What documents do I need to get a Thai driver's license as an expat with a US license?

May 31, 2021
3 years ago
Terary **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I need to get my Thai Drivers License.

I have a valid Drivers license from the USA.

I believe I need to get some paper from immigration office before going to Thai DMV (whatever its called here, Ministry of Transportation?).

What is the name of the paper I need to get from Immigration?

What do I need to bring down with me to Immigration?

Does it cost anything?

I will be using Pattaya Immigration office. Anybody know how long I will wait? is it same day? Can it be done in 10 minutes? or all day?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
To obtain a Thai driver's license as an expat with a valid U.S. driver's license, you need the following documents: an official translation of your U.S. license (not always required if in English), a certificate of residency from the immigration office, a medical certificate, and your original foreign license. Fees range from 200 to 500 THB for the residency certificate, and additional fees for the driver's license process. The amount of time spent at the DMV can vary significantly, with some reporting waits of up to four hours. It's advisable to arrive early and be prepared for potential delays.
David **********
With my Aussie licence (have both bike and car licence from home) I was all done in about 2 hours they accepted it and treated it basically like a renewal rather than a full licence. They just did a quick check of the licence I showed them the Aussie website explaining what it means, did a reflex test, quick eye test and then had to sit through a long video in Thai that made no sense to me at all, but all in all very easy process for me.
Garrett ***********
*******************************************
Steven *********
It took four hours for someone on YouTube. You have to watch a move about 45 minutes and not sure what else but figure 4 hours more or less.
Giorgio ******
To know how long it will take you should check your cristal ball ,!!
Ben *********
All advise are correct. Problem is you can't log on their app for applying and renewal. I got all including Dr paper since end April no go, nobody knows when here in chatuchak.
Bobby ********
I wouldn't be bothered to start getting all your documents together until the Driver Testing Centres are open again.
David **********
No drive testing required if you have an existing licence from many countries, I know from experience that Australian licenses are basically accepted as the same as a Thai licence and they just issue a Thai licence same day no drive testing required.
Michael *******
@Bobby *******
the one here in pattaya is open for business 🤗
Sammy *******
all of that easily discovered on google
Terary **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I will sleep better knowing that you know all you need to know about me.

Bahahahah
Sammy *******
@Terary *********
wow, off the deep end-- time to get that mental health counseling you've been putting off.
Sammy *******
@Terary *********
not at all-- Google you would find the official requirements listed accurately on various official and non- official websites, and articles discussing the current situation and what impact it has had on DLT hours and requirements. here thre are a wide variety of comments that range from completely accurate to hardly accurate at all, and everything in between. If u really new nothing, and didnt reseaech the official sites, how would you know which comments to accept or reject? As in most subjects, this one about dlt and licenses, so many jump to help and contradict one another, it's easy to be misled. But, if others are happy to do a poster's research for them, accurate or not, more power to them.
Terary **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sammy ******
" If u really new nothing, ..." I think you mean " If u really knew nothing,..." but I would recommend " If u really knew anything," if I were to use such a sentence.

I see your point. This group is ambiguous, contradictory and off topic.

Would you mind me inquiring which internet you use that isn't ambiguous, contradictory and off topic.

Not to state the obvious (or rather to state the obvious). your point is a bit off topic.
Sammy *******
@Terary *********
happy u liked my spelling error-- yes, the internet can be contradictory, off topic, not really, unless u don't know how to control a search; ambiguous, not really, unless u choose to accept ambiguous, just keep searching until u find more clear and specific answers. Regardless, if u think this group's mishmash of replies are better resources than a well done search of official and reputable sources, then that tells me all I need to know about you.
Terary **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sammy ******
Yeah - I find this group works a little better than google in most cases.
David *********
Go to Immigration and fill in form Application form for Residency Certificate for Thailand You will need to provide passport, Visa, Entry Stamp, proof of where you live in Thailand. If certificate is for license you will need 3 photos. Also you have to go to a doctor and get a medical done. (200BHT)

Have photocopies of all documents and sign each copy.

Cost is 300 BHT. Bring your drivers license from your country. English is OK. If not in English you need to have your license translated by an approved company from your embassy in Thailand. Then you need to send your translated licence to the embassy for approval. They will stamp the translation and you take this to get your license.

Get to the Land an Transfer Office early. Take a number from the machine by entrance and wait for your number to be called then you go upstairs. If all your documents are OK you will get a number and normally you have to watch a video and do a few practical tests. (eye test reaction test ). Then wait after you pay fee. If you are really lucky you could be out before break for lunch. Not likely
Federico **********
The Thai DMV only requires translations of driver's licenses that are in languages OTHER than English.

They will accept USA with no translation (did it myself... FL DL)

The offices of the DMV are NOT closed.

Their official announcement says that they will not be conducting the "ob-rom" (seminar/ video briefing) NOR taking exams.

This renders most people who DONT have a license, unable to get one (hence the confusion).

BUT it does say that whoever has done the course at a private driving school, etc can trade the certificate for a license.

With a license from abroad i reckon is the same, since you DONT need to take the theory nor practical exams. Just the vision and brake reflexes quick check.

The "certificate of residency" you can get it at immigration. You tell em its for the DL and they know what to write.

Most offices ask for 200-500 tea-money bribe to get it on the spot. Otherwise, you wait for weeks and some members just posted this week that even after weeks they never got it.
Michael *******
@Federico *********
FYI Samut Prakan immigration charged me 500 THB for the certificate. They asked me whether it was for car or bike, and I naively said both. Total fee 1000 THB from immigration as they needed to give me 2 certificates! Cheaper than a uk embassy letter though.

The Land Transport office were quite happy with a single letter plus a copy, so I have a spare original to remind me how effectively government offices work. This was for a renewal btw last November.
Federico **********
@Michael ******
i use Samut Prakan as well.

And the lovely lady from DMV was almost disgusted by the rip off saying they DONT require 2 certificates...

But... We knew that from the start didn't we...

Just smile and move on... Not much else one can do.
Michael *******
@Federico *********
I did express my surprise and ask if they were cheating me, all with a laugh and smile... hopefully next time I will be using an immigration office in another province 🤣
Pui *****
At least in Samui, when I asked last week, they are not converting any international licenses / IDPs to new Thai licenses. Only renewals.
Travis *******
You need a certificate of residence or house registration book. Pay a small fee(305 for car license in Chiang mai) to have your license converted to a thai license. Quick eye test as well. I don't know if you need the medical certificate or not when you are just converting a license but I would get 1 to be sure.
Duncan *******
@Travis ******
you do need the medical in CM, you even need it for the renewal.
Bob **********
You can't get a license in most DLT offices at the moment
Daniel ******
Official translation of your USDL

Certificate of residence

Medical Certificate
Duncan *******
@Daniel *****
you only need a translation for licenses that are not in English.
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