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

Thai Drivers LicenseVisa RegulationsInternational Drivers PermitLicense Renewal ProcessExpat Life in Thailand
Feb 20, 2023
2 years ago
Stephen ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I had a 5 yr Thai Drivers Licence which expired in May 2020. Could not renew it when it expired because of the pandemic.

I am returning back to Thailand in April with a 60 day tourist visa (staying 90 days) is there an easy way to renew my Thai License and any reliable agents peoples in this group can recommend.

I am flexible to go to any city to renew my license 🙏
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is asking about renewing their expired Thai driver's license while on a 60-day tourist visa. Responses indicate that they may need to apply for a new license instead of renewing due to the length of expiration. It is suggested to obtain an International Drivers Permit (IDP) from their home country to facilitate getting a new Thai license. Some comments mention that it is possible to obtain a 5-year license as a tourist at certain offices, while others note that experience may vary based on location and local bureaucratic practices.
Kool *******
You start over.
2 years ago
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Paul *******
Had your license only expired by less than 1 year, you would have been eligible for a 5 year renewal. In this case, you'll probably get a 2 year license again but they might be more flexible given Covid restrictions only ended a few months ago
2 years ago
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Brook ********
@Paul ******
 A 5 year license is not available on a Tourist Visa.
2 years ago
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Paul *******
@Brook *******
 Some offices issue 5 year licenses to tourist visa holders...
2 years ago
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Brook ********
@Paul ******
 Which offices?
2 years ago
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Paul *******
@Brook *******
 It depends. Each office works differently, just like with immigration. Some people walk out with a 5-year license on a visa exemption stamp, others are given the run around for a 2-year license on a retirement extension because they're told they need a work permit (which isn't true). It's Thailand. Unless you speak fluent Thai or bring along a Thai speaker such stories are commonplace. Even banks are like this - one branch will happily open an account for a foreigner, another says "can't do".
2 years ago
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Paul *******
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Carsten ************
You are allowed to transfer your IDP to the Thai DL only once. After getting a new Passport you can do it again. You start with the 2 years DL again. Don't let anyone know, you have had a Thai DL before.
2 years ago
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Christian **********
Well, they extent it, i have a five years licence run since 1982 (2525) with the same number.
2 years ago
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Steve ********
If you're only staying 90 days, why even bother? You can drive on your home country licence as a tourist
2 years ago
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Roberto *********
@Paul ******
 I used to work for the Transport Department in my state in Australia, and I know Thai people on extended stay in Australia did not require Australian licence, so I believe there may have been a bi-lateral agreement. As I say I've never had any problems with officialdom in Thailand. Although in the past I've obtained an IDP it's unfortunately been a waste of money because Thailand is not interested once they see the Aussie licence. The OX visa is for 50+. It's a five year entry stamp when you get here, and after five years, you get a five year extension. For everyone but Aussies, you require I think it's 3m baht in a Thai bank account. But Aussies just have to show it in an Aussie bank account and the job's done. I don't have one yet, but eventually I will, as I know people who have it and they swear by it. But I wouldn't be putting 3m baht in a Thai bank account to get it!
2 years ago
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Paul *******
@John *********
 no, they don't. Thailand has specific reciprocal agreements with some neighboring countries: Laos, Malaysia and Singapore. For Cambodia, drivers of cars or motorcycles registered in Thailand or Cambodia can drive their vehicles in each other's country using their national license. However, technically, this only applies in the border province entered. For trips further afield or to drive a vehicle registered in the other country (such as a rental vehicle) an IDP is required. I've tried renting vehicles in Thailand using my Cambodian license, it wasn't accepted. My western country issued one was (this was at a time that my Thai license was expired. I later got it renewed).

