ask
Search
Ask
Answered7 days ago

Can I renew my Thai driving license on a visa on entry without an IDP?

HelpfulC*********
asked Oct 20, 2026
3.1k
views
27
replies
2
likes
Anyone renewed there first 2 year Thai driving licence on a visa on entry? I dont have an IDP and I'm not returning to my home Country to get one, but want to drive legally whilst here?

Yes a have an appointment

I have my recent expired Thai car and bike licence cards.

My UK Licence with big bike entitlement.

TM30 printed and stamped by immigration.

Medical certificate within 30 days of my appt.
Answer summary
The original poster inquires about renewing their expired Thai driving license while on a visa on entry, without holding an International Driving Permit (IDP). Comments indicate that renewal is possible as long as it's within a year of expiration and that certain documents such as a medical certificate, passport, and proof of previous driving licenses are required. Additionally, standard procedures and potential limitations based on visa type are discussed.
27 repliesnewest first
15

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Adam ******
Adam ******
There is an online test to sit. Pass it, scan the QR code and take it with you for renewal.
Phil ********
Phil ********
I don't think you'll be able to renew it.

Last year I was on my 3rd month of my 90 day Non O and only managed to renew it with some sweet talking from my wife to the DVLA lady.
HelpfulC*********
HelpfulC*********
OP
Phil Cefiro thanks bro
Jørgen ********
Jørgen ********
Remember the legal alkohol level with a 2-year licens is 0.2.

on a full 5-year licens it is 0.5, like in most other countrys
Bob **********
Bob **********
Jørgen Skjødt Yea get the license that lets you drink more,what a great idea
Jørgen ********
Jørgen ********
if you are English, you surly have not got a "visa on entry"
HelpfulC*********
HelpfulC*********
OP
Jørgen Skjødt why wouldnt i because im English? Do English people not holiday and want to stay legal, maybe im rare? 🙈
Liam *********
Liam *********
HelpfulCherry1004 You wouldn't get a visa on arrival because English citizens aren't eligible for one. I think what you mean is a visa exempt entry.
Jimmy *********
Jimmy *********
When I renewed mine it went from 2 to 5 years, on a 90 day non o visa
Paul *******
Paul *******
Jimmy Tuffrey Yes, but a tourist on renewal get only 2 years.
Graeme *******
Graeme *******
If you already have the 2 year license, just front up again with passport pay money sit the basic eyesight tests get your pic taken, say yes,I will go and watch the video, then when they call your name license issued. Sorry forgot have doctors letter saying you are ok.
Nick **********
Nick **********
The idp i got uk was valid 3yrs.is yours over that timeframe
John **********
John **********
@Nick *********
the IDP itself may be valid for 3 years but it's only legal to drive on it for 90 days after you enter Thailand. Beyond that you need a Thai driving license
Nick **********
Nick **********
@John *********
i know.point was has he got old one from previous visit he can use till renew thai version
HelpfulC*********
HelpfulC*********
OP
Nick O'reilly thank you Nick👍🏼
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
You don't need an IDP. You already got the Thai license, you're just renewing it. As long as it hasn't been over 1 year since it expired, you can do a regular renewal. It'll only be for 2 years again though as you don't have a long term visa.
HelpfulC*********
HelpfulC*********
OP
@Brandon ***********
i thought i would need an IDP to use currently as my Thai Licence is currently expired, how can i use a 2 month expired Thai Licence until/unless it's renewed?
John **********
John **********
HelpfulCherry1004 you can't drive on expired licence, go and renew it
Greg ***********
Greg ***********
HelpfulCherry1004 you can renew an expired Thai license up to 1 year
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
HelpfulCherry1004 I also answered that in my original reply.
John **********
John **********
@Luca *******
or you can do it at the office
John **********
John **********
HelpfulCherry1004 I've answered that
Luca ********
Luca ********
@Jo**
also download the DLT app then watch the video and answer questions each chapter, once finished you get a QR code to show at renewal appointment
HelpfulC*********
HelpfulC*********
OP
@John *********
I've already wrote that i have all this on my post, what im asking is can i renew it on a visa on entry
John **********
John **********
HelpfulCherry1004 yes at most DLT offices. You'll need a residence certificate and a medical certificate along with your passport and copies of the biodata page and your entry stamp
HelpfulC*********
HelpfulC*********
OP
@John *********
i know you cant, I'm asking for advice if its possible to renew my licence on a visa on entry so i can drive legally, if you read the post..
John Molloy

Activity

15 joined
HelpfulC*********
HelpfulC*********
HelpfulC*********
HelpfulC*********
HelpfulC*********
HelpfulC*********
15
people
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
...members60% approval
Member 1
Member 2
Member 3
Member 4
Member 5
Member 6
Member 7
Member 8

Related

25
When should I apply for a Non-O visa to ensure I receive it before traveling to Thailand on January 24th?
2.8k29202mo
Can you open a bank account in Thailand with a Thai driving license?
5.8k54513mo
Do I need to swap my visa stamps to my new passport immediately after renewing it?
7051146mo
How can I renew my expired Thai driving license, and who can I contact for help?
2.2k2278mo
Can I get a 30-day extension on my 90-day Non-O visa in Thailand?
2.7k20299mo
Has Thailand scrapped the Non-O visa for retirees?
569191y
Do I need a visa if I marry a Thai woman and invest in a house?
12.2k781981y
What is the process for obtaining a Thai driving license as an expat and what paperwork is required?
8.9k72862y
Why can’t I get a 5-year driving license with a DTV in Thailand?
4.8k43322y
What do I need to upgrade my 2-year Thai driving license to a 5-year license and obtain a 1-year IDP?
2.9k1172y
Do I need to update my Thai driving license after getting a new passport?
2.7k12132y
Can I obtain a Thai driving license in Krabi town on a visa exempt status?
6k55233y
What should I do if I make a mistake with my Thai visa at the airport?
14k543013y
Can I obtain a 12-month Non-O multi-entry visa in Thailand without my Thai spouse present?
7.9k501233y
What should I do if I failed the computer test while applying for a Thai driving license but have a valid foreign license?
3.3k27224y
What are the steps to obtain a Thai driving license with a Washington State license and how to handle translation issues?
4.9k45345y
Can my husband apply for a dependent visa while I am on an ED visa for learning Thai?
804445y
Can I apply for an O-A 12 month multiple entry visa in Thailand with a 60-day Tourist visa, or must I apply in Australia?
1.8k11185y
Can a grandparent be a guardian for a child studying in Thailand on a guardian visa?
748225y
Can I obtain a Thai driving license with an ED Visa?
2.3k14206y
Can I change my medical visa to a retirement visa in Thailand?
2k16146y
What documents are required to apply for a Thai driving license using a foreign driving license?
5.8k51426y
Do I need to return to the same immigration office for my visa under consideration in Bangkok?
3.7k32296y
What are the requirements and procedure for obtaining a Non-O visa in Savannakhet based on retirement?
1.8k14128y
How can I travel from Pattaya to Laos for a Non-O visa if my minivan is full?
2.9k24219y

Resources

Need help with your retirement visa?