Is an International Driving License needed for long-term visa holders in Thailand?

Mar 24, 2022
3 years ago
Trina ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Is a international driver’s license required on a long term visa?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not mandatory for long-term visa holders in Thailand. Expats may use their IDP alongside their home country's driver's license for up to three months. After this period, obtaining a Thai driver's license is recommended and often necessary, especially for long-term stays. The process for acquiring a Thai license typically includes showing a residence certificate and undergoing a medical examination. While some expats have successfully driven in Thailand with only an IDP and their home license, legal requirements may vary, and it's generally advisable to obtain a local license.
Nick ************
I rented a car for 18 months and the rental company checked to see if their insurance would cover me on my UK license and/or IDP. They said they would accept both. My IDP ran for two years. I subsequently obtained a Thai license just to be sure.
Rhett *********
Going to stay a long time?get Thai license,easy,
Vikorn ***********
@Rhett ********
for him to obtain that he will need a work permit or a residence cert from thai immigration, according to DLT website. After obtaining the thai licence then the int'l licence is super easy
David *********
The International Drivers License is not really a license to drive at all. It is accepted in participating countries and is meant for temporary use only along with the license from your country. If you are planning to be in a country for a long period of time then you are required to get a driving license from that country. The worst case is you are involve in an accident possibly people are fatally injured and you do not have a driving license from that country. Your insurance company will refuse to pay any claims either repairs or medical expenses. If the accident is your fault the other parties will be taking you to court for damages and medical cost. With this in mind go get a driving license from the country you are living. In Thailand the process is easy if you original driving license is in English The previous comment is although true is not very good advice and irresponsible.
Martin ********
@David ********
The international driver's licenses are done in the States, it is just proof that you are licensed to drive in your own country. It spares authorities the task of trying to figure out licenses from any given country are valid. I have heard they can be used in Thailand, but as said, you should try to conform to Thai law if you are a long-term resident.
David **********
Short answer: "NO". Your drivers license has nothing to do with your Thai visa.

I have lived as an expat in Thailand for more than 35 years. For the vast majority of that time I have not had a valid drivers license. Thai or international. (Mostly I carry around an expired international license. When stopped by the local police, they never seem to notice or care about the date.)

I have owned and driven several different vehicles and never had one bit of difficulty getting insurance coverage.
Sam *********
Ill take David’s answer, if only for the fact he’s been here 35. That’s enough time to really be able to know all the ins and out and I think the part about the international drivers license says it all… the fickle nature of reading and deciphering documents and permits in this country. That was kind of my point as well.
Paulie *********
How many IDPs actually have a Thai translation? My one issued in S Africa didn’t.. Regarding the ‘3 month validity’ - it’s not a driving thing, it’s an insurance thing: some companies won’t issue cover, which is their right.
Sonny **********
Why not get a thai license ? Easy.
David *******
always have international driving licence
Gabriel ********
You could have absolutely no license of any sort and pay only a tiny fine if stopped
Greg ********
@Gabriel *******
but if you get into a car accident your thai medical insurance won't pay
Gabriel ********
@Greg *******
medical insurance will pay, car insurance wont
Greg ********
@Gabriel *******
read the fine print in your medical insurance
Gabriel ********
@Greg *******
don't need 2, I'm covered
Sam *********
Philip *********
You can drive in Thailand using an IDP along side your UK driving licence for up to 3 years.
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Ekkehard *******
@Philip ********
Bo, the IDP is valid for maybe 3 years (depends on the issuing country). However in Thailand, the IDP is only valid for at most 3 consecutive months.
John **********
Getting a Thai license from an IDP is straightforward. IDP, residence certificate & health certificate required. My local office also insists on a long term visa, don't think all do. You then have to do colour test & reaction test and might have to watch a video for an hour (I didn't).
Steven *********
My plan is to go with an International Driving Permit and a Driver's License from a state in the USA. Then I will get the Thai driver's license.
Garrett ***********
@Ste***
If you have both, then it's very easy to get a Thai license.
Janine **************
Terary **********
Thailand.. We dont need no stinky license.
Bob **********
No
Chris *******
If you are going to be longstay.

Obtain a IDP in your home country and then bring that to convert to a thai licence. If you want motorbike and car it is 2 licences.

Currently there is a 2mth+ backlog in Phuket for tests and licence.

The process is fairly simple, need a thai medical about 150b at any clinic, take seconds they do nothing really.

Residency cert from immigration.

Lots of copies of passport etc.

You must have all docs prepared when you go to get appointment for the tests.
Richard ********
@Chris ******
and a ambassy translation of your IDP
Chris *******
@Richard *******
not needed IDP has that already, at least the CAA we have from Canada does.

We have not had to have anything translated or notarized for any transactions, including IDP , VISAS, EXTENSIONS, car purchase or motorbike.
Richard ********
@Chris ******
you are certainly right..... but they asked me that translation 2 months ago so....

