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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

11 days 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. 😌

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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.

Aake **********

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Aake **********

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Aake **********

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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

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Ian **********

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

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Rene ******

not the two years license

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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.

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Tomas ********

does that apply for Thai motorbike license too?

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Step *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

was planning to go to Canada actually

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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.

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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 😔

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Ian **********

You will probably need an IDP if using your Thai licence

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Ian **********

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Narong *******

Many places online.... Just type on Google

International Driving licence

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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.

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Stuart *********

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Alessandro **********

Not with the temporary 2 years license

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

IDP on a 5 year DL only

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Stuart *********

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

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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?

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

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

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Step *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

yes you are right, will do!

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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.

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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!

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Stuart *********

Glad to hear.

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Stuart *********

Did the donuts help? 🤣

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ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

did not even need donuts 😜

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Step *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

makes sense, definitely will do!

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

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