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Can you obtain or extend a 5-year driver's license in Thailand with a DTV?
DTV VisaDriving License in ThailandThai ImmigrationVisa RequirementsLong-term VisaNon-O VisaDriver's License Renewal
Sep 5, 2024
2 years ago
Paul *******
ORIGINAL POSTERFor those who've had their DTVs approved and already entered the Kingdom, has anyone tried to obtain a 5 year driver's license or extend a 5 year license for another 5 years using the DTV? I would expect it's permitted, but just wondering. If it isn't, then a marriage visa would be better (for those who are married to Thais).
TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation discusses whether holders of a Digital Tourist Visa (DTV) in Thailand can obtain or extend a 5-year driver's license. Many participants note that it is possible to get a driver's license with various visa types, including the DTV. However, there are concerns regarding the recognition of the DTV by banks and the Department of Land Transport (DLT) for issuing long-term licenses. Most contributors agree that DTV holders face challenges similar to those on tourist visas and must ideally have an Immigration Letter or Residence Certificate to ensure smoother processing. Ultimately, while some users have confirmed successful applications for the 5-year license with a DTV, the general consensus is that pursuing a Non-O or marriage visa may provide a more straightforward pathway.
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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Michael ********
Hi Paul James did you end out finding out?
I hold the 2-year temporary license, which expires tomorrow, October 11.
However, I need to obtain the 5-year permanent license, as it can be used internationally for KYC, whereas the temporary license cannot.
Historically, they have only issued the 5-year license to resident visa holders, and it seems that the DTV may fall under a TR visa class type, not Non-O.
That being said, the Elite Visa also falls under the TR visa class type, and holders are able to receive the 5-year license.
However.. Banks aren't yet recognizing the DTV, and I’m also concerned that the Department of Land Transport (DLT) office may not recognise it either.
(The Permeant 5yr can also be used in 10 ASEAN countries)
I hold the 2-year temporary license, which expires tomorrow, October 11.
However, I need to obtain the 5-year permanent license, as it can be used internationally for KYC, whereas the temporary license cannot.
Historically, they have only issued the 5-year license to resident visa holders, and it seems that the DTV may fall under a TR visa class type, not Non-O.
That being said, the Elite Visa also falls under the TR visa class type, and holders are able to receive the 5-year license.
However.. Banks aren't yet recognizing the DTV, and I’m also concerned that the Department of Land Transport (DLT) office may not recognise it either.
(The Permeant 5yr can also be used in 10 ASEAN countries)
Michael ********
@Paul ******
- I was just informed by an agent, we can receive a 5 year licence on DTV.I believe it depends on the Immigration Letter/Residence Certificate.
I'll be applying for licence renewal in Bangkok later this month.
Using this agent to assist:
@https://www.faceboo********************
Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Michael ********
Hi Paul James did you end out finding out?
I hold the 2-year temporary license, which expires tomorrow, October 11.
However, I need to obtain the 5-year permanent license, as it can be used internationally for KYC, whereas the temporary license cannot.
Historically, they have only issued the 5-year license to resident visa holders, and it seems that the DTV may fall under a TR visa class type, not Non-O.
That being said, the Elite Visa also falls under the TR visa class type, and holders are able to receive the 5-year license.
However.. Banks aren't yet recognizing the DTV, and I’m also concerned that the Department of Land Transport (DLT) office may not recognise it either.
I hold the 2-year temporary license, which expires tomorrow, October 11.
However, I need to obtain the 5-year permanent license, as it can be used internationally for KYC, whereas the temporary license cannot.
Historically, they have only issued the 5-year license to resident visa holders, and it seems that the DTV may fall under a TR visa class type, not Non-O.
That being said, the Elite Visa also falls under the TR visa class type, and holders are able to receive the 5-year license.
However.. Banks aren't yet recognizing the DTV, and I’m also concerned that the Department of Land Transport (DLT) office may not recognise it either.
Paul *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michael *******
Yes and someone else confirmed they were able to apply for a 5 year license on a DTV.Seems the main issue for DTV holders is obtaining a Thai bank account, if they haven't already got one from previous residence in Thailand.
Michael ********
Banks just haven't caught up yet. They will fix it eventually. I view the DTV as a tax trap, as Thai tax laws recently changed, and the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) went into effect in Thailand in January 2024.
For 5,000-10,000 THB, Siam Legal provides documentation to open bank accounts with Bangkok Bank in Chiang Mai,Pattaya & Phuket
For 5,000-10,000 THB, Siam Legal provides documentation to open bank accounts with Bangkok Bank in Chiang Mai,Pattaya & Phuket
********************************************************************************
Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Ibrahim ******
I'm in the process of getting a driving licence, just waiting on my landlord to provide a tm30
Gre *****
@Ibrahim *****
are you in pattaya?Ibrahim ******
@Gre ****
no, BKReply to
Ibrahim ******
Reply
Oleg ***********
First you get 2 years. Next, if have long term visa can get 5 years, after 1 year.
