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How can I obtain an International Driving License in Bangkok?

International Driving PermitThai Driving LicenseVisaExpat LifeBangkokDriving RegulationsImmigration
Nov 29, 2022
2 years ago
Phu***
ORIGINAL POSTER
Any leads on obtaining an international driving license in Bangkok?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Obtaining an International Driving License (IDP) in Bangkok poses challenges for expats as these permits are generally issued by the driver's home country. Comments clarify that IDPs can typically be acquired only through the official licensing authority of your home country. Those in Thailand or looking for information regarding IDPs often must return to their country of origin or contact their embassy for guidance. While some mentioned alternative methods (like online applications), concerns about legitimacy and acceptance by authorities were raised. Expats recommended having documentation prepared prior to relocation to avoid hassles while living abroad.
Chris ************
@Phu***
 first of all, you must have a non-immigrant-visa or a long term stay permit AND a thai license that is valid for 5 years and not that one for 2 years.

Then you should have a proof of residence.

Would you have that, then it's possible. Price is around 500 Baht.
2 years ago
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Phu***
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris ***********
 thank you
2 years ago
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Phu***
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Zed ********
If you want to convert a Thai license to international, then follow the steps in this guide, it has all the info:
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2 years ago
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Luiza *******
I got mine from this website:
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Normally you should get it in your home country as people say around here. But they all look the same as they are issued according to international conventions and basically it's a little note carnet with same papers in different languages. I also got a card that I wouldn't have gotten in my home country. I really wonder how anybody would make a difference of the issuer when you'd have to show it around 😃
2 years ago
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Chris *****
There are some differences. For example the form of IDP Thailand accepts is not valid for three years. Might get you through a check with an uninformed official or rental agency though I guess.
2 years ago
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Chris *****
This is a little illegitimate, I think, looks like it is a translation that looks like a permit? Have you had yours accepted by police or rental agencies?
2 years ago
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Luiza *******
@Chris ***************
 this document is just a translation of your original driver licence. It's a form stated by Geneva convention for e.g. to help countries recognise the driver/rider's capabilities/licence. There's absolutely no diference between the forms, only the paper which is slightly different fron country to country. I've seen a few ;) . Literally, nobody can tell who issued the form.
2 years ago
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Zed ********
@Chris ***************
 correct. It's not actually a legal document. It's been going around for a few years, but not actually legal (sorry Luiza - not sure who gave you that advice). Might work in rural areas where they don't know the difference though, but possibly an issue when it comes to insurance payouts, if needed? Not sure though.
2 years ago
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Zed ********
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Mike **********
I'm interested!
2 years ago
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David *********
There is no such thing as an International Drivers Licence. If you mean an International Drivers Permit it is issued by your home country
2 years ago
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Phu***
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you to everyone for taking the time to provide your valuable feedback. Cheers!!
2 years ago
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John ********
I'm from UK and I did it online but it was before covid

Try Google it
2 years ago
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Noel *******
Depending where u r from you maybe able to do it on line and then get some one to express post it to you. I did that for an Australian Permit
2 years ago
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George *************
@Noel ******
 you can get one online from the US, but it's expensive and slow, much better to get while still in the US. Some other countries allow purchasing from the home country online, but always easer to get when in home country.
2 years ago
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George *************
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Paulo **********
If in Australia you can obtain one through RACV , very easy process
2 years ago
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Clint ********
Ask your Embassy ??? Usually you get yourself one before you leave your home country.
2 years ago
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John **********
Home Country (permit not licence)....not Thailand to obtain!
2 years ago
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Giorgio ******
easy
2 years ago
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Steven *******
You should of done that in your home country, not when you're on holidays, 🤦🤦🤦🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️
2 years ago
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Ted *******
@Steven ******
 we don't call them holidays..it's called vacations
2 years ago
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Steven *******
@Ted ******
 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 ok vacation 👌 👍 😎
2 years ago
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Steven *******
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David *********
You get an International driving permit in your home country or wherever ever your licence comes from
2 years ago
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Andrew *******
@David ********
👍
2 years ago
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Andrew *******
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Andrea ******************
Se hai la patente Thai puoi richiedere quella Internazionale mi sembra con un costo di circa 700 THB🇹🇭
2 years ago
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Andrew *******
You can also get a temporary one from your county u residents in
2 years ago
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Pui *****
There is no such thing as an international drivers license. Only international drivers permits exist, and you can only get one from whatever country your existing drivers licence is from, by the official authority that is designated to issue them for that country. In the case of wanting an IDP for a Thai driver's license, it would be DLT. If you're trying to get it for your foreign license, you'd have to do back to that country to get one.
2 years ago
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George *************
Unless you are Thai, Bangkok would be the wrong place for you to get an International Driving Permit. On the other hand, buying an international driving license can be done anywhere, although I wouldn't advise doing so until you have named a star after yourself or have become a Scottish Lord. ;-)
2 years ago
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Chris *********************
@George ************
 ??????
2 years ago
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George *************
@Chris ********************
 IDPs are obtained only in one's home country from the designated organization (e.g., AAA in USA). International Driver's Licenses don't really exist, yet they are still sold. ;-)
2 years ago
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George *************
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Tammy **************
We got our international driving license in our home country.
2 years ago
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Daniel ************
DLT
2 years ago
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Andrew *******
I have one

Get in touch mots services Pattaya
2 years ago
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Jordi ********
@Andrew ******
 are you familiar with the term 'identity theft'?
2 years ago
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Andrew *******
@Jordi *******
Going to need a lot more information than that.
2 years ago
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Jordi ********
@Andrew ******
 Just dont get why people feel the need to take pictures of their official documents and post it in facebookgroups with 30k strangers. Easy enough to Photoshop a picture in. Maybe I can rent a motorbike with it somewhere......I dont mean harm, do whatever you feel comfortable with.
2 years ago
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Jordi ********
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Anthony ********
Depending where you come from?
2 years ago
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Alastair ********************
You can't they're issued by your home country.
2 years ago
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Alessandro **********
@Alastair *******************
 if you have a Thai driving license you can get IDP in Thailand.
2 years ago
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Andy ********
@Alessandro *********
 not on a 2 year license but you can on a 5 year Thai licence.
2 years ago
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Andy ********
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