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What is the process for obtaining an International Driving Permit in Thailand for expats?
International Driving PermitThai Driving LicenseVisa RegulationsExpats in ThailandDriving Laws in Thailand
Dec 19, 2023
2 years ago
Paulo **********
ORIGINAL POSTERCurrently in Thailand , asking advice on the best option for obtaining an International Drivers Licence, I know I’m in good hands here , thank you kindly
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion centers around obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Thailand. It's clarified that the IDP is only available for those holding a permanent (5-year) Thai driving licence and that it can be obtained at the local Department of Land Transport office. For those wishing to use a home country license, they need to acquire the IDP from their home country before arriving in Thailand. Several insights are shared about the necessity and validity of the IDP when driving in Thailand, with emphasis on the local law requiring a Thai driving license to drive legally if on an extension of stay.
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Bill ********
I dont believe Thailand has such things!
Garry ********
Don't listen to the Don't need one crap, you have an accident technically in this country you are unlicensed, I was pulled over today when they block the whole road, I handed over my Australian licence my IDP and my passport, he said where is my thai licence, I said your holding my IDP, he apologised and off I went, probably looking for a pay day or he couldn't read English, but yeah definitely have a licence that's legal to drive here, to cover any serious issue's
Garry ********
I'm pretty sure you have to obtain your international licence in your own country, might be wrong.
Charlie ********
Looking at the comment “ I know I’m in good hands here..” I think
@Paulo *********
might be posting just to get key board warriors fighting…… I normally avoid these things here, but my limited knowledge is that there is no such thing as an international driving licence. ( no matter how the name on the document translates) There is an IDP ( International Drivers Permit) this is simply a translation of your home country licence. I’m from Uk so I would obtain one (1968 for Thailand) for about £6 from the Post Office before I come here. It’s valid for 12 months from issue. ( now actually 3 years in UK) Every country that is a signatory to the International Convention on Road Traffic can issue an IDP to any person that holds a driving licence in their country. ( yes I’m aware in Thailand it has to be a 5 year DL) The year on the IDP ( 1968 for UK DL holder to drive in Thailand ) relates the the respective different International Convention on Road Traffic treaties. ( there are several). There may also be limits on how long you can use an IDP in certain countries after entry 3, 6 or even 12 months, even though it’s valid for 12 or 36 months, so it’s important to have your passport or a recent copy showing entry stamp with you when you drive. I’ll say now I know nothing about Thai law. My post is based on 10 years experience as a UK cop and 20 years experience as a UK criminal defence ( that includes Road Traffic Law) solicitor.Paulo **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Charlie *******
what are you talking about the reason I’m asking is due to opening a Thai bank account , speak when spoken too ok paranoidCharlie ********
@Paulo *********
you are obviously struggling to understand life! You do not need an international driving licence or permit ( the former doesn’t exist and the latter is to do with driving in a foreign country to the one that issued your driving licence) to open a Thai bank account. If you search this forum asking about Thai bank accounts you will get all the info you need. I need help with many things but nothing in this post has challenged me, except perhaps your unexplained anger and lack of comprehension. Now Google To , Too and two , they all mean different things. Have a great day and a good Christmas.Charlie ********
@Paulo *********
you obviously asked the wrong question then. What has an IDP got to do with a bank account? “Speak when spoken too” ? Actually, too means also or excessively. But if you do mean “speak when spoken to “, do you not realise that when you are posting on Facebook in a group that I am a member of you are actually speaking to me? As for being paranoid I was actually crediting you with intelligence and a sense of mischief you obviously don’t posses.Paulo **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Charlie *******
well I’m in Thailand right and all the banks I’ve been too want a valid licence for identification, who the hell are you , you think I’m doing this for fun , you sound like a troll goodbye and get a lifeCharlie ********
@Paulo *********
so what you should have asked is how do I get a Thai driving licence but instead you said international driving licence which is something that does not exist. That started everyone shouting each other down about IDP’s. You need to ask the right question to get the right answer, or is that TOO complex a concept for you TO understand. I think there are TWO ways to get a Thai licence but I’m not TOO sure about that, perhaps you should ask again one here but say Thai driving licence not international driving licence. You also sound like a very angry person. I think your next question should be about where in Thailand you can get tranquillisers or anger management.Paulo **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Charlie *******
you need helpReply to
Paulo **********
Reply
Graham ******
All of this don't bother, you don't need one nonsense makes me laugh. The new one is good for 3 years from the UK and it still costs just £5.50 from mayor Post Offices. For that price why take the riak?
