Can I transfer my American driver’s license to a Thai driver’s license?

Feb 19, 2024
9 months ago
Danny *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi friends! Can I transfer my American driver’s license into a Thai one?Thanks!
4,942
views
12
likes
116
all likes
57
replies
8
images
31
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
Yes, you can obtain a Thai driver's license while keeping your American one, but the process involves specific requirements. You may need an International Driving Permit (IDP), a certificate of residence, and a medical certificate. Some local Department of Land Transport (DLT) offices require a long-term visa, while others may just need the IDP. A practical driving test is typically not required for American license holders, but you must watch a video and pass a simple reaction test. Initially, you'll receive a license valid for two years, which can be renewed for five years thereafter.
Brian *********
If you’re still in the states get an international permit from somewhere like AAA. That makes getting licensing in Thailand super easy.
Michael ********
Yes you can
Guy ******
Why asking us. Go to Thai embassy
T ****************
No, but your American one is just fine there, if you’re only there for 30 days. Make sure you also have proof of insurance.
Saran ***************
Very easy. Go to the immigration office to get a resident certificate first. Then, go to any clinic to get a medical certificate.

After that, visit a department of land transport office and get a license.

Here's a detailed info on how to do it .

*******************************************************
Danny *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thomas ***************
How's the supply of blinker fluid in Thailand?😚🤔
Edward ******
I remember they looked in a book for Florida. Then read the Florida rules. Getting a license is very time consuming
Dennis ************
I did it with my Dutch driverslicence. You need an international driverslicence and you can convert that to a Thai driverslicence
Malcolm *******
An American License holder does not require to take a practical Driving test , just a colour blind test and a reaction test after watching a video . You need the form , certificate of residence from immigration and a simple medical cert from any doctor in a street clinic for around 100 baht . You will need to make an appointment at the test center you use . You will recieve a 2 year license , then after 2 years a 5 year one . This is what I did for mine in Pattaya , other areas could possibly be different .
Mel ******
@Malcolm ******
same. I did this with idp and my Oman drivers license
Jan ******************
@Malcolm ******
Same we do with our Norwegian license, but we need a IDP as well.
Hal *******
Take the test is so easy
Oleg ***********
Yes
Wayne *******
No
Nathan *********
Yea as long as you bring your licence and IDP and some other documents you can transfer it without doing the tests. There is a small online test but very simple compared to if you have do it from scratch
David *********
Normally all that is required is you valid drivers license from your country. You will have to provide a medical certificate, certificate of residency (which you get from immigration). You will have to watch a video and do a reaction test . Pay the fee and you will have a Thai licence. If you want to have a car and motorcycle license these are considered as two separate licenses. Plan accordingly.
Danny *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Phil ******
@Danny ****
yes. Look on dlt wwbsite
Pertti *************
Yes but you don't transfer it. You keep old license ofcourse. Go dlt bike 105 baht and car 205. Medical check and half day of your life.
Danny *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Kevin *************
Phil *******
Depends on which office you go to.
Danny *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Gordon *********
No have to do test and watch video
Benny ***********
Danny *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Gordon ********
After reading your replies, I am really in Thailand.
Gordon *********
@Danny ****
l have had a DL in Thailand for 15 years because of COVID it was 2 years expired when I went to renew it l had to do it all over again finger print photo and 50 question on computer must score 45 or more don't care what people say that's what l had to do nong Khai gave me 5 years and l am 69
Jan ******************
@Gordon ********
yes because you just can’t renew one year after it’s expired, ore else you need to apply from start.
Noppakhun ***************
Yes
Janne ***********
You don't give up an American, you just get a thai driver's license..
Aake **********
No
David ***********
David ***********
Yes, first one will be for two years then after that it's every five years
Jan ******************
@David **********
Only if you’re on a long stay visa, or else it’s two by two years.
Danny *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David **********
How?Please!
David ***********
@Danny ****
there should be a local driving licence office, you will do a practical test which is very simple and then you will have to sit and watch a video which is unless because its in Thai, can you ride a motorcycle if so you can do that at the same time is about 900b for both license
Jim ***********
I had to take a test to receive mine
Jan ******************
@Jim **********
yes but just sight, colour and reaction. Same for everyone also when you renew.
Ian *****
Yup. Window 27 at DLT on road past airport. Take Certificate of Residence, Copies of licence, passport etc. sure there's a form to fill in too. Dead easy process
Jay ********
@Ian ****
+ a medical from hospital
Danny *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ian ****
sounds great!
John **********
Yes but some DLT offices require you have an IDP and some require you have a long term visa. Best is to check with your local office
Danny *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
Thank you very much for your reply. What is IDP?
Steve **********
@Danny ****
International Driving Permit. You typically get one in your home country before you travel, as they use your home country licence for the information to fill in your IDP. I used my home country licence and IDP to get my Thai Drivers Licence. I also needed a health check and a residence certificate (which is easy to get from Immigration in whatever area you are in).
Danny *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *********
How long is this driver's license valid for?
Steve **********
@Danny ****
From what I was told, your first Licence is a “Temporary” one and last for two years. I think after that you can renew to a 5 year Licence.
Paul ********
@Danny ****
an IDP licence is only good to drive in Thailand for 3 months from arrival. It’s better to get one as you only take a colour and perception test at the office. Easier to do it. It also puts your full driving ability on it. So if you ride a big bike they give you that here.
Danny *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul *******
What qualifications are required? What kind of documents must be prepared?
Paul ********
@Danny ****
well if you go to the one near Pattaya they give you a list of what you need because you need an appointment and a time allocated to do the test. That’s normally within the next few days. Well I did my 5 year 3 months ago.

Proof of address.

Medical certificate

IDP

Passport

Now it may be different in other offices.
Danny *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
John **********
@Danny ****
the first license you get in Thailand is good for 2 years, the next 5 years
Jan ******************
@John *********
If you’re an a long stay visa, unless it’s two by two years.
John **********
@Jan *****************
2 years first one and 5 years the second one, but yes on a long stay visa
Jan ******************
@John *********
Your right, I’ve done two by two for eight years, but next time I’ll apply for a Non O first.😉
Danny *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Steve *******
@Danny ****
International Driving Permit
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else