Answered2 years ago
Can I obtain a Thai driving license on a DTV visa?
Hi all, just a heads up for people who may have been thinking like me. Ive just been to immigration to get a certificate of residence so I can buy a car or motorbike and get a thai driving licence, they told me you cannot obtain one on a dtv visa only a non-immigrant visa.
Seems a bit bizarre to me as the dtv virtually allows a stay of 5 years(just leaving the country annually ).
Seems a bit bizarre to me as the dtv virtually allows a stay of 5 years(just leaving the country annually ).
Answer summary
The inquiry highlights a common concern among expats regarding the acquisition of a Thai driving license on a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa). The original poster was informed by immigration that only a non-immigrant visa qualifies for a driving license, leading to confusion given the long stay afforded by the DTV. Comments reveal varied experiences based on location, suggesting that practices differ by office, with some localities allowing licenses on a DTV and others requiring a long-term visa. The discussion also touches on the necessity of a residence certificate for vehicle purchases and registration.
26 repliesnewest first
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Nick ************
Go and ask at the LTO. In my province immigration will not issue certs of residence for driving license or to register a car. The Land Transport office request it once you have supplied the correct documents. Takes 2 weeks. Took me two months to work that one out!
Wannikea *********
This is a local office policy, go back in a couple days and it might end up being a single officer policy.
Sam ******
Got residence certificate in Samui on a waiver
Robby *******
Use an agent I got my 2 year driver's license on the 60 day exempt before I got my DTV.
Matthew ********
and good luck with thai driving liscence as there is a waiting list of around 1 month in bkk unless you go agent
Glory *******
@Matthew *******
******************************
John **********
It all depends on where you are. My local DLT office won't give you a driving licence unless you have a long term visa (dtv is a tourist visa). You don't need anything to buy a car. Only to register it in your name
Neil ******
OP@John *********
they say you need a certificate of residence to buy a carNeil ******
OPYes that’s what I tried to get yesterday at immigration but they said not on a DTV visa,
John **********
@Neil *****
you need a certificate of residence to register it in your name
Pascal ***********
Do you have a property or a long term lease ? Show them a rental contract and a declaration of the condominium manager that you are/will be living on that address.
Michael *********
Just use an agent.. 3000 baht
Greg ********
Which Immigration Office. They seem to have different practices depending on location.
Neil ******
OP@Greg *******
korat
Yasmin ***********
That's weird. Here at Koh Phangan, i got this residence certificate on a student visa
Pete *******
Immigration is talking nonsense, you can get a 2 yr temporary license but not the 5 yr on a DTV.
George *********
No problem at Nonthaburi immigration
Yann **********
@Pete ******
you will be able to get 5 year when you will have to renew your licences .Pete *******
@Yann *********
in Chonburi you need a long term visa to get the 5yr. A DTV is a tourist visa so you will only get another 2 yr temporary license.Yann **********
@Pete ******
ok strange , got a friend who just renew it in Krabi on dev and got 5 years , but yeah all cases are not the same anywayNeil ******
OP@Pete ******
but don’t you need a certificate of residence to get the 2 year licence?Neil ******
OPI’ve emailed immigration to get clarification, hopefully they will confirm the officer was mistaken
Pete *******
@Neil *****
yes correct. Which immigration office did you use?Neil ******
OP@Pete ******
thats what i thought as well so i am trying something different tomorrow. Im back in the village and applying for the yellow book.Pete *******
@Neil *****
sorry don’t know what to suggest other than go back and ask again. Certificates of residency are issued on visa exempt, short term tourist visas and the DTV.Neil ******
OP@Pete ******
korat, that’s what I tried to get and they said no on a DTVActivity
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