Answered2 months ago

How can a UK driving licence holder apply for a car driving licence in Thailand after receiving a 5-year DTV?

Driving Licence Thailand Expats DTV Visa Non-O Visa Visa Immigration

Leonard ********

asked Aug 18, 2026

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Hi all. I have just been awarded a 5 yesr DTV.  As a UK driving licence holder, how can I apply to get a driving licence for a car in Thailand?  I currently ride a 160cc scooter on an International Driving Permit.  Thanks

Answer summary

The user seeks guidance on obtaining a driving licence in Thailand with a UK driving licence and a 5-year DTV, while currently holding an International Driving Permit for riding a scooter. Comments suggest focusing on visa conversion instead of directly addressing their question about driving licenses in Thailand.

5 repliesnewest first

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John **********

One point I overlooked which may make you reconsider is that you can't legally work remotely on a Non-O visa based on marriage. So if you plan to continue working remotely you may be better just sticking with the DTV

2 months ago

John **********

If you have a Thai bank account and you are currently in Thailand your first step should be to visit your local immigration office and see if they will allow you to convert your DTV into a Non-O visa based on marriage by meeting the requirements, but if you don't have the bank account you won't be able to meet the requirements anyway.

If you can't do that your only option is to request, from outside Thailand, that the consulate that issued your DTV cancel it, if and when they do you can then apply for the 90 day Non-O visa based on being married to a Thai before returning to Thailand.

If they don't cancel it then you'll need to remain on the DTV until it expires

2 months ago

Divya **********

@John *********

😳 Okay, so I do have a Thai bank account. If I'm able to convert DTV into Non-O visa based on marriage, does that mean immigration in Thailand will cancel my DTV and that I'll officially be on a Non-O visa hence forth? Or it's like only an extension based on marriage, but officially my visa still remains a DTV visa?

My DTV was issued in Laos. Do I need to need to physically visit the Laos Consulate, or can it be done online?

2 months ago

John **********

@Divya *********

if they are willing to do it your DTV would be converted to a 90 day Non-O visa based on marriage (assuming you meet the requirements) so there would be no need to cancel it, the act of converting it is enough and your DTV would be no more. But not all immigration offices can issue a Non-O visa and others may not want to have anything to do with a DTV so you need to ask.

To cancel the DTV you would need to contact whichever of the consulates in Laos issued the DTV to ask the process by email or Facebook Messenger etc. and explain that you want to replace it with a Non-O based on marriage.

2 months ago

Steve *******

Divya Parantap You can't go straight to the 1 year marriage extention from a DTV. First you need a Non Imm O based on marriage. Ask your local Immigration Office if they will sell you a Non Imm O.

You may have to cancel your DTV where it was issued. Personally I'd run the DTV down especially if you're still working remotely

2 months ago