m dealing with two Philippine government agencies, it just took me a total of 35 minutes, which by Philippine government service standards is extremely rare. Anyway, below are the steps you need to do:
LTO Main Office (5-10 minutes to complete)
- Photocopy your Driver’s License and License OR (do bring the original document)
- Go to LTO Main Office located on East Ave, Quezon City
- Go to Window 10, you can ask the security guards, it is within the vicinity of the chapel
- Usually, there’s no line so just approach the officer and tell him/her that you’ll be applying for a DFA certified LTO Certification. Give them the photocopy of your license and OR.
- The officer will give you a stub and will ask you to pay in Window 3.
- Return to window 10 with the receipt, the officer will give you a claim stub that you will use when claiming the LTO certification from DFA Aseana after 5 business days (claim date is indicated in the stub)
DFA Aseana (30-40 minutes to complete)
- Go to Gate 2 then drop your claim stub in window 4 (Be sure to check the claim date in the stub to ensure that your LTO has already forwarded your certification to DFA.) then wait for your name to be called either from window 5 or window 7.
- Once your name is called, the officer will give you a payment slip that you need to bring to window 9 (Be sure to remove the stapled payment slip from the other documents to avoid delay). The cashier will give you a receipt.
- Bring the receipt together with all the documents given to you in window 7 or 5 to window 9 and write your name in the claimant registration form. Sit down and wait for your name to be called again.
- Once your name is called (either from window 5,6 or 7), line up and get your DFA Certified (red ribbon) documents. Ensure that you have two documents (the DFA certification and The LTO certification) and that the details are correct.
Although the process is quite fast, I believe they can make it faster. Maybe by having a DFA processor in LTO or the other way around.
I’m lagging behind on my blog posts, as of writing, I’m already in Canada and I’m writing this entry at 3AM due to jet lag. The next post will be about our departure and arrival.
Is it possible i can get a lto certification with red ribbon thru athorization letter?i will send all the requirements but im not the one who will process..
Hey Christi,
I think you can do this. Just ensure that you have a valid authorization letter with ID.
Regards,
Kulas
Hi,
Im here in kuwait and i need a dfa-certified-lto-certification-red-ribbon
Pero receipt pa lang po ang hawak ko wala pang id any possibility po ba na magbigay ako ng authorization to process the papers and to get my license id as well.
Thank you po
Hi Sean,
I think (not sure), they accept the receipt. Try checking with them. Call or email them.
Regards,
Kulas
UPDATE: window 5 na ang for certification… kakagaling ko sa LTO 7/19/2018.
Nice! Thank you for the update Brian.
Sir kulas.Kung wala ang or ng licence pwd po bang i process ang ID lng?salamat
Hi Joseph. I think it’s not needed anymore based on what I’ve read. You do need your license and a photocopy of it for sure.
Good luck and God Bless.
hi Christi Rey,
Have you done it already, getting a red ribbon lto certification thru a representative by authorization letter.
Thank you in advance…
hi…
just wondering so the claiming will be 5 business days?
My husband is from davao and just going to manila for few days for seminar and to get a LTO certification,
would he be able to let them mail it to him in davao? instead of coming back to manila to claim it?
i really need your help here.. thank you
ISa
Hi Isa,
I’m not sure about mailing. I believe what you can do is to ask or get a representative to pick it up for you.
I was pondering about using this when I was in Singapore, http://www.pakisuyo.com/errands probably worth a shot to check with them.
Regards,
Kulas
Hi,
Thanks for the info. I just want to ask, is the OR really needed? I had my license since 2014 so i already lost the OR. Can i still have my licensed certified?
Thanks,
Paul
Hi Paul,
That’s what is required. I’m not sure if it’s ok not to have an OR. At the end of the day, if you don’t have it anymore, what can they do. Try calling LTO to check.
Regards,
Kulas
Hi sir may i know hoe much it will cost if im going to get redribbon. And if it is possible on non prof license. Thank you sir. Plz help me
Hi Ji,
I’ve forgotten the amount. But looking at other blogs regatding this, it will cost around 700 for everything.
Regards,
Kulas
Helo Kulas panu po aku makakuha ng Red ribbon ng Driver License ku nag check aku sa appointment Ng DFA ALL CLOSED AND FULLY BOOKED …panu po aku makaka pag pa Red Ribbon ng Driver License ku papunta aku ng Kuwait…Thank you
Hi Jaycee,
Medyo late na siguro tong reply ko, but it might be best to call and ask them. https://lto.gov.ph/contact-us2.html
Hi sir.
Im already in korea and my Drivers license has just expired last April and its in the PH. Is it possible to have it certified with my license expired? thankyou
Hi Jetro,
I’m not too sure, but, I think you have to renew it first. Probably what you can try to do is to renew and have it certified as well.
