Is an International Driving License required for extending an existing Thai driver's license?

June 9, 2024
3 months ago
Bob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
It may be obvious but just to be sure is an International Driving License required for the extension of an existing Thai 2 year drivers license?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
No, an International Driving License (IDL) is not required for the extension of an existing Thai driver's license. Many community members confirmed that you can renew your license without needing an IDL, although it's important to check specific requirements with the local Department of Land Transport (DLT) office where the renewal will take place.
Nigel ********
IDP Is only valid for 90 days when you go to any country
Tim *********
Your IDL would be out of date once you've had a Thai licence for 2 years.
Graham ******
@Tim ********
Some are 3 years validity now ;)
Tim *********
@Graham *****
But only valid 6 months in Thailand, I think, regardless of where they've reached issued
Graham ******
@Tim ********
the first 3 months after entry or re-entry I'd stay as it's not "single use"
Christopher *************
No why would it ?
Stuart ***********
Renewed my license this morning and IDP is definitely not required.
Rob **********
No it is not required for renewal of your 2 year temporary license to your 5 year driving licence.
Frank **********
Why would you need one when you already have a Thai license?
Peter ********
No
Shane **********
It’s actually a permit, not a licence.
Bart **************
That's indeed obvious.
Todd *********
Not required
Stuart *********
No an IDP is not a requirement but a long term visa is needed.
Garrett ***********
@Stuart ********
If you're on a tourist visa you can still renew your license, you'll just get a other 2 year one.
Stuart *********
Ian ********
No not needed
Brian *******
I’ve got a five year license and was told I don’t need IDL..but it could be different depending on your land transport office
Brandon ************
You won't need an IDP. You'll need most of the same other paperwork though. But since it varies by office it might be best to check with the DLT you will be using
Radost **************************
@Brandon ***********
I not varies! You need passport, residence certificate and attest from doctor and your old driver licence nothing else
Brandon ************
@Radost *************************
you've been to every DLT office in Thailand then?
Radost **************************
@Brandon ***********
do you understand that you can't have different requirements for driver licences? If you don't understand law then don't post! The requirements are written in the law. If you get a driver licence without showing up for tests or without doctor certificate or similar this is corruption and doesn't means it's legal.
Brandon ************
@Radost *************************
guess what. Immigration requirements are also written into law but every immigration office has their own requirements. The MFA has visa requirements written into law but every embassy has their own requirements. If you don't know how Thailand works then don't post. You only have to be in these forums for a few weeks to see different requirements at different offices. The DLTs don't even consistently test for foreign license conversions or license renewal with some doing and it and some not.

How on earth did you get not meeting requirements with "check with the DLT you will be using"? Nothing about corruption, it's about making sure you have everything that specific office requires. Because they are NOT all the same.
Radost **************************
@Brandon ***********
there are no test upon renewing a license, there is a requirement to watch a video in english language and a reaction test. You can change requirements, if you could they could change the age, the kind of idk, the price, or whatever. I guess you never solved any problem at a government office. I am 11 years in Chiang Mai and I got what I needed and sometimes I got even more.
Zap **********
No
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