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How can I obtain an International Driving Permit while living in Thailand?

International Driving PermitThai Driving LicenseDriving in ThailandVisa and ImmigrationExpat Life in Thailand
Mar 9, 2021
4 years ago
Mia ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Does anyone know anything about changing to a (temporary ?) international driving license from inside Thailand.. (i live in phangan)

I have a UK license, & I was told a while ago you can just go to a police station (i think?) & change it really easily, but having looked online im finding confusing information.

I want to hire a car to drive up the Andaman coast & explore but need international license to hire a car..

Thanks in advance 🙏
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation discusses how to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) while living in Thailand. The majority of comments suggest visiting the Department of Land Transportation (DLT) with necessary documents like a certificate of residency, passport, and home country license. Several users clarify that an IDP can typically only be issued in one's home country and that a temporary or "international driving license" does not officially exist. The importance of checking with car rental companies regarding their license requirements is emphasized, along with potential legal scenarios when driving on a foreign license in Thailand.
Mia ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Gonna turn off commenting now as think I got enough guidance 🥰🙏 have a great day all! 💖
4 years ago
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Gordon ********
I believe Thai law obliges a Thai license after a few months in the country. If you really want to be “legal” best to check that
4 years ago
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Gordon ********
Oh also please be aware that a “car” Thai license DOES NOT allow you to ride a motorcycle or scooter. You would also need a motorcycle license for that.
4 years ago
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Gordon ********
Mia

Maybe this subject is an excellent subject for your next insight meditation practice. Be aware😎🙏
4 years ago
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Mia ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Gordon *******
 not sure why u feel the need to sarcastically reference a meditation practise coz u have looked at my profile, but thx for your imput
4 years ago
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Mia ********
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Mia ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Gordon *******
 maybe I will just stick to public transport & rent a scooter when i get to my destination 🥰
4 years ago
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Alessandro **********
@Mia *******
 why would you do that? Getting any driving license converted to a Thai driving license requires no more than a certificate of residency, a few hours spent at DLT and
*******
baht. Then you have peace of mind. And btw, you need a recognized driving license even if you are going to ride a scooter
4 years ago
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Mia ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alessandro *********
 because so much conflicting information, as I said
4 years ago
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Gordon ********
@Alessandro *********
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0/Thailand:Driving.License.Requirements.html
4 years ago
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Gordon ********
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Mia ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks all! You see what I mean about the conflicting info!? ☺️
4 years ago
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Joe ***********
I have operated my small rent car company for almost five (5) years. If a car renter has only a valid home country drivers license - you will be just fine. Nothing bad will happen to you if in a traffic stop or accidents. I have many instances to draw from. Some rent car companies may require an International Permit/License. I don't because they are too easy to counterfeit.
4 years ago
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Ron *******
It is not possible to obtain an IDP inside of Thailand at any DLT without holding a full 5yr Thai driving licence.

Even then, a Thai issued IDP doesn't allow you to drive inside of Thailand
4 years ago
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Bob **********
You need to go and get a thai license IDP's issued in Thailand are for use in other countries
4 years ago
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Antonio **********
4 years ago
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Tony *******
If you are traveling with a Thai person get them to hire and put you down as second driver.or buy a cheep car and sell it on your return .
4 years ago
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Bobby ********
Tony Grace. That's a very good idea! I've never once rented a motorcycle in Thailand. Always send the wife. She gets a better price plus they don't want to hold her passport, and don't charge her for imaginary damage when she returns it
4 years ago
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Bobby ********
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Phillip ********
All depends on ur insurance if u hav to make a claim as to what licence conditions they have i hav both just to be sure not worth any hassles for few hundred baht getting thai licence😎
4 years ago
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Bobby ********
Phillip Fowler. That's correct. When renting a car check the conditions. You'll find the big ones (Avis, Budget, National, Hertz, Thai, ASAP and others) have this condition in their T&C. As long as your licence is printed in English it's all sweet!
4 years ago
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Bobby ********
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Bobby ********
You can drive on your UK licence if you rent a car from a reputable company. Both UK and Thailand are signatories to the 1949 Geneva Convention relating to reciprocal agreements. You will need both parts of the licence (photo card and paper licence)
4 years ago
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Roger *******
@Bobby *******
 try telling that to your local police!!!
4 years ago
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Mia ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bobby *******
 wot about the gov. uk article above? It seems legitimate.. but yes I will speak to a car rental company thx 🙏
4 years ago
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Bobby ********
Mia Renner. This is from an actual rental agreement
4 years ago
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Martynus ********
@Bobby *******
 Cannot believe you don't understood such a simple thing... Your screenshot regard to RENT THE CAR ONLY! Most rental car companies don't require IDP and this is true,

BUT if a serious accident happens your driving licence isn't valid at all!

