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Can I use my Thai driver's license for domestic flights in Thailand while my UK passport is being renewed?

Thai driver's licensedomestic flightsvisa and immigration issuesUK passport renewalTM30 reportinghotel check-in requirementsexpat advice
Oct 22, 2023
a year ago
Vincent ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Not strictly visa related. But though this might be a good place to ask.

I sent my UK passport away for renewal.

My question is. Can I fly domestic in Thailand using my Thai drivers license.

It has my passport number on it.

TIA
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The community consistently affirms that you can use your Thai driver's license for flying domestically in Thailand, especially since it includes your passport number. Many users share experiences of using their driver's license instead of a passport for domestic travel and hotel check-ins without major issues. However, some caution is advised regarding hotels that might still request a passport, primarily for reporting purposes. If you renew your passport, it's suggested to keep your driver's license updated as well.
Christopher *************
Yes you can
a year ago
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Vincent ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks everyone for your quick responses.
a year ago
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Bill *********
I kept my old passport till the new one arrived… then they cancel the old one on issuing the new one.

Where, why did you send it away?
a year ago
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Vincent ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bill ********
I thought that is what I had to do
a year ago
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Bill *********
I applied though the online web page for applying to replace a UK passport from overseas. Complete the application, gather the supporting docs then apply for an interview through vfs global. They accept it if all is ok and send it to uk. The return takes about 6-8 weeks ( or did in June) and you go and collect your passport. I am in Bangkok so I used the Trendy Building Office. But there are several throughout thailand.

Not sure if they accept postal applications.
a year ago
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Vincent ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bill ********
Hi Bill

I made an appointment with vfs

Renew passport.

They asked for my birth certificate.

As one of the documents they want to see.

I said that I don’t have it.

Did you present yours ?
a year ago
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Bill *********
@Vincent ***********
, no I didn’t. I applied to ‘renew my current passport with no changes’. I had to supply some documents, as listed on the documents required pages. Plus copies of every page of the passport to be replaced.

I can only assume that if you are applying under another section, like changing name etc, then they may want to see it. But, If you are applying the same as I did, and you have your old passport to present (not lost or stolen) then I have no idea why they would ask for it..sorry
a year ago
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Vincent ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bill ********
Same as you.

I want to renew my passport that will expire in June next year.

No changes.

I have a confirmed appointment with vfs.

When I noticed the birth certificate is required.

I replied to their email confirmation. Asking were they sure about the birth certificate. And not just the old passport.

All they would say is. I have a confirmed appointment that can be rescheduled. But if I don’t show. I have to pay 1500 thb or thereabouts.

Thanks for your reply
a year ago
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Vincent ************
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Johnny **********
Yes, but make sure the licence date is valid, not expired I mean, Air Asia gave me hassle once that mine had expired, wouldn't accept it
a year ago
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David *******
Yes
a year ago
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Patrick ********
Yes no problem
a year ago
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Kool *******
When you get your new passport don't forget to get your driver's licenses updated with the new number at DLT.
a year ago
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Mike ******
@Kool ******
 I was just about to say that.new passport will have a new number
a year ago
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Mike ******
I would also update your driving licence..
a year ago
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Mike ******
Not forget...update your bank account new passport number
a year ago
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Mike ******
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Paul *******
@Kool ******
 Not required to update until licence renewal.
a year ago
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Kool *******
@Paul ******
 just can save possible hassles until then.
a year ago
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Kool *******
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Jim ***********
I always use thai licence in country don't take passport with me
a year ago
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Richard *********
@Jim **********
 how do u check into hotels?
a year ago
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Vincent ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Richard ********
I haven’t yet. Just asking
a year ago
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Vincent ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Before attempting to fly. I should have said
a year ago
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Vincent ************
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Jim ***********
@Richard ********
 use thai licence also. They know not tourist then
a year ago
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Incognia **********
@Jim **********
 tourist visa can get thau license
a year ago
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Jim ***********
@Stelar ******
 yes i was on TR when got my license
a year ago
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Jim ***********
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Gary ****
@Richard ********
 hotels accept Thai license, I've done it dozens of times.
a year ago
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Incognia **********
@Gary ***
 so how about they are notifying you stayed there?No need Tm card?Then when go back your room no need to make new TM30 form isnt it?
a year ago
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Brandon ************
@Stelar ******
 because your Thai drivers license has your passport number. That's all they need for TM30
a year ago
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Richard *********
@Gary ***
 must be lucky, in 25 years they never accepted my license, always had to show passport as License does not show ur visa
a year ago
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Faye *********
@Richard ********
 I have always used my driving licence
a year ago
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Jim ***********
@Richard ********
 never been asked visa. Rented hotels long term never asked I find it less hassle hand over thai licence than a foreign passport.
a year ago
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Brandon ************
@Richard ********
 your visa is none of the hotel's business. They need your passport number to report your TM30 and that's on your Thai license.
a year ago
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Christopher ***********
@Richard ********
 Every time I’ve stayed in a hotel in Phuket the check-in desk requested my passport. Once we stood watching whilst a new staff member was shown the visa/extension stamps and instructed to make photocopies.
a year ago
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John **********
@Christopher **********
 if a hotel asks me for my passport I simply say I don't have it and hand over my Thai driving license. It's never been an issue. Hotels ask for your passport because they assume you're a tourist
a year ago
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Incognia **********
@Christopher **********
 for making TM30 form they need it yes.But some hotels they dont send any information to the immigration.
a year ago
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Stuart *********
@Richard ********
 Only once ever in 35 years has the licence not been enough. Had to show a digital copy of passport. All other times license had been accepted.
a year ago
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Stuart *********
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Darren *******
Yes
a year ago
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Geoff ********
Yes 100℅
a year ago
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Brandon ************
Yes no issues at all and much easier. Even once you have your passport back you should use your Thai drivers license for flying domestically and checking into hotels.
a year ago
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Brandon ************
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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