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What is the process for converting a German driver's license to a Thai one, and does the German embassy play a role in this?

Thai Driver's LicenseLicense ConversionGerman Driver's LicenseInternational Driving PermitTranslation ServicesDepartment of Land TransportExpat Guidance
Jul 21, 2025
a month ago
Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Applying for a Thai drivers license:

Where and who should translate my German drivers license? The embassy writes:

A conversion of a German driver's license into a Thai one can be applied for in Thailand. Detailed information on the application process can be obtained from the Department of Land Transport.

Does this mean the German embassy has no role in this process?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
To convert a German driver's license to a Thai one, applications are handled by Thailand's Department of Land Transport (DLT). It's noted that the German embassy does not handle the conversion process directly. You may need a certified translation of your license if you do not possess an International Driving Permit (IDP). Some expats have successfully used local translators or German-speaking agents in Pattaya for this purpose. Costs may vary for translation and certification, with some individuals suggesting to try directly at the DLT before seeking translation services.
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Jim *******
For those reading this, some people do not know that IDP means International Driving Permit. Just to make it more readable to others.
a month ago
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Jeremy ********
I did my Thai drivers DL it cost me ฿1,015 THB

DL ฿205

Dr note ฿800

Residence paper ฿10
a month ago
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Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jeremy *******
 so far got almost everything to go.

The translation of mine DL should be done by a translator certified by German government…. cost 1000 thb.

The embassy has a list with approved translator Service otherwise they might decline the translation
a month ago
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Jim *******
@Jeremy *******
 It is more like 15,500 THB to get the yellow book. And it takes a month or two.
a month ago
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Martyn ***********
@Jim ******
 you've been done mate.. And they aren't much use for anything anyway..
a month ago
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Jeremy ********
@Martyn **********
 you get the pink ID card and a Thai govt number which you can use to open bank accts, SIM cards, DL, and use at govt hospitals and clinics

So not entire useless
a month ago
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Martyn ***********
@Jeremy *******
 most just as easy with passport. Driving licence still insisted on resident letter for me and several others I've read online...
a month ago
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Jeremy ********
@Martyn **********
 not me I did it with my pink ID number
a month ago
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Jim *******
@Martyn **********
 You mean, the owner (myself) does not have to be stated in house papers and needs no yellow book? And whenever I need a certificate of residence I have to ask the landlord (no landlord, I own the condo)?
a month ago
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Martyn ***********
@Jim ******
 yep.. Absolutely no need and virtually useless when you have it. On several occasions even with yellow book they still wanted residence letter.
a month ago
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Jim *******
@Martyn **********
 Is it harder to get the certificate of residence once I have the yellow book? On my own condo.
a month ago
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Jim *******
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Jeremy ********
@Jim ******
 it cost me like ฿500 for the yellow book, and took 7 days

These agents have you believing anything
a month ago
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Jim *******
@Jeremy *******
 Day 1, we went to District Office. They gave a list what is needed they demanded my tax return document from Japan, transalted to Thai (20 pages x 70 AUD = 1,400 AUD plus certified by Thai MFA). Furthermore, a letter of guarantee from my company (that I can not get, I retired a year ago). And then, 2 months.

With the attorney, no need for that.

It would be cheaper without the attorney (it is not not an agency, a lwayer dealing with family law).
a month ago
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Jeremy ********
@Jim ******
 I did it by myself and it cost ฿500

My visa copy

Passport and birth certificate translated (฿300)

And a letter from the house master on the blue book

Pink id card ฿80

Police report I believe

Super simple took like 7 days to get
a month ago
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Jim *******
@Jeremy *******
 But no house master (condo), it is myself, the owner. Whose birth certificate?
a month ago
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Jeremy ********
@Jim ******
 ok then it should be easier

I think I did a birth certificate…it’s Been years so I forgot all the paperwork
a month ago
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Jeremy ********
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Martyn ***********
@Jeremy *******
 residence paper 10 baht?
a month ago
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Jeremy ********
@Martyn **********
 yeah it was the cost for the paper to print it on
a month ago
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Martyn ***********
@Jeremy *******
 they excepted a copy? A resident letter 300 about?
a month ago
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Jeremy ********
@Martyn **********
 ohh I see the disconnect on the price

