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Do I need to completely reapply for a Thai driver's license if I got it over 30 years ago?

Thai driver's license License renewal License expiration Thailand driving regulations Expat advice

February 21, 2024

7 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Some 30+ yrs ago I got my Thai drivers license. Would I be able to simply update it or would I have to go through the whole process again to make it current. Appreciated

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TLDR : Answer Summary

If you obtained a Thai driver's license over 30 years ago, you will likely need to start the application process from scratch, especially if your license has been expired for over a year. Lifetime licenses, which were issued prior to July 2003, do not require renewal, but most older licenses must be fully reapplied for.

Bob **********

Did Thailand have drivers license 30+ years ago ??

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Why****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Sure did Bob, and we think it's frightening now, taxis often had no flooring back then too. But I survived 👌

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Bob **********

yes I flew to Hong Kong in a balsa wood plane with a rubber band as an engine 😎😎😎

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Bob **********

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Dee ***********

Anyone here do a thai driving test and what do you think I had a partner who had lessons for 4 days and on the 5th she did a test and passed and it was frightening to be in a car with her

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Leo ******

Yeah you'll have to resit the test...🤣🤣🤣

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Ron *******

If you got it 30yrs ago, you would have had a lifetime license.

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Wolfgang *******

Check if your Thai driver's license has an expiration date. If so, then you can only use it for one more year. After that you have to make it completely new.

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Brett **********

Not sure your location. I used an agent in Pattaya, they drove me to theDMV, Quick test at DMV and I had my Thai driver license.

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Bobby *********

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Jean-Francois ***********

My wife has a lifetime drivers license and no need to renew it. But I guess the best would ask the transportation office.

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Dave ***********

@Jean-Francois **********

wow, when was she issued that? Never heard of one.

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Sue **********

@Dave **********

The issuance of Lifetime license has been suspended since 2003; however, it is still valid for those who obtained the license before 28 July 2003.

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Dave ***********

thanks. Never knew that.

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Dave ***********

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Paul *******

If your Thai licence has expired by over 1 year then you are not able to renew it, You must start the whole process again.

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Stephan ***********

That not completely correct... you still can renew it up to three years. After more than one year you have to do the theoretical test also, after more than three years also the practical test... that means actually you start completely new.

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Stephan ***********

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Grant *******

if it has expired. then from the beginning again

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Stuart *********

You’d have to start the whole process again from scratch.

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Stuart *********

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