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What are the options for obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Thailand with a UK driving licence?

International Driving Permit Driving License Thailand UK Driving License Thai License Conversion Expat Driving Regulations

Nov 30, 2025

6 hours ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

I have a full UK driving licence, but I didn’t get an International Driving Permit from a UK Post Office before coming to Thailand. Since I’m already here, what’s the best and most reliable way for me to obtain an IDP now? Are there any legitimate options available while abroad, or do I need to follow a specific process to get one issued from the UK?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

If you hold a UK driving licence and are currently in Thailand without an International Driving Permit (IDP), the recommended options are limited. Unfortunately, you cannot obtain a legal IDP outside of the UK, as IDPs can only be issued by the authorized agency in your home country. It was noted that the UK Post Office no longer issues IDPs. Therefore, your best course of action may be to apply for a Thai driving license. Many expats have reported that the process is relatively straightforward and does not necessarily require an IDP if your UK licence is in English. To convert your UK licence to a Thai one, you will likely need a Residence Certificate and a Medical Certificate.

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Jane ***********

You can't get a legal IDP outside your home country. Best option is to get a Thai License here.

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Andrew ********

Get a thai license alot quicker - you can get an IDP on line or by mail if your country allows it and will take 2 months

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Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Andrew *******

Yeah I think a Thai License is quicker because I don’t even have a bike license in the UK, only a car license.

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Jane ***********

Anonymous participant If you've got a full driving license in the UK you don't need a bike license if you drive a scooter under 125cc. You will however need an IDL to drive legally, with valid insurance, in Thailand

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Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Anonymous participant I see. Have you just applied for a Thai license now?

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Andrew ********

Anonymous participant i got mine here in the first month while having an IDP - in thailand they are only honored for 90 days while the IDP is valid for 1 year each country has their own guidelines on how and when it can be used.

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Andrew ********

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Malcolm *********

That's because you can no longer get a permit from the post office anymore

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Anonymous ******************

@Malcolm ********

Not all UK post offices, but many still can issue IDP. It's up to the individual post office which are all independent businesses.

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Anonymous ******************

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Pui *****

Just FYI: all the online websites offering IDPs are scams, as IDPs can only be issued by the official authorised agency specific for each country's license holders. The official FIA/AIT list of who can issue an IDP for each country is in the countries directory of their official website:

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Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

I learned that the hard way yesterday after spending $90 USD. I’m just going to take the L on that money because if I do a chargeback, it could block my card, then they’ll send a new one to my UK address, and I’d have to deal with the £30 Thailand shipping fee😂.

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Anonymous *************

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John **********

If you don't have a bike licence in the UK you won't have one on an IDP either. The only way to get a UK IDP is in the UK .

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Jane ***********

@John *********

If you've got a full driving license in the UK you don't need a specific bike license if you only intend to drive a scooter under 125cc.

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Sefton ********

@Jane **********

I believe thats dependant on age (when you passed test).. I have 125 grandfathered in.. It appears on my IDP from the uk also.. I know younger folks dont and also dont get it on an IDP.

Unsure when the cut off was.

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John **********

@Jane **********

that's not true. You need a full UK bike licence as Thailand doesn't differentiate, so that's Category A only on the IDP, not a sub category

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John **********

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Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

So I’ll only be accepted for the car driving licence, right? I’ll get that converted first, then sit the theory and practical tests for the Thai motorbike licence. That’s probably the best option — then I’ll have both the car and bike licences

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John **********

Anonymous participant you might be accepted for the car licence without an IDP but it will be up to the DLT office you use

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Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

I’ve got all my documents, just need to go immigration and collect a redidence certificate then go to the DLT

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Anonymous *************

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Marianne ********

Go to your local DMV/DLT and ask for requirements for converting your license, some do not need you to get a IDP if your license is in English.

You will likely need a Residence Certificate, and a Medical Certificate regardless of office.

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Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Marianne *******

The only issue is I have a UK car licence, not a bike licence. So I’d be covered for driving a car in Thailand, but I’d need to do the theory and practical tests for the motorbike, right?

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Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Anonymous participant I’m already driving on the road without a license haha. So should be pretty simple

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David *******

Anonymous participant until you have an accident - then insurance will reject all claims

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David *******

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Marianne ********

Anonymous participant That would be the case even if you had a IDP sorted before traveling.

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Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Marianne *******

Oh I see. So most people either drive without the proper licence, which is risky, or they already have a UK licence and convert it, or they just take the full test in Thailand, right?

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Marianne ********

Anonymous participant Yes. Pretty much.

Just get your car license converted and drive a car until you've got a local motorbike license, shouldn't be too hard if you figure out the driving.

There's a official website here for more specifics and a PDF-book for learning the rules you might get questions on for the motorbike license.

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Marianne ********

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Greg ********

How long are you here? Take the test here and get local license. Quick and easy. When I did it in June there were a handful of DTV holders doing it same day on Chiang Mai

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Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

5 Years

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Greg ********

Anonymous participant Get a local license if you are going to be here. I did it through a school in Chiang Mai for both bike and car. Everyone passes and gets local license. I am sure every location has a school. Take the test at the school rather than the government centre.

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Greg ********

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Colin **********

Only available in the UK 🇬🇧 (for someone from the UK)

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Colin **********

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