Answered9 years ago
Can I get a Thai driver's license on a Tourist visa, and what is the validity of a Residency Certificate?
Hello! I'm hoping for a bit of advice on getting a Thai drivers license. Can I get one while on a Tourist visa? Also, my current lease is almost over. If I go get the residency certificate now, will there be an expiration date on it?
Answer summary
Yes, you can obtain a Thai driver's license while on a Tourist visa. You'll need to provide proof of residence, a medical certificate, and copies of your passport and current visa. The temporary driver's license is typically valid for two years. As for the Residency Certificate, it is generally valid for 30 days in major cities like Bangkok, but it could be valid for up to 6 months in other regions. If you move, you'd need to get a new certificate.
19 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Bob ********
You can find english version of computerised multiple choice on line I did bike test two years ago, it realy helps to get a copy, english translation on test can cause some problems.
Valerie ********
OPThanks!!
Valerie ********
OPThank you so much!!!
Tod *********
@El***
, to get a thai driver's license you need the following paperwork- proof of residence (work permit, letter from immigrations or notarized letter from your consulate)
- medical certificate (any health cert from any health clinic)
- copies of passport data page, current visa or entry stamp and the front & back of a valid drivers license from your country.
IF you have a drivers license you only take for aptitude tests: depth perception, reaction time, color blindness and peripheral vision. You do those watch a movie and get your 2 year temporary thai license(s) issued.
IF you don't have a valid license from your country in addition to the above things you also take a computerized multiple choice test and do the practical driving test on their track at the DOL.
Elani *******************
What did you need to take in order to do a thai license?
Johnsuma ******
@Tod ********
in Surat they need DL translated & certified, i guess its different in BKK and in many other citiesTod *********
@Parme*****
, If your driver's license has english on it there is no need to translate your licenseJohnsuma ******
if you have a DL in your country, just translate it and go to konson, to pass the eyes and few other check.
Valerie ********
OPI only had a car license back home and know the motorbike process is a bit more work here since it's not just a transfer of the same skills. Thank you guys for taking the time to help!! I'm hopeful about this process
Hazel *******
I got a 'temporary' licence with a 2 year validity date. It can be done.
Allan ******
They will give you a temporary license for 1 year.
When you renew it you'll get 2 years if you are still on a tourist visa.
When you renew it you'll get 2 years if you are still on a tourist visa.
Lloyd ********
Incorrect, temp licences are now 2 years and "normal" ones are 5 years.
Joe ***********
Residency Certificate is good for 6 months. But if you move in the 6 months - then new Residency Certificate.
Ron *******
Except in Bangkok. You cannot get a residency certificate unless you are doing 90 day reports. They won't issue one.
Joe ***********
Go to the Local Thai Immigration office. Take your Rental Agreement / Lease - original and copy with photocopy of the property owner's ID and photocopy of the Tambian Ban. Ask for a Residency Certificate - which is a full page Form Letter signed by an officer plus some will put a
***
page document folded into your passportJoe ***********
Most things are just easier down south. No charge for the RC and last 6 months
Tod *********
@R**
, Same in bangkok, 30 days, no matter if they're from your consulate or from the immigration office :/ .Ron *******
Residency certificates issued by Jomtien immigration are only valid for 30 days.
Lloyd ********
If you tell them ;-)
Activity
10 joined10
people
Related
25Can I change my Non-B visa to a tourist visa while in Thailand if my school has moved on?
5475413d
What visa options are available for someone married to a Thai citizen who frequently visits Thailand for extended stays?
3.9k32427mo
What are the best visa options for staying in Thailand for 4 to 5 months during winter?
8.4k591189mo
Will I be refused entry to Thailand if I visit 5 times a year for 23 days each time under the new visa rules?
27.4k1914189mo
What should my friend do about her tourist visa expiring while applying for a student visa in Thailand?
875731y
What agents can assist with opening a Thai bank account on a DTV visa in Thailand?
3.7k30352y
How can I extend my stay in Thailand if I'm facing a 3-day overstay?
7.9k47812y
Are there any exceptions to the 180-day stay limit for tourists in Thailand?
5.2k37482y
Are residency certificates in Thailand specific to certain tasks, such as opening a bank account or getting a driver's license?
4.5k41312y
Can I extend my Thai visa again after a 30-day extension and re-enter Thailand for another 30 days?
1.6k11113y
Will I have issues with a border run after my tourist visa in Thailand?
1.2k793y
Can my wife's niece enter Thailand on her expired Thai passport and renew it while staying there?
5.4k33693y
Can a US passport holder on a 60-day tourist visa obtain a Thai driver's license?
2.3k17203y
Do I need to get a visa before coming to Thailand for up to 3 months?
1.9k1694y
What are my options for staying in Thailand after my COVID-19 visa expires in September?
3.2k17504y
Can I extend my stay in Thailand to 3 months with a visa run or covid extension?
1.5k1274y
Can I obtain a Thai driver’s license to legally ride a motorcycle if I missed getting a license in my home country?
7.5k76385y
Do I need an outbound flight ticket to apply for a visa at the Savannakhet consulate in Thailand?
2.8k21297y
Is the non-immigrant O visa a better option than the tourist visa for staying in Thailand long term?
1.5k1277y
Can my friend renew her tourist visa extension at immigration more than once in Thailand?
3168y
What should I consider before applying for a Thai visa in Vientiane after multiple extensions?
2.6k21228y
What are the requirements for transitioning from an ED-VISA to a tourist visa in Thailand for language studies?
1.6k13108y
What should you do if you overstay your Thai visa and how can the immigration office help?
5.9k311028y
What are the rules for crossing the Thailand-Laos border for tourists and exiting Thailand by air?
571218y
Is there a limit on the number of days you can stay in Thailand with 30-day exemptions and SETV/METV?
2.2k18149y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served