Answered4 months ago
Can I get a 5-year driver's license in Thailand on a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa)?
Driver license on DTV
I went today to the transportation office Hua Hin and they said that after having initial 2 years temporary I can apply only for another 2 years (international Driver license not possible anymore) and not anymore as before after 2 years for 5 years and international Driver license.
Could please somebody confirm that it doesn't work anymore that way?
Thank you
I went today to the transportation office Hua Hin and they said that after having initial 2 years temporary I can apply only for another 2 years (international Driver license not possible anymore) and not anymore as before after 2 years for 5 years and international Driver license.
Could please somebody confirm that it doesn't work anymore that way?
Thank you
Answer summary
The issue of obtaining a 5-year driver's license in Thailand on a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) is complex and varies by local DLT (Department of Land Transport) office. Some offices, like those in Chiang Mai, still issue 5-year licenses to DTV holders, while others have adopted stricter policies that only allow for 2-year temporary licenses for those on tourist visas such as the DTV. Expats are encouraged to verify with their local DLT office as regulations can differ significantly between locations.
61 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Klaus ********
Unfortunately I just got my second extension and received also only 2 years. Last year I was on business visa and work permit but my driver license was still valid. So I missed the 5 year opportunity... I did it in Ko Samui.
Luit *****************
@Klaus *******
I don't understand why 5 years license is such an advantage, the process is easy and not expensive, the only proctical difference I see is the zero tolerance with drinking alcohol on a 2 years license, but personally I think you should not do that anyway and I doubt it will be different in reality.
Shin ******
What happens after the 5yr license? Can you extend for another 5yrs or 2yrs?
Luit *****************
@Shin *****
Normally with a stamp of stay of 1 year you can get 5 year license, and with shorter tourist stamp can get 2 year license.That is the general rule, but as always in Thailand different DLT offices will have different rules.
Even now some DLT offices do not change national license with IDP anymore without full exam while the new law about that is not yet in effect.
Incognia **********
No license more than 15 years never problem.Almost 15 times accident.Nothing problem.Licence is not important if it isnt your fault.If it is your fault you have licence or not nothing changes.Just got accident yesterday.(no licence)Other side fault.He paid to me and we seperated in 5 minutes
Anonymous ******************
@Incognia *********
🤦🏾♂️
Robert ***********
@Incognia *********
This is definitely a stupid, ignorant post.
Mary ******
It's 2 years temporary and after that you get a regular 5 year Thai DL.
Sefton ********
Office by office.
Chiang mai was still giving the 5 year ones to dtv holders last I checked.
Chiang mai was still giving the 5 year ones to dtv holders last I checked.
Robert ***********
@Sefton *******
Not as of last month when a friend did his.
Anonymous ******************
Yes it’s correct , extend my licence last March in Phang Nga , same rules 2+2
IndigoG********
They hit me with that in Chiang Mai too
Abdallah ******
IndigoGrape5836 your first 2 years license you got by converting IDP to Thai license or you took the course+ exam?
Terry ********
Not correct. I'm on a DTV and renewed my 2 year license in June and was given a 5 year one this time.
This was in Chiang Mai.
This was in Chiang Mai.
Abdallah ******
@Terry *******
your first 2 years license you got by converting IDP to Thai license or you took the course+ exam?Terry ********
@Abdallah *****
I used my IDL.Luit *****************
@Terry *******
You just are lucky, officially you only can get 2 years.Sefton ********
@Luit ****************
there is no 'law' there is only office rules
Knowledgeabl************
Are you a pensioner or pre pensioner ?
Terry ********
@Luit ****************
And yet "officially" I got 5 years. A government office issued it...so it's official. 😊Luit *****************
@Terry *******
Who is continuing to argue? To me it looks like you do.For 5 year driver license you need stay of 1 year, quite simple.
That some people get 5 years does not make that the rule.
