Below is a comprehensive discussion on how to change your surname on a Philippine driver’s license. This article covers the legal context, requirements, common scenarios (e.g., due to marriage, annulment, or court-approved name change), fees, and relevant regulations.

1. Legal Basis and General Context

In the Philippines, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is the government agency responsible for the issuance, renewal, and modification of driver’s licenses. A change of surname on a Philippine driver’s license can occur for several reasons, most commonly:

Marriage – Under Philippine law, a woman may choose to adopt her husband’s surname.
Annulment / Divorce (for foreigners), or Judicial Decree of Nullity – In these cases, a woman may opt to revert to her maiden name.
Court-Approved Change of Name – When a court grants a Petition for Change of Name for reasons such as correcting clerical errors, adopting a new surname, or other lawful causes.

The LTO implements these changes in accordance with:

Republic Act No. 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code) and subsequent amendments.
Executive Orders and Department Orders issued by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the LTO.
LTO Citizen’s Charter, which outlines procedures, requirements, and processing times.

2. Requirements for Surname Change

The documentary requirements vary slightly depending on the reason for the change. Nonetheless, the following are the typical requirements you must bring to an LTO office:

Filled-out Driver’s License Application Form (also known as the Application for Driver’s License [ADL] or LTO Form).
Current (Unexpired) Driver’s License – If the license is already expired, you may have to renew it simultaneously while effecting the change of name.
Government-Issued IDs or Supporting Documents – These confirm your identity and show your new name (if already updated in other records).
Proof of Basis for the Name Change:
- Marriage Certificate (for newlyweds) – Must be issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or at least transcribed by the local civil registrar if the PSA copy is not yet available.
- Court Order / Decision – For petitions on legal name change or if reverting to a maiden name following annulment or nullity of marriage.
- Certificate of Finality – If your name change was ordered by a court (particularly for annulment or other legal name-change cases), the Certificate of Finality of the court decision is typically required to prove it is already executory.
Affidavit of Use of New Name (if applicable) – Some LTO branches request an affidavit explaining why you are changing to or reverting to a certain surname (especially in annulment or legal name-change scenarios).
PhilHealth / PAG-IBIG / TIN IDs (Optional) – Some LTO offices might ask for additional IDs to confirm that you have consistently used your new surname, although these are not always mandatory.

Tip: It is best practice to first update your name in your other government IDs (e.g., PhilHealth, SSS, Passport) or at least have evidence of the legal basis for the name change before heading to the LTO. This prevents inconsistencies that can delay or complicate the process.

3. Step-by-Step Procedure

Gather the Required Documents
Ensure that you have the correct supporting documents before visiting the LTO office—most especially, your PSA-issued marriage certificate or court documents. Photocopy all documents and keep the original copies for presentation.
Check the Nearest LTO Office
Confirm which LTO branch handles driver’s license modifications. For major changes such as a name change, it is generally easier to visit an LTO Licensing Center or a main branch rather than a smaller satellite office.
Accomplish the LTO Form
Fill out the Application for Driver’s License (ADL) form and indicate that you are applying for a “Revision of Records” (sometimes the form’s box says “Change of Name” or “Revision”).
Submit Documents and Pay Fees
Present your documents at the evaluator’s window (or customer service counter). The LTO personnel will verify your requirements. Once verified, you will be asked to pay the corresponding fees at the cashier.
- Revision of Records Fee
- Card Fee (For the new driver’s license card reflecting your updated surname)
- Computer Fee (typically minimal)
  Note: Exact fees vary by region and may change as regulations update. Prepare at least Php 100-300 for the revision, excluding renewal fees if your license is near or past expiry.
Biometrics and Photo
The next step typically involves having your photograph taken, affixing your signature digitally, and possibly undergoing biometrics if you haven’t done so recently.
Wait for the New License
After you have completed payment and the data-capturing process, you will wait for the printing and issuance of your new license card with the updated surname.
Verify the Details
Before leaving the LTO, ensure that the new license has the correct spelling of your name and that all personal details match your supporting documents.

