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Can I apply for a Thai driver's license while on a DTV?

Thai driver's license DTV visa certificate of residence Chiang Mai expat advice driving regulations Thailand visa requirements

Aug 14, 2025

10 days ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

Can I apply for a Thai drivers licence while on the DTV? I see you need to obtain a certificate of residence, can you get this while on the DTV, and any chance they would issue this with a month long airbnb booking? Thinking of applying in Chiang Mai. TIA

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Yes, you can apply for a Thai driver's license while on a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa). However, obtaining a certificate of residence is essential, and the process may vary depending on your embassy. While some have reported success in getting this certificate through their embassy, it can be more complicated through Immigration, especially without a long-term visa. The Thai driver's license is required after three months of using an international driving license, and be aware that it may take time to secure an appointment at the local Department of Land Transport (DLT) office.

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Romain *****

For the certificate of residence, it depends on your country embassy. For french embassy, I was able to get it easily there. It is way more complicated to get it with the Immigration office, unless you have a long term visa.

9 days ago

Henrik *****

Certificat of residence has nothing to do with Embassies.

You get Certificat of residence at Immigration, when you have stayed long enough at a permanent adress.

9 days ago

Romain *****

@Henrik ****

I got my certificate of residence on visa exemption at the french embassy after 1 month in Bangkok.

9 days ago

Reply to

Romain *****

Henrik *****

In fact you need to get a Thai drivers license, after three months.

The international driver license is only valid the first 3 months then you have to get a Thai drivers license.

Be aware that there can be months waiting for getting a appointment for the Thai driver’s license.

Check with the local DLT office.

10 days ago

Romain *****

@Henrik ****

Better to just walk in, they give you the very quick appointment. Whether it was for the car driving licence, or the motorbike, I got appointment the very next day. Book online and you will not get appointment in less than 2 months for sure.

9 days ago

Reply to

Romain *****

Jesse ******

I just received my Thai DL today on DTV. All you need is passport, valid foreign DL, medical certificate, certificate of residence, and need to complete a short 1 hour video course. For the certificate of residence I've attached the list of documents you need below (note: this list is from Bangkok immigration).

10 days ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jesse *****

thanks 😊

10 days ago

Reply to

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

Pete *******

You get a 2 year driving licence at your local DLT office with a DTV.

10 days ago

Jef ********

@Pete ******

everyone even thais get a 2 year license first , after that you need to have a long term visa 👌

10 days ago

Reply to

Jef ********

Suhaan *********

Yes, we went to the immigration office and got our certificate of residence to apply for Thai driving licence and purchase a bike as well. Waiting for our exam/appointment now.

10 days ago

Arkar ******

@Suhaan ********

how did u make your exam appointment?

10 days ago

Suhaan *********

@Arkar *****

online or driving school. We did it online.

10 days ago

Arkar ******

@Suhaan ********

i am waiting to receive my resident certificate and next step is to make appointment I guess

10 days ago

Suhaan *********

@Arkar *****

Yes and it's available only in 2026 now 🤦‍♂️ slots and days are limited for appointment unfortunately and IDP is valid only for 60 days/every visit.

10 days ago

Reply to

Suhaan *********

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Suhaan ********

Do you have to have long term rental contract for that certificate of residence?

10 days ago

Suhaan *********

Anonymous participant We went with all the documents such as passport (original and copies), one year contract, DTV printout, 2 photos but the officer only checked our passport and the TM30 before giving them back.

Make sure your TM30 is the latest one. You can get it from any hotel by staying overnight. In our case, I got mine directly from our landlord.

10 days ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Suhaan ********

great, thanks alot.

10 days ago

Reply to

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

Can DTV holders obtain a Thai driver's license without a work permit?

32 comments

2 months ago

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