Are International Driver Licenses accepted in Thailand and for how long?

Mar 22, 2021
4 years ago
Johnny **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Are International Driver Licenses accepted in Thailand? Thx in advance.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
International Driver's Licenses (IDP) are generally accepted in Thailand, especially for tourists, but their validity can vary based on circumstances, such as the driver's country of origin and the visa type. Generally, an IDP is valid for driving for up to 60 days on a Tourist visa and up to 90 days on a Non-Immigrant O visa. After these periods, foreigners are expected to obtain a Thai driving license if they intend to stay longer. Note that while many people drive on their IDP without issues, reliance on it past the legal limits could have implications for insurance coverage in case of an accident.
Martin *********
Martin *********
Yes for one year
Paul *******
Yes, at least for the first 3 months of your stay. However, in practice, no Thai police officer will ever ask to see your passport to look at your date of entry.

I doubt most Thai police officers know the law. The vast majority will accept an international driving permit if the driver (who is a foreigner) presents such.

Never heard of a farang getting in trouble for presenting a valid foreign or international driving permit but having already been in the country for say, 9 months.

However, it is advisable to go for a Thai driver's license if taking up residence in the country.
Markus **********
@Paul ******
The IDP issued on the basis of the 1949 Geneva Convention is valid for one year, and on the 1968 Vienna Convention for three years. However, these conventions only determine the maximum continuous length how long a foreigner has the right to use their domestic licence or IDP in a foreign country as for purposes of international traffic, everything else is left to each national legislator. Usually the status from “international“ to “domestic” will change according to the individual’s residence. In the Thai Motor Vehicle Act it is determined on the basis of visa type (non-immigrant visa) but other Thai laws may provide more specific requirements.
Martin *********
@Paul ******
they are valid for a year as stated on the license
Anto ***********************
You need international driving permit that last one year plus your original license
Graeme ***********
I am not aware that any Licence is needed in Thailand.
Lau ***********
David *********
Questions like this always bring up a mixture of answers, makes for a interesting read while taking a dump
Gordon ********
THE THAI DEPT OF TRANSPORT has a complete list of laws and requirements in Thai. This TA article is a pretty good summary.

Be advised that “conventions” still have to abide by these rules and are visa dependent. If you “ live” here YOU NEED A THAI LICENSE. If you are on a tourist visa you need both your home and intl license for the véhicule you are operating and after 60 days you need to apply for a Thai license. After 90 days you are no longer legal and can be held in the country until the incident is settled.

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0/Thailand:Driving.License.Requirements.html

People wanting to help are posting their “understanding” based on what?

Ignorance of the actual laws won’t save you in a serious accident.
Paulie ********
Yes from UK post off £5 last 1 year
Nick ****************
I have been told legally yes but only if you are on a Tourist type of visa - of course others may know differently.
Phillip ********
Just go and get a thai licence and no probs
Thomas *********
Yes UK driving licence holders can pick one up at some main post offices for £5.99
Christo *****************
International driver licence is a translation of yr local driver licences
Anthony ********
Accepted! Just show the card. They won't want your original license when you do that.....and then wach the disappointed face ha ha
Lurcho ********
Carry both your country’s drivers licence plus your international together .

Don’t drive if you can help it .
Vincent ********
You need 2 stamps to show you are motorcycle licensed
Bob **********
Your name is Johnny Thailand what kind of question is this
Grech *************
No i just pay 400bht
Flavio ***********
As everywhere.
Flavio ***********
Yes, but only for a certain time.
Wayne ******
As my local drunken policeman said it all depends what day it is ...but its never valid on a Tuesday...because he was always outta money on a Tuesday...so he charged you 500
Andy ********
There are so many wrong answers to the original question I think this post wins the internet for today....
Andy ********
Im not sure what you mean by International Law and the Geneva Convention (I must admit I thought that was to do with War).
Bobby ********
And in Thai Law, it's the 1979 Vehicle Act.
Bobby ********
Andy Turner. Exactly what I'm saying. People have zero idea! 🤣

