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Can I obtain a Thai driver's license while offshore through an agent in Pattaya?

Thai driver's licensePattayainternational driving permitDepartment of Land Transportationresidency certificateexpat driving requirementsvisa and immigration for expatriatesdriving license process in Thailand
Jul 11, 2022
2 years ago
Greg ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi all l'm looking at getting my Thai car and bike license..I have both current in Australia and a international driving permit..can I do the license off shore through a agent.. Pattaya area preferred.. thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The consensus in the community is that you cannot obtain a Thai driver's license while being offshore. At least two personal visits to the Department of Land Transportation (DLT) in Thailand are required. Some users suggest that using agents may not be worth it, as the process generally requires in-person attendance for an eye exam and submission of necessary documents, including a certificate of residence. However, a few members reported positive experiences with agents in Pattaya, indicating that they could simplify the process. Users also highlighted the need for proper documentation, such as certificates of residence, which can vary in requirements depending on the local immigration office.
Dave *********
You'll need a certificate of residence also, infact 2, one for each licence.
2 years ago
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Luc ********
@Dave ********
 what is this certificate of residency?
2 years ago
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Dave *********
@Luc *******
 It's a certificate issued by immigration confirming your registered address.
2 years ago
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Native ****************
@Dave ********
 TM 30 Form easy to fill out and easy to find online, then take that to Immigration and usually 300 to 500 Bahts will get you a certificate of residency ( = A rubber stamped letter from Thai Immigration)
2 years ago
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Dave *********
Must be completely different where you live then, at Korat immigration you need: residency certificate application form,

copies of - all pages in passport, picture/details pages, all pages with visas or stamps (but not blank ones), arrival card TM6 both sides, receipt of residence notification, passport size picture. 7 day turn around and the certificate (and additional copy if requested) are issued free of charge.
2 years ago
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Native ****************
@Dave ********
 Yah, I heard it being different in other offices. Here in Petchaburi, TM30 signed by the landlord with Passport size photo will be sufficient... Originally TM6 arrival stamp was necessary, but recently been abolished by Thai Gvt, so not sure what they will ask for in the future to demonstrate arrival date. Both Prachuap and Petchaburi offices charge for this auto formatted letter. 500 at the Prachuap office and 300 Bahts at Petchaburi. Gotta love equalized billing ;o)
2 years ago
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Native ****************
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Paolo ************
@Dave ********
 I made an appointment a few days ago, the employee told me an original one and one in copy is fine
2 years ago
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Dave *********
@Paolo ***********
 I guess different offices are different. Ours wanted 2 certificates, one for each licence.
2 years ago
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Paolo ************
@Dave ********
 the office is the one near the Regents school in Pattaya, it is true every office has its own rules, however it is ridiculous to have to show 2 original certificates on the same day.
2 years ago
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Dave *********
@Paolo ***********
 Yes, but I wanted the licences :)
2 years ago
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Dave *********
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Bob **********
No
2 years ago
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Paul *******
You can it easily yourself. But the Thai Transport office does not understand about the codes on your Australian licence. So you need to go to the website for your Australian Government State and download the list of our codes showing on your Australian licence.
2 years ago
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กะลาสี *****
I've never used them but I've heard good things about Motts Services in Pattaya (I'm pretty sure you can find them on FB.) I just went to the Department of Land Transportation and did it myself. Regardless how you choose to do it, you'll need to be there in person to take the eye exam.
2 years ago
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Tom ********
@กะลาสี ****
 Motts is good and reliable
2 years ago
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Tom ********
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John **********
I used an agent. Cost me 1200B. I showed up once at the Dr Lic off, looked at the light test, signed my name 2 X's, and out in 15 mins. Worth every nickel (Bhat) to me.
2 years ago
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Markus ********
do it yourself​ go with your wife or girlfriend.... agents​ are a total ripp.. off... have to do in person​
2 years ago
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Bobby ********
You still have to attend the DLT. For licences all an agent does is stand there and hold your hand. It's the biggest agent rip-off. Do it yourself
2 years ago
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Markus ********
agree done it myself​ aswell.... agents are​ a total rippoff
2 years ago
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Wayne *********
@Bobby *******
 Agree I renewed mine to 5 year ones and they were expired 2 years cost to do myself was just 760baht
2 years ago
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Wayne *********
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Pete *******
No, it requires two personal visits to the DLT. Agents are pointless, just do it yourself.
2 years ago
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Jeffrey ************
@Pete ******
 I only needed to go once.
2 years ago
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Andrew *********
@Pete ******
 Only one visit in my experiences, last experience 2 months ago
2 years ago
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Garrett ***********
@Pete ******
 1 in person visit.
2 years ago
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Pete *******
@Garrett **********
 For Pattaya DLT you need two visits, first visit is document check then you’ll get an appointment to return for the video watch and eye sight test. My appointment was in 3 weeks after my document check. May be different in other DLTs but that was my experience at the Pattaya office.
2 years ago
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Pete *******
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Brandon ************
Are you asking if you can get a Thai drivers license while you're not even in the country?
2 years ago
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Brandon ************
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