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What are the steps and advice for obtaining an International Driving Permit for Thailand?

International Driving PermitThailandCar RentalVisa InformationExpat AdviceDriving Laws in Thailand
Jun 1, 2022
2 years ago
Kaya *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Seeking advice about acquiring an international drivers permit!

Hi all,

I am a U.S. citizen from Oregon traveling to Phuket, Thailand in August. I lived in Phuket for 15 years, but have never needed a license there due to being underage. But now I am returning with the intention of renting a car to get around the island, and I was wondering if anyone had any advice on what are the steps to obtaining an international drivers permit? Are some companies better than others? How long does this process take? What should I expect to pay?

I appreciate all and any help! Thank you.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion focuses on obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) for driving in Thailand, specifically for a U.S. citizen traveling to Phuket. Key points mentioned include the correct term (IDP vs. international driver's license), the requirement to have a home driving license before applying for an IDP, and the fact that AAA is the official agency in the USA that issues IDPs for around $20, valid for one year. There are various opinions on whether to also obtain a Thai license depending on police checks and personal experiences driving in Thailand. A participant confirmed they received their IDP from AAA after following the community's advice.
Kaya *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you everyone for the help and advice! I have since received my permit from AAA.
2 years ago
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Garrett ***********
@Kaya ********
 Noiceee
2 years ago
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Alsoknownas *********
💪💪💪 now just need to find a parking spot 555😆
2 years ago
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Kaya *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alsoknownas ********
 My parents have a house there so parking and accommodation are taken care of! 🤞
2 years ago
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Kaya *********
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John ********
I had AAA do mine, was pulled over several times no problem at all.
2 years ago
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Christo *****************
International driverlicence is actually translation in a few different languages of your original official driverlicence obtained in you home country
2 years ago
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Lewis **************
Kaya Freeman, just go to the AAA and get it there. You don’t even have to be a member.
2 years ago
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Terary **********
It's a license, it's a permit. I got my legitimate from AAA, in the US. It cost about $15.00 8 years ago. I print out my illegitimate IDP these days.

They dont seem very useful. I did use one to rent a car in Thailand, once. Other than that they have not been useful. I have rented cars Australia with only my US license and I have rented cars in US with only my Thai license.
2 years ago
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Mick **********
Agree, get a Thai licence. You can actually buy one if you know the right people. Or get someone to help you pass a test, which is also permitted. You probably speak Thai though,?
2 years ago
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Tobie *****
It's an international permit that is only valid with your original lisence. Basically it's a translation from your license into English. If your license is already in English you shouldn't have to get a IDP. However, this is Thailand and it might be worth to get it just in case.
2 years ago
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Dan **********
@Tobie ****
 i used my international permit to get my thai license without taking all the training and test. Because my ohio license only had an M. For motorcycle endorsement they would not except it and wanted me to do the training. But i had it marked on my IDP. They let me skip the training. Takes about 10 minutes at AAA to get IDP
2 years ago
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Russell *******
@Tobie ****
 ha ha ☺️

Yes my license is English ,and I think you are right 🙏
2 years ago
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Russell *******
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Mike *******
For a rental car, your Oregon Licence should be OK, however you can ensure you are checkpoint harassment proof by getting an International Drivers Permit from your AAA. If it’s anything like the IDP process in Australia, it’ll take you minutes to apply. Good luck.

**************************************
2 years ago
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Alsoknownas *********
AAA offices in the USA will issue the form. I believe its around $20. they are good only for one year. Call you local AAA office and they should be able to advise you more
2 years ago
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Kaya *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alsoknownas ********
 good to know! I will call AAA tomorrow, thank you!
2 years ago
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Pom ********
@Kaya ********
 And take passport picture with you otherwise they can take your picture for you for additional charge. My husband and I got ours for total of $65 since we don’t have passport pictures.
2 years ago
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Pom ********
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Alsoknownas *********
Also, If you have a motorcycle endorsement on your US license be sure to have the AAA office note that on your International form.
2 years ago
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Alsoknownas *********
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Tom ********
Get a Thai license, I get pulled over regularly here in Thailand at checkpoints. Just yesterday the couple in front of me pulled out what was NOT a Thai license and I pulled out my Thai license. The police just laughed at told me to go enjoy, the other couple not so lucky$$$
2 years ago
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Damien ********
@Tom *******
 really…?I’ve been driving around when on many visits there since 2004… pulled over for checks by police at least 4 or 5 times …. Never had a thai license … just an international drivers permit ( which they didn’t seem to know about) and my Aussie license…. Never been find…. You don’t need a thai license unless you live their full time !?why did the cops laugh at you ? Or did you make that up !!!
2 years ago
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Tom ********
@Damien *******
 I can't tell you the exact letter of the law, to some degree it might be up to the individual police man. I can tell you this, by whipping out my Thai DL, it's saved me alot of headaches
2 years ago
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Tom ********
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Steve **********
No such thing as a international driver’s license. You need an international driver’s permit. You can get one from AAA. You need that along with your US license to drive and rent a car in Thailand.
2 years ago
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Russell *******
Hi ,all anyone know if you need to be in your home country to obtain a international driving permit ?