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Bobby ********
Andy Turner. And sadly everybody ignores the 1949 Geneva Convention. And not one person has actually any idea of the Thai law governing overseas licences!! Even car rental companies don't want the useless IDP if your licence complies with the international law! 🤣
Steen **********
Jeg havde et 3 år gammelt nit kørt blev stoppet mange gange jeg havde også mit Danske Kort med plus mit Pas ingen problem de kan jo ikke læse det
William **********
Go to AAA and in America can get international license that last for a year use every year when i’am in the country no problem with the police
Bobby ********
William Jamieson. Good idea but you don't actually need one!
Derek ***********
@William *********
yup 👍🏻
Matt *******
You’re all massive bell ends.
Pinky ******************
Yes, for sure
Michael *******
To drive or lease a car in Thailand as a tourist or visitor it is necessary to have either a Thai driving licence or a valid foreign driving licence with a photograph. The foreign licence must either be in English, or be accompanied by an official translation into English or Thai. The licence needs to have been issued by a country that has a treaty with the Thai government allowing the mutual acceptance of driving licences. Most countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA have this agreement with Thailand under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic or the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. Those in doubt should contact their embassy for advice: Click here

An International Driver's License/Permit (IDL/IDP) is also valid in Thailand, and available from a government department or authorized auto club at a small expense. A foreign driving licence valid under the 1949 or 1968 Conventions qualifies the licence holder to apply for the IDL/IDP, and its holders may find that it is more often recognised and accepted by police and civil service officials. Beware of the many IDP/IDL websites that are not legitimate.

If the driver is not a tourist or visitor but is a resident with a non-immigrant visa, then it is necessary to have a Thai driver's licence. However, those with a foreign licence as described above or an International Drivers Licence are excused from doing the practical driving test when applying for a Thai driving license.

Note: Although International Driving Licences are valid for up to one year after arrival in Thailand, after three months many comprehensive insurance policies are made void if still driving on a foreign licence.

Licence holders may only drive the category of vehicle for which their licence is valid.

H

For information about treaties recognised by the Department of Land Transport: Click
Dan ****
I know for a fact that anyone can drive in any country for up to one year on there own country license but after one year which they need your passport to prove you have been there a year then you need another license... but if your on a visa and have to leave the country every 3-6 months it resets obviously and will be fine
Paul ********
Dan ****
@Paul *******
I didn’t say anything about uk or Europe I said it’s okay
Paul ********
@Dan ***
Wrong International only
Paul ********
@Dan ***
Wrong ?? UK, Europe, International only
Markus **********
As far as I know, Thai law does not require you to have an IDP as long as the country which has issued your domestic driving licence is ratified the 1949 Geneva Traffic Convention, which most countries are.

Thai Motor Vehicle Act – B.E. 2522 (1979) Section 42-2 states that:

“In case there’s a treaty between the Thai government and a foreign government regarding mutual acceptance of driver’s license, an alien who doesn’t have an immigrant visa may drive a motor vehicle with a driver’s license issued by such a foreign government, or an automobile association authorized by such a foreign government.”

Thailand has ratified the said multilateral convention and to my knowledge there isn’t any other Thai law which would supersede the above mentioned law.

In practice, however the interpretation of the police in some places, especially in Chiang Mai, has been that it is an excellent cash cow to require all tourists to have an IDP if they come anywhere outside ASEAN nations.

If staying longer than 3 months then it’s another question (Thai licence required by the law but in practice never enforced), as are insurance matters.
Nick *******
@Markus *********
,Haha i don't think you live in Thailand. The police here will not accept your foreign driving licence. They will only accept your International Driving Permit upto 3 mths on staying here. Then you are required to apply for a Thai licence.
Markus **********
@Nick ******
No, I don’t live in Thailand but been visiting there as a tourist multiple times. So far the police have required an IDP only in Chiang Mai, and even then I have managed to shake them off a couple of times by mentioning the Geneva Convention and showing my old school driving licence issued in the 90’s.
Nick *******
@Markus *********
i don't think the police here even know what the Geneva Convention is. 😁
Markus **********
Yeah, with some of the officers it is just waste of breath trying to argue with them about legal matters and much more convenient to comply with their rules rather than challenging them in higher instances.
Andrea ******************
Yes 🇹🇭
Darren *******
The maximum period that you can drive a hire car or bike legally on an IDP is 60 days on a Tourist Visa, 90 days on a Non-Immigrant O visa. For rentals in excess of that a Thai Driver's Licence is required.
John ********
Yes.
Greg ******
I used an (unknown) fake for two years without an issue. The Land Transportation Office informed me it was fake.
Bonnie *********
And don’t get the one on-line.
Gordon ********
Stuart is right. I volunteer with the cops and have had a couple of sticky incidents where cars and motorcycles driven by unlicensed or over time limit foreigners.