Marc *********
Can I upgrade my 2 year thai license ahead of the 2 years to get a 5 year one ?
Christopher *************
You can't get an international driving permit here , you need to bring it from your home country. Getting a thai licence here is easy but font fall for the ---- we can do your test for uou scams
Mike ********
How many uk people living in thailand that have turned 70 y/o realise that they have to renew their uk driving license at age 70 ?,.It can be done 90 days in advance of your 70th birthday,.has anyone done this renewal in thailand ?
Judy *******
@Mike *******
You can do it on-line but you need a UK addressReply to
Judy *******
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Bonnie *********
You cannot. The online services are worthless here. They know that they are scams.
Leroy ******
I got mine online in Australia before I left. Easy process.
Paulo **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Leroy *****
yes it is , I need a Thai issued oneLeroy ******
@Paulo *********
Then I'd suggest contacting the Thai transport authority or speak with an agent.Paulo **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Leroy *****
the post has already given me insight, thanksReply to
Paulo **********
Reply
Chris ************
@Paulo *********
if you want it for a thai license then that has to be valid for 5 years to get it and you get it in Thailand. If you ask for your home national license you get that in your home country.
Terary **********
I have never needed one. I used to print those out from the internet. They seem pointless. Police ask for ANY driver's license, car rental places ask for ANY drivers license, no body asks for the International Drivers Permit (notice its not a license). It's a document that says you have a license from someplace.
Diane **********
@Terary *********
just for your information an international license isn't only to prove you had one somewhere, endorsements on yr license & other traffic violations are listed... & or make it possible to contact the issuing country to check violations etc.😉Brandon ************
@Terary *********
I was stopped in Chiang Mai at a police checkpoint. They were giving lots of tickets. I handed over my IDP and the cop showed it to the other people stopped at the checkpoint and then let me on my way.Charlie ********
@Brandon ***********
I got stopped by police at a checkpoint today on Karon Hill, I tried to show my IDP and he waved me away saying he just wanted to see my Sunderland AFC football shirt! Examined my shirt gave me the thumbs up and waved me thru without looking at my IDP.Sue **********
@Brandon ***********
same thing happened to me 😊. Feels good to drive away without filling their pockets!! 🤣🤣🤣Reply to
Sue **********
Reply
AIex **********
@Terary *********
I was pulled over in a rental car for having no tax disc showing didn't even realise it needed to be on display for some reason it was stashed in the glove box, then the police requested to see me IDP, didn't have one he smiled and wrote me a ticket. Had to go to the police station pay a fine roughly 1500 baht and drive back to the place officer ND he gave me my license and waved me off. They do check sometimes not everyone is so lucky as yourselfReply to
AIex **********
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Peter ********
Why bother. You don’t need one despite the paranoia to have one on this forum. Hertz and Avis are quite ok without one. And if they and all of their lawyers don’t need it then whats the problem? I had a small accident once on a Texas license. Cops and insurance only wanted my Texas license. No problem. But if you are paranoid and like wasting money then go ahead. The only people who get these useless bits or paper are the ones who rarely travel. Or are paranoid. So that’s my ten cents. It’s ok not to listen.
Frank **********
If you are on an extension of stay, you definitely need a Thai drivers license as it is the law.