You used your passport for the DL

I used my pink card plus Thai ID number for the DL

that’s why it cost me ฿10 for the residence paper
a month ago
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Jeremy ********
@Martyn **********
 I paid ฿10 at the amphur office
a month ago
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Jeremy ********
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Pete *******
I needed to get my German license translated and the translation authenticated by the German Consulate in Pattaya as I did not have an IDP. Chonburi DLT.
a month ago
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Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Pete ******
 you had to make a appointment for the consulate in Pattaya?
a month ago
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Pete *******
@Robert ******
 no the translator I employed sorted it all out for me, paid 3k for the certified translation.
a month ago
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Pete *******
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Michael ********
I took my German international and my normal license to the DLT done a little test and got it changed no problem, you have to download a app on your phone watch a video answer 3 questions and then you get a screenshot to show them. Es ist nicht schwer, viel Erfolg.
a month ago
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Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
 I’ve got no international drivers license unfortunately
a month ago
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Michael ********
@Robert ******
 If i was you and it not to far away I would go to DLT first and try your Luck before you pay for Translaters or Agents, all offices are different.
a month ago
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Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
 problem is that I can’t concentrate for a longer period and the test is 5 hours. My early retirement is because of health concerns which makes it impossible for me to stay concentrated for a longer period.
a month ago
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Robert *******
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Jan ******************
@Robert ******
 If didn’t bring a IDP, your embassy could translate and confirm your national license if they provide this service. Done by the Norwegian embassy previously and accepted at the DLT.
a month ago
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John **********
You should have an IDP, if so no translation should be necessary. That is the purpose of an IDP
a month ago
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Jim *******
@John *********
 Not true. Translation is needed. I have IDP, posted it, The agency said:

Here’s the process (No Embassy is involved). 4,400 THB for the service.

1. Book an Appointment: You’ll need to schedule a visit with us. The process takes about 2 hours, and my staff will meet you directly at the DLT.

2. No Exam Required: There’s no driving test needed, just a physical test for your eyes and reflexes.

Required documents (no copies allowed):

- Passport & Visa

- Original driver’s license from your home country (must be in English or have an official translation certified by your embassy)...----> the agency does the translation

- Proof of residence (a certificate from either Thai Immigration or your embassy)

- Medical certificate (we can arrange this near the DLT on the same day)
a month ago
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John **********
@Jim ******
 talk directly with your local DLT office to find out what they require. If you have an IDP you should NOT need a translation. The cost for a Thai driving licence is 300 baht
a month ago
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Jim *******
@John *********
 I can not be arsed to go there and wait a whole day, even come tomorrow. Wife told me (she has Thai DL) pay it to the agency and finish it in 2 hours the same day.
a month ago
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John **********
@Jim ******
 I find it way easier to renew my licence than a Thai would. The last time I renewed a Thai friend from the same village was also going to renew their licence. They arrived at the DLT 2 hours before me, and I left before them.
a month ago
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John **********
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Bob **********
@Jim ******
 this is a huge scam in Thailand there’s no way you can get a VALID driver’s license without taking the test
a month ago
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Jan ******************
@Bob *********
 True, but you can convert an equal national driver license to a thai license together with a IDP.

You’ll need a residence certificate and a health statement as well and you’ll only do the simple test for sight and reaction at the DLT, not the complete theoretical and practical test.

I did both, converted my national car license and took the motorcycle license the Thai way as I didn’t have a national one.
a month ago
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Jim *******
@Jan *****************
 My intial driving license, from Norway (1982), full training and driving exam, was accepted everywhere, conversions too. Australia accepted it, then Japan accepted Australian DL, no exams, just basic sight and reflexes test.
a month ago
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John **********
@Bob *********
 if you have a home license and an IDP you can convert that to a 2 year Thai licence without doing the actual driving test, you just need a reaction test and a traffic light test. Some offices make you watch a video
a month ago
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Jim *******
@John *********
 Yes, John, I told that to the agency, why is any translation needed when my IDL is issued by the same authority (in English and other languages) as my home license. They said, my home DL (which is in Japanese) must be translated to English. They translate it on the spot (the agency).

4,400 THB altogether, they say my Thai DL will be with me within 2 hours.
a month ago
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Bob **********
@John *********
 you can watch the video online
a month ago
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John **********
@Bob *********
 I've never had to watch the video
a month ago
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Bob **********
@John *********
 I did on my 3rd 5 year ???
a month ago
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Bob **********
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Jan ******************
@Jim ******
 You should ask directly at the DLT. You can convert to a thai license with your national licence and the international driving permit, which basically is a translation of your national licence to the native language of all countries who approved the convention.
a month ago
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Jim *******
@Jan *****************
 That is what I said, but no, it has to be the Thai way.
a month ago
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Jim *******
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Greg ***********
@Robert ******
 go to Pattaya and visit the German speaking agent
@Stefan *******
 . His agency will get a Thai drivers license for you
a month ago
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Greg ***********
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