The international license is to give cops a chance to understand licences in multiple foreign languages. The 90 day limit is for TOURISTS and to make sure that longer stay drivers are put through the Thai health and reaction tests. Supposed to watch the video too. Enforced 100%? NO. But don’t have an accident involving bodily harm or you might end up meeting me through iron bars. Lol
Paul ********
@Gordon *******
What Highway Police or Tourist
James ****************
I just showed the cops my Wisconsin licence and said the word "international" and got away with it two times till I got my real license. Never got in trouble. Thai cops do not want to be bothered with all the English and headaches. Both times, the cops pretended to read it and said, "OK" with lots of handshakes. Oh, and later a retired American ex-cop knew all the cops and they all agreed they wave us on by to avoid the headache.
Alessandro **********
@James ***************
cops are one thing, insurances are another. If you happen to have an accident and you are past 90 days of stay, insurance will void your policy and you will find yourself in trouble
Bobby ********
Alessandro Antonini. Only if specified in the insurance. Otherwise he's totally legal
Dan ****
James ****************
The coffees were to save face for the bad cops, lol. What a great place is what I say!
James ****************
@D**
, yes on the small stuff like a 600 baht fine. But a couple of 'em tried to shake me down after catching me with a vape. They were asking 10 thousand up front etc. Fortunately, my wife's friend's uncle is the top cop. Paid 2000, got my vape back and we bought coffees and snacks for the entire office. Though if there is next time he said, they kick me out Thailand! Would make for great cop shows back in the USA for sure. Would not be believable!
Gordon *********
All depends on police and how much they want
Arnold **********
Yes
Stuart *********
The law is the law. A IDP is only valid for 3 months within Thailand. Many people will have no issues using it for longer periods and in many cases a police official may not even ask for it. However if you have a serious accident and injuries are involved to you or others you’ll suddenly find that your insurance company or theirs will start to inspect ways to avoid paying out costs. May not happen in every instance but you don’t want to be the one where it does.
Mark ********
@Stuart ********
The IDP is valid for 1 year. If you are in Thailand for more than 90 days, then you are regarded as 'resident' (as generally speaking you can only stay in Thailand longer than 90 days if you are on some form of long-term visa), and residents are meant to use a local licence, which is where I believe the 90 day 'restriction' comes from. Insurance requires a 'valid licence' and invariably that seems to be interpreted broadly, which means that it's unlikely that provided that you are qualified to drive in your home country and have a current driving licence at the time of the accident (whether Thai or foreign). the insurance company won't seek to avoid paying against the policy on that basis.
Paul *******
@Mark *******
Correct. That's most likely what will happen.
Paul ********
@Mark *******
Proper!! Lovely Jubbly
Paul *******
@Stuart ********
TThis is by far the best answer to the question. The legal answer. Others may have experienced different situation but as Stuart says, do not be the one who is caught out.
Tony *******
@Stuart ********
the law is not the law unfortunately.
Stuart *********
@Tony ******
ok I’ll bite....
Steve ***********
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Paul ********
@Steve **********
Really Skippy
Paul *******
There is no such thing as a valid International Driving Licence. If the Thai police stop you, you will need to show them your national drivers licence which is valid for 90 days in Thailand. If your National Drivers Licence is not in English the Police will want to se your International Drivers Permit which really just translates ypour national licence into English. In any event, the Thai police may want to see your Internationa Drivers Permit due to their incomplete training and understanding. After you have been in Thailand for 90 days you are expected to have a Thai licence. Your vehicle insurance probably requires that you have an In International Drivers Permit (or after 90 days, a Thai licence). Very easy to get could out by invalidating your insurance and can also be extremely expensive if you badly injure or kill someone.
Ruth *******
The IDP is accepted in Thailand. I'm not sure what this fuss is about. AAA and the U.S. DMV offices are not Internet scammers and that's where we get IDPs.

