Answered3 years ago

What are the requirements for renewing a temporary Thai driver's license while traveling abroad?

Thai driver's license license renewal residence certificate 90-day report expiring license International Driving Permit (IDP)

Pui *****

asked Nov 4, 2023

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Question about driver's licence renewal: my family member has a temporary Thai licence that expires in February 2024. I know the Samui DLT requires the residence certificate, which requires that a 90 day report have been completed. He is coming back to Thailand next week from a trip abroad. Am I correct that from then until mid-February, he can't take any trips out of Thailand, or he can't get the necessary residence certificate? He had hoped to go visit family for New Years for a short trip outside Thailand. If he decides to take the trip anyway, can he let the temporary licence expire and use a valid IDP with his foreign licence to drive temporarily once the Thai licence expires, then after he has been back in the country for 90 days to get the residence certificate (which places it about early April 2024), then still be allowed by the DLT to convert the expired temporary 2-year licence to the full 5-year one? Or would he have to start over with a new temporary licence if the old one expires for a couple of months?

Answer summary

A user inquired about renewing a temporary Thai driver's license that expires in February 2024. They are concerned whether their family member can obtain a residence certificate necessary for renewal if they travel outside Thailand before that date. The discussion highlights that the 90-day report might not be a requirement for Koh Samui, suggesting contacting the local department for confirmation. There are also mentions of the possibility to extend the license up to one year after expiration based on experiences from others.

8 repliesnewest first

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Stuart ***********

I read online that the licence can be extended anytime up to 1 year after expiry.

Never tried this personally, but I have read that several people have done this successfully.

3 years ago

Andrea ********

@Stuart **********

I think, only think, this was just for when DLT offices were closed for COVID-19.

3 years ago

Tony ********

@Andrea *******

, no you can renew upto a year after expiry. But in that year you cant use it to drive as it has expired. It just means that your renewal is still the next logical step. EG your on 2yr, your renewal would still be the 5yr. If you went to renew after the year you would be starting again with the 2yr.

3 years ago

Pui *****

@Stuart **********

thanks, I'll see if anyone else can confirm this personally.

3 years ago

Stuart ***********

@Pui ****

maybe simply ask DLT. That way you can be certain.

Like you, I would always be cautious about this type of advice, indeed my licence needs extending next year, but I intend to do it at the end of the 2 years to be certain.

3 years ago

Brandon ************

The 90 day report thing is only a requirement for Bangkok as far as I know. You need to check with the Koh Samui office to see what their requirements for a residence certificate are.

3 years ago