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Is a Spanish driving license enough to drive in Thailand, or do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
Spanish driving licenseInternational Driving Permitdriving in Thailandexpat advicevisa and immigrationThai traffic laws
Aug 22, 2023
3 years ago
Brian *********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi guys. I am English but resident in Spain I’m off to samui for a month and driving my friends car, is my Spanish license ok
Thx
Thx
TLDR : Answer Summary
If you are driving in Thailand with a Spanish driving license, you will need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well. While some commenters mention experiences driving with just their home licenses without issue, the consensus is that having an IDP is strongly recommended, especially for interactions with police and insurance purposes. The IDP acts as a translation of your license and helps avoid potential fines or complications, particularly in case of an accident.
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Steven ******
International licence version of your Eu Licence and expect premium load on your travel insurance. Go fund me pages don't wash anymore.
Mark ***************
I have a German driving licence, it’s in German, no English on it. Ergo, I need an IDL.
If there is also no English on the Spanish licence, then I suggest you get an IDL… makes sense?
If there is also no English on the Spanish licence, then I suggest you get an IDL… makes sense?
Paul *******
For Lao, Malaysian and Singaporean license holders: you're permitted to use your national driving license in Thailand.
For licenses printed in English (including licenses issued in multiple languages, one of which is English): just your national license.
For countries who's driver licenses are not in English, they should be accompanied by an IDP or official translation.
The latter is the only choice Chinese license holders have, since the Chinese never signed up for the UN convention on international road traffic.
In this case, an official translation into English (or even Thai), should be fine.
For licenses printed in English (including licenses issued in multiple languages, one of which is English): just your national license.
For countries who's driver licenses are not in English, they should be accompanied by an IDP or official translation.
The latter is the only choice Chinese license holders have, since the Chinese never signed up for the UN convention on international road traffic.
In this case, an official translation into English (or even Thai), should be fine.
Raoul **********
If you would like to drive, either vehicle or motorcycle, while visiting Thailand, you are required by law to hold an international driving license. When asked for, you need to show your international driving license along with your passport and national driving license.
René *******
No.
Mark ***************
You can most times wing it without an IDP.. Thai Embassy guidelines say an IDP is law. Some people here dispute that. However Hertz and BizCar both required IDP from me sometimes when renting. It’s confirmed in their FAQs. Yes, Police sometimes won’t ask for IDP. However I was stopped when on a scooter in Jomtien at a tea money checkpoint and specifically asked for an IDP after I showed my EU licence….
Paul *******
@Mark **************
Car rental agencies don't request IDPs unless your license isn't in English or Thai.Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Graham *******
As the man says its a matter of insurance!
Sid *******
All the Thai Embassy websites say to drive in Thailand an IDP is required. It’s hit and miss if you don’t have one and you get stopped. Sometimes not a problem and sometimes it is. If you get in an accident and you don’t have one it may cost you.
Kool *******
If your home country's drivers license is not in English, or Thai, then you must also have an International Drivers Permit, which is a list of translations of your license into different languages.
Nathan *********
In short no.
You need an IDP as well as your licence. You should get that before you come here
You need an IDP as well as your licence. You should get that before you come here
Lincoln *******
It took me 3 days and an online application to get an IDP in Australia, hopefully its similarly easy in Spain, it should also be cheap so just do it either way to be safe
Paul *******
@Lincoln ******
For Australian license holders, 1st time applications or renewals can be made online. It takes only a few minutes and the license is sent to you in Thailand via DHL. You should receive it within 7 days of application, sometimes less.Dieter *******
@Lincoln ******
NO ! You will need an international driving licence issued in Spain before you come to Thailand….Lincoln *******
@Dieter ******
haha no shit, i was just giving an example, i wasn't suggesting he apply for one via an Australian website while in Thailand 🤣Reply to
Lincoln *******
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Steve ********
@Lincoln ******
In Australia you can buy it from the NRMA. You get it immediatelyReply to
Steve ********
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David *******
Give the Police a couple of hundred baht, always been good in the past!