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Bob **********
@Ruth ******
correct
Andy ********
Not true, you need a valid IDP together with your home country driving license.
Martin ***********
how is it possible that you can write more then 3 meaningful sentences? don't you live in thailand?
Paul ********
Chris ***********
James ****************
I just showed the cops my Wisconsin licence and said the word "international" and got away with it two times till I got my real license. Never got in trouble. Thai cops do not want to be bothered with all the English and headaches. Both times, the cops pretended to read it and said, "OK" with lots of handshakes. Oh, and later a retired American ex-cop knew all the cops and they all agreed they wave us on by to avoid the headache.
Bob **********
Paul ********
@Paul ******
Sorry Fella your wrong
Paul *******
@Paul *******
OK. Please explain.
Paul ********
@Paul ******
Inernational Mortor Traffic

Convention on Road Traffic of 19 September 1949

Google it
Paul *******
@Paul *******
Try and get the Thai police officer to Google it.
Paul ********
@Paul ******
No need it's Legal
Dan ****
@Paul ******
not true I even had a full crash and got paid out by insurance on my international license
Bobby ********
Dan Mo. There actually is no legal document called an International Driving Licence. These are bogus documents which you buy on the internet but have no legal standing.
Ekkehard *******
@Bobby *******
Of course there are, e.g. in Germany the Internationaler Führerschein, which translates to International Driving License. Nothing bogus here.
Bobby ********
Ekkehard Uthke. Germany is the only country..The rest of the world it's a permit!
Ekkehard *******
@Bobby *******
The Internationaler Führerschein is only valid in connection with the national driving license. It has always a biometric pass photo of the driver inside.
Bobby ********
Ekkehard Uthke. For licences which are printed in English the IDP is actually a waste of money because they're not needed. Under the 1949 Geneva Convention, any signatory has reciprocal visiting rights to any other signatory. Sadly, internet scanners have jumped onto people's naivety, and will charge between $25 and $50 for a worthless piece of cardboard. IDPs can only be obtained in the home country of the licence holder.
Paul ********
Bobby ********
Paul Joseph. Did you buy one? Sucked in!

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Paul *******
@Dan ***
Depends in all circumstances, on the police involved and on the insurance company. My point is to always be aware of the rules and of your insurance policy.
Stuart *********
@Dan ***
you were lucky. Others may not be.
David **********
Yes.
Kd ****
If you have book like this you can drive till validate
John ********
Tech you need Thai drivers lience after 3 months
Kd ****
I have local thai driving license card and international Thai driving license book

I never have any problem in Hong Kong and cambodia
Carsten ************
@Kdr ****
bullshit. Read the comments above.
Stuart *********
@Kdr ****
no you can’t. It’s only legal to use here for 3 months. You may get away with using it for longer but the law is 3 months.
Paul ********
Stuart *********
Paul ********
@Stuart ********
Google it 19 September 1949
Stuart *********
@Paul *******
it was a Monday according to Google.
Paul ********
@Stuart ********
Google it
Stuart *********
@Paul *******
oh you mean the Geneva convention. Good luck going down that route when your insurance company refuses to pay out for the million baht bill for hospital fees. You might get away with it. Do you want to chance it?
Paul ********
@Stuart ********
*****
55 Just bar talk
Dan ****
@Stuart ********
not true been stopped with mine heaps and it’s no problem
Stuart *********
@Dan ***
being stopped by the police and getting away with being illegal is one thing. Having a serious accident may produce other results.
Yevgeni *****
How do you get the thai license?
Paul ********
%100 UK £5 for one year
Andrew *******
After 3 months you are meant to obtain a local license. This is a straightforward process
Dan ****
Yes had mine for six years no problems at all
Bobby ********
Dan Mo. I'm similar. Been driving in Thailand for almost 12 years on my Aussie licence. No IDP. Perfectly legal. But I only use rental cars. If I owned my own car, the insurance could be a problem.
Zac ********
@Dan ***
it's only valid for a year though
Andrew *******
@Dan ***
this is technically not legal
Dan ****
@Andrew ******
since when was Thailand not corrupt... that’s why I live here no more problems ever
Andrew *******
@Dan ***
people deserve accurate advice
Dan ****
@Andrew ******
this is accurate lol seriously
Andrew *******
Dan ****
@Andrew ******
load of crap I claimed insurance already no problem whatsoever
Andrew *******
@Dan ***
look at other responses to this email chain and read the law. It’s wrong to give bad advice on what could be a material matter
Florian ********
I once showed my canadian license. They said you're good to go. Maybe it depends on the officer's mood. I got my thai license now. Very easy to get by the way if you plan on staying in thailand long term 👍
Derek ***********
Cost me $20 in USA. Only good for a year. Can get a Thai drivers license for same price.
Derek ***********
What AAA told me also
Darren *******
@Derek **********
The maximum period that you can drive a hire car or bike legally on an IDP is 60 days on a Tourist Visa, 90 days on a Non-Immigrant O visa. For rentals in excess of that a Thai Driver's Licence is required.

