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What document do I need from Immigration to get a Thai driver's license?

Thai Driver's LicenseImmigration DocumentsResidence CertificateTM30Medical CertificateForeign Driver's LicenseInternational Driving Permit (IDP)Expat Visa Requirements
Feb 17, 2021
4 years ago
Terary **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Driver's license. I would like to get my Thai Driver's license. I understand I need to get a document from Immigration? Anybody know what that document is? What is require to get said document? Any help would be appreciated.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
To obtain a Thai driver's license, you need a residence certificate, which requires completing a TM30 and providing your passport and one photo at the immigration office. The residence certificate is typically valid for 30 days and will be needed when applying. A medical certificate is also required, alongside various copies of documents including your passport and any existing international driving licenses. It's important to confirm the opening of relevant offices to avoid delays, and note that requirements can vary by location.
Tom *******
Can’t do anything till March 31st. Closed till then. Mine expired Feb 1st, so I’m waiting to renew my Thai driving license as well.
4 years ago
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Wyn **********
Can you ride any cc bike after getting the Thai license Thanks.
4 years ago
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Zabel ******************
@Wyn *********
They have introduced a big bike license for 400cc an up
4 years ago
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Zabel ******************
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Aminul *******
Don't go to DLT Chatuchak, they are full. You won't get an appointment until the end of March. Try the one near BTS Bang Chak.
4 years ago
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Christina *********
I just did this. Proof of residence from immigration.

You need to make sure your landlord has registered you.

They knew exactly what I wanted when I asked 🙂

Pretty sure it’s this form.
4 years ago
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Zabel ******************
Just watch the 5min video in the link and you will have all information

Monster if you want to take a new driver license or renewed or exchange from another country license

****************************
4 years ago
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John *******
I went to Pranburi transport today ...had the necessary docs , watched the hour long video , did a color blind test , then paid the 500 baht and walked out 20 minutes later with a 6 year renewal ... done ...no medical cert required etc ..
4 years ago
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Andy *********
@John ******
 My 5yr bike + car licences have expired do you know what are the necessary docs they require ? TIA
4 years ago
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John *******
@Andy ********
 start by going to immigration , tell you need documentation to renew both licences , at the same time get a copy of your passport / visa to take to the transport office ...i took our housebook , but wasnt required because immigration put your address etc on their document ...no med cert required either , no appointment needed either , i just presented in person and followed their instructions .. all offices are different tho , so if your close enough might pay to go down and find out what they require , just to be safe
4 years ago
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Andy *********
@John ******
 Thankyou for the info as I've had conflicting advice 👍
4 years ago
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Zabel ******************
@Andy ********
********************************************************
4 years ago
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John *******
@Andy ********
 me too , thats exactly why i went myself ...
4 years ago
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Zabel ******************
@John ******
It's a 5 year's license the only reason why you can get almost 6 year's are because you done it the day after it's expired then you will get 5 year's plus the extending up to that year hope it makes sense
4 years ago
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John *******
@Zabel *****************
 mine expired on jan 17 , renewed yesterday so 5 years 11 months ...pretty close to 6 years i'd reckon
4 years ago
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Zabel ******************
@John ******
Yes if you did it before it expires you would have going only the 5 year's so always recommend to do the day after or a bit after juts like you did 👍
4 years ago
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Ekkehard *******
@Zabel *****************
 It's a 5 years license, but it will be extended for the next 5 years + next coming birthday.
4 years ago
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Zabel ******************
@Ekkehard ******
Yes that's what I'm saying

So why tell me that 😃
4 years ago
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Zabel ******************
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Johnny ************
While you have your certificate of residence.... open a Thai bank account if you don’t already have one.
4 years ago
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Arron *********
Proof of address. One for each licence. Also 2 medical certificates. But they are not making new licences until March.
4 years ago
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John *******
@Arron ********
 not from where i am ...Huahin ..in and out today in 3 hours with a 6 year renewal...let people know where you are if thats thd case ...big help
4 years ago
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John *******
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Brian ***********
Thai Car and Bike

Door opens at 0730 be early

Copy photo page passport x 2

Copy Visa page passport x2

Proof of residence original x1

Doctor health certificate original x1

Copy international driving licence front page x 2

Copy int driving licence second to last and back page x2

Copy of residence cert x1

Copy of doctors certificate x1

You may have to show the original international driving licence, so take it with you

You may have to take colour blind test ( traffic lights and reaction test plus watch film on safety

This will get you a new licence

In date Renewal take Thai licences no international driving licence required.

To renew out of date ones you will need the international driving license copies.
4 years ago
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Wayne ********
immigration is your residential address document
4 years ago
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John *********
How long can one drive in Thailand on a U.K. licence? Thanks
4 years ago
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Michael *******
Having a valid license is critical, not just to avoid being fined by police for breaking the law, but especially in case you are involved in an accident.
4 years ago
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Michael *******
@John ********
 To ride a motorcycle in Thailand, and remain strictly within the law, you must possess and produce:

A national motorcycle drivers licence issued in your home country, valid for a motorcycle AND,

An International Driving Permit. *NB - Some members believe your home licence in English with a photo satisfies Thai law. In the end it is "up to you".

