thailand
Ask question

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?
4,057
views
5
likes
88
all likes
39
replies
2
images
26
users
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
Like
Reply
Phu***
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris ***********
 thank you
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Phu***
Reply
Zed ********
If you want to convert a Thai license to international, then follow the steps in this guide, it has all the info:
*********************************************
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Luiza *******
I got mine from this website:
***********************************
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
Like
Reply
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
Like
Reply
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
Like
Reply
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
Like
Reply
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
Like
Reply
Reply to
Zed ********
Reply
Mike **********
I'm interested!
2 years ago
Like
Reply
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
Like
Reply
Phu***
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you to everyone for taking the time to provide your valuable feedback. Cheers!!
2 years ago
Like
Reply
John ********
I'm from UK and I did it online but it was before covid

Try Google it
2 years ago
Like
Reply
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
Like
Reply
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
Like
Reply
Reply to
George *************
Reply
Paulo **********
If in Australia you can obtain one through RACV , very easy process
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Clint ********
Ask your Embassy ??? Usually you get yourself one before you leave your home country.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
John **********
Home Country (permit not licence)....not Thailand to obtain!
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Giorgio ******
easy
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Steven *******
You should of done that in your home country, not when you're on holidays, 🤦🤦🤦🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Ted *******
@Steven ******
 we don't call them holidays..it's called vacations
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Steven *******
@Ted ******
 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 ok vacation 👌 👍 😎
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steven *******
Reply
David *********
You get an International driving permit in your home country or wherever ever your licence comes from
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Andrew *******
@David ********
👍
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Andrew *******
Reply
Andrea ******************
Se hai la patente Thai puoi richiedere quella Internazionale mi sembra con un costo di circa 700 THB🇹🇭
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Andrew *******
You can also get a temporary one from your county u residents in
2 years ago
Like
Reply
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
Like
Reply
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
Like
Reply
Chris *********************
@George ************
 ??????
2 years ago
Like
Reply
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
Like
Reply
Reply to
George *************
Reply
Tammy **************
We got our international driving license in our home country.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Daniel ************
DLT
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Andrew *******
I have one

Get in touch mots services Pattaya
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Jordi ********
@Andrew ******
 are you familiar with the term 'identity theft'?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Andrew *******
@Jordi *******
Going to need a lot more information than that.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
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
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jordi ********
Reply
Anthony ********
Depending where you come from?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Alastair ********************
You can't they're issued by your home country.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Alessandro **********
@Alastair *******************
 if you have a Thai driving license you can get IDP in Thailand.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Andy ********
@Alessandro *********
 not on a 2 year license but you can on a 5 year Thai licence.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Andy ********
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
Can I drive in Thailand with just my home country’s driver’s license if I don't have an IDP?
138 comments
3 months ago
What are the requirements to obtain a Thai driver's license if I have a German driver's license and an International Driving Permit?
18 comments
3 months ago
What are the steps to obtain a driver's license in Bangkok for expats?
31 comments
4 months ago
Can I transfer my US driver's license and international driving permit to obtain a Thai driver's license without full training?
40 comments
6 months ago
Can I rent a car in Thailand without an International Driving Permit if I have a US or Spanish driving license?
18 comments
8 months ago
How can I obtain an International Driving License (IDL) in Pattaya if I forgot mine?
26 comments
8 months ago
Is an international driving license accepted in Thailand or is it often considered invalid?
200 comments
10 months ago
How can I obtain an international driving permit in Thailand with a Thai driving license?
22 comments
10 months ago
What is the process for obtaining an International Driving Permit in Thailand for expats?
98 comments
a year ago
What should I know about driving permits when living long-term in Thailand and visiting my home country?
43 comments
a year ago
What do I need to know about driving a motorbike in Thailand without an international driver's license?
57 comments
a year ago
Where can I obtain an International Driving Permit in Chiang Mai?
21 comments
2 years ago
Can I obtain an international driving permit in Thailand with a Thai driver's license?
25 comments
2 years ago
Will insurance companies cover drivers with an International Drivers License in Thailand?
65 comments
2 years ago
How can I obtain a Thai driving license and what challenges may I face during the process?
52 comments
2 years ago
What are the steps and advice for obtaining an International Driving Permit for Thailand?
47 comments
3 years ago
Is an International Driving License needed for long-term visa holders in Thailand?
59 comments
3 years ago
Can I apply for an international driving license while in Thailand?
42 comments
3 years ago
How can a Thai citizen obtain an International Driver's Permit for temporary use outside Thailand?
15 comments
4 years ago
Are International Driver Licenses accepted in Thailand and for how long?
151 comments
4 years ago
How can I obtain an International Driving Permit while living in Thailand?
66 comments
4 years ago
What are the requirements and process for temporarily driving in Thailand?
66 comments
4 years ago
How can I obtain an international driving license or driving lessons in Bangkok?
22 comments
4 years ago
What do I need to get a Thai driving license at the DLT office in Taling Chan without a Thai companion?
23 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.