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Do I need an International Driver's License to renew my expired Thai driver licenses upon returning to Thailand?

Thai driver license International Driver's License license renewal expat in Thailand Thailand immigration pink ID card

Oct 31, 2021

3 years ago

David **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Due to being away from Thailand, my Thai wife's Thai driver license expired in 2020.  Her license was a 5 year.  Mine expired in 2016 and was only a 1 year.  Do I need to get International Driver's License before coming back to Thailand in order to renew them/get new ones? We plan to return to Thailand next month. I do have a pink ID card as we have a house over there.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around the renewal of expired Thai driver licenses for a couple returning to Thailand. The wife's license expired in 2020, and she may be able to renew it without much hassle, considering the pandemic closures. The husband's license expired in 2016, and he will likely have to retake both the theory and practical tests to obtain a new license due to its long expiration. Community members express varying opinions on whether he should obtain an International Driver's License (IDL) prior to returning, with a consensus that while it might provide some legal driving capability, it is ultimately unnecessary for the renewal process in Thailand. Additionally, having a pink ID card, which signifies residency, offers advantages during the renewal.

Jay ********

What are the rules regarding renewals of Thai licenses, mine expired just over 2 years ago and am planning to return next month.

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David **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Just so there is no confusion, I have a valid drivers license here in the US. Back when I got the Thai license, they required the international license, permission from the immigration folks, and I had to pass a stop light test. Now I have the pink ID card. I didn’t renew the Thai license back in 2019 as I was only in Thailand for 2.5 months. This time, I plan to be there for 4 months. I wasn’t sure whether the international license would be useful in case I got stopped by a routine police checkpoint as they used to have.

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Sharon *******

@David *********

if you are stopped for a licence check with only a foriegn licence you will probably be fined if you have no IDL. It was quite common in my area so I always recommend friends get one if they might drive. They're fairly cheap so better safe than sorry

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Dave **********

@David *********

you need the Yellow Book, which you must have to get the Pink ID, for proof of residence/ address to avoid going to immagration.

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David **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Dave *********

I have the pink I’d card already

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David **********

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Sharon *******

I would get an IDL at least for yourself as you will be starting again where as your wife will probably be able to renew hers as the offices have just reopened after covid closure.

I made a new licence a couple of weeks ago & instead of watching the Thai video was required to do training & questions on DLT E LEARNING web site & show the pass certificate along with the med cert etc so I would suggest you do this before you go.

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Todd *********

IDL pretty much globally useless. Just have a current license from somewhere

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Todd *********

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Gene **********

From my understanding with international driver's licenses you must have the regular National license already renewed. Before you can even get an international driver's license. If you get caught in Thailand driving without a license it's a $1,000 Thai baht fine and up to a month in jail.

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Todd *********

@Gene *********

anyone ever spent a month in jail for it lol?

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Stuart **********

@Gene *********

you are correct apart from the fine which was 500 baht and got reduced to 200 baht a couple of years ago

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Florin ********

@Gene *********

500 Bht

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Florin ********

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Henry *********

An IDP is only valid if it is held with a valid national licence.

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John ******

@Henry ********

and a idp is only issued if you have a valid national license. An idp is simply an official document that official translates your driving license !

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John ******

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Benjamin ******

> Do I need to get International Driver's License before coming back to Thailand in order to renew them/get new ones?

My opinion: Get the international driver's license before you come so you can drive legally in Thailand. However, this will not help you in renewing the license in Thailand.

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Felix ******************************

It's 'thaiwife', one word.

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Mark ********

Pink ID card means that you won't need a certificate of residence

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Steve *******

You dont need an IDP, just renew your Thai license when you return.

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Tammy ************

Yes get one for sure

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Steve *******

@Tammy ***********

IDP is no good for the OP, just renew the Thai license

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Steve *******

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Stuart *********

Your wife will probably get away with just a normal renewal due to the offices being shut for a good part of 2020.

Unfortunately a international license won’t help you. You’re “in the system” and your licence has expired more than 3 years so you’re back to square one and will have to do the theory and practical stuff all over again.

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กะลาสี *****

@Stuart ********

I learned something new today because of your response to this question. I'd just like to take a moment to thank you for all of the wisdom you routinely impart on this group. Unlike some of the other more knowledgeable members, who are IMO far too often condescending and even borderline abusive, you never fail to be polite and helpful, regardless how trivial the question may be. I for one, truly appreciate what you bring to this group. Thanks again and have a happy Halloween!!

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กะลาสี *****

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