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How can I renew my Thai driver's license without frequently needing a residence certificate in Chiang Mai?

Thai driver's license Chiang Mai residence certificate visa agents expat advice

Feb 11, 2023

2 years ago

Frank-Steven ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Good morning. I am annoyed by the process of (so frequently) renewing my Thai drivers license. Particularly by the requirement for a residence certificate. Any leads for agencies in Chiang Mai that may take away that pain? Thank you.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post expresses frustration about the frequent requirement to renew a Thai driver's license due to the need for a residence certificate. Several comments suggest solutions, such as using a yellow book for renewal or approaching specific agencies in Chiang Mai that can expedite the process for a fee. Some commenters clarify the differences between international driving permits and a Thai license, while others share personal experiences about renewal periods and agency options.

Steve **********

Requently....mine is every 10 years, on my 2nd

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Frank-Steven ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

So, I take it from the comments so far, that there isn’t a shortcut / agency, really?

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Charles ********

@Frank-Steven **********

there are agents in Changi Mai that can get your resident certificate for you. I from Bangkok... But Changi Mai is easier to get cert.. Google visa agentsor search Facebook, they will pop-up..

This one I believe does it:

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Charles ********

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Shannon ********

Can u not just use an intl drivers license?

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Steve ********

That's a permit, not a licence. And that's a huge difference.

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Shaun ********

and only valid for 3 months in Thailand, after that you should get a Thai license

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Shaun ********

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Kool *******

@Shannon *******

all an international driving permit is a translation of your license into other languages. You still need your license issued from your passport country.

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Shannon ********

yes. That is what I have been told. I had a thai drivers license but couldn't renew it during covid in bkk. When I was back at my home ctry I got an intl license from my one back at home. So far it has worked for what I need and accepted in bkk. Haven't tried it other places

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Shannon ********

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Steve ********

@Shannon *******

There's actually no such thing. They are fake licences sold on the internet. They're worthless

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Frank-Steven ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Actually, there is three: 1927, 1949 and 1968 - all with varying participating / ratifying countries. And in most countries only applicable for a certain amount of time per stay. Google for details.

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Steve ********

@Frank-Steven **********

IDP not required for Australian and British licence holders on tourism visas

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Frank-Steven ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Good luck explaining that to the police.

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Steve ********

@Frank-Steven **********

Never been a problem. I do realise the police incorrectly fine people for not having an IDP, but generally they're motorcycles. I've lived in Thailand for 23 years, and still drive on my Aussie licence. I don't own a vehicle so I only have to comply with the Rental Company conditions, which is licence printed in English. I understand it might be different for those who own vehicles here. It might be a condition of insurance that they have a Thai licence, but I don't know

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Steve ********

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Alex *******

There are, but you can also get a bona fide international driving licence from your home country which then is valid together with your foreign driving licence at least a certain amount of time after entering Thailand (which somebody on a tourist visa presumably does regularly)

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Alex *******

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Duncan *******

Colonel, the agent directly across from Immigration Airport can sort the residency certificate out for 1k. As for the DLT, no choice but to do that in person.

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Paul *******

3 weeks??? That's insane!

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Robert ************

Brandon is absolutely right. In CM, 500 Baht gets you Certificate next day (or only 50 Baht and you get in a few weeks if not urgent). Girl on 2nd Floor back stairwell handles it, just show her your Lease, and in 1 minute your done applying. (No doubt it would take as much time dealing with the "Colonel", for the privilege of paying an extra 500 Baht. Nonsense.)

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Brandon ************

or you can get it yourself for ₿500 🤔

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Duncan *******

@Brandon ***********

sure?

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Brandon ************

yes I'm sure

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Brandon ************

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Andy ********

I renewed mine and its valid for 5 years....the initial one was 2 years only

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Frank-Steven ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Yes. If you are on a Non Immigrant Visa the subsequent ones are 5 years.

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Frank-Steven ***********

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Greg ********

I renewed mine recently using my yellow book no questions about residency. Getting the yellow book took a bit of effort

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Gray ******

The Line Nazi tried to tell me the yellow book was not enough, I stayed in line and the counter lady renewed my license.

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Gray ******

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Frank **********

You renew it how often?

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Frank-Steven ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Frank *********

Every 2 years. And every 2 years I need a ton of documents - the most annoying one of which that damn residence certificate that does nothing but write the obvious in exchange for tea money.

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Frank **********

@Frank-Steven **********

oh okay. I can understand that.

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Frank **********

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