Regards,
Kulas
Hello Kulas,
Gusto ko sana malaman kung same day lng ang pagkuha mo ng DL Certification and DFA Authenticated docs?
Yung purpose ko kasi ay for conversion ng DL sa France. Another question, how many months or year valid yung authenticated DL Cert? Thank you im advance.
Hi Sabel,
No. I got my DL cert first then I asked LTO to submit it for DFA certification. Got the authenticated docs a week after.
Authenticated docs if Im not mistaken us valid for a year.
Regards,
Kulas
Hi Sir Kulas,
Is it possible to get only the DL Cert, then i will have it authenticated by myself via PH Embassy Abroad?
Hi Alexander,
Ask the Philippine Embassy in your country of they do that service. If yes, then it’s possible.
Regards,
Kulas
Hello, Do you know any liable agencies here in Philippines that will help process Certification and Red Ribbon of Driver license. Thank you
Hey Aldrin,
None that I can think of. pakisuyo.com offers this although I haven’t tried their services.
http://www.pakisuyo.com/dfa-2
Regards,
Kulas
Good day.
Ask ko lang po kung pwede ung papel na driver’s license sa pagpa-red ribbon ng license kase di pa sa akin naibibigay ng LTO ang Card license ko kase wait ko pa ang plane ticket para ASAP po nilang maibigay sakin ung card ko.
Salamat po sa magiging katugonan mo.
Hey Brando,
I think it wilk work. If there’s no driver’s license card, then the paper one will work. Try calling LTO and DFA to be sure. But I think it’s possible.
Regards,
Kulas
Hello po, a friend of mine asked me to help him to get lto certification and red ribbon it from dfa. I have his authorization letters for both agency, his original license, original o.r and photocopy of his passport. Question, are these documents enough to get him his red ribbon license? Thanks po
Hi Maria,
Better call DFA or LTO. I am not really sure. Sometimes, they may need a power of attorney but I am not an expert here.
Regards,
Kulas
Hi, just finished applying in LTO main. And yes, it only took me around 10-15 minutes. I paid Php100.
Thank you so much sir for the tips! ?
Hi Erwin,
That’s good news!
Regards,
Kulas
Hello po, anong kailangan na LTO certification kapag ang nagpa process ay nasa Canada..?
Hi Genesis,
Not sure. But most probably SPA. Call LTO and see if it’s possible.
Regards,
Kulas
Hello,
Tanong ko lang po kung ok naman po service ng pakisuyo.com?
Thanks
Hey Zel,
I have no personal experience with them but you can read reviews. It seems legit.
Regards,
Kulas
Hi, meron po ba way na ma pabilis ang process if you will mention you have to go back sa work place mo abroad? Meron bang OFW express lane consideration?
Hi Arvee,
Been out of the country for 2.5 years and when I was doing it, there was none. Try calling them.
Regards,
Kulas
Thanks Kulas.
FYI po, finally got my authenticated DL it took me 10 mins sa LTO (arrived there 4:00pm, 07 Sept 2018) then i told them pano ma process ng mabilis ‘coz need to go back to KL on 12 Sept 2018. Normal process kasi 5 working days – but since Friday ng hapon ako nag apply so technically Monday ang 1st day na maprocess so ang release date binigay sa akin ay Sept 17) but then, they told me to go to DFA Aseana on Wednesday same day of my flight… went to window 18 and they checked kung na forward na ng LTO and after checking na nandon na, they processed my document, i simply gave them a copy of my plane ticket and passport (waited around 2 hours then got it)
Thank you Arvee for sharing! 🙂
Hi po!
ask ko lang po mga ibang pang requirements
na kailangan para sa pagkuha ng dfa redribbon ng license dto sa pinas.
salamat po..
Hi Joseph. What I have written might not be the latest. I suggest you check the LTO site. Have a great day.
Hi. Possible po makakuha na certification with ribbon kahit na non prof lang drivers license ko?
Hey Jhay,
Yes. I am also Non Pro when I got one.
Regards,
Kulas
Hi po. Ano po requirements pagkuha ng DL certificate sa Pilipinas if nasa ibang bansa. Thanks po…
Hi Zandro,
I’m not sure if outside the country. I’m thinking someone can do it for you (ie relatives). I suggest, have someone in PH call DFA/LTO.
Regards,
Kulas
Hello. May idea ka ba kung magkano ang bbyran pagkuha ng DL certificate? Salamat….
Good day sir, Andito rin ako sa canada at drivers license ko lng from LTO nakuha ko at wala akong red ribbon certificate so G2 lng ang nkuha ko .. gusto ko na mag full G .. possible po ba na gumawa nalang ng aurhorization letter at magpakuha nlng ako sa kamag anak ko sa pinas? Anyway nalaman ko rin na 3months lng ata ang validity? Upon landed po ba yun dito sa canada or upon date request ng red ribbon certificate?