IDP is obligatory! Please stop giving such advice to people as is completely unserious and wrong, what the potential perpetrator of the collision can say police? I don't have IDP because
@Bo***
 wrote such advice on Facebook?
4 years ago
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Bobby ********
Tomasz Martynus. I've had a serious accident with no problem as I'm covered by the provision of the 1949 convention which has been adopted into Thai law. The insurance is issued through the car rental company so provided you comply with the terms and conditions of the company, you are covered. I'm afraid you're part of "project fear", but I reiterate, it is totally your choice! If you have money to waste, go for it! Some dummies pay visa agents tens of thousands for driving licences, dodgy visas etc. There's a whole market of farangs out there wearing "Hey please rip me off" T-Shirts! I'm just not one of them! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
4 years ago
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Mia ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bobby *******
 thanks 🙏
4 years ago
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Mia ********
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Bobby ********
Mia Renner. The UK government has never been wrong? Are you serious? 🤣🤣🤣🤣
4 years ago
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Bobby ********
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Joe *******
Have always just used my driving licence never had a problem. Been pulled over, had minor accident and all good.
4 years ago
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Mia ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok thx all! Gonna turn commenting off now, got wot i need. Thank you ☺️ 🙏
4 years ago
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Antonio **********
I have IDP international driving permit and is valid 1 year. It should always been made in the country your original driving license belong too
4 years ago
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Andrew *********
I always take an IDP when I leave the UK, in Malaysia the car hire companies like to see one.
4 years ago
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Andrew *********
Was your insurance still valid ?
4 years ago
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Bobby ********
Andrew Arulraj. Stop listening to the Facebook experts. Providing a licence is printed in English and both countries are signatories to the 1949 Geneva Convention, you are perfectly legal
4 years ago
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Martynus ********
@Bobby *******
 IDL is valid for ONE year ONLY (UK)
4 years ago
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Bobby ********
Tomasz Martynus. There's no such thing as an International Driving Licence, unless you've bought one of the fake ones off the internet!!
4 years ago
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Martynus ********
@Bobby *******
 What you are talking about :D
********************************************
4 years ago
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Mia ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tomasz *********
 thanks 🙏
4 years ago
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Bobby ********
Tomasz Martynus. I'm talking 12 years experience in driving in Thailand, and the reciprocal agreement afforded by the 1949 convention. A UK government advisory note doesn't overrule an international convention. You may think it does and that's your prerogative, even though you're wrong! 🤣🤣
4 years ago
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Graeme **********
@Bobby *******
 incorrect or if correct it appears the Thai Police don’t know about it. I got fined for driving on a foreign license. The fine was for driving WITHOUT a license.
4 years ago
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Garrett ***********
@Gra***
 Police issue summons in error all the time, in any country. Most countries have a court system to contest them I'm, Thailand not really.

Technically Bobby is correct. The law states that a foreign drivers license must be accompanied by an offical translation (and IDP) if the license is not in English or Thai. In practice most officers are trained to just look for the IDP.
4 years ago
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Bobby ********
4 years ago
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Andrew *********
@Bobby *******
 What does it say about Thailsnd ?
4 years ago
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Bobby ********
Andrew Arulraj. Google it. The best way. Anything I ever say about IDPs and overseas licences is ridiculed, so I just tell people to do their own research to satisfy themselves! 🤣
4 years ago
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Bobby ********
Graeme Fletcher. You were conned. That's how the Thai police operate. I've driven in Thailand for almost 12 years on an Aussie licence. Had three prangs, one involving a hospitalised motorcyclist. Never had a problem. You just quote the 1949 convention. Next time challenge the police
4 years ago
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Graeme **********
@Bobby *******
 no worries...I’ll demand my 400baht back😂😂😂
4 years ago
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Bobby ********
Graeme Fletcher. Did you keep the receipt? 🤣🤣🤣
4 years ago
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Martynus ********
@Bobby *******
 Without an IDP, your British driving license is not valid because it is simply not international, you will easily see when a serious accident happens and you will be surprised when the insurer will not be willing to cover the damage. Good luck
4 years ago
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Bobby ********
@Tomasz *********
 I put a motorcyclist in hospital. Fully covered by insurance! Read the small print in the rental agreement. IDP only required if licence is not printed in English. That's from the Geneva Convention. But hey! If you've got money burn, go for it!!
4 years ago
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Antonio **********
@Tomasz *********
 agreed better be safe than sorry😉
4 years ago
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Antonio **********
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Garrett ***********
@And***
 Why wouldn't it be?
4 years ago
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Andrew *********
@Garrett **********
 If you drove on IDL you are only allowed to drive for 90 days after arrival. A friend if mine had a minor accident and the policy specified Thai driving licence.
4 years ago
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Garrett ***********
@And***
 Theres no such thing as an "IDL" so I doubt that's specified in any "Thai policy."
4 years ago
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Andrew *********
@Garrett **********
 International Driving Licence/Permit.
4 years ago
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Andrew *********
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Stan *******
There’s no such thing as a temporary IDP. And you can only get a full IDP in your home country
4 years ago
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Mia ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Great thanks everyone! Will turn comments off shortly admin 🙏
4 years ago
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Mia ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stan ******
 the thai police in chiang mai told me I could get a temporary permit to drive in thailand
4 years ago
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Antonio **********
@Mia *******
 where Mia? I'm Interested too
4 years ago
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Mia ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Antonio *********
 interested in what Antonio?
4 years ago
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Antonio **********
@Mia *******
 in the permit the chan mai police give you
4 years ago
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Mia ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Antonio *********
 they didnt give me one, they just told me I could get one
4 years ago
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Mia ********
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Garrett ***********
@M**
 They probably meant a temporary driver's license, valid for 2 years.
4 years ago
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Garrett ***********
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Olivier *********
You will have to go at the DLT Samui. Call them before headign there from Phangan: 077 423 309
4 years ago
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Mia ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Olivier ********
 thank you 🙏
4 years ago
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Mia ********
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Paul *******
There is an International Driving Permit issued by you home country which basically translate you home licence into English. You can use it in counties other than your own in conjunction with your national licence. I have never heard of an international driving licence.
4 years ago
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Bobby ********
Paul Darby. You're correct. There is no such thing as an International Driving Licence, except for the fake ones being pedalled on the internet to dummies with more money than sense!

******************************************************************************
4 years ago
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Bobby ********
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Garrett ***********
You need to go to the Department of Land Transportation.

You'll need:

Certificate of residency

Passport

Medical cert

License from home country

(some offices require an IDP)
4 years ago
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Mia ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Garrett **********
 thank you 🙏
4 years ago
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Mia ********
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