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What is the process for buying a motorcycle in Thailand as an expat on a DTV visa?

Dec 9, 2025

16 hours ago

Hey everyone. I'm in Thailand on a DTV and I was wondering what the process is of buying a motorcycle. I've been renting for a few months, but planning on buying one for myself. Do I need a resident certificate? Insurance? Registration? I've seen a lot of mentions of "green book" too. Anything I should be vary or mindful of?

Thank you krub 🙏

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TLDR : Answer Summary

To buy a motorcycle in Thailand while on a DTV visa, you need a Certificate of Residence for registration. Whether you buy a new or used bike, proper documentation such as your passport and a driving license (for operating the motorbike) is necessary. Insurance and road tax must also be obtained. New bike dealerships typically handle registration for you, while used bike purchases require contacting the Department of Land Transport to transfer ownership (the Green Book). Be aware of potential costs associated with importing/exporting the motorcycle if planning to take it to Europe later.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
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Sam *********

If buying brand new dealership sort everything for you. All you need is a certificate of residency for the registration. Royal enfield sorted everything for me, no problem at all.

13 hours ago

Kasia ********

Do you guys happen to know what the export/import process looks like and how much it costs, in case I wanted to take the bike with me to Europe at some point?

13 hours ago

KC ****

I bought a new Honda PCX from a dealer in Pattaya. All he needed was my passport and certificate of residence which visa agent got for me in one day for 1500 baht. I didn’t need to go to immigration. Agent took care of everything. The bike cost 105K baht with one years insurance

15 hours ago

Frank **********

Following

Same situation

15 hours ago

Mauro *********

Yes you need drive licence for motorbike plus certificate of residence

16 hours ago

Anonymous ******************

@Mauro ********

technically you don’t need a license to buy or own a motorcycle, but it’s certainly recommended

15 hours ago

John **********

Anonymous participant 284 but you do to drive one

15 hours ago

Mauro *********

Anonymous participant 284

Mmm.. yes true.. !

But also I have experience they ask drive licence when I buy car. But maybe you be right isn't mandatory.

15 hours ago

Reply to

Mauro *********

Greg ********

If buying new the dealer should do everything for you. If 2nd hand you need a Certificate of Residence to transfer the Green Book (Ownership book) to you. It is all done at the Department of land Transport. Same place you pay the tax and basic insurance

16 hours ago

Robert *******

a Thai motorbike license if you like to drive on it.

a Certificate of Address to put it in your name

Yes, insurance and road tax must be paid

Yes, a number plate will be issued

Yes, there is registration involved,

Yes, the ownership is mentioned in a green book

The shop can handle almost all of this.

16 hours ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you 🤗 Will my international license be sufficent, or do I need to get one here? I might aswell get one here tbh

15 hours ago

John **********

Anonymous participant if you have an international license that includes Category A (meaning you are licensed for motorbikes) and your home license also covers the category you bypass the actual driving part of the test.

15 hours ago

Anonymous ******************

Anonymous participant Your international driving licence is valid for 90 days only in Thailand.

15 hours ago

Robert *******

Anonymous participant No, after 90 days in Thailand you need a Thai driving license.

15 hours ago

Reply to

Robert *******

What is the process for registering a motorcycle at the DLT in Thailand, and what documents are required?

2 comments

21 days ago