Warning Of "fake" International Driving Permits

[george]

Warning of "fake" international driving permits

BANGKOK: -- The Department of Land Transport today warns foreigners in Thailand about using local companies issuing International Driving Permits (International Drivers Licences).

These licenses are not valid in Thailand, the Ministry warns.

Source: http://www.dlt.go.th

An International Driving Permit is valid for one year in Thailand, according to international law. Five, ten year or life-time permits, as advertised in Bangkok Post and other media, does not exist, according to the Department of Land Transport.

If you need an International licence, please contact your local authorithy or motor organization in your home country, or apply for an International permit with the authorities in Thailand. The fee is 500 Baht.

Do not use agents!

-- Source: Department of Land Transport, http://www.dlt.go.th

Phone: 0-2617-7004, 0-2617-6676, 0-2272-5426, 0-2272-5429, 0-2272-5317

Related forum topics:

Warning on fake "International" driving permits:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=37378

Join the discussion here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=37730

How to obtain a Thai drivers license:

http://www.thaivisa.com/320.0.html

How to renew a Thai drivers license:

http://www.thaivisa.com/567.0.html

Where to apply for a Thai drivers license:

http://www.thaivisa.com/331.0.html

Local motorbike license (Thai language):

http://www.dlt.go.th/motocycle/guideto.html

[scratt]

You didn't add that in order to get a Thai Driving license you either need to pay your embassy for a home check, for which in the Birtish Embassys case they charge you 3000 Baht, make you wait 24 hours, and simply stamp the letter without a check.

I won't on principal pay 3000 Baht for a signature from an office boy.

So the other option is to get Immigration to ask your local police to come do a home check.

Of course the local police are too lasy to do that, so you then have to bribe them to get them to sign the forms 'cos they are too busy collecting bribes on the roads, and watching the lottery channel.

It's all very well criticizing illegal driving permits, but when the system for getting a Thai Driving license, unless you live in the provinces, is almost impossible legally, then sometimes an illegal one is the only way to keep driving..

In any case, our boys in brown will accept a postage stamp in lieu of a driving license as long as it comes with a 200Baht 'service fee'.

Heck, I would be wiling to wager that most female thai drivers in BMW's never had a license in their life!!

Edited June 24, 2005 by scratt

[george]

An address verification from the Immigration Bureau costs 200 baht, or in most cases are FREE. Scratt is wrong here, and off topic.

[sneef]

I do not think scratt is right.... but nor do i think he is completely wrong.

For instance... a criminal background check for a New Zealander from the ambassy here is Free... and they even mail it to you locally. Takes a couple of days though.

[roamer]

Interesting post. Err, , now I can go to the ads at the top of the page and buy myself an illegal driving licence.

[RDN]

....the other option is to get Immigration to ask your local police to come do a home check....you then have to bribe them to get them to sign the forms...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Immigration give you an address certificate if you provide them with the usual photocopies - passport, house papers, contract, house owner's ID, etc.

[JSixpack]

You didn't add that in order to get a Thai Driving license you either need to pay your embassy for a home check, for which in the Birtish Embassys case they charge you 3000 Baht, make you wait 24 hours, and simply stamp the letter without a check.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Nonsense. The Land Transport office needs an address verification from Thai Immigration, which is easily and cheaply gotten.

[expatinasia]

I just got my Thai driver's license, and used 2 methods to get my address verification...

The US embassy charged 1200 baht. I signed a form stating where I lived, signed it, and then countersigned by the embassy vice consul. Summary: 1200 baht, 15 minutes.

I got an address verification form from Immigration, completed it, and waited 2 weeks for Immigration to translate the request in Thai. I took the form to the police station next door, along with copies of my condo papers, and had a detective verify that the papers were true copies, and then type a letter in Thai. Summary: free, 15 days.

Take your pick.

[jumbo]

I am living here for the past6 years, still use my native dreverslicense!

