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Can I apply for a Thai driver's license while on a DTV?
Thai driver's licenseDTV visacertificate of residenceChiang Maiexpat advicedriving regulations Thailandvisa requirements
Aug 14, 2025
9 months ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERCan 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
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.
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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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.
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.
You get Certificat of residence at Immigration, when you have stayed long enough at a permanent adress.
Romain *****
@Henrik ****
I got my certificate of residence on visa exemption at the french embassy after 1 month in Bangkok.Reply to
Romain *****
Reply
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.
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.
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.Reply to
Romain *****
Reply
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).
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jesse *****
thanks 😊Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Pete *******
You get a 2 year driving licence at your local DLT office with a DTV.
Jef ********
@Pete ******
everyone even thais get a 2 year license first , after that you need to have a long term visa 👌Reply to
Jef ********
Reply
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.
Arkar ******
@Suhaan ********
how did u make your exam appointment?Suhaan *********
@Arkar *****
online or driving school. We did it online.Arkar ******
@Suhaan ********
i am waiting to receive my resident certificate and next step is to make appointment I guessSuhaan *********
@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.Reply to
Suhaan *********
Reply
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Suhaan ********
Do you have to have long term rental contract for that certificate of residence?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.
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.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Suhaan ********
great, thanks alot.Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
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