This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
Will insurance companies cover drivers with an International Drivers License in Thailand?
International Drivers LicenseThai Driver LicenseInsurance CoverageDriving PermitVisa and Residency in ThailandThailand Driving Laws
Oct 17, 2022
4 years ago
Gee ******
ORIGINAL POSTERWill insurance companies cover drivers with an International Drivers License (not IDP)? If not is there insurance I can get until I obtain an actual Thai driver’s license?
Also must a Thai license be obtained in your home residential province? Example obtain license in PhangNga but residence in Phuket
Also must a Thai license be obtained in your home residential province? Example obtain license in PhangNga but residence in Phuket
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the validity and acceptance of International Drivers Licenses (IDL) in Thailand, noting that they are often not recognized by insurance companies. Participants clarify that the IDL is essentially a translation of a national driver's license and must be used in conjunction with the original license. A Thai driver's license is encouraged for longer stays and is obtainable from any province, provided one has the necessary documentation. There is a consensus that driving solely on an IDL can result in complications, especially in terms of insurance coverage.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Nick ************
I rented a car for several months using IDP and UK driving license. The car rental company phoned their insurers while I was in the office and I was assured that I was covered. I later got a Thai driving license and insurance to cover my own vehicle. I did actually damage the rental car quite badly and only paid 3000 baht excess.
Оливер *********
An IDP is only valid in conjunction with the original driving licence. The IDP is actually nothing else than an official translation of your driving licence!
Cory **********
Lots of misinformation in this thread. 1. International driver licenses issued in Thailand are illegal. 2. A permit from own country is valid for up to a year. 3. Easy to get a Thai driver license even on a tourist visa with a residency certificate, medical certificate, a driver license from your own country. Make an appointment with transportation office in your province you got the residency certificate.
Ken ********
@Cory *********
hi , the permit is valid for one year like you say, but i read somewhere its only usable for upto 3 months in Thailand .John **********
@Ken *******
that's because insurance companies generally won't recognise it once you've been in Thailand for 3 monthsReply to
John **********
Reply
Greg ********
I obtained my original licence in my home province but was able to renew away from home
John **********
If you have an IDP (International Drivers Permit) from your home country that you can use in conjunction with a valid drivers license from that country you are good for 3 months in Thailand from the point of entry. Most, if not all, insurance companies won't cover you for longer.
Ilia *********
@John *********
finally a proper response from someone who knows. By the way my country, issue IDP that is valid for 3 years!Rob **********
@John *********
perfect answer 100% correct.Reply to
Rob **********
Reply
Steve ********
International Driving Licences are bogus photocards available on the internet. They have zero standing anywhere. If you have one you've been scammed. It's worthless
Paddy *********
@Steve *******
As a tourist I have been getting IDLs from the NRMA -which is the NSW Australian multi umbrella insurance roadside assistance organisation - for years. Nothing shonky about these . Read their details . It is my understanding that without it travel insurance in the event of an accident is void.I also carry my drivers licences from Australia and HK when in Thailand. However , yes they have to be converted to a local license after several months.
Mine is valid for one year.
It cannot be sent to me overseas so must be obtained prior to departure.
I have to provide a passport photo and ID checks for it.
Paddy *********
And what is definitive re this series of posts mostly regarding US IDPs?
