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Can I own a car in Thailand on a DTV?

Car Ownership in Thailand DTV Visa Residency Permit Car Registration Chiang Mai Expat Car Insurance

Aug 31, 2025

6 days ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all, we're arriving in Chiang Mai soon, and we're going to be renting a car for a month or two, but after, we're hoping to buy a car and insure within Thailand. I've read online that to register a car officially, you need a "residency permit"... is the DTV enough for this, or is owning a car on a DTV not possible? Thanks.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The conversation addresses the possibility of owning and registering a car in Thailand on a DTV (Diplomatic Tourist Visa). It highlights that individuals can indeed own a car under this visa. However, to officially register the car, requirements such as obtaining a residency permit might still be applicable. It is advised to buy the car first and then apply for the residency certificate (RC) for ownership transfer.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
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Greg ********

You can own a car on DTV.

5 days ago

Guy **********

No problem, but rules have changed, at least at CM immigration. You will need the blue book and sellers ID to take to immigration as you apply for a RC. In other words, you buy the car first, then apply for RC to change ownership into your name.

6 days ago

Greg ********

@Guy *********

I am sure there are people that can facilitate this though. Driving schools offer a service for RC for vehicle purchase etc. Agents can get a RC next day too. No need to wait the 4 weeks. The place opposite Airport Immigration offers this for 1k

5 days ago

Guy **********

@Gr**

yeah, I’d guess you probably could if you paid an agent, I had no problem last year getting a RC the next day, with no outside help, 6 weeks ago, same desk, same lady, no dice. Couldn’t pay extra for overnight service, ‘Cannot do now’ had to wait for it in the mail 🤷‍♂️

5 days ago

Reply to

Guy **********

And, overnight RC’s are not available, you have to wait 4 weeks for it to arrive by mail…

6 days ago

Reply to

Guy **********

Al**

Could you not read online what’s required for a residency permit?

6 days ago

Paul *******

Not an issue provided you're able to get a residency permit either from your embassy or immigration. If yes, you can own a car.