thailand
Ask question

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

Thai driver's licenseLicense renewalLicense expirationThailand driving regulationsExpat advice
Feb 21, 2024
9 months ago
Why****
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
2,865
views
11
likes
63
all likes
17
replies
1
images
14
users
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 ??
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Why****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sure did Bob, and we think it's frightening now, taxis often had no flooring back then too. But I survived 👌
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Bob **********
@Why****
 yes I flew to Hong Kong in a balsa wood plane with a rubber band as an engine 😎😎😎
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Bob **********
Reply
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
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Leo ******
Yeah you'll have to resit the test...🤣🤣🤣
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Ron *******
If you got it 30yrs ago, you would have had a lifetime license.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
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.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
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.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Bobby *********
9 months ago
Like
Reply
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.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Dave ***********
@Jean-Francois **********
 wow, when was she issued that? Never heard of one.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
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.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Dave ***********
@Sue *********
 thanks. Never knew that.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Dave ***********
Reply
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.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Stephan ***********
@Paul ******
 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.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Stephan ***********
Reply
Grant *******
if it has expired. then from the beginning again
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Stuart *********
You’d have to start the whole process again from scratch.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Do I need to update my Thai driving license after getting a new passport?
12 comments
5 months ago
What is the proper procedure to renew a 5-year driver's license in Thailand?
27 comments
6 months ago
What is the process for obtaining a Thai driver's license as a retirement visa holder?
45 comments
8 months ago
Can my son renew his expired Thai driver's license while he is on a tourist visa?
26 comments
9 months ago
What are the requirements and tips for renewing a Thai driver's license as an expat?
10 comments
9 months ago
How long do I have to renew my expired Thai driving license with a NON-O visa?
7 comments
a year ago
Do you need residency status to get a driver’s license in Thailand?
25 comments
2 years ago
Can I renew my expired Thai driver's license while on a tourist visa?
61 comments
2 years ago
What paperwork is needed to renew a less than a year expired driver's license in Thailand?
21 comments
2 years ago
Can you renew a Thai driver's license in a different province than where it was issued?
7 comments
3 years ago
What is the process for obtaining a Thai driver's license as an expat?
36 comments
3 years ago
What are the steps and documents required to renew an expired Thai driving license?
6 comments
3 years ago
What is the process to obtain a Thai driving license if my UK license is expired and I can't renew it?
23 comments
3 years ago
Can I renew my expired Thai driving licences after 2 months or do I need to start over?
4 comments
4 years ago
What is the updated procedure to renew a Thai driver's license in Bangkok?
7 comments
4 years ago
How can I renew my expired Thai driving license if I'm currently outside of Thailand?
10 comments
4 years ago
What are the requirements for renewing a 5-year driving license in Thailand?
41 comments
4 years ago
How can I renew my Thai driver's license in Phuket without a Thai ID?
7 comments
4 years ago
What is the process and requirements for renewing a Thai driver's license?
8 comments
4 years ago
What are the requirements and fees for renewing a Thai driving license?
11 comments
5 years ago
Can I obtain a Thai driver's license if my current license is expired?
10 comments
6 years ago
What is the time frame for renewing a Thai driver's license before and after expiration?
9 comments
6 years ago
What documentation is required for renewing a Thai driving license after 2 years?
30 comments
7 years ago
Do I need to renew my Thai driver's license and what documents are required?
8 comments
7 years ago
What can I do if my national driver's license has expired but I have an international driver's license and need to drive in Thailand?
28 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.