Some info. re. obtaining new driving licence, then renewal of car tax and car insurance in Chiang Mai.
Before going to the Land Transport Office for renewal of the above, one needs a Certificate of Residence. So, this morning, I went to the agency directly opposite CM Immigration (before the Airport). There, I asked the staff if they could process the request on my behalf. I was doubting a little as my visa expired a few weeks ago. However, I was asked for a work permit, which should be in process, so, I said that I had an employment contract and the work permit should be in process. They took a copy of that, a copy of my TM30, one photo and photocopies of the relevant pages of my passport plus a 1,000 baht handling fee.
I was told that the certificate would be ready after 2 to 3 pm the next day.
*crossed fingers* it works for a foreigner here on visa amnesty.
TLDR : Answer Summary
To obtain a driving license and renew car tax and insurance in Chiang Mai, foreigners need a Certificate of Residence. This can be obtained by visiting an agency near CM Immigration, where they require documents such as a work permit (if in process), an employment contract, a TM30, a passport photo, and relevant passport photocopies. A fee of 1,000 baht may apply. While a work permit is not necessary for renewing car tax and insurance, it is needed for the driving license along with the residence certificate.