For Australian license holders, most car rental agencies will accept just a standalone Australian license to pick up a vehicle but technically the Thai police want to sight an IDP in addition.
2 years ago
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Roberto *********
@Paul ******
 Actually there are a number of "concessions" between Thailand and Australia which benefit Australians. The "working holiday" visa, available only to young Australians is one such perk (which is reciprocated to Thais visiting Australia). Another is the 10 year OX visa, which although is available to about a dozen or more countries, Australia is the only one where applicants can leave their "proof of funds" in their Australian bank account, never having to transfer a single baht. Bangkok Bank do not require Passport authentication for Aussies passport holders. I do recall reading something a few years ago about a "bi-lateral" driver's licence arrangement. In light of these other "arrangements" it is extremely possible there is a reciprocal agreement which might be why so few Australians appear to suffer the same angst with police. I'm only in Thailand for half the year, so I still use the Aussie licence, and I've never been queried or asked for IDP.
2 years ago
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Paul *******
@Roberto ********
 Please explain more about the OX visa. Never heard of this before.
2 years ago
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Paul *******
@Roberto ********
 Not what I was talking about. There are no concessions when it comes to driving licenses.
2 years ago
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Paul *******
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Paul *******
@Steve *******
 you live in Thailand not Australia so you need a Thai license. Technically if the state authorities in Australia found out you live in Thailand they could cancel your license.
2 years ago
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Steve ********
@Paul ******
 I'm an Australian resident. I spend sufficient time there in every three year period to retain this status. In Thailand I am a "temporary" visitor. I don't "live" in Thailand, I stay here on a temporary visa.
2 years ago
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Steve ********
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Paul *******
@Steve *******
 I'll be the guy saying "I told you so" when Thai Airways (which no longer operates any domestic flights) so you'll be flying Thai Smile, rejects your Australian license and tells you to cough up your passport.
2 years ago
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Steve ********
@Paul ******
 As I said, I always carry my passport as it's a legal requirement when in Thailand, so it's no big deal. The Aussie licence is simply more convenient when checking in. Thai Smile is Thai Airways. It's strange how my approach really bothers you. The process you use I don't criticise because it's your choice, but it seems everything I do is wrong, even though not one airline employee, police officer, rental car representative, insurance company employee has ever faulted me on it. It's only you, with your superior knowledge. I'm assuming you're American, which kind of explains everything!
2 years ago
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Steve ********
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Steve ********
@Pa**
 James Only says "government" not "Thai government" which is why Thai Airways have accepted my Aus driver's license in the past. However, as pointed out this is only for convenience, as I always carry my passport when travelling, as that is a legal requirement
2 years ago
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Steve ********
@Pa**
 James This is the AVIS rental agreement terms. Read carefully the bit about driver's licenses, and then tell me that AVIS has got it wrong too!
2 years ago
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Steve ********
@Jo**
 Stanners I complete one of these forms every year!
2 years ago
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John **********
@Steve *******
 wonder why they didn't sign up to the later one?
2 years ago
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Steve ********
@John *********
 Probably considered the 1949 was sufficient. Other non-signatories were US, Canada and NZ so they must have all considered the 1949 instrument covered their interests
2 years ago
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Steve ********
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John **********
@Steve *******
 not quite the same as being a tourist though 😏
2 years ago
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Steve ********
@John *********
 Just going by the letter of the law. Thai law states people not on Immigrant visa can use reciprocal agreement policy. In law "not quite the same" means nothing.
2 years ago
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John **********
@Steve *******
 does Australia have a specific reciprocal agreement with Thailand regards driving license? I'm not aware of that if they do.
2 years ago
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Steve ********
@John *********
 Both Australia and Thailand are signatories to the 1949 Geneva Convention thereby negating the requirement of an IDP
2 years ago
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John **********
@Steve *******
 that convention is superceded by the 1968 Vienna convention. Here's what it says on the language point so in strictly speaking an IDP is required. You've been doing well getting away with it for all these years

2. Contracting Parties shall recognize:

(a) Any domestic permit drawn up in their national language or in one of

their national languages, or, if not drawn up in such a language, accompanied by a

certified translation;

