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Can DTV holders in Chiang Mai renew their Thai driver's license for 5 years instead of 2?

Thai driver's license DTV visa license renewal Chiang Mai long stay visa 5 year license non-immigrant visa

Sep 19, 2025

5 days ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Drivers license renewal. I have a DTV and a 2 year Thai license which will expire in a few months. I've read that some DTV holders have had success in receiving a 5 year license when they go to renew. Does anyone have experience? I'm in Chiang Mai if that matters

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses the renewal of a Thai driver's license for a DTV holder in Chiang Mai, mentioning that some individuals have successfully obtained a 5-year license, although the current regulations specify that only holders of non-immigrant visas qualify for this. Recent changes in licensing rules are highlighted, indicating that many DTV holders may only receive licenses for 2 years. Advice to contact local authorities or experts for further clarification is also provided.

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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Henrik *****

Rules changed recently

Check DLT website

4 days ago

Laurence *********

Call the chiang mai visa shop for expert advice.

5 days ago

Paul *******

Chiang Mai should be OK for getting a 5 year license on a DTV. Go and find out then report back here.

5 days ago

Eddie *****************

Since you are Chiang Mai, you will see the new rule at counter 27 window when you arrived at the Transport office.

5 days ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

If the new license will be a 2 year license, is it a full license or another temporary? I'm not bothered about the expiration date on it, but would be nice to be able to get an IDP

5 days ago

John **********

Anonymous participant you can't get an IDP on a 2 year licence

3 days ago

Reply to

John **********

Anonymous ******************

Not anymore. Rules have changed for the DTV. Only Non-immigrant visas. It's going to be 2 years.

5 days ago

John **********

Anonymous participant 674 I'm not aware of any rule change, it's been the case that you can't get a 5 year licence on a tourist visa, which the DTV is.

3 days ago

Paul *******

@John *********

Nonsense. The DTV is in a separate category. For a tourist visa, you usually get only 2 years but some offices might grant a 5 year license upon renewal to holders of the METV. Might is the key word. For DTV holders, some offices grant a 5 year license upon renewal, others only 2 years.

3 days ago

John **********

@Paul ******

the DTV is officially classified as a tourist visa. The authorities specifically classified it as such.

3 days ago

Paul *******

@John *********

It's a special category visa.

3 days ago

John **********

@Paul ******

indeed, a special tourist visa, but a tourist visa nonetheless.

3 days ago

Reply to

John **********

Paul *******

Anonymous participant 674 The rules haven't changed. Only Rayong and Pattaya won't do 5 year licenses for DTV holders. Other offices are OK.

5 days ago

Toni *******

@Paul ******

it was rayong/something that did 5years some time ago, chonburi (pattaya) was in the firsts to only do 2. I renewed mine 2months ago at chon buri, 2years.

3 days ago

Paul *******

@Toni ******

I heard Rayong was 2 years as well, from the beginning.

All Bangkok offices except Bang Chak are 5 years (or were as of a couple of months ago anyway). Same thing in Chiang Mai.

I have not heard of any rule changes for those offices...only Rayong and Chonburi are definitely 2 years. Others...really depends.

3 days ago

Reply to

Paul *******

Anonymous ******************

@Paul ******

went to renew my 5 year license last month, they only gave me 2 year temporary license.

5 days ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Anonymous participant 297 at which DLT?

5 days ago

Reply to