My point is that travel insurance requires it
My point is that travel insurance requires it
Steve ********
@Paddy ********
Insurance companies will walk away from anyone with an IDL, as it's not a legitimate and recognised document.Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
Steve ********
@Paddy ********
*******************************************************************
*****
21-idp-vs-idl-to-drive-in-thailand/Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
Steve ********
@Paddy ********
Another person who cannot read. It's a PERMIT not a LICENCE. I get mine from RACQ in Queensland and these CAN be sent to overseas addresses.Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
Cory **********
@Av *********
if you got a permit from AAA it’s valid and yes need it to drive in Thailand if you don’t have a Thai license. The international driver licenses sold in Thailand is not legal.Patrick *******
@Av *********
I had that liscence when I visited here and the first few months I moved here. When I was stopped, the cop only wanted to see the international one. I always got it at CAA in canada before coming here. One year, I didn't get it ( only canadian licence ) and got a 400 baht ticket in hua hin.Steve ********
@Av *********
The AAA issues an IDP not a licence. That's what I'm talking about. If you use the wrong terminology it's YOUR problem! 🤣Steve ********
@Av *********
**************************************
Steve ********
@Av *********
****************************************************************
Duncan *******
@Av *********
it's written on the front - this isn't hard, I even shared a picture. The terminolgy is important as scammers sell licenses.Henry *********
@Av *********
Actually Duncan is right. An IDP is just a translation of your national driving licence. You need a Thai licence if you're driving in Thailand for more than a few months.Av **********
@Duncan ******
well when I went into AAA and ordered it, they always use the word license....i think you are just picking on words and terms....Duncan *******
@Av *********
you're using an Internatiional Driving Permit permited by international treaty, not a license. So-called internatiinal licenses are a scam.Av **********
@Steve *******
actually in thailand once, the cop was mad that I only had a Washington license, he said where is your international..which was at my dad's so he followed me home to get it before he would let me go. He said american licenses without international didn't count because we drive on the different side of the road.Av **********
@Steve *******
I have been using AAA International License for years around the world which has been recognized and respected everytime I had a run in with international law enforcements........not sure what the heck you are talking about...but AAA licenses have always worked for moiReply to
Av **********
Reply
Stuart **********
Don't get yourself involved in an accident on an international driving license 👍🍻
Mark ********
@Stuart *********
even though the IDL isn't valid, that doesn't mean that the OP doesn't have a validly issued license from his home country which otherwise complies with international requirementsGee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mark *******
yeah it seems to be a grey area that I’m trying to clarify. Whether or not car insurance companies accept the IDL or USA license + IDP (after 3 months from date of entry).Mark ********
@Gee *****
many things in Thailand are a lot greyer than you're used to, to be honest, so bear that in mind.Mark ********
As mentioned, an IDL isn't and can't be validly issued under any jurisdiction so is almost meaningless legally
Mark ********
@Gee *****
All vehicles in Thailand have compulsory insurance which doesn't have any particular requirements. Most insurance companies are either silent on the issue or just have a "valid licence" clause. FYI for lawyers, " valid licence" has a specific meaning which isn't what most of the armchair lawyers on facebook understand the term to meanWayne *********
@Gee *****
Why not email a few insurance companies and ask them ?Gee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Wayne ********
Yeah that would be more definitiveWayne *********
@Gee *****
yep it's what I did to find out if they cover me for riding bikes in Thailand, Then you have it in writingReply to
Wayne *********
Reply
Dorai **************
You can process your Thai driver's license in phuket.
Gee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Rai ****
yes of course. But the appointments are several months outJohn **********
@Gee *****
park up the car and wait is the only reasonable adviceReply to
John **********
Reply
Garrett ***********
There's no such thing as an international drivers license.
-No, you can obtain a Thai license at any DLT, but you need a certificate of residency and immigration only issues those in their own province (Bangkok won't issue you a CoR with a Chiang Mai address).
-No, you can obtain a Thai license at any DLT, but you need a certificate of residency and immigration only issues those in their own province (Bangkok won't issue you a CoR with a Chiang Mai address).