I have been stopped by police on several occasions, had an accident one time and nobody ever complained about the driverslincense, so I really do not understand the issue about getting an international driverslicenseThe only thing you HAVE to be sure of is that your incusrance accepts (valid) foreign driverlicenses

The police does get confused or surpirised by my foreign license, suggests that I get an inernational one (like if they can read that ) but never takes or even can take any action....so I would suggest to read your insuirance policy and do not spend time or money on international orThai driverlicenses

[Richard Hall]

Simply said, I think it is just dumb to drive without or with a fake driving license.

Granted, there are rumours that you can just pay off a policeman with 200 baht when caught BUT don't forget if you get involved into a serious accident (even faultless) and insurance comes into play you are well, scre....

A scenario that can either make you bankrupt and/or even get you locked up for quite some time. Also, using fake documents is a serious crime.

Ask youself. Is saving a handful of baht and a little hassle really worth the risk?

Happy drivin'!

Cheers,

Richard

[Bilko]

To the guy that's saying it is nearly impossible to get a Thai driving license legally, not sure what the problem would be, unless you don't have a Non Immigrant Visa.

To the guy that's saying, driving in Thailand on a license issued in another country is perfectly alright, that's rubbish and no way would an insurance Policy state that it's ok to drive on a license issued in Botswana, Mali, USA or UK. Try that in a western country.

Insurance companies do not like paying out claims, if they can get out of paying, they will. And if you are driving with no license in Thailand, you should not be behind the wheel of the car.

Insurance companies assume you are legal, if they have to pay out 1 million baht for a claim and they discover you are not in possesion of a license to drive, you may well find you are not covered. I know if it was my insurance company, I would state that as a very good case for not paying you.

Get a license, it's easy.

[Keaow]

I've never had any problem getting and/or renewing a Thai drivers license. Just went to the transport office and took the test. It's not exactly hard is it !!

[Bilko]

The police does get confused or surpirised by my foreign license, suggests that I get an inernational one (like if they can read that ) but never takes or even can take any action....so I would suggest to read your insuirance policy and do not spend time or money on international orThai driverlicenses

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This information is completely false. I can assure you that you are driving ilegally in Thailand, and the cops are cutting you a break by suggesting you get an international license.

Do you think a Thai guy can use a Thai driving License in your country for 6 years and be legal? Can Cops in your country read Thai?

Think about if you knock a kid down in the street, and your insurance company refuses to pay cos you are driving your car with no license, what you gonna do then? Huff and Puff and have a Farang attitude of superiority over Thai cops who cant read Swedish?

Hey, cops in the states can't read Swedish either, but they will gladly escort you to the Jail.

Edited June 25, 2005 by Bilko

[bajajvivek]

An address verification from the Immigration Bureau costs 200 baht, or in most cases are FREE. Scratt is wrong here, and off topic.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Scratt is right George. even I had to pay 1000 THB to Indian embassy to get my residency certificate.

[Bilko]

An address verification from the Immigration Bureau costs 200 baht, or in most cases are FREE. Scratt is wrong here, and off topic.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Scratt is right George. even I had to pay 1000 THB to Indian embassy to get my residency certificate.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Get the address verification at the Immigration office, that's what I did, I never went to any Embassy.

200 Baht.

[bajajvivek]

To the guy that's saying it is nearly impossible to get a Thai driving license legally, not sure what the problem would be, unless you don't have a Non Immigrant Visa.

To the guy that's saying, driving in Thailand on a license issued in another country is perfectly alright, that's rubbish and no way would an insurance Policy state that it's ok to drive on a license issued in Botswana, Mali, USA or UK.  Try that in a western country.

Insurance companies do not like paying out claims, if they can get out of paying, they will. And if you are driving with no license in Thailand, you should not be behind the wheel of the car.

Insurance companies assume you are legal, if they have to pay out 1 million baht for a claim and they discover you are not in possesion of a license to drive, you may well find you are not covered. I know if it was my insurance company, I would state that as a very good case for not paying you.

Get a license, it's easy.   

