Answered2 years ago
Can I obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Thailand with a temporary driver's license?
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. 😌
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. 😌
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.
26 repliesnewest first
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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
Ian **********
You don't always need an IDP. If you are travelling to another Asean country then your Thai licence is valid
Rene ******
@Ian *********
not the two years license
Alessandro **********
@Ian *********
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.
Tomas ********
@Ian *********
does that apply for Thai motorbike license too?Step *****
OP@Ian *********
was planning to go to Canada actually
Aikins *******
@Step ****
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.Step *****
OP@Aikins ******
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 😔Ian **********
@Step ****
You will probably need an IDP if using your Thai licence
Narong *******
Many places online.... Just type on Google
International Driving licence
International Driving licence
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.
Alessandro **********
Not with the temporary 2 years license
Paul ***********
IDP on a 5 year DL only
Stuart *********
You can only get a Thai IDP off of a 5 year license.
Step *****
OP@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?Paul ***********
@Step ****
go an ask them... They can only say no to youStep *****
OP@Paul **********
yes you are right, will do!Stuart *********
@Step ****
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.Step *****
OP@Stuart ********
did not even need donuts 😜Stuart *********
Did the donuts help? 🤣
Stuart *********
@Step ****
Glad to hear.Step *****
OP@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!Step *****
OP@Stuart ********
makes sense, definitely will do!Activity
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