Thanks 🙏😃
2 years ago
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Jennifer ******
@Russell ******
 Depends on your country. I've done it from Australia before. Check the rules where your from to get an accurate idea.
2 years ago
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Russell *******
@Jennifer *****
 ok will do thanks 🙏
2 years ago
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Russell *******
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Garrett ***********
@Russell ******
 In the same country the government issued license was issued in.
2 years ago
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Russell *******
@Garrett **********
 yes but am wondering if I can just get someone else to pick one up for me rather than travel all the way back 🙏
2 years ago
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Yvonne *********
@Russell ******
No you need to show id and your drivers license
2 years ago
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Russell *******
@Yvonne ********
 ok I thought it would be that way 🙏
2 years ago
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Yvonne *********
@Russell ******
Plus forgot to mention a photo
2 years ago
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Russell *******
@Yvonne ********
 ok thanks 😊🙏
2 years ago
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Yvonne *********
@Russell ******
How long are you going to be in Thailand
2 years ago
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Russell *******
@Yvonne ********
 if I go by my government statistics till I am 82.2 years old ,so that's another 23.2 years but you never know what is round the corner ha ha 🙂🙏

Why ?
2 years ago
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Yvonne *********
@Garrett **********
Hahaha that’s good

Why don’t you get a Thai drivers license the international driving permit is only for 3 months anyway.

My husband and I are Australians he has a Thai drivers license
2 years ago
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Kaya *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Yvonne ********
 is it only good for 3 months? Do different countries provide different lengths? Everything I’m reading says it’s good for one year (for U.S).
2 years ago
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Garrett ***********
@Kaya ********
 All IDP's are valid for 1 year. Russell doesn't know what he's talking about.
2 years ago
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Yvonne *********
@Garrett **********
Oh we have lived here for over 3 years
2 years ago
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Yvonne *********
@Garrett **********
Some countries may have 12 months Australia does not AND Thailand only allow you to use them for 3 months otherwise they look at you not being a toruist
2 years ago
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Wayne *********
@Yvonne ********
 actually your wrong. RAC wa issue idp valid for 1 year.
2 years ago
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Bobby ********
@Yvonne ********
 Actually there's nothing in Thai law which states three months. It says "temporarily in the kingdom", which can apply to any temporary visa. Hence I've driven for 12 years in Thailand with my Australian licence and never had a problem, as I have to extend my temporary extension every year, I'm only a temporary visitor
2 years ago
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Garrett ***********
@Yvonne ********
 Wrong
2 years ago
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Yvonne *********
@Garrett **********
I am not a male and I do know what I am talking about
2 years ago
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Russell *******
@Yvonne ********
 oh ok , I didn't realize it was only 3 months . I thought it was a year . I was intending to get a Thai license , but I thought it might be a good idea to have a years break between dealing with immigration and another official office. I like the people there put the process can take a while 🙏
2 years ago
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Russell *******
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John *****
Its not an intl driv lic, its an intl driving permit that piggybacks ontoyr home lic. You must have a home driving lic first or get a TH lic
2 years ago
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Garrett ***********
@John ****
 You getting charged by the letter? 😂
2 years ago
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Garrett ***********
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Garrett ***********
International drivers PERMIT, there's no such thing as an international drivers license. Any company selling one is fake.

If you're still in the USA, AAA is the only agency that sells them. It costs $20 and is valid for 1 year.

**************************************
2 years ago
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Sam ******
@Garrett **********
 thanks
2 years ago
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Kaya *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Garrett **********
 thank you for the correction! I’ve stumbled upon a few websites selling “IDL’s” so that’s good to lookout for.
2 years ago
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Kaya *********
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