Can I extend my Thai driver's license without a Non-O visa?

Mar 11, 2022
3 years ago
Alexandr *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello. Has anyone extended their drives license without a visa? I went to the department of transportation to extend mine, they sent me to immigration to get a certificate of residency. The immigration told me I have to be on non o visa to get the certificate of residency. I asked them how I got my driver's license in the first place then if I never had a non o visa. They said they don't know how. Any suggestions?)
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster is seeking advice on extending their Thai driver's license without needing a Non-O visa. They were directed by the department of transportation to immigration for a certificate of residency, which immigration stated could only be issued if on a Non-O visa. Several commenters shared their experiences, indicating that it might be possible to obtain a residency certificate from one's embassy instead, despite varied practices across different embassies and immigration offices. Some individuals mentioned successfully renewing their licenses under different visa circumstances, including visa exemptions and tourist visas, often requiring multiple visits to acquire the necessary documentation.
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Christian **********
Non immigrant visa and resident certificate from immigration required to apply for thai drivers license
Nick ************
The document you need is a certificate of residence. I have required two one for dl and one to change blue book to my name. Once IO stopped being difficult and gave me the right form which took the usual 3 or 4 visits, it took a week to get it signed after which it can be collected. Did not cost anything.
Tom *******
“Did not cost anything.” By law, yes, but in reality, it’s 200 THB per copy. That’s at Chaeng Wattana anyway. Other IOs may not charge though.
Nick ************
@Tom ******
you can only use it once. Copies are not accepted.
Tom *******
@Nick ***********
that’s as may be but it’s still 200 THB for every paper copy of a certificate of residence with your name and address on it. I know cos I asked for an extra one and the immi officer asked for 400 THB.
Tom *******
You don’t need immigration. You can also get the certificate of residency from your embassy. It’s more pricey but possible, plus it’s much faster. Takes a couple of weeks from immigration.
Wayne *********
@Tom ******
not all. Australia embassy doesn't issue them anymore
Tom *******
@Wayne ********
Ok. Mine does—Irish Embassy.
Wayne *********
@Tom ******
lucky, I wish ours did
Tom *******
@Wayne ********
it was 1700 THB as opposed to the IO version which is supposed to be free but costs 200 THB per copy. TIT.
Richard ********
Try in investigation bureau closed to immigration

They give me a certificate free

I m on visa exemption and covid extensions
Richard ********
In BKk they are certainly tired to see fu....g farangs !!!!555!!
David *********
Go to a visa agent. They will get it done for you
Stefan *******
I got my driving licence on visa exception with letter of residency and last year in December i renew it on a turist visa,it was done in Chiang mai
Оливер *********
@Stefan ******
did you get a two-year renewal or five year?
Stefan *******
Garrett ***********
You need to go to your embassy and get a certificate of residency. Every immigration office has different requirements for issuing a COE, Bangkok they'll only issue them if you're on a Non immigrant visa. Chiang Mai they'll give them to anyone.
Benjamin ******
You may be able to get a letter of residency from your Embassy. The US Embassy sells them for $50 USD.
Alexandr *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you
Lyndon ************
How did you get it, in the first place?
Lyndon ************
@James ****
I got my licence in June 21
Tom *******
@Lyndon ***********
I got my 5-year renewal done in March, 2021. It was done by appointment which took 6 weeks of waiting.
Alexandr *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
On a tourist visa in Phuket. All they asked was tm 30. But, now, I'm in Bkk
Lyndon ************
@Alexandr ************
ah, yes now I understand. Unfortunately you won't get a residence cert out of Bangkok Immigration on a tourist visa and the DLT here requires it. After banging my head against this wall for a year, I ended up doing a two day trip to Pattaya and engaged an agent.
James *****
@Lyndon ***********
how long ago was this ?
James *****
Can you get a DL with TV?
Dorai **************
@Benjamin *****
through an agent here in phuket
Dorai **************
@Benjamin *****
yes you can get dl in a tourist visa but for the first time they will give you for 2 years
James *****
@Rai ****
where did you get
Andy *********
@Benjamin *****
yes but cannot get a 5 year at renewal - only the 2 year - need a one year visa or more to get 5 year
Оливер *********
@Andy ********
non 0 ninety days is sufficient! Just renewed mine!
Andy *********
@Оливер ********
how many years and which DLT?
Оливер *********
@Andy ********
Banglamung/Pattaya, 5 years!
Garrett ***********
@Benjamin *****
tourist visa
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