Directly get 5 year license cannot.
Directly get 5 year license cannot.
Paul *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Oleg **********
Yes of course, this is obvious. Hence my question, since the rules state that for a 5 year license, you need a non-imm visa, regardless of whether you're extending an existing 5 year license or moving from a 2 year to a 5 year one.Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Wannikea *********
5 year license only after you've had a 2 year and you need a non Imm class visa or similar. Dunno if the DTV glorified tourist visa will cut it.
Paul *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Wannikea ********
Yeah, that's my concern too.Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Kun***
You can get your license with any visa while in Thailand
Henrik *****
Ask DLT for a correct answer, not private people.
Paul *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Henrik ****
I will when the time comes, just thought I'd get a heads up first.Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
David ************
No need for a specific visa to renew a license
Paul *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@David ***********
Officially, for a 5-year one you need a non-immigrant or PR visa. Officially that is. It says so at the LTD office in Chatuchak.John ********
@Paul ******
TIT anything can be done with perseverance.Paul *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *******
I'm quite sure, seeing the visa is valid for 5 years and each entry stamp for 180 days, they'll issue a 5 year license to 2 year license holders or renew a 5 year license for those who's existing licenses are expiring.It would be strange if they weren't, considering most other visa extensions only last for a year...
Of course, we'll see.
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
David ************
@Paul ******
well you seem to know more then many of us on the process. Whats stopping you from just going and just try. I mean would you actually not try just because you saw a no answer on here.Paul *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@David ***********
Well, I'm not due for renewal yet. That comes next year. I was wondering if anyone's been through the process because if it turns out they're only handing out 2 year licenses, I might as well stick to my marriage visa because on that you can get a 5-year license.As I hold multiple passports/citizenships, another option would be to go to my LTD and find out. If it's a no, I'd go out for a marriage visa (90 day one is probably enough) on a different passport and fly back to extend the license then leave again, switch passports and resume using my DTV. Might sound a bit convoluted but it really isn't.
Chances are, that probably won't be necessary but many people have stated that the DTV is treated as little more than a tourist visa despite it's long validity.
David ************
@Paul ******
Just curious. Are there more benefits with this DTV then you have with a marriage visa. I'm on the over 50 one which is close in many ways to the marriage visa. I mean we theoretically already have an unlimited stay option. I only see maybe not doing the 90 day report may be a benefit. Anything else about it that would tempt you to change to the DTV.Paul *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@David ***********
Main benefits are: 180 days per entry and option of extension for another 180 days and 5 year visa validity. That's about it.Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Kevin ********
You can do all of that on a tourist visa, no issue to do on a DTV
John **********
@Kevin *******
in some places. You won't even get a 2 year license at my local DLT office unless you have a non-immigrant visaKevin ********
@John *********
it’s mad how rules can vary so much from place to place, you would think having them the same everywhere would make much more sense. But I guess it’s the same in everything here. No matter what department the rules always seem to vary according to location.Paul *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
Interesting. That's in Sa Kaew, right? In Bangkok, you'll receive a 2 year license on any stamp or visa, but for 5 years you officially need a non-immigrant visa. While yes, I did receive a 5 year license on a tourist visa and this was in Bangkok (though not Chatuchak) that might have been an anomaly.John **********
@Paul ******
Yes Sa Kaeo. I think the general rule is you can get a 2 year license on any visa and it gets renewed only in 2 year increments unless you get a non-immigrant visa. But not here, they just won't give you one at all.Paul *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
Yes, that's the general rule in most places I've seen, including Bangkok.Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Paul *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kevin *******
Well, what I know is that you can easily obtain a 2-year driver's license on a tourist visa, but technically, they require a non-immigrant or immigrant visa for the 5-year one. Now, the first time I converted from a 2 to 5 year license I did only have a double entry tourist visa and they granted me a 5 year license but officially, I was only supposed to receive another 2 year one.
It depends on where you apply I guess.
Kevin ********
@Paul ******
I’m in Samui, seen many extended to 5 year on tourist, but yeah they all have there own rules.Reply to
Kevin ********
Reply
Graham *******
when u first apply for a thia driving license you only get 2 years.
Paul *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graham ******
Yes if you're new in the Kingdom. I'm referring to those of us who are already on a 5 year license wishing to renew it, or graduating from a 2 year to a 5 year license.Max *****
@Paul ******
Thai also getting 2 years driver license with a Thai passportReply to
Max *****
Reply
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