Answered4 years ago
How can I renew my Thai driver's license without frequently needing a residence certificate in Chiang Mai?
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.
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.
27 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Steve **********
Requently....mine is every 10 years, on my 2nd
Frank-Steven ***********
OPSo, I take it from the comments so far, that there isn’t a shortcut / agency, really?
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:
********************************
Shannon ********
Can u not just use an intl drivers license?
Steve ********
@Alex ******
That's a permit, not a licence. And that's a huge difference.
Shaun ********
@Steve *******
and only valid for 3 months in Thailand, after that you should get a Thai license
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.Shannon ********
@Kool ******
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 placesSteve ********
@Shannon *******
There's actually no such thing. They are fake licences sold on the internet. They're worthlessFrank-Steven ***********
OP@Steve *******
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.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 knowFrank-Steven ***********
OP@Steve *******
Good luck explaining that to the police.Steve ********
@Frank-Steven **********
IDP not required for Australian and British licence holders on tourism visas
Alex *******
@Steve *******
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)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.
Paul *******
3 weeks??? That's insane!
Robert ************
@Duncan ******
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.)
Brandon ************
@Duncan ******
or you can get it yourself for ₿500 🤔Duncan *******
@Brandon ***********
sure? ***********************************************************************
**********
*****
*****
*****
1/
Andy ********
I renewed mine and its valid for 5 years....the initial one was 2 years only
Frank-Steven ***********
OP@Andy *******
Yes. If you are on a Non Immigrant Visa the subsequent ones are 5 years.
Greg ********
I renewed mine recently using my yellow book no questions about residency. Getting the yellow book took a bit of effort
Gray ******
@Greg *******
The Line Nazi tried to tell me the yellow book was not enough, I stayed in line and the counter lady renewed my license.
Frank **********
You renew it how often?
Frank-Steven ***********
OP@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.Frank **********
@Frank-Steven **********
oh okay. I can understand that.Activity
16 joined16
people
Related
25What are the requirements and process for converting an IDP to a Thai driver's license in Chiang Mai without a 90-day report?
2k14275mo
What are the steps and documents needed to obtain a Thai driver's license with a retirement visa and foreign credentials?
3.2k25328mo
What documents do I need to obtain a residence certificate in Chiang Mai if I live in my wife's house?
1.2k1139mo
What are the yellow book and blue book in Thailand and how do they help expats?
5.2k42441y
What are the steps to obtain a Thai driver's license while on a DTV visa, particularly regarding the medical exam?
4.3k30401y
Can DTV holders in Chiang Mai renew their Thai driver's license for 5 years instead of 2?
2.2k19121y
Can I apply for a motorcycle driver's license in Thailand without speaking Thai?
1.2k1021y
Can I apply for a Thai driver's license while on a DTV?
2.8k17101y
What are the requirements for obtaining a Thailand driver's license as an expat?
2.8k23211y
Is it better to visit the Chiang Mai Immigration Centre in the morning or afternoon for a 30-day extension?
1.6k122y
Is it possible to get a Thai driver's license as a tourist? What is the process and requirements?
5.2k48333y
Can I renew my Thai driver's license at a different location than where it was issued?
2.8k15173y
How long does it take to receive a residence certificate in Bangkok, and is there an express service available?
1.7k1193y
Can I obtain a Thai driver's license in Chiang Mai with a visa exemption or do I need a tourist visa?
6.7k57483y
Can I use my Thai driver's license for domestic flights in Thailand while my UK passport is being renewed?
5.6k38523y
What do I need to obtain a Thai driver's license in Chiang Mai?
1.7k10113y
How can tourists open a bank account in Thailand, and do they need a guarantor?
3.8k30354y
Where can I find a reliable visa agent to help with my Thailand visa application?
1.1k5104y
Can I open a bank account in Chiang Mai with just a tourist visa?
1.1k5104y
How can I obtain a residence certificate in Bangkok without having the rental contract in my name?
4.8k43325y
Do I need a letter from the US Embassy to transfer my US driver's license to Thailand?
2.5k16235y
How difficult is it to obtain a Thai driver's license for expats?
9.7k83996y
What is the process and requirements for renewing a Thai driver's license?
1.6k8166y
Can I obtain a Thai driver's license if my current license is expired?
1.6k10138y
Can a person with a Non-O visa convert a foreign driver's license to a Thai driver's license if the licenses are from different countries?
1.5k1179y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served