What are the new rules for obtaining an International Driving Permit in the UK for Thailand?

May 23, 2024
6 months ago
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Heads up for anyone going to thailand (or anywhere else) that needs a IDP (international driving permit) as in the uk the post office doesn’t issue them any more as from 1st April 2024,. You now have to get them from a “paypoint” place,. Google it,.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
As of April 1, 2024, post offices in the UK no longer issue International Driving Permits (IDPs). Instead, individuals must obtain their IDP from designated PayPoint locations. The change has prompted discussions about the availability and convenience of these services, with many users sharing their experiences and concerns about accessing PayPoint places and the validity of the IDP for driving in Thailand.
Brian *********
You don’t need this it’s just a waste of money
Michael *******
Yip just pay an agent (bribe) feed the trough 🤔
Jack ********
Do it online on dvla
Simon *******
I got mine from the Post office just before I left on the 11th of April.

When you get you IDP please check you have the correct one for Thailand, last year they gave me the wrong one which made me illegal when driving ,don't notice until this year when I was given the correct one.
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Rene ********
How does one get a Thai international driving licence with a Thai driving licence in Thailand?
Sharon ********
Anita ******
Luckily I have 2 years left on mine.
Brook ********
@Anita *****
Aren’t they valid for only one year, same as America ?
Jon *****
@Brook *******
3 years in the UK
Anita ******
@Brook *******
no I visit every year from U.K. I got a new one last year and it is valid for 3 years. It used to be a year.

I’ve just looked it up. My local petrol station issues them. (Very odd) and it 3 years. I think it’s code 1968 or something.
Anita ******
But I do own a full motorbike licence and make sure they add that also. Just in case I want to risk it. 😅
Michael *******
@Anita *****
your Thai license or IDP as I recall IDP does not have a long lifespan, you won’t need IDP to renew your Thai license …..
Anita ******
@Michael ******
I don’t have a Thai Licence. I just need international Driving Permit when I visit my family, once a year.
Ash ***********
Post office issues them -
Vinny **************
@Ash **********
not any more

Have to go to nearest pay point .Mine was 10 miles away
Michael *******
AA and RAC issue them, you can do it on line, less convenient than wandering down to your local post office I guess
Euan ********
@Michael ******
waste of time those local post offices, might as well close them all.
Michael *******
I think it’s because technology is driving processes, which is terrible for old folks who relied so much on that personal interaction , first they lost their bank branches , now the PO - my Dad , bless him still insisted on paying bills by Cheque until the day he passed - refused to embrace technology - Singapore Govt (as usual) ahead of time, they are training the older generation how to use technology UK and US take heed……rant over 😀
Brian ********
I thought the AA or RAC issues them ?
Chris *********************
@Brian *******
when I first got mine, it was through AA ,but application through post office.
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brian *******
paypoint won the contract off Royal Mail,.
Brian ********
@Mike *******
I've seen paypoint in my pharmacy
Paul ************
Post off closed march 31?
Paul ************
Good heads up mate. Just going through the bullshite myself. Strange how .gov always putting you towards the dodgy pay pal thing ?
Andy **********
Many of these payments are also post offices. The nearest one for me was an off licence in a dodgy part of Milton Keynes.
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andy *********
My nearest paypoint that the website says issues IDPs is a local euro garages site,.
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