The maximum period that you can drive a hire car or bike legally on an IDP is 60 days on a Tourist Visa, 90 days on a Non-Immigrant O visa. For rentals in excess of that a Thai Driver's Licence is required. To obtain a Thai drivers license requires a formal in-person application, as well as hold and be admitted to Thailand on a non-immigrant visa status. This link to the the Department of Land Transportation website explains the procedure
4 years ago
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Michael *******
@Bobby *******
 your very lucky
4 years ago
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Bobby ********
Michael Mason. I just don't put up with bullshit from Facebook experts. I'm a temporary visitor, so don't need Thai licence, and the IDP is a piece of useless crap. Anyone with mediocre computer skills could print one, and there's a dozen websites where you can order fake IDPs. 🤣
4 years ago
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Michael *******
@Bobby *******
 possible true i wouldn't know about that , But what i do know is whether your a visitor or you live in any country in the world you need to follow the laws of the said country, and if your going to drive you need a licence for whatever your going to be driving and only a fool or some one who is delusional and arragent would feel that they didn't have to have one !

i wonder which one are you 🤔
4 years ago
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Bobby ********
Michael Mason. Never needed one in twelve years, so work it out.
4 years ago
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Michael *******
@Bobby *******
 then your very lucky 😂😁
4 years ago
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Bobby ********
Michael Mason. Or perhaps smart enough to know the law?
4 years ago
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Bobby ********
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Michael *******
@John ********
 uk license isn't really valid in Thailand you need a IDP then your legal to drive here
4 years ago
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Michael *******
@John ********
 you can't
4 years ago
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JD ********
@Jay ****
 when last in Thailand I used my PH license there & was stopped by local police & told them I had that & lived there almost 1 yr & they said it’s acceptable ... of course this was prior to F! Plandemic
4 years ago
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Bobby ********
Jay Hon. I've been driving 12 years on my Aussie licence. Three accidents, one a motorcyclist ended up in hospital. Never had a problem. Just say you're not a permanent resident. Easy!
4 years ago
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Bobby ********
Jay Hon. Yep. The IDP is only required if your real licence is not printed in English. And you only need a Thai licence if you're a permanent resident
4 years ago
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Steve *******
@Bobby *******
 An IDP is required with a UK licence, Im pretty sure that's in English.
4 years ago
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Bobby ********
Steve Greir. An UK Licence is in English so IDP not required. Same as Australian licence.
4 years ago
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Michael *******
@Bobby *******
 that's not correct
4 years ago
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JD ********
@Bobby *******
 police can still pull you over & fine you... or try to negotiate as more common

I got out of 3 stops my whole time there w/ PH license
4 years ago
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JD ********
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Arron *********
@Jay ****
 post office. Last time about £6
4 years ago
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David *********
@John ********
 international licence is 1 year
4 years ago
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Michael *******
@David ********
 no 90 days
4 years ago
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Michael *******
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Brian ***********
@John ********
 3 months
4 years ago
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Brian ***********
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Bobby ********
And take your 1949 IDP. For some unknown reason they look on this as the Holy Grail even though it means sweet f**k all!
4 years ago
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Richard ********
I think it may depend on which Driving centre you go to but Nong Bau Lampu will still make you sit and watch videos as well as color and distancing, even with IDP and original home country licence. Did it in June when they reopened.
4 years ago
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Michael *******
@Monti *******
 that's not true if you have a valid idp you can exchange it for a two year thai license without doing a driving test , only a color test and a perception test you can get license same day, but must have resident certificate and doctor fit certificate .
4 years ago
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Bobby ********
Monti Rieman. They are a total waste of time if your real licence is in English. They are a flimsy piece of cardboard issued by a motoring club, not even a government department. BUT, for some stupid reason the Driver Centre at Bang Chak almost drop to their knees in worship if you present one when getting your Thai licence. And it has to be the 1949 Geneva Convention version. Apparently Germany didn't sign it, and a German friend of mine got a real hard time, as his IDP is the 1968 version, which Thailand doesn't recognise. Go figure
4 years ago
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Bobby ********
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Bobby ********
Certificate of residency will be accepted by the Driving Centre for 12 months. Medical certificate is 30 days
4 years ago
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Jac ************************
Driving centre is open I’ve got a test booked for Monday. You’ve got to physically drive there to make the appointment as we couldn’t get through over the phone. Hope that helps. The tm30 lasts 30 days I believe.
4 years ago
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David *********
Bring your passport and photos and 300 BHT. You may have to show them where you live. You will get this document at Thai Immigration. It is valid for 30 days. You submit your documents and come back later that day or the next day depending on when you go.
4 years ago
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Janin ******
All are open for renewing drivers license, but some are closed for applying drivers license! Maybe check before.
4 years ago
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Paul ********
It’s a document of residency but the office for driving licence is not open yet. I have a friend who has an appointment in March. Don’t get this until you get a date before a test. You will also need a medical certificate
4 years ago
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Bo ***********
Residence​ certificate​ ka.

You need to do TM30 first then bring your passport​ with 1 passport photo there to get the residence​ certificate.
4 years ago
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Bo ***********
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