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Why was I only granted a 2-year extension for my Thai driver's license with DTV Visa instead of 5 years?
Jan 10, 2026
4 months ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERRegarding renewal Thai driver's license from 2 to 5 years: I didn't get 5 years because my DTV VISA was not valid for the entire 5 years. (missing 6 months🙄, I thought it was childish) I only got 2 years again. This was on Koh Samui. What has been your experience?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual experienced frustration in renewing their Thai driver's license due to their DTV (Digital Tourist Visa) not covering the full duration required for a 5-year license extension, resulting in only a 2-year renewal. Community responses clarified that eligibility for a 5-year license is primarily based on visa type rather than its duration, as DTV is classified as a tourist visa and typically does not qualify for longer extensions. Variability in licensing practices across different locations in Thailand was also discussed.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Anonymous ******************
Most transportation offices will issue only 2 years when holding a DTV; there are some others that issue 5 years, but they seem to be fewer and fewer. It has nothing to do with the expiration.
Fati ******
I’m DTV holder, could anyone explain the whole procedure to get Thai driving license as I m holding valid Australian driving license
Jesper *******
@Fati *****
make appointment online of the DLT you are visiting....get ready passport copies, residency cert (original) , medical cert, foreign driving licence, do a online video watching (1 hr) get QR after completing.....visit the DLT on your appointment date do some reaction test and get your thai licence same dayReply to
Jesper *******
Reply
Colin ********
I have dtv renewed licence at Chonburi land and transport office got 2 years
Kanom *******
@Colin *******
hi was you able to walk in or did you need a appointment ?Colin ********
@Kanom ******
go first without appointment to make further appointment and they give list of documents to bringKanom *******
@Colin *******
I'm of to burriram for for couple of days I'll try there. Pattaya and Rayong couldn't give me an appointment until FebruaryColin ********
@Kanom ******
yes I had to wait 5 weeks I tried bueng kan before that they wouldn't give me residency certificate on a dtvKanom *******
@Colin *******
thanks for the heads up I've done residency in pattaya hoping that's good enough. I can only but try. Thank you for sharing your experience.Colin ********
Kanom *******
@Colin *******
Oh :-/ I have all documents I'm only there for 2 days. Oh well I'll try my luck 🤞Reply to
Kanom *******
Reply
Peter ********
An anonymous post calling something childish 555 how childish 555
John **********
Despite people being able to get a 5 year licence on a DTV in some places legally it is a tourist visa so holders aren't entitled to a 5 year licence so don't go expecting one
Begp*****
Childish? It’s the exact opposite!
James *******
Renewed a 2 year and got a 5 year a couple of weeks ago. 1.5 years in to a DTV.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@James ******
congrats! 👏 I think less touristy areas are 'friendlier' to accommodate...Mary *****
@James ******
and in which department of DLT?James *******
@Mary ****
you mean which DLT province office? Prachuap Khiri Khan.Reply to
James *******
Reply
Anonymous ******************
In chiang mai even with one month left visa no matter the Visa, You get the 5year license
Brandon ************
It has nothing to do with how long your visa has. It has to do with the type of visa. DTV is a tourist visa, and generally tourist visas are not eligible for 5-year extensions.
People on long-term stays like retirement and marriage only receive 1 year at a time, but they can get 5-year extensions.
People on long-term stays like retirement and marriage only receive 1 year at a time, but they can get 5-year extensions.
Anonymous ******************
@Brandon ***********
in chiang mai I asked , I am not on one but last week the Lady told me no Problem with DTV to get the 5 year Extension if your 2 years are completeBrandon ************
Anonymous participant 560 Yes, each DLT office is different. And sometimes each person inside the office does things differently. Uniformity is not one of Thailand's strong suits.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
So true... same same but different... 🙂Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Chris **********
You can think it's childish all you want, but that is legal. I couldn't transfer my Australian license directly over because I missed the 6 month window by 3 days. Unfortunate for me, but that's legal.
Reply to
Chris **********
Reply
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