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What documents do I need to apply for a Thai Driver's License besides my Passport in Bangkok?
Thai Driver's LicenseVisa and ImmigrationDriving RequirementsDocuments Needed for Driver's LicenseResidence CertificateMedical Certificate
Jan 6, 2025
a year ago
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTERNewly settled in Bangkok, I’m told that I can show my Califonia Drivers License at the DLT and they accept it for granting a Thai Drivers License/ID Card. What other docs, paperwork or other requirements besides Passport must be in-hand before showing up to apply for a Thai Dr. License?
TLDR : Answer Summary
To apply for a Thai driver's license, you'll need several documents in addition to your passport. Key requirements include a valid driver's license from your home country (like a California driver's license), a residence certificate from immigration, a medical certificate proving your fitness to drive, and possibly an international driving permit (IDP), although an IDP may not be universally required. Additionally, various tests may be required, including vision and reaction tests. It's advisable to confirm the specific requirements with the local Department of Land Transport in Bangkok before your visit.
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Carey *********
Enjoy brother , Living the dream
Robert *********
American driving licence. California is unfortunately not yet a country.
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAs a follow up to my original question — say I don’t plan on driving in Thailand; how else does having a Thai drivers license make life easier? Will it facilitate signing up for a Thai-based credit card? Or is it required to sign up for any local Apps that make life easier (lazada, grab etc)? Or is it pretty much unnecessary for utility uses.
Brandon ************
@Mark *******
the only thing that will help you to get a credit card is a work permit from your Thai job. You can use a drivers license to check-in to your domestic flights and to check-in to hotels. Those are the only other uses I can think of.
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
- valuable knowledge. u might have saved me beaucoup needless time and effort.Reply to
Mark ********
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Michael ********
Doctors certificate to prove you can see, and stand upright, and are stilll breathing.
Anthony ******************
Residents certificate from Immigration, A doctor's Certificate. You need to pass a test or two. Problem is you drive on the wrong side of the road. 🙂
Thomas **********
You don’t get a pink id card if you not have yellow house book first
Duncan *******
What you need is here. And you dont need an IDP.
************************************
Leigh ************
Can I do exchange for UK liscence
Stuart *********
@Leigh ***********
You don’t exchange. You can get a Thai license with your UK license. Depends on the office you use as to whether you’d need an IDP to negate any tests required.Graham ******
@Leigh ***********
it's all above what's neededReply to
Graham ******
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Kyle ********
Done mine a couple of weeks back, as the other guys stated you need to do, tho i didn't have a visa. the tests are a joke but one you easily fail on, lining up the two stick things
Paul ***********
@Kyle *******
visa is no issue for your two year license.. It may come into play when you apply for your full 5 year DL... Typically no long term visa.. They will give you another 2 year not 5 yearStephen *******
@Paul **********
correct gave me another 2 year as no visaKyle ********
@Paul **********
Yes, they mention thatReply to
Kyle ********
Reply
Joseph *********
When I was living in Chiang Mai I got a direct exchange for my Australian ca drivers liscence. No test
.. just passport and confirmation of residence address and medical.
I had been driving with IDP....but when I was issued with "retirement visa"....Immigration told me to get Thai liscence.
This also gave me access to many things at Thai prices.
For bike liscence I had to sit for the theory test.....about 90%was expected and a practical riding test....100% expected.
.. just passport and confirmation of residence address and medical.
I had been driving with IDP....but when I was issued with "retirement visa"....Immigration told me to get Thai liscence.
This also gave me access to many things at Thai prices.
For bike liscence I had to sit for the theory test.....about 90%was expected and a practical riding test....100% expected.
Garrett ***********
@Jos***
Lol, immigration didn't tell you to get a thai license because you were on a Non-O. Also, what do you get at Thai prices that you didn't get before?Joseph *********
@Garrett **********
so 1 I am a liar
2 your are aggressive
3 in those days there were plenty of attractions that had dual entrance prices.