Ilia *********
@Garrett **********
international driving license exist. I got mine issued from my country and it allows me to drive in many countries, including Thailand for 3 years.David *********
@Ilia ********
There’s a difference Permit is not a license. And if you have an IDP you still have to carry you License from your country.David *********
@Ilia ********
There is no such thing as an International Driving License. Any company offering this, it is a SCAM. No country in the world can issue a driving license to drive in another country.Ilia *********
@David ********
It is IDP that is valid for 3 years and issued by my country's minister of transport office. So ok after reading comments here, i've realised it is valid for 90 days from entery to Thailand but you can go traveling outside come back with a visa and get another 90 days driving permit. So i count it as a driving license as i can drive here without a hassle of getting the local driving license. You can call it whatever you like, it serves the purpose. It is not a scam 100%Dan ********
@Ilia ********
you can count it as whatever the f@ck you like, but it's an IDP, you have got an 'International Driving Permit' which has exactly the same benefits and restrictions as the rest of the 170 countries that signed the treaty. But you carry on driving wherever and whenever you like, and tell the local traffic police that you got an International licence, the only one in the world, except for those bought online for $29.Reply to
Dan ********
Reply
Gee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Garrett **********
Is there car insurance I can obtain until I get my Thai license?Garrett ***********
@Gee *****
In Thailand the vehicle is insured, not the driver. You'd have to read the vehicles policy to see if it limits the insurance companies liability if the driver is unlicensed.Reply to
Garrett ***********
Reply
Dar *****
@Garrett **********
you need a TM30 not a certificate of residencyJohn ********
@James ********
Phuket immigration require certificate of residency besides otherGarrett ***********
@James ********
No, you need a certificate of residency....Giorgio ******
@James ********
in C.M. you need a certificate of residency , and that comes after a TM 30. And that is the prrcise information . just went through it.you need a certificate of residency because the adress is indicated on the back of the drivers licence.
Mark ********
James Russell that's simply wrong. You need to have had a TM30 filed at the same immigration office that you require the certificate of residence from), but I don't believe that you can get an IDP against a 2 year temporary licence, only the 5 year license
Reply to
Mark ********
Reply
Gee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Garrett **********
I have an International Drivers Licensed issued by an agency in Phuket. So they do exist. But I’m wondering about it’s acceptability for car insuranceGarrett ***********
@G**
Drivers licenses in every country are issued by the government. You think some lady that rents a shophouse down a soi in Phuket can issue you a drivers license legal in every country in the world? Come on.Rob **********
@Gee *****
it is a international driving permit, which corresponds with the validity of your license in your own country. Legally you can drive for 90 days on your IDP in Thailand.Ilia *********
@Rob *********
but if you go out and return by flight then you got another 90 days, right?Reply to
Ilia *********
Reply
Mark ********
@Gee *****
It has no legal validity unless it's been issued by a recognised agency (e.g. in the UK, it's the Automobile Association the RAC or the Post Office). IDLs are basically a scamChris *****
******************************************************************************
Chris *****
What the Post Office issues in the UK is an international driving permit. There are three types and the type accepted by countries differs. If insurance doesn't accept them it is probably because they are only valid a short amount of time. The type valid in Thailand (the 1949 type) is only valid for one year so presumably wouldn't last an insurance policy.
Gee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mark *******
ok good to know.Reply to
Gee ******
Reply
Wayne *********
@Gee *****
Agency s will sell anything does not mean its legalGee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Wayne ********
it’s legal. My friend here in Thailand has been using for years. But what you’re saying is that this is not acceptable for car insurance?Dan ********
@Gee *****
so you might as well not buy the insurance, as they will never pay out in this instance. No licence, no insurance - you'll save a fortune 👍😝Dan ********
@Gee *****
using it for what exactly ? Assuming he's not a thai national then ? Has he ever been asked by the police or other authority to show his International AND license from his home country ? I've been driving here for 10 years, with just a single sheet of toilet paper for a driving licence, it works just fine, only my insurance wont accept it. 😝Wayne *********
@Gee *****
think about it, if an insurance company will not accept it maybe they don't think its legal either. I can buy online for $29 aud but wouldn't I prefer idp which they do acceptReply to
Wayne *********
Reply
138 comments
2 years ago
18 comments
2 years ago
18 comments
2 years ago
26 comments
2 years ago
200 comments
2 years ago
25 comments
2 years ago
22 comments
2 years ago
13 comments
2 years ago
98 comments
2 years ago
43 comments
3 years ago
128 comments
3 years ago
57 comments
3 years ago
7 comments
3 years ago
25 comments
3 years ago
25 comments
3 years ago
39 comments
3 years ago
47 comments
4 years ago
59 comments
4 years ago
42 comments
4 years ago
15 comments
5 years ago
151 comments
5 years ago
66 comments
5 years ago
66 comments
5 years ago
54 comments
6 years ago
28 comments
9 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.