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What are the steps and advice for obtaining an International Driving Permit for Thailand?
Jun 1, 2022
4 years ago
Kaya *********
ORIGINAL POSTERSeeking 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.
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.
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.
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Kaya *********
ORIGINAL POSTERThank you everyone for the help and advice! I have since received my permit from AAA.
Garrett ***********
@Kaya ********
NoiceeeAlsoknownas *********
💪💪💪 now just need to find a parking spot 555😆
Kaya *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alsoknownas ********
My parents have a house there so parking and accommodation are taken care of! 🤞Reply to
Kaya *********
Reply
John ********
I had AAA do mine, was pulled over several times no problem at all.
Christo *****************
International driverlicence is actually translation in a few different languages of your original official driverlicence obtained in you home country
Lewis **************
Kaya Freeman, just go to the AAA and get it there. You don’t even have to be a member.
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.
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.
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,?
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.
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 IDPRussell *******
Reply to
Russell *******
Reply
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.
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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
Kaya *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alsoknownas ********
good to know! I will call AAA tomorrow, thank you!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.Reply to
Pom ********
Reply
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.
Reply to
Alsoknownas *********
Reply
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$$$
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 !!!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 headachesReply to
Tom ********
Reply
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.
Russell *******
Hi ,all anyone know if you need to be in your home country to obtain a international driving permit ?
Thanks 🙏😃
Thanks 🙏😃
Jennifer ******
@Russell ******
Depends on your country. I've done it from Australia before. Check the rules where your from to get an accurate idea.Russell *******
@Jennifer *****
ok will do thanks 🙏Reply to
Russell *******
Reply
Garrett ***********
@Russell ******
In the same country the government issued license was issued in.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 🙏Yvonne *********
@Russell ******
No you need to show id and your drivers licenseRussell *******
@Yvonne ********
ok I thought it would be that way 🙏Yvonne *********
@Russell ******
Plus forgot to mention a photoRussell *******
@Yvonne ********
ok thanks 😊🙏Yvonne *********
@Russell ******
How long are you going to be in ThailandRussell *******
@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 ?
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
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).Garrett ***********
@Kaya ********
All IDP's are valid for 1 year. Russell doesn't know what he's talking about.Yvonne *********
@Garrett **********
Oh we have lived here for over 3 yearsYvonne *********
@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 toruistWayne *********
@Yvonne ********
actually your wrong. RAC wa issue idp valid for 1 year.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 visitorGarrett ***********
@Yvonne ********
WrongYvonne *********
@Garrett **********
I am not a male and I do know what I am talking aboutRussell *******
@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 🙏Reply to
Russell *******
Reply
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
Garrett ***********
@John ****
You getting charged by the letter? 😂Reply to
Garrett ***********
Reply
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.
If you're still in the USA, AAA is the only agency that sells them. It costs $20 and is valid for 1 year.
**************************************
Sam ******
@Garrett **********
thanksKaya *********
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.Reply to
Kaya *********
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