(b) Any domestic permit conforming to the provisions of Annex 6 to this

Convention; and

Annex 6 is mostly about the format of your license but states it must be in Latin or English script and MUST contain the words "permis du conduire" in French. Don't ask me why
2 years ago
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Steve ********
@John *********
 The 1949 Geneva Convention has most certainly NOT been superceded by the 1968 Vienna Convention, and this is where you're getting confused. Australia is NOT a signatory to the 1968 Convention, so the reciprocal agreement is under the 1949 Convention. So temporary visitors to either country can drive on those roads.
2 years ago
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Steve ********
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Paul *******
@Steve *******
 technically, you're supposed to possess an IDP on an Australian license to drive legally in Thailand. It's just a matter of time before a cop asks for one and cites you for not being in possession of one or an insurance agent decides your combination of long term residence and a lack of a Thai driver's license won't cut it anymore.
2 years ago
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Steve ********
@Paul ******
 Actually under the reciprocal agreement in the 1948 Geneva Convention an IDP is only required if the home country licence is not printed in English. An IDP is a piece of cardboard which translates your licence. The only time the police get itchy is if you're riding a motorcycle, because they don't know what codes are used on home licences for motorcycles. As I'm not stupid enough to ride a motorcycle in Thailand, I only drive cars, so there's never been a problem. As far as the "insurance agent" goes, I have a contract with the car rental company who have accepted my licence, and consequently have accepted me for insurance. A contract cannot be backdated or changed because one party decides they don't like it. That's the whole point of a contract. "A matter of time". Hmmm. 23 years here. Still waiting.
2 years ago
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John **********
@Paul ******
 the IDP is also only good for your first three months in Thailand. Not much use to someone who's been here 23 years
2 years ago
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Steve ********
@John *********
@John *********
 I don't use an IDP. It's a useless piece of cardboard you buy from a motoring club. I use a proper driver's licence printed in English. Keep in mind I'm only a temporary visitor.
2 years ago
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John **********
@Steve *******
 in the UK you buy from a Post Office. I understand you don't like them, and they'd be of no use to you anyway after your length of time here but they are a legal requirement. The fact Thailand is a signatory the UN convention doesn't negate the need for one. The only thing that would do that is a reciprocal agreement between your country and Thailand
2 years ago
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Steve ********
@John *********
 Correct. It's the Geneva Convention which pulls it up. That's the reciprocal agreement. Thai traffic law supports this. It's not a case of me not liking IDPs. For translations and providing a "level playing field" they're great. In my present situation I don't need one, as I've got an Australian licence. They're not a legal requirement for licences printed in English.
2 years ago
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Paul *******
@Steve *******
 Well you're wrong, because the Thai government requires an IDP in addition to a domestic license.
2 years ago
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Steve ********
@Paul ******
 The T&C from Hertz Thailand read:-

"Must hold a valid Thai driving license / international driving license or a driving license from a renter’s country of residence (with an English translation)."
2 years ago
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Steve ********
@Paul ******
 Nothing in Thai law states that. And I've never needed one in 23 years. So yeah, I'm wrong and a Facebook expert is right! Excuse me while I ROFL
2 years ago
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John **********
@Steve *******
 how long is temporary? 😏
2 years ago
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Steve ********
@John *********
 You'd best ask the Thai government! All I know is I'm temporary and as such I'm covered by the 1948 Geneva Convention
2 years ago
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Steve ********
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Paul *******
@Steve *******
 don't think they'll accept an Aussie license for hotel check-ins, domestic flights and such things. They might have in the past but now it's either Thai driver's license or passport.
2 years ago
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Steve ********
@Paul ******
 Hotel check-ins correct, but hotels are also under no obligation to accept a Thai driver's licence from a foreigner. In law, it must be a passport. As far as domestic flights go, I always carry my passport as it is a legal requirement, but generally at check-in they accept Aussie licence (Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways certainly do).
2 years ago
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Paul *******
@Steve *******
 There are other documents hotels can check that don't have to be passports - a pink ID card, a permanent residency card etc. definitely doesn't have to be a passport, however, it definitely should be a Thai government issued document (except for a foreign passport).

