Can I use my Thai driving license as ID instead of my passport?

Feb 13, 2022
3 years ago
Chris ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I've got a Thai driving licence now, can i carry it instead of my passport for I.D check. Thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Yes, you can use your Thai driving license as a form of identification instead of your passport in most situations in Thailand. Many respondents confirm that establishments usually accept it, although some mentioned that banks and certain immigration checks might still require your passport. Keeping a digital copy or photo of your passport on your phone is recommended as a backup. A few users noted that experiences may vary depending on the authority or situation, but overall, a Thai driving license is widely accepted.
Chris ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks everyone 👍
Gareth *******
Pink card is the best, Open bank account ,Buy motorcycle or car, No problem.
Murray *******
You can also get a business card sized laminated photo copy of your passport and visa 100 baht at most photo shops do it !
Steve **********
@Murray ******
make mine same size as D/L every year, pay 40 baht.

Frankly D/L is more accepted.
Derek ***********
Does that mean you are a dangerous driver?
Nick ************
DL is more useful than your passport. I was even told I would be able to fly domestic using it as ID. It was also very useful to have in order to get vaccinations. Showed passport No. Showed DL yes.
Steve **********
Depends on the cop. Have had mine 18 years. 75% of time it's excepted, 100% at your bank under certain $ limits. Have my PP and visa laminated to size of DL, that used to work well.

Now no tea money for police,

so revenue generation is #1 priority, so don't push it.
Duncan *******
Bangkok Bank - I tried to deposit a check made out to me into my account, they refused to accept it without my passport - I had my DL and Digital Work Permit as proof but they refused to accept either. Drove 15mins down the road to SCB where I also have an account and it wasn't a problem. Can be hit and miss. Even flying domestically I've had my passport demanded when I've tried to use my Thai DL as ID and yet other times it wasn't an issue.
Kool *******
I have went through immigration checks, and used my Thai driver's license. They grumble and groan, but everything is tied into the immigration data base so it works. The only place I still need my passport is for changes I make at my bank.
Carl ***********
@Kool ******
thats good do immigration accept?
Kool *******
@Carl **********
there are certain Royal events that everyone's ID is checked, even Thais, and immigration is there to check all foreigners entering. That is the immigration checks I am talking about. You still need your passport at the regular immigration offices
Andrew ********
Picture on phone, photocopy and send a copy to your own email as back up. Licence is usually enough though.
Steve **********
@Andrew *******
operative word is

'Usually'

Agree, a photostat on phone used to work, as with D/L , If on a trip or out of province. Carry PP.
Andrew **********
Never carried my passport. Like Garrett said. Pic on your phone will work. Never been asked myself. Only when exchanging money or for a room.
Chris **********
Make 3 photos with your handy: Passport main page, visa page and 90 day report
Chris ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks all 😁👍
Bob **********
It's got your passport number on it but I carry a picture of my passport and visa in my phone
Steve **********
@Bob *********
be careful if you renew your pp, your DL has different pp #
Bob **********
@Steve *********
yes I know thanks
Daniel ************
of course you can -
Garrett ***********
You've never needed to carry your passport, a picture on your phone is fine.
Stuart *********
Yes. Pretty much everywhere will accept.
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