Hi Francis,
I think the doc has 6 months validity. I not sure if red ribbon document will still count if you already got your G2.
Also, not sure if someone can get that on your behalf. No one has confirmed that yet.
Regards,
Kulas
Hi Sir,
I’ll be leaving in a few weeks. Is it possible to get the certification on an LTO branch in Cavite and not have it DFA certified (red ribbon)?
Thank you.
Hi Miguel,
If you don’t get it red-ribbonned, then it’s not valid for international use. That’s what the red ribbon is for.
Regards,
Kulas
Ok Sir, there are no other requirements needed right just the Drivers license and OR.
Thank you.
Hi Miguel,
Yes! And payment. 🙂
Regard,
Kulas
sir pwede mag process pa redribbon thru DHL?
Hi Winston,
I don’t think that’s possible.
Regards,
Kulas
Hello and good day, can a relative pick up my document? Authorization letter lang din Po ba Ang needed? Thanks and Godbledd
Hello and good day
Can a relative pick up my documents @ DFA, authorization letter lng din Po ba ang needed
Hi Lea,
I think so plus the receipt.
Regards,
Kulas
I have LTO certificatek. But not authenticated by DFA. Because I took it from mindanao. My concern is… How to DFA authenticate this LTO certificate. Planning to go to Manila soon.
Hi Vhintot,
I think you have to call DFA. Or LTO. Probably LTO and ask them if they can forward the cert to DFA.
Regards,
Kulas
hi.. ask ko lang po if its still need to bring OR, coz i lost mine, i only have my license. thanks
Hi Mika,
Not sure. Probably ask LTO?
Regards,
Mark
Hi Mika,
Not sure. Probably ask LTO?
Regards,
Kulas
magkano po ang charge pagkuha ng drivers license cert. at magpa red ribbon?
Hi there kulas! Sa canada ba accepted ba nila non professional drivers license with red ribbon? Thank you. Punta din ako canada sir.
Hi Pepay,
Yes. I have non-pro license too.
Regards,
Kulas
Good to hear sir! Renew ko lang pala license ko then certification at dfa red ribbon. Thank you sir
Hello po, I got my residence card here in Portugal now and I only have 30days for my NP license to be certified here or else I’ll go back to the normal process of getting a license here. My question is can I ask someone to get it from LTO in my behalf and what are the requirements po? Thank you
Hi Mae,
I think someone can do it on your behalf. I guess on a minimum they should have an SPA, your license and your receipt. I haven’,t tried pakisuyo.com but it seems they are doing it.
Regards,
Kulas
Hi… just wanted to ask… what if wala na po OR?
Driver’s License lang po meron?
Salamat po
Hi Christian,
You can try asking them. There’s nothing you can do if OR is lost anyway.
Regards,
Kulas
Hi sir Kulas,
Paano po pag wala na OR?
Salamat po
Mga gaano po katagal na dapat nagddrive para makakuha po ng red ribbon? Bago lang po kasi yun license eh need ko na po ipa-redribbon
Hi Ken,
I’m not sure. I think as long as you have the license, you can have it certified. Although when you use it in your country of destination they will use the date issued as your driving experience.
Regards,
Kulas
Hi Sir Kulas
Naforward na po sa Dfa yung red ribbon ko but then they are requesting for special power of attorney daw coming from canada, kmi po ba ang gagawa nun or san po kmi pwede magpagawa?
Yes, you can request from our embassy here in Canada.
Regards,
Kulas
Sa main lto lng ba talaga pwede? D pwede sa ibang branch? Thank you
Check the LTO website. I think there are other branch but Im not sure.
hi… how much you spent all? please reply.. thanks..
Less than a thousand pesos Kharl.
Hi po. Yong sinasabing LTO main, yong located lng po ba sa Manila ang ibig sabihin? Hindi po ba pwede yong LTO main offices dito sa cebu city? Thnaks po.
Hi Azuna,
Try calling LTO. I’m not sure. It makes sense to have regional office that handles this type of request.
Regards,
Kulas
kailangan ba talaga DFA authentication for dl para mag take ng G2 agad? or okey lng DL certificate. im here in Toronto.
Hi Roy,
It needs to be DFA authenticated as per MTO’s requirement.
Regards,
Kulas
Chief san ka sa Canada? Papunta ako B.C. Pinaghahandaan ko rin yung Drivers’ license ko para dun.
Hey Nato,
I’m in Toronto.
Regards,
Kulas
Ontario po ang pupuntahan ko..plan ko po bukas kumuha sa lto main office ng certificate. Kaso ang problem ko po is hindi ko po alam kung bibigyan po nila ako ng certificate dahil wala pa pong 1 year ang drivers license ko. Mejo malayo po kasi ang pagluwas namin kung magtake ako ng risk.
sana po masagot niyo ako..maraming salamat po
Hello Sir Ask ko lang po kasi ang prof license ko po ay 7 months palang. Possible po ba na maissuehan nila ako ng certicate kahit na wala pang 1 year ang license ko?
maraming salamat po
Hi April,
They will issue still (I think). They’ll just put your actual experience there. Also, they should both your non pro and pro experience.