Paulo **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Frank *********
I think i have been approved to open a Thai bank account ( inwhich I need to obtain a retirement Visa ) with my partners residence , Australian drivers licence and proof of funds , thank you kindly for everybody’s help and input , much appreciated.Reply to
Paulo **********
Reply
David *******
@Peter *******
lol yes true I rented without license and had accident but luckily insurance company and no one asked if I had licence in Samui I was broken up and had some pins and I am sure cost of hospital was not cheap I only know they would not discharge until bill was paid. But I think it's a good idea to get licenced cover your basesPeter ********
@David ******
yes excellent point. Get $1bn of insurance at home in case you stall on a level crossing and an oil train comes through and sets fire to a whole city. That would help cover all your bases. The paranoia on this forum is unbelievable.David *******
@Peter *******
1bn$ insurance is a minimum and also take marriage insurance out at the same time and get a discount. Have a great day ! Don't drink and drive !Peter ********
@David ******
well at least you have a sense of humor mate.David *******
@Peter *******
any ideas what is legal to shoot the territorial soi dogs with that chase motorbike ? I could run over with the car but they always slide out the way somehow when using the car as a weapon. I could donate the carcasses to roadside chicken barbeque city dogs are ok but issan dogs have teeth and don't tend to sleep outside the doors of local 7 eleven they are ready for white boy fleshReply to
David *******
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Peter ********
@David ******
Presumably you did have a license. From home. If not then you seem to really like breaking the law.David *******
@Peter *******
yes i am an outlaw big time but yes i do have a drivers license from home and i don't pass on the inside, i use signal lights , i drive on the correct side of he road, i don't stop on the middle of the road and walk away etc etc take careReply to
David *******
Reply
Paulo **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Peter *******
there are reasons you need one and it has nothing to do with driving , hence my enquiry.Peter ********
@Paulo *********
what reasons ??? Because you were banned from driving in a court case at home?? That can be a reason.Paulo **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Peter *******
yeah rightPeter ********
@Paulo *********
really? I like your honesty.Reply to
Peter ********
Reply
Jordi ********
@Peter *******
That you yourself got away with something doesn't mean the rest of us is paranoia. The only thing is useless are your comments. So maybe, if its all so stupid to you, stop reacting to it.Peter ********
@Jordi *******
keep wasting money JordiJordi ********
@Peter *******
Don't need to mate. I have a Thai license.Peter ********
@Jordi *******
well that’s different. Visitors have overseas license and don’t need an international permit. People here have a local license. It’s useful for ID too.Jordi ********
@Peter *******
Not true. Overseas license is not accepted in Thailand. You need an IDP (international driving permit) which is valid for 3 months for most insurance agencies. But we already had this conversation so you might want to try Google.Peter ********
@Jordi *******
Total nonsense. But who cares. People can do what they wanna do.Jordi ********
@Peter *******
Sure thing! Yolo right?! Peter knows best;). Do whatever you wanna do.Reply to
Jordi ********
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David *******
why not get one from your home country before you leave if just visiting a few months since they are valid 1 year and cheaper in home country
Peter ********
@David ******
Because he’s already here. He doesn’t need one anyway.David *******
@Peter *******
makes senseReply to
David *******
Reply
Dirk **************
This is probably what you are looking for… bring your permanent (5 year) license, passport as well as confirmation of residence from immigration or pink card to the land office. Arrive early as it takes a while.
Peter ********
@Dirk *************
That’s for Thai people going abroad surely?Tony ******
@Peter *******
I hold a 5 year thai license it's easier for me to get the thai idp than to get one from Australia why can't you get your head around it lol 😀 😜 😉 some of us live here I also hold a NZ license left there at 21 not all of us return home lol happy in Thailand 😀 😄 😉Dirk **************
Nope, they also asked me (non-Thai) what I needed the International Driving Permit for and what countries I was planning to travel to. All this information was recorded by the clerk 🙂
Duncanc **********
@Dirk *************
there are different versions required by different countries (1926, 1949 or 1968) It’s a messy area of international “cooperation”
Reply to
Duncanc **********
Reply
Carsten ************
@Dirk *************
May I ask how long it's valid?Dirk **************
@Carsten ***********
one year from the day of issue.Dirk **************
Oh, and they will ask you why you need it and what countries you will be traveling to.
Reply to
Dirk **************
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Judy *******
As long as you have the 5-year Thai licence you can get one from your local DLT office
Peter ********
@Judy ******
Surely it’s a two year first then a 5 year. And what’s he on for visa. Probably can’t get one.Judy *******
@Peter *******
The OP didn't state whether he had a 2-year or 5-year licence. To get an IDP he needs a 5-year Thai licenceReply to
Judy *******
Reply
Brandon ************
First, there's no such thing as an international drivers license. It's called an international drivers permit. Anyone trying to sell an international drivers license is a scammer.
If you're asking about getting an IDP issued by Thailand, you must already be on the "permanent" 5 year Thai drivers license and cannot be on the 2 year temporary drivers license. You would then go to your local DLT office and apply.
If you're asking about an IDP issued from your home country, check with the relevant agency that issues them in your home country. For example AAA issues them in the USA and they have a specific mailing address for sending in applications from overseas to issue and send back to you.
If you're asking about getting an IDP issued by Thailand, you must already be on the "permanent" 5 year Thai drivers license and cannot be on the 2 year temporary drivers license. You would then go to your local DLT office and apply.