But seems you are one of the aggressive knowalls.
I know exactly what Immigration and also the police said to me.
Why do you have to be such a knowall.
Reply to
Joseph *********
Reply
John **********
Strictly speaking you should also have an IDP. Without that you can't legally drive in Thailand but as your licence is in English they might accept it. You also need a residence certificate from immigration and a medicine certificate from a Dr's clinic. Some offices also require you have a long term visa, but I don't think bangkok does
Jo **********
@John *********
please you can drive without an IDP if your license is in English. Do you work for an auto clubMichael *******
@Jo *********
bad adviceJohn **********
@Jo *********
no i don't work at all, retired. Legally to drive in Thailand you need both your home license and an IDP, doesn't matter what language your license is in. The IDP is only good for the first 3 months, after that you need a Thai licenseReply to
John **********
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Paul ***********
You need an IDP, a residence certificate, medical certificate, your passport and you have to do some vision and reaction tests.. Allow Half a day at Transport department
Jack ********
@Paul **********
IDP isn’t required boyPaul ***********
@Jack *******
it was when I got mine boy 👍..And if said license isn't in English or isn't clear of class of vehicle it is required 👍
And some transport department do require it irrespective
Alessandro **********
@Paul **********
if your license isn't in English you have to get an English certified translation at your Embassy. No need any IDP. That's in BangkokSamuel **********
@Paul **********
when I got mine in November in chiang mai they looked at my English idp more than my licence.Paul ***********
@Samuel *********
correct as they would be trying to figure out the class of licenseReply to
Paul ***********
Reply
John **********
@Paul **********
and an appointmentJohn **********
Sorry. I’m in Chomburi. Went to DLT here at 6:00am with all my paperwork. They told me come back February 23. I should have known.
Graham ******
@John *********
no appointment necessary in Sa Kaeo province, walk in, register etc. and out in 75 minutes with my 2 year DL.Paul ***********
@John *********
sure.. That goes without saying surely ❓Reply to
Paul ***********
Reply
Graham ******
@Paul **********
Without a IDP the OP may have take the video test (depending on the province maybe) plus a copy of a valid VisaPaul ***********
@Graham *****
we all have to take the video test.. I had to do it last year for my 5 year renewal.. You can do it on line before hand and a piece of cake.. Just bring the QR code to the transport departmentVisa is irrelevant.. Certificate of residency..only it's his first licence so only getting a 2 year one anyway.. Visa will only become relevant for 5 years DL 👍
Graham ******
@Paul **********
no we don't, not for the 2 year initial Thai DL. I got mine in Sa Kaeo province a year ago, no video, just the 3 tests, completed in 75 minutes from arrival to departure. 5 year renewal is different. Visa is not (always) irrelevant as I had to provide a copy. It differs from province to province so there is no one fit for all, this is Thailand (TiT).Tony ********
@Graham *****
as you were there 75 minutes, you were probably sitting in the waiting room for most of that where the Thai version of the video is usually on a constant loop and covers the requirement for Thais. My last 5 year one i did the online video at home, got the qr code and was in and out of the dlt within half an hour, didn't even get to sit in the waiting area, which wasn't by any means empty of locals.Graham ******
@Tony *******
no, no video anywhereReply to
Graham ******
Reply
Wayne ********
@Graham *****
in Hua Hin you have to take the video test if you don’t have a recognized IDP. (ie one from AAA American automobile Association is the only authorized one from the US) many of the IDP‘s that people have are fake and not recognized by the Thai government. But I believe every country has an official issue of an authorized IDP normally, it’s from an automobile association or something of that type.  I showed up with all the documents and what I thought was an international driving permit, but the transport department clerk said it was not recognized by the Thai government, so I had to take the video course and take the test. Reply to
Wayne ********
Reply
Braulio *********
"I'm told..." 555
Reply to
Braulio *********
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