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What visa type do I need to renew my Thai driver's license from 2 years to 5 years?

Jun 10, 2025
3 days ago
Stuart ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I wish to renew my 2 year drivers licence to a 5 year. They require a visa more than a tourist visa. I'm from the UK, can someone tell me what is the visa type I require just for this purpose. Can I get it in country, or do I have to apply in London?

Cheers,
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user wants to renew their 2-year Thai driver's license to a 5-year license and is inquiring about the necessary visa type. It has been clarified that a Non-Immigrant Visa is generally required to obtain a 5-year driver's license, and some DLT offices might accept a DTV Visa, but the latter is less common. Comments also discuss the process of transferring a UK driver's license to a Thai license, including requirements like medical certificates and the ease of obtaining a temporary license for 2 years.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Paul ********
How do I transfer my uk drivers licence to a Thai license I Know I can drive in Thailand for 90 days with international drivers permit do I just exchange or do a driving test again in Thailand ?? Thanks for your help
Stuey ******
@Paul *******
You need to have photo copy of your passport. , Visa , TM 30 and copy of your home country driving liscence. Medical certificate from your Doctor. Do the online test at home before will save time then go to the transport office , hand in all Docs and take a 4 tests with reaction speeds and eye test , pass all that and you are good to go.
Stuart ***********
@Paul *******
you need to get a residence certificate and medical certificate. Make an appointment at Dept of Land Transport in either ChaAm or Pranburi and do the simple vision/reaction tests to get a 2 tear Thai license. It's very easy, good luck.
Simon *******
@Stuart **********
where do you get the medical certificate from
Pui *****
@Simon ******
every doctor, clinic and hospital in Thailand knows what a medical certificate is, as it is required for many Expat activities like work permits, drivers licenses, etc. Costs as low as 100 baht from clinics, or up to 900 baht or so at hospitals. Just walk in and ask for one.
Stuart ***********
@Simon ******
any medical clinic. I got mine from a Thai clinic for 100 baht. I think the Red Cross will issue them too.
Simon *******
@Stuart **********
have you got a link to the video training
Simon *******
Stuart ***********
@Simon ******
******************************
Simon *******
Stephan ***********
You need a Non-Immigrant-Visa, some (just some) DLT-Offices accept also a DTV for the renewal to 5 year. Every other type of visa will get only temporary licenses (2 year) again.
Bob **********
@Stephan **********
the DTV hasn’t been around for two years how can you say this the DTV is a tourist visa no one has done this
Stephan ***********
@Bob *********
I didn't say anything about Tourist Visa, did I? Also... many people with a DTV renewed their drivers license (from 2 year or 5 year) already... most got a temporary license, some were more lucky and got a 5 year license... depends on the DLT-Office.
Bob **********
@Stephan **********
the DTV has only been around not quite a year so how would they do that and just to inform you a DTV is a tourist visa
Stephan ***********
@Bob *********
Yes, the DTV is widely considered as a Tourist Visa, but officially it's kind of it's own category. We are all well aware of that. Anyhow... now to your "problem" about the license and DTV... many people have a license since before 15. July 2024, temporary as well as regular. Some of these people changed their visa to DTV... and when it's time to renew the license it depends on the DLT-Office how many years they will get... two or five. Officially it's two, but apparently some got five years.
Pete *******
Any long stay Non Immigrant visa will get you the 5 year license.
Stuart ***********
To answer your question is difficult because you have not given enough details about yourself. Things like age and reason for being in Thailand?
Stuart ***********
Why do you need a 5 year licence if you are here as a tourist? Can't you get another 2 year license instead?
Bob **********
@Stuart **********
that’s the only one he’ll get without a long stay visa
John *******
Where in Thailand do you live?
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