As the government is expected to wipe out the backlog on motorcycle plates in the next few weeks, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is now preparing for the nationwide launching of its digital platform for the delivery of driver’s licenses and license plates across the country.

Dubbed as the LTOTracker, this digital platform that comes with courier services is now being fully implemented in Metro Manila and LTO chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II wants the system to go nationwide, citing positive feedbacks from the the users.

“We have been receiving positive feedback from the users, some of them saying that they are really feeling the changes, particularly on President Marcos’ digitalization of government services,” said Mendoza.

“The success of the live testing and the positive feedback are indications that the LTOTracker is ready for nationwide deployment,” he added.

The LTOTracker is a new technology that will provide access to the agency clients to track the status of their driver’s licenses and motor vehicle plates in real time and even have them delivered straight to their doorsteps through an accredited courier service provider.

While LTOTracker offers courier service, Mendoza said LTO clients will still have the option to go traditional, or by picking their driver’s license and license plates at LTO offices near them.

But for those who prefer home delivery, he said at least nine courier services are linked to the LTOTracker.

“Any fees for courier services are paid directly by the client to the respective Courier Service Provider. Driver’s license cards or plate numbers are packaged in the LTO office to protect the data privacy of the clients,” said Mendoza. 

In-house IT development 

Since 2014, LTO has been hounded with criticisms over the backlogs on motorcycle and four-wheel vehicle license plates.

The LTO was also greeted with a driver's license card problem after the New Year of 2023 which forced the agency to print the driver’s license on papers over shortage of plastic cards.

With the plastic cards addressed and the remaining backlog on license plates expected to be wiped out by July this year, IT experts of the LTO conceptualized and developed the LTOTracker.

“To address problems with driver’s license cards and plate numbers, the LTO developed the LTO Tracker. This online platform allows clients to conveniently check the availability and location of their DL cards and plates,” Mendoza said.

“The said system is user friendly as the client will only need to input his/her driver's license card or vehicle details,” he added.

Through the LTOTracker, Mendoza said registered vehicle owners will finally receive their long-awaited plates conveniently and efficiently.

Aside from resolving public frustration, the delivery service also plays a pivotal role in promoting road safety and compliance since with properly issued plates, law enforcement officers can more effectively monitor vehicles, reducing unregistered and illegally operated units on the road.

All praises 

Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon earlier praised the development and pilot-testing of the LTOTracker, saying it proved to be working well in achieving the objective of doing away with the traditional long lines and endless waiting in every transaction and agency. 

“This is a historic move toward full digitalization and a game-changing innovation that will bring LTO services closer than ever to Filipinos, right at their fingertips,” said Dizon. 

He said LTOTracker is just the beginning of a major transformation at the LTO, with the ultimate goal of fully digitalizing all services. 

He said this initiative eliminates red tape, reduces in-person visits, and maximizes convenience, ensuring that essential LTO services are just a tap away.

“The era of waiting in line for hours is coming to an end. With LTOTracker, government service is finally catching up with the digital age, delivering speed, convenience, and transparency like never before,” said Dizon.