Ask question

This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Can I obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Thailand with a temporary driver's license?

Thai driver's license International Driving Permit IDP visa regulations temporary driver's license driving in Thailand

Jan 25, 2025

a month ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all!

My 2-year temporary Thai driver's license is due next year January, and as far as I can see, I can only renew for 5 years license 3 months before that.

I would like to get an IDP in Thailand. Did anyone do this while on temporary license? Or can you renew to 5 years license earlier?

I would like to travel in May and do a road trip abroad but my IDP has expired from my home country. The only way to get a new IDP from my home country is by going to the municipality there, the embassy cannot issue it. 😌

1,907

views

0

likes

49

all likes

26

replies

3

images

10

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The conversation discusses the requirements for obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Thailand, particularly in relation to holding a temporary Thai driver's license. It indicates that an IDP can only be obtained with a valid 5-year license, and mentions potential options for renewing the temporary license earlier. Some users share personal experiences about successfully upgrading their licenses and obtaining the IDP in a single day, albeit noting variations in the process over time.

Pelle Eriksson

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted Thai Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Aake **********

Like

Reply

Aake **********

Like

Reply

Aake **********

Like

Reply

Philip ***********

I needed an international and had temporary only one year They changed that first into 5 years and gave me IDP All in one day Was in Phuket but about 7 years ago, not sure now or somewhere else You can only go ask Good luck

Like

Reply

Ian **********

You don't always need an IDP. If you are travelling to another Asean country then your Thai licence is valid

Like

Reply

Rene ******

not the two years license

Like

Reply

Alessandro **********

I could rent a car in the Philippines with my Thai DL but I had to pay a few bribes to traffic police. Next time I'm going to take an IDP, lesson learnt.

Like

Reply

Tomas ********

does that apply for Thai motorbike license too?

Like

Reply

Step *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

was planning to go to Canada actually

Like

Reply

Aikins *******

in Canada, depending on the province, you are allowed to use any drivers license from another country for 3 months. I personally known guys who used their UK license for a year. Unless you get stopped by the same cop after the 3 months.

Like

Reply

Step *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks for sharing! From what I read is that if your home drivers license is in English or French, you could drive in Canada. But my driver's license is not in English unfortunately 😔

Like

Reply

Reply to

Step *****

Reply

Ian **********

You will probably need an IDP if using your Thai licence

Like

Reply

Reply to

Ian **********

Reply

Narong *******

Many places online.... Just type on Google

International Driving licence

Like

Reply

Stuart *********

Narong Paris Yep and 100% of these will be scam sites selling you fake IDPs for whatever amount they can extort you out of.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Stuart *********

Reply

Alessandro **********

Not with the temporary 2 years license

Like

Reply

Paul ***********

IDP on a 5 year DL only

Like

Reply

Stuart *********

You can only get a Thai IDP off of a 5 year license.

Like

Reply

Step *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

Thanks for confirming that Stuart! Any idea if there is a way to get the 5 years license earlier than the 3 months before expiration of the temporary license?

Like

Reply

Paul ***********

go an ask them... They can only say no to you

Like

Reply

Step *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Paul **********

yes you are right, will do!

Like

Reply

Reply to

Step *****

Reply

Stuart *********

I would doubt it. Many provincial offices have “rules” that vary from place to place. Perhaps visit your local one and ask if there is a way. Take donuts. Probably won’t make a difference but the staff will be happy.

Like

Reply

Step *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

went to ask at DLT Krabi today and they will allow me to change to 5-year license 12 months before expiration date. 🙂 Thanks for your help Stuart and Paul!

Like

Reply

Stuart *********

Glad to hear.

Like

Reply

Stuart *********

Did the donuts help? 🤣

Like

Reply

Step *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

did not even need donuts 😜

Like

Reply

Step *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

makes sense, definitely will do!

Like

Reply

Reply to

Step *****

Reply

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

What do I need to upgrade my 2-year Thai driving license to a 5-year license and obtain a 1-year IDP?

11 comments

a month ago

Can I obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) while in Thailand with my home country motorcycle license?

14 comments

4 months ago

What are the rules for using an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Thailand, particularly regarding the 90-day validity?

175 comments

5 months ago

How can I obtain an International Driving License in Thailand with DTV?

40 comments

5 months ago

Can I drive in Thailand with just my home country’s driver’s license if I don't have an IDP?

138 comments

6 months ago

Can I rent a car in Thailand without an International Driving Permit if I have a US or Spanish driving license?

18 comments

a year ago

How can I obtain an International Driving License (IDL) in Pattaya if I forgot mine?

26 comments

a year ago

How can I obtain an international driving permit in Thailand with a Thai driving license?

22 comments

a year ago

What is the process for obtaining an International Driving Permit in Thailand for expats?

98 comments

a year ago

What are the requirements for renewing a temporary Thai driver's license while traveling abroad?

8 comments

a year ago

What should I know about driving permits when living long-term in Thailand and visiting my home country?

43 comments

a year ago

How long can I drive in Thailand with an International Driving Permit before obtaining a Thai driving license, and what is the validity of the Thai license once obtained?

7 comments

2 years ago

Can I obtain an international driving permit in Thailand with a Thai driver's license?

25 comments

2 years ago

Can I renew my expired Thai driver's license while on a tourist visa?

61 comments

2 years ago

Can I renew my temporary driving license in Thailand with 4 months left and apply for an international driving license?

11 comments

2 years ago

How can I obtain an International Driving License in Bangkok?

39 comments

2 years ago

What are the steps and advice for obtaining an International Driving Permit for Thailand?

47 comments

3 years ago

Is an International Driving License needed for long-term visa holders in Thailand?

59 comments

3 years ago

Can I apply for an international driving license while in Thailand?

42 comments

3 years ago

Do I need an International Driver's License to renew my expired Thai driver licenses upon returning to Thailand?

21 comments

3 years ago

How can a Thai citizen obtain an International Driver's Permit for temporary use outside Thailand?

15 comments

4 years ago

How can I obtain an International Driving Permit while living in Thailand?

66 comments

4 years ago

What are the requirements and process for temporarily driving in Thailand?

66 comments

4 years ago

What Are the Requirements for Obtaining a Thai Driving License as an Expat?

10 comments

5 years ago

What can I do if my national driver's license has expired but I have an international driver's license and need to drive in Thailand?

28 comments

8 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.