Paul *******
@David ******
It still can be in some cases.Harry ********
@David ******
yeah help the corruption otherwise it will die outDavid *******
@Harry ***********
🤞 Good Luck 🍀Harry ********
@David ******
u tooReply to
Harry ********
Reply
David *******
@Harry ***********
When you pay the salaries that Thai Police receive then there will always be corruption!Harry ********
@David ******
that’s no good excuse for paying corruption. Then help people who work for justice.Reply to
Harry ********
Reply
Greg *********
You have Accident insurance will say no if no I D P
Steve ********
@Shane *********
I've never needed or been asked for one in 23 years. I come from a country which is a signatory to the Geneva Convention. Thai embassies publish a lot if misleading information which is well known. You're so worried about me, why don't you worry about those who pay bribes to agents to get their visas every year? 🤣🤣🤣Shane **********
@Steve *******
I'm not worried about you at all, but what is concerning is the misinformation you are posting here. Just because you haven't had issues ignoring the legal requirements of Thailand doesn't mean others taking your advice won't.Steve ********
@Shane *********
There's quite a few posters here who agree exactly with what I say, and these are long-term residents. But hey, I guess they're all wrong too. Must be great to know you're the only person who's right!Shane **********
@Steve *******
Actually you may be right! and I apologise.I'm reading conflicting requirements from various sources.
Steve ********
@Shane *********
I forgive you. You have repented! However, I do always advise people to get one due to the obsession of the Thai police raising beer money through this simple process. Who is ever going to contest a 500 baht fine? The cost of an IDP in Australia it's worthwhile having just to keep the police happy. But it has no bearing on insurance. The insurance claim form doesn't even have a space for the number to be entered.Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
Steve ********
@Shane *********
"Strongly recommend" is not "legally required".Shane **********
@Steve *******
are you serious or just taking the piss? The Thai Embassy advises an IDP is required by law. FFSReply to
Shane **********
Reply
Tony *********
@Greg ********
not trueSteve ********
@Greg ********
BullshitAlessandro **********
@Steve *******
it's bullshit only if you have an English printed driving license. Try to go with a license im Arabic, as a bare sample, you'd eventually land in troublesSteve ********
@Alessandro *********
I'm Australian. WTF would I be doing with an Arabic license? 😂😂😂Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
Torleif ************
@Steve *******
no it’s not, insurance has gone out numerous of times and informed about this, so to say this is Bull is ignorant and pathetic, if you get in an accident that peace of paper will save your ignorant ass 🤦 if you’re paper is not in order in Thailand they will screw you for sure, this have happened numerous times 🤷♂️ so to be on the safe side get IDP or a Thai license, problem solved 🙄Steve ********
@Torleif ***********
Sorry buddy you're totally wrong. I've driven in Thailand on Aussie licence for years. Never had an IDP. Never been fined never had problem with insurance. There isn't even a space for IDP number in insurance claim form. Here's a rental agreement from AVIS. Only need IDP if your real licence is not printed in EnglishShane **********
@Steve *******
every Thai Embassy advise the same. Just because you haven’t had any problems doesn’t mean anything. IDP in Thailand is required by law, and where did you get IDP only required if your licence isn’t in English? Who told you that?Steve ********
@Shane *********
Rental Agreement from AVIS (one of the biggest car rental companies in the world)Shane **********
@Steve *******
this is AVIS company policy, it’s not law.Steve ********
@Shane *********
So you're saying AVIS will rent a car when the rental breaches local law? Excuse me whilst I ROFLShane **********
@Steve *******
no I never said Avis will breach local law . You need to brush up on your reading comprehension skills.Steve ********
@Shane *********
Actually you're the one experiencing difficulty with simple English. An IDP is a translation of a home country licence. It is issued by a MOTORING CLUB, it's not even government regulated. Scam organisations sell fakes on the internet. They're worthless, and yet you seem to think they're the holy grail of driving overseas. If you're frightened not to have one it's your choice, and freedom of choice is a wonderful thing. Go for it.Shane **********
@Steve *******
no worries Sovereign Citizen! LMFAORoberto *********
@Shane *********
Actually he's right. It's a grey area which the traffic police capitalise on, but under the international law which governs the issue of IDPs, if a licence is printed in English there is no requirement to have an IDP. Embassies are aware of the corrupt practices of the police and will always urge people to have one, but as far as insurance being denied due to a driver not having one, that's just poppycock!Shane **********
Steve Smythe that isn’t relevant to Thailand where IDP is required by Thai law.