Why do you speak about translation of visa and extension ? Is it from Thai to Thai ?
Chris *******
@Richard *******
no any foreign docs, marriage etc..no translations or notarizing needed
Richard ********
@Chris ******
you are the best Chris !!!!5555
John *******
In Chiang Mai you also need a residence certificate from immigration.
Shaun *********
This subject was covered yesterday on "Pattaya expats club".
Will ************
You can use the IDP for 3 months long term in Thailand after which you need a Thai driving license. It’s only valid if presented with your full driving license.
David *********
@Will ***********
this is correct
Wylie *******
An IDP is meant for the exact opposite. It's meant for shorter visits and to bridge the gap and give you time to apply for an actual thai license if on a longer term visa.
Sam *********
You can use IDP for one year
Sam *********
@Tony *****
. Just show it to a cop, they will generally be too intimidated by the English, they will hand it back to you and send you one your way
Tony ******
@Sam ********
not necessarily that has not been my experience and I've been living here well over 4 years if you intend to stay longer than 3 months it is wise to get a Thai license and it not just for the police as Ron mentioned should you have an accident you could have a difficult time with you insurance company. at the end of the day it's the individual choice but knowing the law and under standing it will save you a lot of hassle in the long run the choice is yours.
Tony ******
@Sam ********
incorrect see Ron Sangster post
Ron **********
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Garrett ***********
Ron That's your source?

"Note: Although International Driving Licences are valid for up to one year after arrival in Thailand, after three months many comprehensive insurance policies are made void if still driving on a foreign licence."
Sammy *******
@Benjamin *****
why would one want to quibble and gamble on your insurance not covering you?

it just seems games of " one upsmanship", trying to prove a other poster wrong. that's why these pages are often of little help-- too many arguments and claims of who knows it all -- ron sanger gave correct advice, but then the race started to "demand his sources". one is better to google official sites on your own, and err on the side of caution.

yes, i will be attacked for speaking the truth, but just look mr hayes, how much googling and search u did just to try to prove mr sangster wrong! btw, u didn't search this page, did u, as it doesn't have the answers!
Wylie *******
@Sammy ******
I may be wrong, but in all fairness I don't think he is trying to prove anyone wrong. Rather find an official source in order to provide accurate information for this and future inquiries.

These pages are often filled with people giving incorrect advice and using arguments such as "I've been coming to Thailand for years and have never had a problem", etc as proof of a particular rule or law.

When covid restrictions first started so many people argued that the test HAD to be taken within 72 hours when in fact it was results within 72 hours. When questioned they would simply reply "why would you risk it, it is so easy to get the test in that timeframe". Those people failed to consider that just because it was easy in their country it was not in other countries, or even other regions of the same country. Where I'm from in the US I called every single place I could find within a 5 hour driving radius and not a single company, hospital, or clinic guaranteed results any quicker than 3 to 5 business days at the time. It also cost about $200 dollars at the time for results no quicker than the free one I could take just down the road. A significant cost if traveling with a family. All their incorrect advice resulted in was a lot of unnecessary stress and time wasted trying to meet a false requirement. So I appreciate Mr. Hays and others requests for official sources on often contended subjects.

I do agree though, one should absolutely look at the fine print of their insurance, especially regarding motorbikes considering it is rarely if ever covered unless you have a motorbike license in your home country.
Sammy *******
@Wylie ******
i dont disagree-- but if you look at the verbage used, not by mr hayes, but another , who's barely lived in Thailand but loves to pontificate about anything and everything and is often wrong. the pt with mr hays was that he seemed to provide all the google searches to proves that previous comment incorrect-- it simply demonstrates what i advise, don't rely here, search reputable and official sources, like mr hays did-- he found his "support" for his assertion by googling, not by a search of this page. i understand what u went thru, and others have also from various "experts", and while i understand ur appreciation for finding official sources, again, no need to wait for mr hays to correct someone, posters should understand just google it yourself from the start, and learn to cut out the middleman. i am then chastised for being "unkind and unhelpful" , but quite the contrary, if by now, someone can't even do basic searches in google, it's high time they learn, regardless of whether others love to share the the incorrect information with them.
Wylie *******
@Sammy ******
100% agree. I see a lot of questions asked on here that literally take 30 seconds to search and the very first bullet point on the very first result gave the answer they were looking for. Instead they ask on here and get conflicting and outdated answers.
Ron **********
Actually although an IDP is valid for one year, you can only use one in Thailand for 90 days after your initial arrival, after this period you must get a Thai driving license, failure to do so will result in insurance companies not covering claims should accidents occur, which they do here frequently.
Tony ******
@Ron *********
I'm glad to see someone knows the law 👍
Bobby ********
Tony Tony. This is the actual law. You will note that an IDP is not required when a bi-lateral agreement exists.
Garrett ***********
Bobby Howard The bilateral agreement is the Geneva Convention, it says the license must be accompanied by an official translation, which is an IDP.
Bobby ********
Ken ********
@Ron *********
that's what I heard too.
Bobby ********
Ron Sangster. Not quite correct. There's no time limitation on IDP, and IDP is not actually required if countries have reciprocal agreement under 1949 Geneva Convention, and home licence is printed in English. What the legislation states is "temporary visitor" and with the exception of permanent residents, realistically we're all temporary here!
Ron **********
Google, multiple articles
Garrett ***********
Ron Sangster "Google it" meaning you don't know, you can't find it, and you're just making it up 😂
Garrett ***********
Trina ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sam ********
what is IDP. Sorry for the ignorance
Garrett ***********
No, a Thai license is
Trina ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Garrett **********
is it hard to get a Thai license?
Roy ***********
@Trina *******
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