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

International Driving Permit IDP Thailand driving license DTV Visa rules Expat driving documentation Chiang Mai driving regulations Certificate of residency

Oct 20, 2024

5 months 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.

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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 *******

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 ********

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 *******

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 *******

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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