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What can I do to obtain a driver's license while on a DTV visa in Thailand?
DTV VisaDriver's LicenseThai ImmigrationDLTResidence CertificateDriving License RequirementsExpat AssistanceThai Visa Regulations
Apr 29, 2025
a year ago
Matty *********
ORIGINAL POSTERJust spent 5 hours shuffling between korat immigration and dlt for them to refuse to give me the documents to get a driver's licence because I'm on a DTV. Any suggestions? I'm happy to travel so I can get all of this sorted legally. Tried contacting a few agents here but no one would help.
TLDR : Answer Summary
An expat on a DTV visa is facing difficulties obtaining a driver's license due to refusal at local immigration offices in Korat. The community suggests that a residence certificate is necessary for the application and offers various alternatives, including traveling to locations like Pattaya or Chiang Mai where assistance may be more readily available. Some members share experiences of successfully getting licenses without major documentation in Phuket and recommend contacting responsive agents for help.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Gareth **********
In Korat they issue the resident cert in the same office as you do the TM30 notification of residence. Is this were you asked. It's on the left as you arrive.
Nana ****
I can help you with requesting documents from the Immigration Bureau to get a driver's license or help you get a driver's license in Bangkok
Oswald *******
I bought a DL on KSR along with a university degree for 1,000. No paperwork needed, only cash. Bargain hard.
Matty *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Oswald ******
haha I'll keep that one in mindReply to
Matty *********
Reply
Brandon ************
You're probably going to have to go somewhere else. Pattaya if you want the help of an agent, or somewhere like Chiang Mai if you want to do it yourself. In Chiang Mai they will give you a residence certificate next day if you have a TM30 and pay 500 baht.
Tim ***********
@Brandon ***********
If I don't want to pay for the certificate of residence in Chiang Mai, do you know how long I have to wait for it ?Brandon ************
@Tim **********
I don't know actually. I believe they will mail it to the address you are submitting for the residence certificate, so it could be 1-2 weeks.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Jeremy *****
I'd in BKK use her she rocks !
@https://www.facebook.*********************
Biff *******
Pattaya agents can help you
Alex *******
You can get a Thai driving licence at the Phuket transport office while on a visa exempt stamp
Anonymous ******************
correct
Colin *******
@Alex ******
Alex, have you done this, or is it hearsay?Alex *******
@Colin ******
yes I did it in September 2023 and my friend also did his last year in 2024Reply to
Alex *******
Reply
Michał ********
@Alex ******
did you do that?Alex *******
@Mic***
yeah I did it and many others have done it in Phuket. No visa neededReply to
Alex *******
Reply
Werner ************
Some DLT and Immigration offices will refuse a driver’s licence to those on a tourist class visa
Matty *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Werner ***********
the DLT here seemed fine with it, just wanted the residency certWerner ************
@Matty ********
try an agent in BangkokReply to
Werner ************
Reply
Zerh *******
What document do you need for the driving licence ? Are you talking about residence certificate ? It’s the only document that you need from immigration to apply for a driving licence…
Greg ********
@Zerh ******
I am pretty sure it will be the Residence CertificateMatty *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Zerh ******
Yep that's the oneZerh *******
@Matty ********
you need to go immigration with your tm30/ 90 days report on date and they should issue it for your for a small fee if hard just apply to residence certificate with an agentMatty *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Zerh ******
I went in and did both tm*****
day today, they refused to do the residency certificate specifically because of DTV - said I needed a long term/work visaNeil ******
@Matty ********
korat immigration told me the same as wellZerh *******
@Matty ********
oh so this is abnormal because I already did a residence certificate on visa exemption entry or tourist visa. Try your chance with an agent…Reply to
Zerh *******
Reply
Greg ********
Pattaya TikTok Services. Message them. Very responsive
Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
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