Regards,
Kulas
Hello, may time ba yung releasing ng Authenticated document? Like for passport ang release nila is 1-5pm. How about for the authenticated documents? What time ka actually nagpunta? Derecho agad sa releasing section? Kumusta po ang pila?
Hi AJ,
It took me around 30 minutes to get the document since they will tell you when to come to get it.
Regards,
Kulas
hi! Just an update – Window 8A for the Certification. IF by via representative need the following:
1. LETTER OF AUTHORIZATION (valid authorization letter with ID)
2. ID OF INDIVIDUAL AND REPRESENTATIVE
3. DULY ACCOMPLISHED REQUEST SLIP
3. SPA FOR DFA (as per the counter guy)
Thanks MJ!
Hi! MJ. Is it ok if Photocopy lang ng ID? Or original?
Hi! Can you still recall how much will it cost for the lto certification as well as the dfa fees. I talked someone from lto charging me with 5k each for my husband and me. I just wanna know if its true. Thanks
It’s a bit too much. I can’t recall but that is way too much. I think it’s less than 1k.
Hi sir! This is a very urgent question.. i would highly appreciate if matulungan mo ako.. today is july 10 2019.. punta ako mamayang umaga sa LTO Main to make the process. Im sure after 5 days pa ako pupunta ng DFA para sa authentication.. kaso ang flight ko will be this 17 going to ALBERTA. So meaning hindi aabot yung red ribbon sa flight ko and hindi ko sya madadala sa canada.. makakapag drive ba ako dun without the LTO and DFA AUthentication? But i have International driving permit naman..incase ipapa ship ko nalang sa canada yung red ribbon itself..
Replied to you on Messenger Charles. Good luck and God bless.
Hi! May expiration ba yung Certificate na nakalagay? Kasi pupunta ako malapit dun. Isasabay ko na sana. Ang problema ay next year pa ako makakaalis papuntang canada kaya nag woworry ako kung may expiration yung certificate
Hi,
I can’t remember Carlo. Probably a year. Sorry if it’s not too helpful. Try calling them. Good luck and God bless.
Regards,
Kulas
Hi Kulas,
Thus this means that if you get a DFA certified LTO certificate license you don’t have to do a license exam and driving test when you get to Canada? Just clarifying po… so it’s like switching to a new license?
Thanks and appreciate your comment
Xtian
Hi Kulas,
Thus this means I will just have to SWAP the DFA certified LTO CERTIFICATION (red ribbon) and not going thru written or road test when getting a License in Canada?
Thank you
Hi Kulas,
Thus this means I can just SWAP the Lto certification to a new DL in canada? No longer going thru written and road test?
Thank you
Hi Xtian,
No. You have to do everything still. But you need not to wait for months to do a G road test.
Regards,
Kulas
update lang sir kagagaling ko lng ng LTO east ave and iba na ulit ang pag process ,pagkakuha ng cert sa LTO ikaw n mismo mgdadala sa DFA to process the said red ribbon
Thank you for the update, Erwin. 🙂
Just another update Sir. Sa window 8 na po ang process then window 9 ang cashier. Medyo nalito ako dun sa post mo kasi binigyan ako ng claim stub at pinabalik ulit sa LTO. Akala ko LTO then after 5 days DFA na. Ako ang pinagdala nung iredribbon sa DFA.
Another update Sir. Iba na yung process unlie aa minention mo. Sa LTO main office window 8 na po yung certificate, babayaran ng 100 pesos tapos bibigyan ng claim stub na babalikan mo after 3 days. Bale ako yung nagdala ng certificate ko sa DFA. Hindi na LTO which is medyo hassle kasi pabalik balik. Tapos sa DFA pag punta ko nagbayad ako ng 100 pesos for red ribbon and 300 pesos for courier. Kasi hindi mo na siya makukuha agad sa DFA 1-4 eorking days depende sa choice mo. Kaya pina courier ko na lang. Optional naman yung courier
Total expenses ko lahat ay 400 lang both DFA and LTO.
Hi po. Ask ko lang po. Paano po ba ung pagpapa red ribbon… From malolos po b ko kuha ng mga record ko from lto o pwde n po dyan kumuha ng record sa lto main office para po mkpag pa red ribbon po
Hi Marie Grace,
I went directly sa head office.
Regards,
Kulas
Hi sir! what if wala na po yung OR ko?
Diver’s License Card nalang, pwede pa rin ba?
Hi Jeremiah,
I suggest you ask LTO. https://lto.gov.ph/contact-us2.html
I’m not sure about the new process.