I've already told you this.
Derek ***********
@Darren ******
I’m good for 1 year on International license.
Darren *******
@Derek **********
no your not
Derek ***********
@Darren ******
Idk about UK. But I’m good for 1 year.

Every year need to renew. I’m taking your advice and getting DL here
Darren *******
@Derek **********
yes your licence lasts for one year but its only allowed to be used for 90 days on a Non o visa 60 days on a tourist visa in Thailand.
Derek ***********
Darren *******
@Derek **********
yes you buy it in your country and its ok to use for 1 year anywhere in the world but what ever country you go to you can only use it for a certain amount of time. Ie Thailand is 90 days with a non O and 60 days a a tourist. From the date you arrive.
Derek ***********
@Darren ******
I’m not here 90 days anyhow. I go back to work in May.

I’ll just get a Thai DL like you
Darren *******
@Derek **********
its worth getting your Thai licence while you are her now.
Derek ***********
@Darren ******
yes. Thanks for the advice bro
Marc ********
But this year police do not stop drivers for checking .... Covid ?!?
Steve ***********
Depends from which country. Different countries have licence agreements with Thailand which most Thai Authorities, including the Police, don't understand. Your Embassy in Thailand should have the info on their webpage.
Steve ***********
David Broadfoot my understanding was Australia and Thailand had the licence treaty. I'm sure I've seen it somewhere, but am struggling to find it. Things may have changed? I do know you can drive in Australia with a Thai licence as long as you are not a permanent resident of Australia. Once you become a PR, you are required to get an Australian licence.
Steve ***********
David Broadfoot interesting to hear. I regularly hire cars from the airport using my AU licence and was told it's OK. I'll look into it some more. Thanks! I found this. Not sure how accurate it is?
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Luc ************
@Steve **********
correct. I am from Belgium, my driving license is not approved. Police doesn't care until you have an accident.
Jason ******
@Luc ***********
why not ? I want to rent a car next time I’m in Thailand!
Ekkehard *******
@Jason *****
National driving licenses are not necessarily accepted in other countries. It depends on country of origin and on the foreign country where the national license is used.
Steve ***********
@Luc ***********
Australian licences are approved
Bobby ********
If you're tourist you use your own home country licence. If it's not in English you need an IDP
Andy ********
You need an IDP with your English language License. The English/Australian/NZ/USA etc license on its own not sufficient.
Bobby ********
Andy Turner. Totally wrong. All an IDP does is translate into English. Twelve years driving here and Aussie licence suffices. Any country which is a signatory to the 1949 Geneva Convention has reciprocal rights, and an IDP only required if licence is not printed in English.
Benjamin ******
Yes they are; as long as they are "International Drivers Permits". You need to get a license after 60 day if my memory serves me right.
Stuart *********
Yes. For three months.
Johnny **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
In US, the licenses is good for a year before needing renewal. I would assume it can be used for any three month period during that year?
Hans ******
@Johnny *********
in several countries its given for 1 to 3 years. But arriving in Thailand (and many other countries) you can use it (from day of arrival) for a maximum of 3 month. (Officially always in combination with a real and valid real driv license as it is just a translation)
Stuart *********
@Johnny *********
from when you enter Thailand. A international driving permit issued from someone like the AAA is valid for a year, but legally only allowed to use for 3 months here. After that you should get a Thai license.
Johnny **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
Thx very much.
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