Getting around Taiwan is easy, thanks to its well-developed public transportation system, which includes buses, taxis, trains, Mass Rapit Transit (MRT), and even public bicycles! Nevertheless, if you prefer to drive your own car, you can consider applying for your Philippine driver’s license to be converted into a Taiwan driver’s license.
Before anything else, though, you’ll need to have your Philippine driver’s license verified. This is done at the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), the Philippine’s representative office in Taiwan — with offices in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung.
Guide to Verifying Philippine Driver’s License at MECO
According to the MECO official website, if a holder of a Philippine driver’s license wants to drive in Taiwan, he/she should inquire with the nearest Motor Vehicle’s Office (MVO). If the MVO allows the conversion of a Philippine driver’s license, the next step is to have the authenticity of the license verified by MECO.
Documentary Requirements
When applying for verification of a Philippine driver’s license, the following documents must be prepared:
- Valid Philippine Passport (original and 2 photocopies of data page);
- Valid Alien Resident Certificate or ARC (original and 2 photocopies, with front and back sides printed on a single page);
- Duly-issued Driver’s License (original and 4 photocopies, with front and back sides printed on a single page); and
- Duly-issued Receipt for Issuance of Driver’s License (original and 2 photocopies).
NOTE: If you have lost the receipt for issuance of your driver’s license, you can download a copy from the LTMS Online Portal of the Land Transportation Office (LTO). However, if the receipt is not in the LTMS database, you can obtain a certificate from LTO indicating the details of your license instead.
Verification Process
The verification of Philippine driver’s licenses is done at the MECO office. Before going there, applicants are advised to book an appointment first through the MECO Appointment System.
On the date and time of appointment, the applicant should bring all the requirements — for checking and verification at the MECO office.
Conversion to Taiwan Driver’s License
Once again, holders of Philippine driver’s licenses are urged to inquire with the nearest MVO office, which will the provide the instructions for converting them into a Taiwan driver’s license.
Typically, the MVO will ask for these requirements:
- Authentication of the driver’s license by the LTO and its translation from English to Chinese; or
- Verification by MECO regarding the authenticity of the driver’s license.
In any case, it is best to ask and confirm with the MVO about the specific requirements and process for converting driver’s licenses.
Important Reminders
- MECO does not convert a Philippine driver’s licenses into a Taiwan driver’s license. It can only verify the authenticity of the Philippine driver’s license.
- Beware of “fixers” who are offering LTO services. Keep in mind that getting a driver’s license in the Philippines requires personal appearance and taking a test at the LTO. Moreover, fake license cards are prohibited and could get you in trouble.
Contact Information: MECO Taipei
If you have any questions or concerns about getting your Philippine driver’s license verified, you can contact the MECO office in Taipei through these details:
Address: 2F, Chang Hong New Era Building, 55 & 57 Zhouzi St., Neihu District, Taipei, Taiwan
Telephone: +886 2 2658 8825
Website: https://www.meco.org.tw/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MECO.official
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