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Can I renew my Thai driving license under a DTV visa?
Thai Driving LicenseVisa TypesDTV VisaDriving License RenewalThailand ImmigrationResidency CertificateBank Account Opening
Dec 17, 2025
4 months ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERI obtained a Thai driving license that is valid for two years while I was on a student visa.
The license is still valid.
I am currently on a DTV visa, and I’m wondering whether it is possible to renew the license under my current visa status.
I’m asking because the DTV visa has a very specific status, for example when it comes to opening bank accounts, so I’m not sure whether this also affects driving license renewal.
The license is still valid.
I am currently on a DTV visa, and I’m wondering whether it is possible to renew the license under my current visa status.
I’m asking because the DTV visa has a very specific status, for example when it comes to opening bank accounts, so I’m not sure whether this also affects driving license renewal.
TLDR : Answer Summary
Yes, you can renew your Thai driving license while on a DTV visa. Many users indicated that while the type of visa may not directly affect the renewal of a license, there are variations depending on the specific office and circumstances. Some report obtaining a 5-year license renewal, while others state it may only be 2 years based on local regulations. A residency certification from the local immigration office may also be required, and experiences can differ between locations.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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IndigoG********
Chiang Mai 2 years
Ian **********
You'll need a certificate of residence from your local immigration office. The DLT will renew for 2 or 5 years, as depends if they've read the memo or not.
Guy ********
Defo 2 years but maybe 5 years dependent on location.
Ossie *********
Yes you can the law is if your stay in Thailand is longer than 3 months then you are required to have a Thai drivers license.i got mine 18 years ago on a tourist visa as it was a car license I had to provide an international drivers license .
Mitchell ********
Has anyone renewed in Phuket chalong? Would like to know if you were able to get the 5 year license on renewal.
Lee-Ann *******
Hubby and I both got Thai drivers licence on our DTV Visa
Robin *********
Bangkok DLT only renews for 2 years on a tourist visa base
SoftFal*******
@Robin ********
renewed mine in bangkok with dtv and got 5 yearsRobin *********
SoftFalcon4636 maybe it depends on the officer, got only 2 years. Tried to contact the counter and get it changed but they said with tourist visa only 2 years
Paul *******
@Robin ********
There are 5 offices in Bangkok. Each one is different. Depends which one you renew through.Robin *********
@Paul ******
interessting, which one does extend for 5 years? I will go there next time :-DReply to
Robin *********
Reply
Andrew ********
Need Non class visa for 5 year licence..
Renewed mine late October via Non-B
Issued 5 years
Renewed mine late October via Non-B
Issued 5 years
KC ****
I got a drivers licence on DTV a few weeks ago agent sorted it for me
Anonymous ******************
@KC ***
which agent ?KC ****
Anonymous participant 280 TVS Visa Services Pattaya ทีวีเอส วีซ่าเซอร์วิส พัทยา
KC ****
7,500 baht
Reply to
KC ****
Reply
Anonymous ******************
You can renew the provisional 2 year one for sure however the 5 year license might not be allowed, it really depends on your local DLT. I got mine with a work visa and they said tourists are not allowed to obtain it but some guys said its possible on DTV just not everywhere ..
Dany ********
will let you know when i extend mine in the next 3 months
Anonymous ******************
Your visa type is completely irrelevant to getting a license. I just renewed mine on DTV 2 days ago and I got the 5 year license now.
Pete *******
Anonymous participant 626 incorrect, the regulations on the DLT website state that you must be in possession of a Non Immigrant Visa in order to apply for a 5 year license. You were lucky that your local office isn’t enforcing national rules.
Anonymous ******************
@Pete ******
so? If I didn’t get the 5 year one I would have gotten the 2 year old, OP simply asked if they can renew, which they canPete *******
Anonymous participant 626 true but you stated that the visa you hold is irrelevant to getting a license. In the case of obtaining a 5 year license that is untrue.
Reply to
Pete *******
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 626 Sadly I disagree, I have had 3 five year licences and recently have been adjusting my visa type and am currently on a tourist visa. I have a pink card and a current licence and was looking for an IDP so I can drive abroad.
DENIED because of my visa status.
Everyone is jumping on the " visa type " bandwagon these days.
DENIED because of my visa status.
Everyone is jumping on the " visa type " bandwagon these days.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 925 well getting an international driving permit may be different, but getting a regular license is definitely possible. But yes they are definitely cracking down in general on visas and making restrictions
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 626 I will just buy one online,
Stupid to deny me an IDP because of my visa status.
I didnt push it in case they tried to take my " illegal " 5 year licence away.
Stupid to deny me an IDP because of my visa status.
I didnt push it in case they tried to take my " illegal " 5 year licence away.
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Toni *******
Anonymous participant 626 where did you renew?
Anonymous ******************
@Toni ******
in Chiang MaiAnonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 626 Really? I renewed in CM a few months ago and they were very adamant DTV cannot get a 5 year license. They have a sign posted.
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Sefton ********
Initially many offices were giving 5 year licenses on renewal, I was renewed for 5 years while on a DTV (no longer am) but this is office dependant and I believe become less common.
You will have to ask the office you intend to renew at if they offer it. You absolutely can obtain another 2 year license, that is offered to anyone even people without any visa at all.
You will have to ask the office you intend to renew at if they offer it. You absolutely can obtain another 2 year license, that is offered to anyone even people without any visa at all.
Ossie *********
@Sefton *******
the first license is for two years after that all other licenses are for 5 or 6 years mine is up in February I think it will be my 4th as I moved over permanently 20 years ago then the 1st license was for only 1 year .where I live the transport office won’t renew it until it actually expires and the guy told me that I had 1 year to renew it which sounds crazy however I remember the last time I renewed it was 2 or 3 months after the licence had expired I think it costs about 500 baht to renewReply to
Ossie *********
Reply
Mark ******
Just go to transport office and check. They might renew it for 5 years.... Take a residency certification from your local immigration office
Ossie *********
@Mark *****
plus passport I think your passport number goes on the licenseMark ******
@Ossie ********
yes, won't hurt to take passport with you tooReply to
Mark ******
Reply
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