But it is no big deal anyway, the only real difference is the zero tolerance for drinking alcohol of the 2 year license.
Terry ********
@Luit ****************
Why are you continuing to argue and be wrong? You must be one of those know-it-all-types, right?You clearly don't know what you're talking about.
Luit *****************
@Terry *******
Of course the license itself is official, but with DTV you should not have got it,
Kevin ********
If in a DTV it’s because you are on a tourist visa, I changed to retirement 2 weeks ago, and already have already done my 5 year licence this week. Visa is the reason.
Dany ********
It is true. Most offices are not handing out 5-year licenses to DTV and other short term visa anymore. You basically need a 12 months stamp.
i also got 2 years in krabi dlt this year.
i also got 2 years in krabi dlt this year.
Luc ************
Correct
Steve *******
Yes that's because the DTV is a tourist visa.
Tony *********
What’s the difference? Just keep getting the 2 years license
Sterling *********
@Tony ********
insurance and use and coverage in ASEAN
Unforgettabl*************
@Tony ********
The 2 year license is probationary and isn’t considered a “full” license for things like obtaining an International Driving Permit or for the sake of bilateral agreements. Basically, it’s only good for inside of Thailand so it does matter if you don’t have any other valid “full” license(s) for use outside of Thailand. Obviously, operating a vehicle illegally can result in your insurance refusing to cover any of your claims.
Jason ********
@Tony ********
the five year license can be used to other ASEAN countries
Kool *******
You can only get a 5 year license on a long term extension, not on any tourist visa, and the dtv is a tourist visa, so you get another 2 year temporary license, no matter where you go.
Terry ********
@Kool ******
Not true
Tore *********
@Kool ******
not true. It vary based on what DLT office 🤷🏻♂️
John **********
To get the 5 year licence you need to be on a Non-immigrant visa. Those on tourist visas, which the DTV is, are not entitled to a 5 year licence
Mary ******
@John *********
Uhhhh.. 😒 I don't think so bud..Anonymous ******************
@John *********
i have DTV and 5 year licence bike and carKnowledgeabl************
Well the pensioners woke up early today..:::.
Terry ********
@John *********
Not true
Andrew ********
They mean you can use IDP as evidence you will have to take drivers course and test or convert license
Toni *******
I think only chiang mai and rayong do 5years
Anonymous ******************
@Toni ******
buriram 5 years you dont know don't commentToni *******
Anonymous participant 665 good to know, i said "i think", and can of course comment
MotivatedP**********
@Toni ******
yes I renewed from 2 to 5 years in Chiang Mai on DTV, it is possible.
Enthusiasti***********
@Toni ******
renewed in Chiang Mai, got 2 yearsToni *******
EnthusiasticQuince4789 bad luck, theres tens of posts (with actual proof, as a picture... can you provide too?) of getting 5
Carlos *********
I asked an agent in Bangkok yesterday and told me the same thing
Knowledgeabl************
It’s DLT office specific
Greg ********
It depends on the DLT office. Just like Immigrstion Offices they often have different policies implanted locally. Some DLT still issue a 5 year license after the initial 2 year. Chiang Mai used to but may have changed.