If you're asking about an IDP issued from your home country, check with the relevant agency that issues them in your home country. For example AAA issues them in the USA and they have a specific mailing address for sending in applications from overseas to issue and send back to you.
Chris ************
@Brandon ***********
that depends on the country. In germany it is called and issued in german as internationaler Führerschein which is translated then as permit but actually in original the meaning is license/paper. Just to say 😅Peter ********
@Brandon ***********
Oh you are the only person on the planet apart from me who knows what they are talking about it seems.Reply to
Carsten ************
Reply
Carsten ************
@Brandon ***********
on my International Driver's License is written International Driver's License. What am I doing wrong?Asking for a friend 🙄
Garrett ***********
@Carsten ***********
It's fake thenCarsten ************
@Garrett **********
I believe, it's more a translation thingy. You're American and maybe over there it's translated differently.Garrett ***********
@Carsten ***********
Can you show a picture of it?Carsten ************
@Garrett **********
no word about permit or licence. As mentioned above. The English translation is licence.Chris ************
@Carsten ***********
open it and you will see it translates from Führerschein to permit...Carsten ************
@Chris ***********
nope, inside it's clarified which classes of vehicle you hold a permit for. Brandon wrote, "there's no such thing as an intern. drivers licence, but exactly that's the 1:1 translation. Not more and not less. Let's stop it here. Cheers!Chris ************
@Carsten ***********
i confused that with the switzerland one in german. there it is same i said. and basically its about translating german to english.Reply to
Chris ************
Reply
Carsten ************
Easy to obtain the Thai license, but for the international one you need to have the five years one and not the temporary one. You need to apply at your home country, I guess.
Disiz ******
@Carsten ***********
how to get a thai license?Carsten ************
Depends on what kind of license you currently hold. Transfer your home license or making it from scratch? I recommend a visit at some driving school. The fees are peanuts and they will help you saving a lot of time.
Reply to
Carsten ************
Reply
John **********
Do you mean a Thai international driving permit based on a Thai driving license or one for your home country license? If the latter you can only get from your home country.
Peter ********
@John *********
I never get these debates. Why would a falang with a Thai license ever want an international driving permit if they are driving in Thailand? I think some people have too much time to waste talkingJohn **********
@Peter *******
they are likely travelling outside of Thailand and want to drive wherever they are goingPeter ********
@John *********
my Thai friends use their Thai license in America for example. Always. No international permit. Ever. AAA in America makes lots of money from these things from the untraveled ignorant. It’s a good racket of course.Robert **********
@Peter *******
some countries need the IDP from some other countries in order to drive there. It can be a matter of a non-Roman alphabet, like if your license is in Arabic or Chinese, but also, I just went to Poland and couldn’t drive because I didn’t have an IDP. It turns out the US didn’t sign the 1949 convention or something, and although IDPs from the US are available by mail now, it’s a lengthy process, and I didn’t have time. I actually have a Thai IDP, but forgot to bring it.Peter ********
@Robert *********
Thanks for sharing. But I never said that there are no places where you need that thing. I was only talking about Thailand.Duncanc **********
@Peter *******
Are you really giving legal advice based on the behaviour of a few Thai friends? Love the confidence Champ 😍
***************************************
Bonnie *********
@Duncanc *********
C’mon, he’s from my home country. They typically double down when wrong.Peter ********
@Bonnie ********
Yeah I know. I’m one too. Two can play that game. Lol.Tito *********
@Peter *******
not everywhere is America. In most of Europe, Thai licence is not valid without IDPJohn **********
@Peter *******
they are lucky to get away with using a Thai license in the states, I guess they've not come up against officialdomPeter ********
@John *********
I thought of that. But I doubt it. They can use their overseas license or their Thai license. It’s all paranoia by the ignorant.Joren ******
@Peter *******
maybe they need an IDP and don't want to go home to get one?Bonnie *********
@Peter *******
Your overseas license is worthless here.John **********
@Peter *******
they may have let their overseas licence lapse, or perhaps they're not travelling to their home country.Reply to
John **********
Reply
Paulo **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
yes I got the latter last time from RACV , this time I need the Thai IDP, cheers mate.Colin **********
John **********
@Paulo *********
for the Thai IDP you go to your local DLT office but you need to be on a 5 year Thai license, they won't issue one on the 2 year temporary licenseReply to
John **********
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