Answereda year ago
What are the options for obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Thailand with a UK driving licence?
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?
Answer summary
If you're in Thailand and need an International Driving Permit (IDP) but didn't obtain one before traveling, your options are limited. It's generally advised that IDPs should be obtained from your home country. There are no legitimate methods to get an IDP while abroad, as many online services are scams. However, some suggestions include having a trusted person in the UK apply for the IDP on your behalf, using your physical driving license. Alternatively, you could consider obtaining a Thai driving license, which may be quicker and easier. To convert your UK license to a Thai one, check with local authorities regarding requirements, as you may not need an IDP if your UK license is in English.
56 repliesnewest first
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Nigel ********
You get someone to make the application in the UK post office.
Then they send photo to you, get it printed and job done.
My son did it for me. All done in one day.
Then they send photo to you, get it printed and job done.
My son did it for me. All done in one day.
Wiwa **********
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Can help get you an IDP
Jane ***********
You can't get a legal IDP outside your home country. Best option is to get a Thai License here.
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
Anonymous *************
OP@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.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
Anonymous *************
OPAnonymous participant I see. Have you just applied for a Thai license now?
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.
Malcolm *********
That's because you can no longer get a permit from the post office anymore
Roger ********
@Malcolm ********
I got my IDP (s) in February 2025 @ Uk sub post officeAnonymous *************
OP@Roger *******
Did you have a UK car and bike license or just a car?Roger ********
Car and full bike Uk licence
Roger ********
Anonymous participant yes
Anonymous ******************
International Driving Permit.
UK can issue 3 types depending on territory, 1949, 1968 (I cannot recall the last but only needed for Ethiopia iirc)
UK can issue 3 types depending on territory, 1949, 1968 (I cannot recall the last but only needed for Ethiopia iirc)
Roger ********
Anonymous participant 791 I think malaysia is 1949 one. I got two IDPs one for Thailand and one for Malaysia
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.Anonymous *************
OPAnonymous participant 791 What actually is the IDP?
Mark ************
Anonymous participant 791 yes, mine was a OneStop shop.
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 *************
OP@Pui ****
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😂.
Si *******
Anonymous participant
Don’t let it go,
Fight the scammers
Don’t let it go,
Fight the scammers
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 .
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.
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.
Sefton ********
@John *********
I agree, I think its strange.. I dont know why I do but I consistently do.. Not once but every IDP over decades.John **********
@Sefton *******
you shouldn't get a Category A on the IDP for that. I guess the person issuing doesn't understand the difference.Sefton ********
@John *********
From memory mine has A1 on the UK but a bike endorsement on IDPs.John **********
Anonymous participant but does it say A on its own? AM is for a moped
Anonymous *************
OP@John *********
Yes mine says that on ‘AM’Sefton ********
@Jane **********
yeah I am not 100% but I believe my brother doesnt have it, and hes 5 years younger than me.. So somewhere in that range 89 - 94 ish maybe is a range I think it changed. Thats a lot of guesswork though.Jane ***********
@Sefton *******
Yeah, I've just googled it and it does seem what @John *********
says is correct, for most peeps anyway. I'm assuming few have what you describe. Glad to learn this.John **********
@Sefton *******
My licence actually shows I have Category A which has no power output restrictions (rather than CC limits), I assume yours does too or you wouldn't get Category A on the IDPAnonymous *************
OP@Sefton *******
I best just to do a bike Thai testJohn **********
@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 categoryJane ***********
@John *********
Thanks for clarification 👍Anonymous *************
OP@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 licencesJohn **********
Anonymous participant you might be accepted for the car licence without an IDP but it will be up to the DLT office you use
John **********
Anonymous participant you mentioned earlier you didn't have an IDP which is frequently required. You also need a medical certificate from a clinic along with the residence certificate from immigration. Additionally some DLT offices want you to be on a Non-immigrant visa
Anonymous *************
OP@John *********
I’ve got all my documents, just need to go immigration and collect a redidence certificate then go to the DLT
John *********
Get some one in uk to apply for you just send them your photo driving licence you need ver.1968 IDP for Thailand then mail it all back by signed for easy
Anonymous *************
OP@John ********
Have you done this before? I heard they only take physical copies? Not imagesJohn *********
Make sure the IDP is the 1968 version!
John *********
Anonymous participant sorry I only know about a driving license for a car, look on your photo driving license card and see what categories of vehicles you are permitted to drive, I would have thought it covers motorcycles up to a certain cc?🤔
Anonymous *************
OP@John ********
Do I need a UK bike licence? I only have a car driving licence.John *********
Anonymous participant no you send your friend/family your actual photo plastic driving licence. Anyone can apply for you with that.They can't apply at a Post Office just the nearest PayPoint store
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.
You will likely need a Residence Certificate, and a Medical Certificate regardless of office.
Anonymous *************
OP@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?Anonymous *************
OPAnonymous participant I’m already driving on the road without a license haha. So should be pretty simple
David *******
Anonymous participant until you have an accident - then insurance will reject all claims
Marianne ********
Anonymous participant That would be the case even if you had a IDP sorted before traveling.
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.
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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Anonymous *************
OP@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?
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
Anonymous *************
OP@Greg *******
5 YearsGreg ********
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.
Colin **********
Only available in the UK 🇬🇧 (for someone from the UK)
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