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How can I obtain an International Driving License in Thailand with DTV?

Oct 20, 2024
2 years ago
David ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Any one geting a INTERNATIONAL DRIVING LICENCE, with DTV ?.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
An International Driving Permit (IDP) can be obtained without a DTV. Generally, it's recommended to get your IDP from your home country, as it serves as a translation of your driving license. In some locations like Chiang Mai, you can ultimately receive a five-year license after holding a provisional two-year license. However, transitioning from no license to a five-year license is not permitted; one must complete the provisional process. Obtaining an IDP is relatively straightforward and can often be done online or through relevant authorities in your home country.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Sam ******
You can get an IDP online . It's essentially just a translation of your home country's license. If you want to get a Thai driver's license, then all you need is a certificate of residency (visa type irrelevant, I got mine on while on visa exempt 60 day entry)
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Neil ********
It's a IDP and you get it from your home country. If from the U.K. you get it from the post office. It has a max of 5 years or less dependent on when you DL expires.

For example if your DL has 3 years left, your IDP will only be for 3 years as they are linked.
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Paul *******
@Neil *******
An IDP is valid for either 1 year or 3 years, depending on whether it covers the 1926, 1949 or 1968 UN agreements. There is no 5 year IDP. If you see one, it's a scam.
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Neil ********
@Paul ******
I got mixed up with something else. I have the 1968 IDP which is normally 3 years,

But mine is only valid for 2 years as my DL expires before the 3 year mark.

For reference mine was issued at the Post Office, the expiry is written on it along with the DL no
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Paul *******
@Neil *******
Same as mine (although issued in Thailand). Expires when my national DL expires. Otherwise, valid up to 3 years.
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Paul *******
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Jonnie *******
@Neil *******
it’s not necessarily dependent on when your driving license expires but duration of the IDP is dependent on which year of road traffic law you’ve applied for, a 1926 or 1949 permit lasts for 12 months. A 1968 permit lasts for 3 years or until your UK driving licence expires, whichever comes first.
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Jonnie *******
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Joe **************
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Kay ********
@Joe *************
I’m already working on getting ours 😂
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Kay ********
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Jason *********
You don't need DTV to get a international driver's license. It's like $20 at a AAA.
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John **********
Do you mean an International Driving Permit? You get them in the country that issued your driving licence
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David ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
yes. Thailand but they want wp or 1yr visa did it back a few years when I had non immigrat visa but DTV has same power as TR it looks like
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John **********
@David ***************
you mean you want to apply for a Thai driving licence? A DTV is basically a tourist visa. Different DLT offices have different requirements, mine also wanted a non-immigrant visa but that's what I have. I guess you could try another DLT office but whether or not they will accept a Residence Certificate from somewhere else i don't know.
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Paul *******
@John *********
For driver's licenses, they're not very strict (for the most part). I think you could apply almost anywhere with a residence certificate (ideally, covering the province you're applying in).
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Paul *******
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Sefton ********
You CAN get a 5 year license with a DTV (after you have held a 2 year obviously) at least you can in chiang mai, so theres no reason to assume you wont get a Thai IDP also.

But you cant go from no license to a 5 year (and IDP) you always have to go through the provisional 2 year process no matter tha visa class theres no bypassing that.
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David ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sefton Hanleywell here in Chonburi city they are harsh and want 1yr visa or wp, u think can use DLT office in cm to apply when u have registered address in another province
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Sefton ********
@David ***************
if you get a local TM30 you can then get a local residence cert so... Yeah with some effort I guess.

Probably easier to have an agent 'fix' it for you down there tho.. I mean chonburi usually one of the most open to solutions places in Thailand.
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David ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sefton *******
IDP is a no/no here if not Non-Immi --- update. its possible now agent charge 6k so i guess can do by my self will test it.
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Sefton ********
@David ***************
DTV and LTR can get 5 year licenses.. Elites shouldnt but sometimes do.
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David ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sefton *******
lets hope for that i read a report some one with DTV did renew his 5yr DL.. so iguess possible hope a can sort out the IDP good to have when abroad.
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Sefton ********
@David ***************
yeah they do in chiang Mai, can't speak for every office but they clearly knew about DTV and ltr immediately I asked them. No umm and checking the big boss desk but had a printed guide for documents etc
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Paul *******
@Sefton *******
Yes and that would mean an IDP (both the 1 year and 3 year versions) could be applied for on the same day you receive or renew a 5-year Thai DL.
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Paul *******
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