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What do I need to upgrade my 2-year Thai driving license to a 5-year license and obtain a 1-year IDP?

Thai driving license upgrading driving license 5-year driving license International Driving Permit (IDP)visa rules expat driving in Thailand DTV restrictions

Feb 3, 2025

a year ago

Hein **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi I have a 2 years driving license in Thai. 

May I know what do I need to upgrade to 5 years license and then, to 1 year IDP? Also, can you please advise how long it will take for each process? Thank you.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is asking about the requirements and process for upgrading their 2-year Thai driving license to a 5-year license and obtaining a 1-year International Driving Permit (IDP), along with the time it will take for each process. There are comments indicating a potential challenge due to DTV status, which might restrict the ability to obtain a 5-year license.

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a year ago

Aake **********

Same same

a year ago

John **********

If you are on a DTV then it's unlikely you can get a 5 year licence

a year ago

Hein **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

I have a dependent (Non O) visa. Can I get it with that?

a year ago

John **********

@Hein *********

yes you should get it automatically at renewal time, but you can only renew in the last few months so can't get a 2 year licence then jump immediately to a 5 year licence

a year ago

Hein **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

Thank you. so, it means I have to wait until my 2-years license is almost expired? Can't I just go and upgrade to 5 years license? My current license still has 1 year validity left.

a year ago

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

@Hein *********

no, you can't renew any time you want. You need to wait until you're within 1-2 months of expiration. Though it's beneficial to wait until after your birthday so you can get about 6 years out of your renewal.

a year ago

Reply to

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

Jan ******************

@Hein *********

If you have a two years temporary thai driver license you’ll get a five years permanent licence when you renew it with a Non O visa. Just did it two weeks ago.

You can apply for an appointment online through this app and you’ll need a residence certificate and a health certificate as well.

You’ll also need to watch the movie in the link and answer some simple questions. At the DLT you do the regular test regarding sight and reaction.

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a year ago

Stuart *********

@Jan *****************

Possibly office dependent but from a two to five year license you don’t need to do that video and get the QR code to show that you’ve watched it. In Phang Nga you needed to do it going from a five year renewal but not from a two to five year one.

a year ago

Jan ******************

@Stuart ********

Ok, yes business as usual I guess. Had to watch it myself when I got the last two year and finally now when I got five years permanent. (Have had two years temporary licences for 11 years).

a year ago

Stuart *********

@Jan *****************

As mentioned it’s probably office dependent. Like all stuff here rules are rules except they may or may not be enforced.

a year ago

Reply to

Stuart *********

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