Most domestic airlines are under no obligation to accept a foreign driver's license for check-in and the terms on their website clearly state this. Bangkok Airways doesn't mention anything about an Australian license being acceptable.
2 years ago
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Stephen ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
 I honestly believe this guy Steve Smythe has never been out of Australia… 🤣
2 years ago
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Steve ********
@Stephen ***********
 You can believe what you like. If you want to believe the Facebook experts that's your call. You're a tourist who needs agents to cut corners for you, and then tells others they're doing it wrong! 🤣🤣🤣
2 years ago
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Steve ********
@Paul ******
 I can only go by first hand experience. Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways both accept Australian driving licence. It's government photo ID.
2 years ago
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Steve ********
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Steve ********
@Stephen ***********
 I've done all those things with an Aussie licence. It's strange I've been in Thailand for 23 years and never had problems with police harassment. I guess as I live in Thailand I have a Thai bank account so I don't need to change money. No-one has ever been able to show me how having a Thai driver's licence is of any great advantage, but each to their own I guess!
2 years ago
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Robert ************
@Steve *******
 Hard to believe you have never encountered a Police Stop, and cited for no Thai License. You must live in the middle of nowhere. FYI -- You also will have no insurance coverage without a Thai License (whether you pay for it or not). And, in the event of an accident --- especially if someone is seriously injured or killed, you will be prosecuted criminally.
2 years ago
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Steve ********
@Robert ***********
 Wrong on many counts. I live in Bangkok so I don't own a car, so things might be different if I owned a car in relation to insurance. I rent cars probably 12-15 times a year. I use only reputable companies (not Honest Nam's Car Hire 🤣) which come with insurance as part of the rental contract. I've been in Thailand 23 years so I've had countless checkpoint stops, and several crashes (one i put a motorcyclist in hospital!). I'm only a temporary visitor in the country so the Aussie licence pulls it up. Never had to pay a baht in fines, and never had insurance issues. That to me speaks louder than the Facebook experts who really believe they know Thai law (bless their little hearts)
2 years ago
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Steve ********
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Stephen ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *******
 like I said “Freedom of Choice”
2 years ago
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Stephen ************
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Stephen ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *******
Freedom of choice. No longer need to carry passport around can change money at banks with drivers license better for hotel reservations less hassle from Police when travelling ….the list is endless
2 years ago
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Stephen ************
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Brandon ************
You're not renewing anything.

You're applying for a new license. Get an International Drivers Permit (IDP) from the relevant agency in your country and bring that along with your valid driver's license from your home country and you can get a new license fairly easily.
2 years ago
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John *********
@Taketo *********
 You go to your nearest Department of Land Transport. Before that though, you need a Non Immigrant visa, a residence certificate from immigration, medical certificate from your doctor, passport, driving licence plus copies.

******************************************
2 years ago
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Brandon ************
@John ********
 non-immigrant visa is not a requirement for drivers license.
2 years ago
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John *********
@Brandon ***********
 See link above for rules. Not the same rule in all provinces, as per usual. I certainly had to have a Non Im visa in Sichon, Nakhon Si Thammarat.
2 years ago
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John *********
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Stephen ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 so I just bring a GB international drivers permit and my current GB drivers license and they give you a new 5 yr Thai license - are you sure ? Do I need to produce my expired Thai license?
2 years ago
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Brandon ************
@Stephen ***********
 No, you cannot get a 5 year drivers license. You have to start over with the 2 year one. It's been too long since you last had a license.

And no they're not just going to hand you a license. You're still going to need to fill out all the paperwork and take the colorblind test etc
2 years ago
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Stephen ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 I think contact with an agent to bypass all that seems to be the easiest alternative.

So back to the second part of my question “Does any member know of a reliable agent I can get help from 🙏
2 years ago
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Robert ************
@Stephen ***********
 Agent is a waste of time and money. Can do nothing for you "legally" that you cannot easily do yourself.
2 years ago
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Brandon ************
@Stephen ***********
 someone literally asked the same question a few days ago and got nowhere.
2 years ago
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Stephen ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 obviously a very helpful group . Moving on. 🏃
2 years ago
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Stephen ************
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