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Can I obtain a Thai driving license on a DTV visa?

DTV VisaThai Driving LicenseCertificate of ResidenceVisa RegulationsImmigration PoliciesLocal Office PracticesVehicle RegistrationExpat Guidance
Jan 6, 2025
2 days ago
Neil ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
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 ).
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TLDR : 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.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
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!
21 hours ago
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Wannikea *********
This is a local office policy, go back in a couple days and it might end up being a single officer policy.
a day ago
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Sam ******
Got residence certificate in Samui on a waiver
a day ago
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Robby *******
Use an agent I got my 2 year driver's license on the 60 day exempt before I got my DTV.
a day ago
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Matthew ********
and good luck with thai driving liscence as there is a waiting list of around 1 month in bkk unless you go agent
a day ago
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Glory *******
@Matthew *******
******************************
a day ago
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Glory *******
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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
2 days ago
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Neil ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
 they say you need a certificate of residence to buy a car
a day ago
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Neil ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes that’s what I tried to get yesterday at immigration but they said not on a DTV visa,
a day ago
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John **********
@Neil *****
 you need a certificate of residence to register it in your name
a day ago
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John **********
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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.
2 days ago
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Michael *********
Just use an agent.. 3000 baht
2 days ago
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Greg ********
Which Immigration Office. They seem to have different practices depending on location.
2 days ago
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Neil ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg *******
 korat
a day ago
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Neil ******
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Yasmin ***********
That's weird. Here at Koh Phangan, i got this residence certificate on a student visa
2 days ago
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Pete *******
Immigration is talking nonsense, you can get a 2 yr temporary license but not the 5 yr on a DTV.
2 days ago
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George *********
No problem at Nonthaburi immigration
2 days ago
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Yann **********
@Pete ******
 you will be able to get 5 year when you will have to renew your licences .
2 days ago
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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.
2 days ago
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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 anyway
2 days ago
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Yann **********
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Neil ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Pete ******
 but don’t you need a certificate of residence to get the 2 year licence?
2 days ago
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Neil ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I’ve emailed immigration to get clarification, hopefully they will confirm the officer was mistaken
a day ago
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Pete *******
@Neil *****
 yes correct. Which immigration office did you use?
2 days ago
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Neil ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Pete ******
 korat, that’s what I tried to get and they said no on a DTV
2 days ago
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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.
2 days ago
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Neil ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@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.
2 days ago
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Neil ******
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