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What are the requirements for obtaining a Thai driver's license with a foreign license and IDP?

Thai driver's licenseAmerican driver's licenseIDPResidency certificateWork permitDLT officeMedical certificateVisa rulesExpat communitySamuiMotorcycle license
Nov 18, 2024
a month ago
Tara *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am applying for a Thai driver's license for the first time. I have an American driver's license/motorcycle license and an IDP. Questions:

If I have a work permit, is it true I don't need the residency certificate?

I read I have to get my license certified by the embassy? Is this true even with an IDP?

Having an American motorcycle license and IDP, will I still have to take the written and practical tests? I've heard different answers on this. I'm guessing it depends on the office? I'll be applying on Samui.

Many thanks!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
When applying for a Thai driver's license with an American driver's license and an International Driving Permit (IDP), the requirements can vary. You generally will need a residency certificate, especially if your work permit does not contain your address. A medical certificate is also required, which is easy and inexpensive to obtain. Depending on the office, you may only need to take vision and reaction tests rather than full written or practical tests. Processes can differ per local Department of Land Transport (DLT). Additionally, the residency certificate must typically be obtained from the immigration office where you reside, and its processing time can range from immediate to several days.
Terary **********
My first license was a couple of years ago. I don't exactly recall everything I needed but I do remember it's a pain in the neck.. Doctor's letter, class/instructor letter, immigration letter.

I found someone who helped me get my second license... It cost me 3000, took me 30 minutes.
a month ago
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Jean-Louis ********
You may ask Chiang Mai Helper( Facebook, messenger).

I got my car and driver licences in a few days but I remember she asked me about the residence certificate to complete the file.
a month ago
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Tara *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tony *********
@Brian ********
@David *******
@Rick ********
@Graham *****
@Tony *******
@Marty ********
@Duncan ******
Thank you kindly for your help! 🙏🏼

I have some residency certificate questions if you’re up for it (I’ve been reading conflicting things online)

Do you have to get it at the immigration office where you live? I live on Phangan, am currently on Samui, applying for my license on Samui.

Does it really take 10+ days to receive it?

I read you have to have done at least one TM30 since your last entry into Thailand, is this true? I have over a year of TM30 at my address but not one since my last entry into Thailand as it has not been 90 days yet.

Thank you again, I really appreciate your help!
a month ago
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Kool *******
@Tara ******
 you are confusing TM30 with the 90 day report. You personally do not file a TM30, unless you own the condo you live in. Your landlord files the TM30 within 24 hours of you moving in.
a month ago
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Graham ******
You get your Residence Certificate from where your TM30 is filed and it can take anything from 25 minutes (my experience, Sa Kaeo province) to a week or more and can be free (again, my experience) up to 500B. Every Immigration Office is different so there are no general rules.
a month ago
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Brian *********
@Tara ******
 think it needs to be in your local district.

10 days? Never heard that before. My first time there was a wait because it was busy, the next time maybe 20 minutes?
a month ago
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Tony **********
@Tara ******
 I believe it needs to come from the district where you reside. But your residence can be the last place you stayed. When I did it they wanted copy of the lease agreement along with signed copies of the landlords Id. I got certificate immediately by paying a couple hundred baht for expedited service. Don't think that's available at all offices. You need a copy of the registration of foreigner residing at the same location as the lease agreement.
a month ago
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Tony **********
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Duncan *******
Work permit if it shows your address ia fine.

************************************
a month ago
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Marty *********
The US embassy no longer provides residency certificates.

I was able to get both my Thai drivers and motorbike licenses using my California drivers license. No IDP. I didn’t have to take a road test or the written test. This was at the DLT office at Bang Chak, Bangkok.

I got my medical certificate at one of the small medical clinics.
a month ago
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Tony ********
If your work permit contains your home address, then according to the rules it fulfils the requirement as proof of address. However for the last couple of years addresses are no longer included in the work permit, so the residency certificate would be required. You should also watch the dlt safety video online before you go (not the same video on you tube). After answering some ad hoc questions, print out the QR code that proves you completed it as this generally allows you to skip any ques or appointments to watch the video.
a month ago
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Yasmin ***********
They have bikes there to do the practical test?
a month ago
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Tara *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Yasmin **********
 No
a month ago
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Tara *******
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Graham ******
Ask at your local DLT as requirements will differ
a month ago
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Brian *********
You will need a proof of residence regardless from immigration I believe.

A medical certificate ( it’s stupid easy and cheap)

You do not need anything more. Bring the IDP and it should be take a motor skills test, colors test and depth perception and you will end up with two drivers licenses. One for car, one for motorcycle.

You may or even should make an appointment. A Thai speaker friend can help you with any details.
a month ago
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Rick *********
@Brian ********
 very good recommendation to bring a Thai speaker! It made mine 100% easier!
a month ago
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Tony **********
@Rick ********
 Note that you need a residency certificate for each license (car & m/c).
a month ago
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Tony **********
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David ********
@Brian ********
 good advise Samui officer should speak English cost is about 150 bht each for 2 years. Also copy of passport and copy of American licence good to go and booking online is better good luck
a month ago
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David ********
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Tony **********
I believe you still need a residency certificate specifying for driver's license.

If you have your mc endorsement on your dl and it's on your IDP, you will most likely only have to take the vision and reaction tests.

Update: I forgot that you will also need a medical certificate..
a month ago
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Tony **********
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