Can I buy a motorcycle in Thailand while on a DTV visa and how do I transfer the green book?

Be very careful buying anything on Facebook.

The thing that worries me is when you said, "when we try to communicate about the green book, he said we can do it at the DLT."

He should have no issue showing you a photo of the green book containing the registration no, chassis no, date of manufacture, date of first registration, etc. This is the first step people do when buying or selling a vehicle. If the seller refuses to show this to you, it's likely a scam in terms of authenticity or age of the bike.

NB: do note that in Thailand, it's possible for an owner or agent to sell you a vehicle which is under Installment, to another person while the loan is not being serviced. Sometimes, the finance company cannot locate the vehicle due to charge of address. When you buy such a vehicle, you are not the legal owner as the finance company is still searching for the said vehicle. Such vehicles are priced very low to entice unsuspecting buyers. Buyer beware!

Yup, I purchased a bike in May, new but still you will need the residence cert, it's only good for 30 days, so use it within that time frame or you have to get a new one.

I bought both a bike and a car. On a DTV. Yes you need a Residence Certificate. Roughly 40 minutes and 500 THB is all it takes. You’ll need to have your passport, last TM30 and the Rental contract with you, the photos can be taken on site (not sure the price though).

Then the DLT visit. In Thailand the moment you own the bike is not the moment you sign the contract, but the moment you transfer ownership at the DLT. If the bike is registered in the same province you live in, then any DLT branch in that province will do. If cross-province purchase you’ll need to go the main office in your Province. Apart from that it’s pretty straightforward GIVEN all the paperwork is okay. The best option is to visit the DLT with the seller, but that’s rather uncommon - usually the seller gives you what’s called a „transfer package” that’s a set consisting of a green book, a POA, an in-blanco seller’s transfer form and a signed (in blue! I’m serious, the color of the signature matters, ask me how I know) copy of her/his ID. Both sides.

The cost is around THB 600 for a bike + mandatory insurance (if less than 90 days left on the current one). Oh, and you should take the bike with you so the DLT officer can inspect the VIN.

OR you can pay an agent - usually between 2,5-3k for a bike including insurance. This way you spare yourself, the seller and your bike the trip and stress (the agent will take photos and „authorize” for the VIN). Done both and honestly hugely recommend the agent route.

It needs a license plate. And a tax disc. And all the paperwork with it.

He is right you BOTH have to be at DLT to transfer and don’t pay until done. If the green book isn’t in his name he can’t transfer.

I brought a car but the transfer of the car was handled by the car yard but for them to complete the transfer i did need the residence certificate which I got from Immigration the same day. At Pattaya there is an office close by that will help complete forms, supply photos and do photocopying where needed.

Your visa has no bearing on the sale.

You will need a residence certificate, your passport (copies).

Go with the owner and change it together.

THEN PAY him out.

Be cautious, many great deals turn into problems.

Not he owner, etc.