Can I renew my Thai driver's license in Chiang Mai if it was issued in Phuket?

Feb 28, 2024
10 months ago
Sebastian *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
My Thai driver license is coming up for renewal. Do I have to do it in the city it got issued? Moved from Phuket to Chiang Mai. Can I just go to the Chiang Mai office?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
To renew your Thai driver's license, you must do so in the province where you currently reside. Since you have moved from Phuket to Chiang Mai, you cannot renew it in Phuket. You will need a residence certificate from Chiang Mai to proceed with the renewal at the Chiang Mai office.
Bob **********
You’ll need a residence certificate from chiang mai
Bart **************
You have to do it where you reside, hence you cannot do it in Phuket, even if you wanted.
Jan ******************
@Bart *************
He could probably do it if he’s on a trip to Phuket and get a TM.30 from his hotel. That’s what I did in Pattaya.
Bart **************
@Jan *****************
had an interesting discussion about that yesterday with somebody else :p

I will accept it's possible, but only by immigrations offices giving out certificates of residence to non-residents. In principle he should only be able to do it in Chiang Mai. But okay, false residence certificates or not, if it can be done it can be done.
Ang *****
@Bart *************
I live in Phuket - certificate from here and licence given in Krabi. No questions even asked.
Bart **************
@Ang ****
that makes more sense to me than getting a certificate of residence from immigrations while you're on a tourist visa.
Ang *****
@Bart *************
I doubt legally you can. My long term visa was also required.
Bart **************
@Ang ****
according to this group, only in Bangkok does immigrations understand what 'residence' means.
Jan ******************
Go to the place where you have TM.30 and residence. Did mine in Buriram and renewed in Pattaya. No issue.
Garrett ***********
Certificate of residency should match the province office you use.
Garrett ***********
@Chris******
So you haven't renewed anything yet...
Christopher *************
@Garrett **********
spoke to DLT
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