4. Common Scenarios for Name Change

A. Change of Surname Due to Marriage

Requirement: PSA-issued Marriage Certificate (or certified copy from your local civil registrar, if PSA copy is not yet available).
Affidavit of Use of Husband’s Surname (Optional): While not always required, some offices may ask you to sign an affidavit if you are only now adopting your husband’s surname.

B. Reverting to Maiden Name After Annulment or Nullity of Marriage

Requirements: Court Decision, Certificate of Finality, and a PSA document reflecting the court’s decision or the updated civil status.
Additional Affidavit: An affidavit explaining your reversion to your maiden name may be needed.
Practical Note: It is advisable to first obtain a new copy of your PSA Birth Certificate and any relevant documents (and possibly an annotated marriage certificate showing the annulment/nullity) before updating your driver’s license.

C. Court-Approved Change of Name (Not Marriage-Related)

Requirement: Certified copy of the Court Decision granting the name change, together with the Certificate of Finality.
Documents: An annotated Birth Certificate from the PSA showing your new name is also usually required or at least supportive of the claim.

5. Processing Time and Validity

Processing Time: Under normal circumstances, changing your surname on an unexpired license is typically processed within 1 to 2 hours at an LTO office, barring system downtime or heavy volume of applicants.
License Validity: The newly printed license retains the same validity as the original one unless you are renewing it at the same time. If renewing, you may be granted a license valid for up to 5 or 10 years (depending on your driving record and LTO policies).

6. Fees

Exact fees can vary by branch and based on updated schedules. Anticipate the following possible charges:

Revision of Records Fee – Typically between Php 100 to Php 200.
Computer Fee – Often around Php 67.63 (subject to LTO’s standard computer fee).
License Card Fee – May be included in the revision fee or billed separately, often Php 67.63 or thereabout.
Additional Charges (if renewing an expired license): Renewal fees, penalties, or medical exam fees can apply.

Important: Always verify at the LTO or on its official website for the latest fee schedule.

7. Potential Pitfalls and Tips

Ensure All Documents Match
Inconsistencies in spelling or personal details across documents can result in delays or rejection of your application.
Update Other Records First
While not strictly mandatory, having other government IDs already updated helps assure the LTO evaluator of the legitimacy of your name change.
Check LTO Advisories
LTO offices release periodic advisories about system upgrades, holiday schedules, or any changes in fees. It’s good to check these updates, if possible, before visiting.
Keep Copies of All Documents
Always keep multiple photocopies and the original documents. Some LTO branches do not have photocopy services, so prepare in advance.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I retain my maiden name even after marriage?
Yes. Philippine law does not require a married woman to adopt her husband’s surname. If you prefer to keep your maiden name, you may do so.
What if the court decision for my annulment isn’t final yet?
The LTO typically requires the Certificate of Finality of the judgment or annotated marriage certificate showing the dissolution of marriage. If these are not yet available, you would likely be denied the request to revert your surname.
Do I need a new medical certificate if I just want to update my name?
Typically, a new medical certificate is only necessary if you are also renewing your driver’s license. If you are simply doing a revision of records on a valid license, medical clearance is not always required. However, some LTO branches may require a medical certificate if the license is about to expire.
What if I have multiple first names or middle names spelled incorrectly on my current license?
That scenario might require a revision of records beyond just the surname change. Additional documentation, such as your PSA Birth Certificate or an affidavit of discrepancy, may be needed.
Is there a penalty if my license expired while I was waiting for my annulment decision?
Yes. If your driver’s license has expired, you must pay the renewal fee plus penalties for late renewal. The name change can be processed simultaneously during renewal.

9. Conclusion

Changing your surname on a Philippine driver’s license is a straightforward process, provided you have the correct supporting documents—primarily your PSA marriage certificate (for marriage) or court documents (for annulment or legal name change)—and comply with LTO’s guidelines. Always ensure accuracy and consistency across all your personal records to avoid delays. Fees and procedures can change due to updates in LTO policies, so it is wise to check the latest advisories or visit an LTO branch beforehand for the most current information.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional legal advice. Always consult official LTO resources or a qualified lawyer for personalized guidance in your situation.