Answered2 months ago
What are the requirements for obtaining proof of residence from immigration in Thailand for expats?
Applying for proof of residence with immigration
I’m an American with a 60 days tourist visa (soon to be a non-immigrant b working visa) but I want to get my motor bike license asap. For this I need proof of residency.
The third box lists a document necessary of a signed lease contract. What im wondering is if 1 month lease will suffice, or if I need 3 months? I’ve read other places that Thai immigration is very strict on needing a 3 month lease agreement, but at the same time it does not list this spedicially on their website.
Any input?
I’m an American with a 60 days tourist visa (soon to be a non-immigrant b working visa) but I want to get my motor bike license asap. For this I need proof of residency.
The third box lists a document necessary of a signed lease contract. What im wondering is if 1 month lease will suffice, or if I need 3 months? I’ve read other places that Thai immigration is very strict on needing a 3 month lease agreement, but at the same time it does not list this spedicially on their website.
Any input?
Answer summary
An American expat in Thailand needs proof of residence for obtaining a motorbike license while on a tourist visa. There is uncertainty regarding whether a one-month lease is sufficient, as some suggest a three-month lease may be required. Community comments indicate that requirements vary by immigration office, with TM30 registration being crucial. Generally, a rental agreement and relevant documentation can suffice, but some users have experienced stricter requirements based on their visa type or location. It is recommended to check with the specific immigration office or consider obtaining an international driving permit (IDP) before arrival.
39 repliesnewest first
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Area *************
I was told that you cannot get the driving licence with a tourist visa ...
Steven *******
Just get a International Driving Permit from AAA or AATA that way you are legally covered to ride a motorcycle up to the limit you are allowed to ride in the USA and add your car license to the permit so you can legally drive
Bevan ***********
I suggest getting your licence in your home country.
Thailand is not the best place to be learning how to ride a bike.
Thailand is not the best place to be learning how to ride a bike.
James *******
Make sure to get an IDP from USA before coming to Thailand.
Joseph **************************
Please ask your landlord or hotel to process a TM.30 for you. Then go to Immigration and get your free TM.30 slip of paper. Then go to another office at Immigration and request an official Residence Certificate with your brand new TM.30 slip. Then pay Immigration to mail it to your address once the Residence Certificate has been printed and signed and stamped........
Yaya ******
For getting a driving license, you need a Certificate of Residence issued by the Immigration Office only. It free no cost.
You need to provide the following documents:
1. A 1-month rental agreement — this is not a problem.
2. TM30 report — the property owner must submit the TM30 and provide the document to you.
You need to provide the following documents:
1. A 1-month rental agreement — this is not a problem.
2. TM30 report — the property owner must submit the TM30 and provide the document to you.
Haydn *******
When I first tried in BKK last year they wouldn't accept a TM30 from a hotel or Air BnB and insisted on an actual rental contract of at least 3 months and a long term visa stamp in my passport. I hear they have been toughening up on issuing them to people on tourist visas, the same issue with getting my driving licences converted. As soon as I signed a new rental contract and had my visa early this year I had no drama. I do know that places outside BKK can at times be more accommodating though so it's hard to tell unless you ask them in person
Wolf ******
For DLT you need a certificat of residence from your immigration. If you have car and bile, you need 2 certificates and on the form you can mark it.
CoolBun*******
Have you got an IDP showing full motorbike entitlement?
Ra ****************
Your embassy in Thailand can provide you with a certificate of residence.
My Hungarian partner sent an email and got it at his embassy
My Hungarian partner sent an email and got it at his embassy
Bradley ********
Plan on making two trips to immigration.
You need other documents
You need other documents
Henrik ***********
You can’t get a resident certificate on a tourist visa
Chris ******
Henrik Rasmussen Sorry but that’s incorrect. I signed a 1 year lease on DTV Visa & got my ResidencyCert & Thai DL without any issue.
Andy ********
Henrik Rasmussen I am afraid you are wrong. As long as you have a TM30 you can get a residence certificate. You can get a driving licence, buy and sell a motor vehicle on a tourist visa or visa exempt entry.
Ken **********
Andy Oswald and a residency certificate simply says where you are staying. If you are on a tourist visa you still have to stay somewhere, which then is your residence until you leave.
Graeme ******
Henrik Rasmussen yes you can, most accept the tm30 to give you the residence certificate on any visa
Henrik ***********
Graeme Mort nope most don’t but you might find a agent that can do it
Dan *******
Graeme Mort some imm offices will not issue a Cert of Residence until after you file a 90 day report. NST specifically wont
Graeme ******
Henrik Rasmussen yes legally you can
Graeme ******
Henrik Rasmussen nope you are wrong !!!
Henrik ***********
Greg Alexander not legally
Henrik ****
Greg Alexander, not if the IM follows the rules, but you can try. A tourist is by definition not a resident.
Greg ***********
Henrik Rasmussen You can get a resident certificate on a tourist visa
Henrik ****
Graeme Mort, things have become significantly more restricted recently.
Per-Ronald ***********
It is a good idea to get an international driving license to bring with you. Then you will avoid driving. Just 3 small tests in a room.
David ***********
Per-Ronald Sivertsen second this. It makes the whole process so simple.
Darren *********
Every office is different without knowing which office the only advice anyone can give is go ask the office. Or find an agent.
Roger *******
best to ask the office you will apply as each is different for requirements..i know....explain what its for and what you have.
Becca ******
OPIf I show up in person will they be able to answer my questions or is it just better to call?
Robert ***********
Becca Tank Depends where you will get the cert. Many have information desks and volunteers that will answer your questions and may even have the requirements printed out that they will give you. I would avoid the phone
Gerar ********
From which immigration office is this ?
Normally the passport with TM30 and picture is enough for the proof of residence.
Normally the passport with TM30 and picture is enough for the proof of residence.
Becca ******
OPI was looking at the immigration office by the airport
Henrik ****
Becca Tank , optimistic but you can give it a try.
Becca ******
OPThen would TM30 from a hostel/hotel count? And does it have to be 30 days proof at the same hostel or would 2 weeks suffice
Dante **
Becca Tank i got a residence certificate using a TM30 from my hotel and the date of expiry field was blank
Kool *******
Becca Tank there is no minimum time. Just so the address on the TM30 in file, and the application match
John **********
Usually a TM30 having been registered by the person responsible for where you stay is the main requirement these days. You may also need photocopies of your passport data & visa pages and a passport photo
Paul *********
@John *********
Hotel ok?John **********
@Paul ********
should beActivity
30 joined30
people
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