Amidst concerns that the LTO is running out of cards and will be printing driver’s licenses on paper in the meantime, they have announced that they will be extending the drivers license validity to October 31.

In an advisory issued by LTO Sec. Jose Arturo Tugade, all driver’s licenses that will expire from April 24 onwards will have a validity extension that will last until October 31–or “as soon as DOTr is able to procure and the winning bidder has successfully delivered the license cards, whichever comes first.”

Aside from that, LTO also adds that all penalties for late renewal transactions will be waived. As for its remaining supply of cards, LTO will prioritize OFWs who will need to apply or renew for a driver’s license. Tugade explained in the April 20 press conference that there are only 147,000 license cards remaining and that they are expected to run out by the end of April.

DOTr has yet to make a statement regarding the dwindling license card supplies for the LTO, nor has it revealed updates if it has already produced a winning bid. Tugade explained that the purchase of 5.2 million new cards will cost them Php 249 million.