Torleif ************
@Steve *******
on A Avis you don’t need, but if you rent from a local and the insurer is not happy, you will have issues, it has happened many times and it’s told to have the paperwork in order, when shit hits the fan your okay, do it the right way the first time, that’s why you Have IDP 🤷♂️Paul *******
@Torleif ***********
Other agencies don't care about IDPs either. In fact, their rental terms are even looser than Avis/Budget and other international standard rental firms.Many local firms accept cash for payment of rental fees and even for deposits. Some even seem to be more interested in your passport than your driver's license.
Steve ********
@Torleif ***********
I only rent from reputable companies. I would never rent a car from some back street crook in Thailand! 😂Torleif ************
@Steve *******
what ever 🤷♂️ it’s always better to be on the safe side, if that’s not your way, just be it, not my problem, I am just saying 🙄Steve ********
@Torleif ***********
You're totally right. Always good to operate on the safe side. Having IDP can avoid bullshit fines from the police. I only get amused when people claim without an IDP your insurance is void. That is complete rubbish unless an insurance company specifically states it in their terms and conditions, which none of the reputable companies do, because they know an IDP is only a translation of your real licence, which is the one that countsReply to
Steve ********
Reply
Jo **********
@Greg ********
not always as experience has shownReply to
Jo **********
Reply
Jo **********
this International Permit is overblown. It’s a document released from some national auto club. I have been coming to Thailand for 20 years. i have stayed here extensively. I have rented cars and been stopped by the police 4 times, never was asked for International Driving Permit. Have driven cross country at least 20 times. when stopped i showed them my EU license or my passport. I know many others that experience the same.
Paul *******
@Jo *********
Most of this can be avoided if you hold a valid license from your own country (or any country you've lived in).Tony *********
@Jo *********
although I now have a Thai license I drove on my British license here for 20 years as a resident. My insurance company even fully paid out when I had an accident. No problems with the police either they looked at the UK license and said oh you have an international license very good which of course it wasn't.Steve ********
@Jo *********
I do exactly the same. Some people place so much importance in this translation document which you buy from a motoring club (it's not even government regulated). They seem to think your insurance is invalid if you don't have it - there again there are people who really believe the earth is flat!Sean **********
@Steve *******
agreed the IDP is nothing more then a translation document not sanctioned by any government entity.However at least one car rental agency on Samui required it to rent a vehicle in advance online.
My other experience regarding the IDP was the Department of Land and Transportation seems to want it with my home country drivers license when I applied for the Thai drivers license
Jo **********
@Steve *******
exactly it’s a motoring club that is promoting its services. What official governmental relevance do they have.Paul *******
@Jo *********
It's part of a UN agreement but at the end of the day each country decides whether a holder of a foreign license needs an IDP or not. In Thailand, it seems to be "strongly recommended", though not absolutely required. No car rental agency is interested in an IDP.Jo **********
@Paul ******
did you see the requirements for a Thai license and addition to this you need to to the embassy to have translated!!Jo **********
@Paul ******
ah yes voice of reasonSteve ********
@Jo *********
Absolutely nothing. The idea of the IDP is to show in international terms what classes of vehicle you can drive. It has no legal significance and certainly doesn't invalidate insurance.Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
Kal *********
Go get an international drivers license...in my country it's merely paperwork and filing fees and passport photo ...
