LTO Medical Certificate 2026: Fee, Accredited Clinics and Validity

The LTO medical examination is a health assessment required by LTO regulations and, for the drug and alcohol screening component, Republic Act No. 10930 (Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act). The exam evaluates your vision, hearing, physical condition, and screens for substance use. It must be conducted at an LTO-accredited clinic or hospital by a licensed physician. The medical certificate issued after passing the exam is valid for three months from issue date, per LTO Memorandum Circular RIB-2007-884, and must be submitted during your license application or renewal transaction.

To undergo the LTO medical examination, bring the documents below and meet the listed prerequisites. The requirements are straightforward but must be complete to avoid delays or rejection at the clinic.

The LTO medical exam fee is set by each accredited clinic rather than fixed by a single nationwide rate, so it can vary from one clinic to another. Check the LTMS fee table at portal.lto.gov.ph, or call the clinic directly, before your visit. The fee covers the complete examination: vision test, hearing test, physical assessment, blood pressure check, and issuance of the medical certificate. Ancillary services like ID photo capture may carry a small additional charge. The fee is paid directly to the clinic and is separate from your LTO license application or renewal fee.

The LTO medical examination typically takes 30-45 minutes to complete, depending on clinic traffic. Here's what happens during each step of the process.

1. 1

   Registration and Document Submission

   Present your ID and accomplished application form at the clinic reception. Pay the clinic's medical exam fee and receive a queue number. The staff will verify your documents and create your medical record.

   Fill out the application form completely at home to save time. Incomplete forms will be returned.

2. 2

   Vision Test (Snellen Chart)

   You'll read letters from a Snellen eye chart at 20 feet distance to test visual acuity. Both eyes are tested separately, then together. Minimum requirement is 20/40 vision in at least one eye. If you wear glasses or contacts, you'll be tested with and without them.

   If you fail the vision test, get an eye exam from an ophthalmologist and return with prescription glasses.

3. 3

   Hearing Test

   The physician will test your hearing using a whisper test or audiometer. You must be able to hear conversational speech at 5 feet distance. Severe hearing impairment may require a hearing aid, which will be noted on your license.

   If you have hearing aids, bring them to the exam.

4. 4

   Physical Examination

   The doctor will check your blood pressure, heart rate, and general physical condition. They'll examine your limbs for mobility and coordination, check for conditions that may impair driving ability, and ask about medical history including epilepsy, heart disease, diabetes, or psychiatric conditions.

   Disclose all medical conditions honestly. Concealing health issues can lead to license revocation if discovered later.

5. 5

   Drug and Alcohol Screening

   As mandated by RA 10930, the physician will ask about drug and alcohol use. Some clinics conduct urine drug tests, especially for professional drivers. Refusal to undergo screening or a positive result will result in exam failure and license denial.

   Avoid alcohol 24 hours before the exam. Prescription medications should be declared with supporting documents.

6. 6

   Medical Certificate Issuance

   If you pass all tests, the physician will sign and issue your Medical Certificate (LTO Form MC-01). The certificate includes your photo, personal details, exam results, any restrictions (eyeglasses, hearing aid), and the physician's license number. It's valid for three months from issue date.

   Check all details on the certificate before leaving the clinic. Errors must be corrected immediately.

Only LTO-accredited clinics and hospitals are authorized to conduct medical examinations for driver's license purposes. Using a non-accredited facility will result in rejection of your medical certificate at the LTO office. Accredited clinics display an LTO accreditation certificate with a validity date. You can find accredited clinics near LTO offices, major hospitals, and standalone medical centers.

The LTO medical certificate is valid for three months from the date of issuance, per LTO Memorandum Circular RIB-2007-884. You must complete your driver's license application or renewal within this period. If the certificate expires before you finish your LTO transaction, you'll need to undergo another medical exam and pay the clinic's fee again. For this reason, take the medical exam only when you're ready to proceed with your license transaction, leaving buffer time for scheduling and potential delays at LTO offices.

Certain medical conditions result in automatic disqualification or restrictions on your driver's license. Conditions that cause automatic disqualification include uncontrolled epilepsy, severe mental illness, active substance abuse, and blindness or profound hearing loss in both eyes or ears. Conditions that may result in restrictions or conditional licenses include diabetes requiring insulin, heart conditions cleared by a cardiologist, limb amputation or paralysis, and corrected vision with glasses or contacts (restriction code 1 on license). If you're disqualified, you can reapply after treating the condition and obtaining medical clearance.

The medical examination requirements are the same whether you're applying for a student permit, non-professional license, or professional license, though professional drivers may face stricter scrutiny. For student permit applicants, the medical exam is your first step before the written exam and practical driving test. The certificate must stay valid throughout your entire licensing process, so time it accordingly. For license renewal, you take the medical exam when your license is about to expire or has already expired.

If you're converting a foreign driver's license to a Philippine license, you must undergo the same LTO medical examination as new applicants. Your foreign license does not exempt you from this requirement, and foreign medical certificates are not accepted even if authenticated. The exam follows the same process: vision test, hearing test, physical assessment, and drug screening, at the same clinic fee as any other applicant. The medical certificate must still be within its three-month validity when you submit your conversion application.