Can I apply for an international driving license while in Thailand?

Mar 6, 2022
3 years ago
Shaun ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Can I get an international driving licence when I'm already in Thailand?

Thanks in advance.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses whether an international driving license can be obtained while already in Thailand. Most comments indicate that it needs to be issued from the country of origin of the national driving license. Some users mention that specific countries like Australia and the US allow online applications for an IDP, but it must be from the same country as the original license. Others suggest that expats consider acquiring a Thai driver’s license as it may be easier and quicker.
Native ****************
Hi Shaun, Most posts seem to know about the fact that an IDP needs to come from your country of residence... I been coming back on forth to Thailand for over 8 years and if this is your FIRST TIME applying for Thai Drivers License, with a valid Drivers License from your country, you are allowed a 1 year Drivers Permit here in Thailand. Good to note that a sweet smile to the proper Dept of Transport Officer might give different results other than what I am stating (Been there done that ), but normal requirements are such that FIRST TIME applicants are automatically given a 1 year permit with the presentation of a Valid Permit, passport and a Valid Visa (Entry Exempt Visa 30 days NOT included). SECOND TIME applicants must follow regular Thai application process :
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Kat *********
You can, I just did it. It cost a bit of money but was cheaper and easier than a thai license ! They mailed it to me and it took about two weeks to arrive at my address in thailand. I was also given a digital copy so I had it on my phone (could have gotten it printed) in case I was pulled over before receiving it in the mail. I highly recommend!

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Ian ************
@Kat ********
it only cost me 750 bhat to get a Thai license simple and better
Bobby ********
Kat Whatley. Unfortunately you've been scammed! It's an internet fake!

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Kat *********
@Bobby *******
Ian Hutchinson hahaha well it looks super real to me, I’ve gotten a real one before at AAA and this looks exactly the same. I’m 1000%

Sure it will do the trick in thailand
Bobby ********
Kat Whatley. "Look" super real? 🤣🤣🤣. Good for you!
Dimitri ********
@Kat ********
That is fake. Maybe it will work in Thailand. But it doesn't have more value than something you can make yourself with Photoshop.
Terary **********
They're pretty easy to print out. Its been my experience they are not really that useful. Australia seems to want a license from the same country as your passport, everywhere doesn't seem to care.

I was renting cars in the US on my Thai drivers license.
Steve ********
I just ordered mine from Oz, put down that I was travelling in 5 days time. It's on its way to me now. Through RAA
John ********
John ********
No
Lee ************************
The waiting time is the thing if just converting it I did mine and wife’s through a test centre wasn’t more than a grand or so otherwise was a 3 month wait to do I cheap way
George *************
From some countries, yes. US and Australia, can be ordered online delivered by mail. Must be from same country of driver's license.
Bobby ********
George Marinkovich. Correct. Many people are sucked in by the online International Driver's Licences which are nothing more than another internet scam!
George *************
@Bobby *******
yes, Thailand hasn't signed a convention to accept those internation licenses, only IDPs from your home country. Not the same weight at all.
Bobby ********
George Marinkovich. Used to be able to get them down Khao San Road a few years back. People think the police are not real smart. A friend of mine produced one a few years back at police checkpoint. The cop laughed at him and said "Khao San Road? 500 baht fine". 😆
Bob *********
In the UK you can get an International Driving Licence by taking your UK driving licence and a passport photo to the Post Office. You pay £5 and it is valid for 12 months. But you need to do it before you leave the UK. They will issue it to you over the counter.
Shaun *********
No. You have to get one in person in the UK, you can't get one online.
Will ************
The IDP is only valid if presented with your driving licence when requested.
Jay ********
If you've brought your UK driving licence it should be a simple process to get the 2yr temporary driving licence. There's plenty of websites explaining the process, medical 100baht, certificate of residence, and allow for a day at the Department for Land and Transport. No need to use an agent.
Shaun ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jay *******
thanks for that
Jay ********
@Shaun *****
Firstly get TM30 from hotel, go to immigration and get certificate of residence if they say 2weeks ask for express service pay extra, go to hospital get a medical takes about 30min, go to DLT early in the morning and should get it sorted same day. You'll get 2 licences, car and bike.
Bobby ********
Australia you can. You can apply on line and for $40 extra it is priority posted. I got mine seven days after applying
Steve **********
@Bobby *******
Same with the AAA in the US.
Steve **********
Check that link. You send applications from abroad to an office in Florida.
Ryan ***********
@Steve *********
Do you mind explaining how I get one with US?
Steve **********
@Ryan **********
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Ryan ***********
@Steve *********
Do you have any idea how this is handle such as the state my driver’s license would come from? Would it be my state I acquired my last driver license from?
Gary ***********
If you have a Thai licence, you can apply for an international licence
Frank-Steven ***********
@Gary **********
Not on the initial (2 year license). Only then on the subsequent (5 year license). I believe.
Frank-Steven ***********
Unlikely. Only the issuing country of your national driving license can issue those. I doubt they would issue you one remotely and send it to Thailand.

You could alternatively consider getting a Thai driver license. They are rather easy and cheap to come by. Either make a complete new one, or have your national license converted. The latter might involve quite some bureaucracy.
Shaun ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Frank-Steven **********
my visa agent said she can get me a Thai driving licence for 6000baht which I thought was a bit expensive when I'm only here for another 2 months.
Frank-Steven ***********
@Shaun *****
Everything in Thailand can be done two ways: Officially / yourself or through some (sometimes shady) agent. I was referring to doing it yourself. This would involve going to the Department of Land Transport. For conversion, they might require you to have a translation / confirmation of your national drivers license by your embassy (costly and annoying ~1800 baht) + residence certificate (500 baht) + watching 1 hour video + paying around 300 baht for the actual Thai drivers license. Due to inefficient bureaucracy, be prepared to lose at least one day over this.
Shaun ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Frank-Steven **********
thank you for the information
Оливер *********
@Frank-Steven **********
doing it yourself right now will take a long time to get an appointment. 2-3 month wait. If you do it with an agency it'll take around two weeks!
Frank-Steven ***********
@Оливер ********
Last time I did it (in early 2021) appointments were only required for Thais. Foreigners could walk in.
Оливер *********
@Frank-Steven **********
I tried it last week. Appointment beginning of June. Went back with an agent and got appointment within two weeks! But mine is only for renewal!
Pauline *******
I think it has to be issued in same country as your driving license is from
Pauline *******
That’s what google tells me!
Sophie *********
Kev ********
No you need from your Country
Shaun ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kev *******
OK thanks kev
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