Jo **********
According to the UN Traffic Act of 1949 and the Thai Traffic Act of 1979, an IDP is not required if you are a tourist/visitor in Thailand
Jo **********
@Kal ********
that’s a hassle my license has worked ok here in Thailand for decadesKal *********
Jo Clemente ok until u get caught and PD wants to target u ...on those road checks
Steve ********
@Kal ********
If the country is a signatory to the 1948 Geneva Convention and the licence is printed in English, an IDP is not actually required. Of course, police will always charge a 500 baht "fee" (unreceipted) if they feel like it, because they know for 500 baht, the foreigner won't bother contesting it.Paul *******
@Steve *******
Many foreigners will contest it and then you can get off for 100 Baht or even for free.Jo **********
@Kal ********
According to the UN Traffic Act of 1949 and the Thai Traffic Act of 1979, an IDP is not required if you are a tourist/visitor in ThailandReply to
Jo **********
Reply
Shane **********
You need an International driving permit, and they drive on the left hand side of the road in Thailand.
Martin *********
@Shane *********
well some of the time 😂Reply to
Martin *********
Reply
David *********
IDP required .
Todd ***********
Yes it is Ok but you will need an International Driving Permit to accompany it. Get that before you leave Spain.
Henrik *****
Be aware that Thai Police have stepped up their efforts to foreighers to stay legal.
Car owners risk their vehichle seized, if the driver dont have the right license ( international drivers license )
Car owners risk their vehichle seized, if the driver dont have the right license ( international drivers license )
Henrik *****
thephuketnews.com/red-card-system-launched-for-bad-foreigners-in-phuket-
*****
.phpPaul *******
@Henrik ****
Not one case of that has ever occurred in Thailand. You must mean Vietnam.Half the population of Thailand who rides motorcycles, don't even have a license. While I'd imagine most car drivers do, generally the police are more likely to check that your tax disc is valid and/or fine you for illegal parking or speeding.
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Danny *******
Absolutely not.
Steve ********
@Danny ******
Another one has no idea!Danny *******
@Steve *******
Sad isn't it?Steve ********
@Danny ******
I was referring to you! 😂Danny *******
@Steve *******
I guess my comment replies to you to then.Steve ********
@Danny ******
Yep. You're right and everyone else is wrong! 😂😂😂Danny *******
@Steve *******
Many have mentioned, and rightly, that it's no good without the IDP.Steve ********
@Danny ******
And many have mentioned that IDP is not required if your home country licence is printed in English. I've had 23 years here, about a dozen accidents, countless checkpoints. Always flashed the Aussie licence. No fines, no problems with insurance. But hey! You can believe whatever you want. Don't most Americans believe the earth is flat? 😂😂😂😂Danny *******
Believe what you want. I've got a Thai license so never a problem for me. Funny you call it "that country", like it is somewhere else and not where you live. Each country has their own rules. Maybe you should try reading them sometime.
