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Can you renew a driving license for 5 years while on a DTV in Thailand?
Mar 17, 2026
a month ago
Thorsten *********
ORIGINAL POSTERRenewal to 5 year driving license while on DTV?
Is it possible to renew the driving license to a 5 year driving license while on dtv? Did anyone did it successfully?
Is it possible to renew the driving license to a 5 year driving license while on dtv? Did anyone did it successfully?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The ability to renew a driving license for 5 years while on a DTV (Drive by Tourist Visa) in Thailand seems to vary significantly by local Department of Land Transport (DLT) practices. Most comments indicate that individuals typically receive a 2-year license renewal when on a DTV, with some stating they successfully obtained a 5-year license in December 2024 under similar circumstances. It's suggested that different regions may enforce different policies, with major cities like Pattaya and Bangkok appearing to restrict renewals to 2 years currently. A general consensus among expats highlights the importance of understanding local DLT rules and confirming specific requirements such as residency certificates and necessary documents for renewal.
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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Colin ********
dtv 2 years only
Paul *******
I did last month chaing mai
Bob **********
I’m hearing you’ll get two years as your on a tourist visa
Eric *******
Is there an easier way to renew it than to suffer thru the affair of doing it the first time thru a visa agency? Since I've got it can they just do paperwork instead of travel + the reaction test and video thing that took like 6hrs
Anonymous ******************
I was only given another 2 years/temporary license in Jan this year (Krabi DLT)
SoftFal*******
Renewed april 25 and got 5 years, but been hearing they only give 2 years now
Colin **********
The old rule was after after the 2 year you received a 5 years, I think a Pattaya and Bangkok?? do not give the 5 year anymore, other offices do.
Dany ********
i got 2 years renewal in january
Anonymous ******************
It depends on the DLT. But most now issue 2 years only. They have changed recently.
Steve **********
I renewed my 5 year license on 60 day exempt, In December. But every DLT is different.
Thorsten *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Steve *********
which dlt?Steve **********
@Thorsten ********
Udon Thani.Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Anders *******
I renewed my in december-24
and got 5 years 🙏🏻
and got 5 years 🙏🏻
Thorsten *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Anders ******
which department of land transport?Anders *******
Kumphawapi District
Udon Thani
Udon Thani
Reply to
Anders *******
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Thomas *******
I renewed my old two year license and got a 5 year one last Nov/Dec. It appears others on the DTV have done the same.
Anonymous ******************
@Thomas ******
what paperwork is required for the renewal?Thomas *******
From what I remember: Residence Certificate and photocopies of passport pages.
Reply to
Thomas *******
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Thorsten *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Thomas ******
which department of land transport?Thomas *******
@Thorsten ********
Chiang MaiReply to
Thomas *******
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Jef ********
Negative ghost rider….. ( atleast from the last info I have ) is 5 years license = 1 year stamp.
You may see some comments from people who did get around it. But the general consensus is <1 year stamp = 2 year license > 1 year stamp = 5 year licence
You may see some comments from people who did get around it. But the general consensus is <1 year stamp = 2 year license > 1 year stamp = 5 year licence
CleverDo*********
@Jef *******
do you know why Thai citizens only get a two year license then?Unforgettabl*************
CleverDolphin1112 All people, regardless of citizenship status, first get a temporary 2 year license. If someone is a Thai citizen or holds a Non-Immigrant type visa (or PR) then when they renew they’ll be given a 5 year “permanent” license which is a “full” license and people can get an IDP and legally drive in other ASEAN countries using it.
Jef ********
This post was about renewing not first license 👌🙏🏽🫶🏽
Jef ********
Everyone gets a 2 year license first ( it’s like Thais version of a learners )
Reply to
Jef ********
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