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Can I obtain a scooter license in Thailand while staying in an AirBnB in Bangkok?

Visa Residency Certificate Scooter License Chiang Mai Bangkok TM30 Form

Sep 25, 2023

2 years ago

Ruth *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi Folks...

I'm reading through previous posts, some of which are fairly old, and am finding conflicting information. My situation is also slightly different.

I'm looking at renting an AirBnB for a couple months in Bangkok and would like to get a scooter license. I will not really be riding in Bangkok (at least not during this initial trip), but want to get a license for my travels throughout Thailand. 

I won't get into all the details of my plans, but I'd like to know if there's a way to get a license with only a stay at an AirBnB for a couple months at an AirBnB. I know a residency certificate is needed and that could be complicated. I've seen some posts that say people have been able to get one through their embassy if getting a license in Chiang Mai, but I'm seeing nothing about Bangkok.

If not, can someone share more info on the Chiang Mai option?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user seeks information on obtaining a scooter license while staying in an AirBnB in Bangkok for a couple of months. They mention needing a residency certificate, crucial for acquiring the license, and express concerns over conflicting information and procedures in Bangkok compared to Chiang Mai. Responses clarify that it's challenging to get a residency certificate in Bangkok without a 90-day report, while in Chiang Mai, a TM30 form could suffice. Suggestions include obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) beforehand and ensuring insurance covers motorcycle use.

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Barry ***********

Make sure your insurance covers you for motor bikes , ours policy excludes riding motor bikes of any description due to the number of injuries and fatalities of tourists in Thailand.

2 years ago

Grzegorz ***********

@Ruth ******

I did mine in roughly 4 weeks in Krabi. Certificate of residency is achievable with TM30 only (they were not really interested in rental agreement either). Then I did a 1 day course in local driving school for 4k THB, passed theoretical exam on the same day, then they told me I need to wait 2-3 weeks for appointment at DLt to get my license. That I did, paid another 150 THB or so and got my license.

Keep in mind that you probably can’t get a residency certificate in Krabi/CM for Bangkok rental, so you’d have to get a short term rental in one of the two places for that.

2 years ago

Ruth *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Grzegorz **********

thanks.

2 years ago

Reply to

Ruth *******

Frank **********

Unfortunately our American Embassy does not do very much for expats or those visiting such as income verification or residency certificates. You pretty much have to do things the hard way or use an Agent.

2 years ago

James *********

Also beneficial to go to your local AAA office and pay $20 for an IDP (International Driving Permit) just before heading over. Call the office first and ask what you need to bring to obtain the permit.

2 years ago

Ruth *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James ********

Wayne is correct, but I will have an IDP in case I have any reason to rent a car. I don’t think I will, but I’d prefer to be prepared JIC.

2 years ago

Wayne *********

@James ********

does not have a bike licence at home so the idp will not help

2 years ago

Reply to

Wayne *********

Brandon ************

The issue is residence certificate.

In Bangkok you can ONLY get a residence certificate from immigration after you've filed a 90 day report which you can't do, so you can't get a residence certificate in Bangkok.

In Chiang Mai you should be able to get one with just a TM30 and 500 baht to "expedite" so they'll give it to you the next day. But you'll still need to wait a couple of weeks after that for an appointment at the DLT unless you make an appointment on the app yourself.

2 years ago

Ric ****

@Brandon ***********

Hi Brandon..do you know any agents in BKK or CM?

2 years ago

Ruth *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

thank you. I had read on a post in another group from last year that this was true of Chiang Mai. The post was from someone in Pattaya, so I knew they had the 90-day wait & that, at least last year, Chiang Mai did not. I didn’t know what the policy was in Bangkok. Thank you for clarifying, even if it’s not what I wanted to hear.

2 years ago

Reply to

Ruth *******

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Can I purchase and register a motorcycle in Bangkok using a Certificate of Residency obtained in Pattaya?

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