Sterling *********
@Greg *******
ask someone else and get a different answer. Or what I have actually been doing is printing out the laws, and having them handy in case I need to present the written laws to officials. Most of the time they will 180 completely and default to the laws you show then after deliberating with othersGreg ********
@Sterling ********
Many of these are not actual laws (i.e., statute). They are local rules and guidance! As an example, the extension of the DTV Central Immigration sent out guidance. It is up to local immigration offices how they implement it. They can add on extra requirements if they like. This is exactly the same for other types of visa renewals and services. Different offices have different requirements.Greg ********
@Sterling ********
Not everything is in the immigration act. Tell us what is in the immigration act with regards to 180 extensions for the DTV. The exact requirements please.Sterling *********
@Greg *******
there are official publications, what is permitted is not up to chance (although some agencies make their own decisions due to ignorance of the Immigration Act and the official publications).Royal gazzette Publication for foreigners staying for special purposes, and then
Thai Immigration Act of 1979, sections 34, 35, 37, 38 and 41
Almost all questions asked in this group could simply be answered by reviewing the publication (it's very short), and then EMAILING the consulate location. Email provides a chain of proof
Sterling *********
@Sefton *******
I don't question it I am overly dramatic about that I'm sorry for the inconvenience but I understand it differently and then I showed the highlighted section of the immigration act.Greg ********
@Sefton *******
Exactly! You've got it spot on there. They run like little fiefdoms! It works like that in business here too. That's why the Thai staff always gossip about you in the office: "Oh, X lets me go off and attend school events with my kids. Oh, Y is a bad boss. He doesn't let me do it. I've got to take a holiday to do that."Sefton ********
@Greg *******
I call it phu yai power.. each local boss makes up his idea of the system and face means it's socially rude to question that.Sefton ********
@Sterling ********
printing out laws. Like they will care..🤣Sterling *********
@Sefton *******
it helped me get an extension on an exemption with an IO. I had highlighted the points in the immigration act. Originally she denied an extension but then I respectfully told her I understood it differently and she granted it after she read the applicable part of the IA.Terry ********
@Greg *******
Can confirm CM office issues 5 years. I got mine last month.MotivatedP**********
@Greg *******
As of a few months ago Chiang Mai did issue 5 year license after 2 year license (on DTV).Greg ********
MotivatedPeacock7098 Good to know. I had heard they did but did not wish to make a definitive claim in case situation had changed.
Activity
32 joined32
people
Related
25Do I need to show proof of an onward flight when traveling to Thailand on a DTV?
2.5k21262mo
Is it difficult to extend a DTV Visa for another 6 months without leaving Thailand?
2k21112mo
Can you open a bank account in Thailand with a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV)?
8.4k661132mo
How can I apply for a car driving license in Thailand as a UK driving license holder with a 5-year DTV?
1.8k16172mo
Is it worth getting a single Non-O visa to obtain a driving license in Thailand?
1.9k17183mo
Can I obtain a motorcycle license in Thailand on a DTV visa?
1.7k10264mo
Can I get a motorcycle license in Thailand on a DTV visa if I only have a car license from Australia?
3.9k1284mo
Can DTV visa holders still renew five-year driver's licenses in Thailand?
1.4k10144mo
Can I apply for a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) while in Japan on a visit visa for Thailand?
3.4k1114mo
Can you hold a DTV2 temporarily and later apply for a DTV1 from within Thailand?
4k38316mo
Can I apply for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand with 1 million baht but no regular income?
7.3k61808mo
Does a lack of prior visits to Thailand affect my chances of getting a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV)?
1.8k14169mo
What is the process for obtaining a Thai motorcycle driving license as a foreigner with an international driving permit?
1.4k531y
Do I need to prove 500k baht for each family member when sponsoring them on a DTV visa?
470111y
Can I Start a Business in Thailand on a DTV Visa?
2.5k18171y
Can I obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Thailand with a DTV Visa and a Thai Driving License?
1.7k12101y
Can I exit Thailand and re-enter to reset my DTV digital nomad visa extension 180-day period?
1.8k6141y
Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV)?
5.8k58231y
What is the re-entry experience like on the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand?
2.6k13372y
How can I successfully apply for the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand?
598142y
Can I apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Thailand early and when should I arrive?
1.1k922y
Can I apply for a Thai driving licence on a DTV with a TM30?
2.9k23182y
Can I include my girlfriend on my digital nomad visa in Thailand if we are not married?
1.1k482y
Can I work remotely in Thailand with a visa that doesn't allow any type of work?
2.7k19102y
How quickly can one get a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand as an Australian?
15k1041902y
Resources
Need help with your DTV visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served