Danny *******
@Steve *******
I've lived here only 13 years but have had a Thai driver's license the whole time. Obviously, you haven't actually lived here since you would have one too. I'm assuming you do what so many tourist get by doing and that is slipping the policeman the standard 500 Baht for his troubles.Steve ********
@Danny ******
Nup. Never paid a bribe. And I do live here, don't you worry about that. The funny thing is most foreigners worry themselves sick about a driver's licence but pay bribes year after year to an agent to get their visas in order. Really funny! Temporary visitors to a country don't need a licence in that country. 😂Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
Roberto *********
@Danny ******
15 yearsRoberto *********
@Danny ******
Of course it will suffice, don't talk nonsense! 😆Danny *******
@Roberto ********
You haven’t lived in Thailand long have you?Reply to
Danny *******
Reply
Jo **********
as a tourist you will be fine
James *********
@Jo *********
you forgot the letters "ED" at the end of the last word of your statement 😉Jo **********
James *********
@Jo *********
ok, I accept I may be mistaken, especially after reading through this whole thread. 😉☺️Reply to
James *********
Reply
Steve ********
@Jo *********
Correct. Surprising how many people are unaware of this!Jo **********
@Steve *******
i knowReply to
Jo **********
Reply
Mark ***************
@Jo *********
no way,,, IDP is mandatory… Police will have a field day with uPaul *******
@Mark **************
No they won't. For a tourist, driving a car, a license from your home country in English is fine. IDPs issued outside of Thailand don't contain Thai, so Thai police aren't any more likely to be able to read one than a credit card sized license from your country or another country you've resided in.Steve ********
@Mark **************
Only required if your home licence is not printed in English.Jo **********
@Mark **************
been doing this for 20 years like this. renting cars, stopped by police 4 times. my EU license was fine. sometimes they just asked for my passportReply to
Jo **********
Reply
Luc ************
@Jo *********
no.Reply to
Luc ************
Reply
Nick *******
Yes but also need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP). This is the document police mostly ask for. I’ve been stopped 4 times this year and they never once asked to see my licence, only my IDP.
Not sure where you get them in Spain but in UK, you can pick one up at the post office for a fiver.
Not sure where you get them in Spain but in UK, you can pick one up at the post office for a fiver.
Salvio *********
No, need international
Yorgos **************
Your Spanish driving licence is Ok and recognized by EU's authorities, but I guess you are not Ok if Thai authorities (Police) check it
Bennito *********
Sure, you can drive a car in Thailand with your Spanish license 😂 Just make sure you won't get stopped by the police or have any accidents 😉
Steve ********
@Bennito ********
Rubbish!Tore *********
@Bennito ********
ever heard of a IDP😉 He can drive with his Spanish license, just need to get a IDP which is extremely easy and cheap to obtain…Brian *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tore *****************
how do you get one pleaseBennito *********
@Tore *****************
no, only you know what a International Drivers Permit isTore *********
@Bennito ********
nice guy you must be eh? Next time maybe refrain from arrogant sarcasm to legitimate questions….Bennito *********
@Tore *****************
I commented on someone else's question, not yours. And I never asked you to reply to my comment. If you don't like my comments, keep your reply for yourself or feel free to block me.Reply to
Bennito *********
Reply
Brian *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tore *****************
where can I get that from. I’m told in Spain the do not issue them 🤷♂️Bennito *********
@Brian ********
if you have a Spanish driver's license(like me), you have to get it at the "ayuntamiento" where you are registeredReply to
Bennito *********
Reply
Tore *********
You go and get a IDP, then yes. So your Spanish license + IDP lets you drive for the first 3 months of your stay.
****************************************************************************************************************************************
ไทเลอร์ **********
@Tore *****************
this is not genuine you can't get a IDP online trust me i've done it.Bob *********
@Tore *****************
Be aware that you normally apply for an IDP in your country of residence before you leave. I do not think this is a genuine site and even if it provides a valid IDP which I doubt the price is inflated. In the UK you apply at the post office in person and pay £5 and you get the IDP. In Spain you would apply in Spain if you hold a Spanish licence.ไทเลอร์ **********
@Bob ********
this is not genuineBob *********
@ไทเลอร์ *********
What Is not genuine exactly?ไทเลอร์ **********
@Bob ********
this is not legit it's a scam. It seems legit but trust me if the police pull you over you will find out it's not. I did this too you can't get any IDP online they have to be done in your home country.ไทเลอร์ **********
@Bob ********
yeah i mean you may be right but i wouldn't advise applying for anything online because they are all fake.ไทเลอร์ **********
@Bob ********
makes senseReply to
ไทเลอร์ **********
Reply
Tore *********
@Bob ********
indeed, I thought that was fairly obvious. Just posted the link for information of what it is. Indeed each country has their own procedureReply to
Tore *********
Reply
Marc *********
No you’ll need an IDP
Reply to
Marc *********
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