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How can I renew my Thai driver's license without frequently needing a residence certificate in Chiang Mai?
Feb 11, 2023
3 years ago
Frank-Steven ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERGood 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.
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.
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Steve **********
Requently....mine is every 10 years, on my 2nd
Frank-Steven ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERSo, 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:
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Reply to
Charles ********
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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 licenseReply to
Shaun ********
Reply
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 placesReply to
Shannon ********
Reply
Steve ********
@Shannon *******
There's actually no such thing. They are fake licences sold on the internet. They're worthlessFrank-Steven ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@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 **********
IDP not required for Australian and British licence holders on tourism visasFrank-Steven ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Steve *******
Good luck explaining that to the police.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 knowReply to
Steve ********
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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)Reply to
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.
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? ***********************************************************************
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1/Reply to
Brandon ************
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Andy ********
I renewed mine and its valid for 5 years....the initial one was 2 years only
Frank-Steven ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andy *******
Yes. If you are on a Non Immigrant Visa the subsequent ones are 5 years.Reply to
Frank-Steven ***********
Reply
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.Reply to
Gray ******
Reply
Frank **********
You renew it how often?
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.Frank **********
@Frank-Steven **********
oh okay. I can understand that.Reply to
Frank **********
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