Driver's license woes return

MANILA, Philippines - The wait to get a driver’s license, once reduced to only a matter of minutes, has again become longer.

From a processing time of under half an hour, it can now take about a day – plus additional expenses and legwork – from filing an application to obtaining a new driver’s license, even if it is a mere renewal.

The delay is due to an additional requirement that must be submitted to the LTO – a valid ID or document such as an income tax form, for example – bearing the license applicant’s tax identification number (TIN). The requirement covers student drivers and non-taxpayers.

Applicants used to simply provide the number, with no documentation required.

A sign at the releasing window at the Las Piñas LTO branch advised those without TINs to obtain a certification first from the Bureau of Internal Revenue, stating that the certification was being issued for the purpose of obtaining a driver’s license.

LTO spokesperson Lita Gutierrez said the TIN was a requirement from the BIR. She said LTO head Arturo Lomibao had appealed to the BIR to exempt those applying simply for student licenses.

“The LTO has already written the BIR but up to this time no response has been given,” Gutierrez said.

She also claimed the TIN was not required for a mere license renewal, but this was not the case, at least in the Las Piñas branch.

Gutierrez said LTO personnel who require a TIN for license renewal could face administrative charges, but only if a case is filed against the erring employee.

Under Anneli Lontoc, red tape was cut in the LTO, which was once notorious for fixers and poor service, reducing the wait for a driver’s license to an average of 15 minutes. The LTO subsequently received ISO certification, but Lontoc was replaced.