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Can a DTV holder obtain a Thai driver's license and why can't they open a bank account?

Thai driver's license DTV holder bank account residence certificate visa requirements expat living in Thailand

Jun 5, 2025

23 days ago

Hilik ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

So a DTV holder cannot open a bank account.  I tried all of them. Can I issue a Thai drivers license?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A holder of a DTV (Digital Tourist Visa) cannot open a bank account in Thailand, but it is possible to obtain a Thai driver's license if you provide a residence certificate and a health statement. The driver's license is issued by the Department of Land Transport (DLT), and there is no visa requirement for obtaining it. Additionally, since the DTV allows a stay of only 180 days, holding a Thai driver's license may not be necessary, as you can use your national license along with an International Driving Permit (IDP) for up to 12 months.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

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Dirk **************

As the DTV only allows you to stay 180 days there is no need for a Thai DL. You can use your national license with an IDP for up to 12 months.

22 days ago

Garrett ***********

No visa requirement to get a drivers license

23 days ago

Paul ***********

You don’t need a bank account unless you live there. Get yourself a wise card and just use that to get cash from ATM’s or over the counter at a bank.

23 days ago

Hilik ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Paul **********

This will be THB250 commission every time I do an ATM withdrawal

23 days ago

Xu *****

@Hilik *******

You can try the true money app~

21 days ago

Paul ***********

@Hilik *******

well, if that’s a problem, just take cash.

22 days ago

Braulio *********

@Hilik *******

a small amount for the connivence

22 days ago

Ingvar *******

@Hilik *******

use it to pay with and take bigger amount every time. Some ATM are ok with 30k.

22 days ago

Hilik ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ingvar ******

which bank ATM is the highest you know of?

22 days ago

Reply to

Hilik ********

Dennis ************

Bit strange you can't open a bankaccount but you should pay tax if you stay over 180 days

23 days ago

Michael ********

@Dennis ***********

yep and now they asking all content providers based in thailand to declare.

23 days ago

Roberto *********

@Dennis ***********

Not correct. Tax is not payable if the DTA excludes it. Plus tax offices can accept cash payments

23 days ago

Reply to

Roberto *********

Willem ****

The DLT issues driving licenses.

23 days ago

Hilik ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Willem ***

So with DTV visa I can get a Thai driver license?

23 days ago

Willem ****

Hilik Shivek

Read my text. You ask if you can issue. Maybe you used the wrong wording by mistake.

Issuing authority is the DLT. You don't issue anything. You apply for it.

23 days ago

Reply to

Willem ****

Jan ******************

Yes you’ll need a residence certificate and a health statement from a random doctor.

23 days ago

Hilik ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jan *****************

How do I get a residence certificate? Is it enough to present my signed house lease contract?

23 days ago

Jan ******************

@Hilik *******

Yes it should be enough if you also have a receipt of your TM.30 address registration at your immigration. The owner of house should register you on a TM.30 within 24 hours of your arrival.

23 days ago

Hilik ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jan *****************

Can I get this TM30 from my landlord, or is this something I need to handle with immigration?

22 days ago

Jan ******************

@Hilik *******

If the landlord registered you electronically, you should get a receipt or screenshot of the registration. You could do it yourself at the immigration if you bring your lease contract and a copy of the landlords housebook and ID-card. It’s the landlords responsibility but your problem if it’s not done.

22 days ago

Reply to

Jan ******************

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Can you obtain a Thai driving license on a DTV visa?

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