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Very Right. and moreover its not as difficult to get a DL in thailand. I got my residency certificate which my office messenger got it for me from the embassy. 1000 THB fees. I got my Indian DL verified by Indian Embassy 1000 THB fees. I went to the DL office. the receptionist asked me to get a Medical certificate. When I asked how, she told me to ask some moterbike taxi outside. the motobike driver took me to some clinic. they copied my name from my passport on to the certificate 50THB fees. the motobike driver took me back to DL Office 50 THB charge. the officer told me that the 2 photographs I submitted are big and can not be used. Got poloride pics inside the office 65 THB fees. I gave the documents to the officer inside the window. had to give a small test. after 5 hours (morning 9 to afternoon 1) I got my licence 105 THB fees. 15 THB for the lamination. As easy as anything.

If I have to do the same thing in India they'll beat the crap outta me. and that too after taking there bribes.

Do take a bottle of water, its very difficult to find one nearby. also some snacks if u feel hungry every sometime

[bajajvivek]

An address verification from the Immigration Bureau costs 200 baht, or in most cases are FREE. Scratt is wrong here, and off topic.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Scratt is right George. even I had to pay 1000 THB to Indian embassy to get my residency certificate.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Get the address verification at the Immigration office, that's what I did, I never went to any Embassy.

200 Baht.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The Thai person in my office who takes care of all these things told me I needed a residency certificate from my embassy. I have to assume that he's telling right. who else can I ask if I am not familier with the language? I am sure he must have kept something in his pocket also, but what else can I do?? ( I can post a topic in the forum may be, will remember next time )

[ozzydom]

Police checks,letters from Embassies,whew,we Aussies get it easy.For anybody intending to move to LoS long term and wishing to drive here a

little forward planning goes a long way .

Simply go to an NRMA or RAC office anywhere in Oz and get an International Driving Permit, If your move is long term it is surmised that you will obtain a non-imm O visa from the Thai consulate in Oz.

When you obtain an adress here in LoS ,you simply go to your local Thai Immigration Office in LoS and pay 200bt for an adress verification form.

Your just take your passport,International license and adress verification form to a Thai Dept of Motor Registry , fill in a couple of forms,do an eye-sight check and away you go with your Thai driving license.

You will find your Thai license indispensable as it doubles as an I.D when dealing with banks, hotels,domestic air travel etc etc.

[Bilko]

You will find your Thai license indispensable as it doubles as an I.D when dealing with banks, hotels,domestic air travel etc etc.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Good point Ozzy, you also get into National Parks for 20 Baht, instead of 200 baht.

[ozzydom]

You will find your Thai license indispensable as it doubles as an I.D when dealing with banks, hotels,domestic air travel etc etc.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Good point Ozzy, you also get into National Parks for 20 Baht, instead of 200 baht.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

To true Bilko, we went to Doi Ithanon the other day 20 bt no probs ,

[LivinLOS]

To the guy that's saying, driving in Thailand on a license issued in another country is perfectly alright, that's rubbish and no way would an insurance Policy state that it's ok to drive on a license issued in Botswana, Mali, USA or UK.  Try that in a western country.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My insurance company has stated in writing that a UK (or EU / USA verbally) license is fine with my insurance for driving in Thailand insured (New hampshire company IIRC)..

I have also driven insured in the US with a UK and in the UK on a non UK.. Both times I got insurance but agree that I had a higher premium than if I had a local license..

[ozterix]

for those who have a work permit, simply use it as the proof of residence. I got my DL using this as, in my opinion, the fee charged by my embassy for certifying what they know nothing about was to high...

for the legality of things, i can't understand what is difficult? i went to the office on my own, had a very nice lady at the reception who between handling other requests for other customers helped me fill in all my forms, and got me in the rigth queue. I got my DL, went back to see her and offer a tip of 100 baht. She politly refused it and said she helped as it is her job and was happy to do it...

oz

[LivinLOS]

Thsi thread has come from the 6k baht thread in the other forums..

I know the service provided by this person and considered getting one for reasons I dont need to describe here.. The licenses that come have been checked by local police at roadblocks and Patong cop shop and given a 100% ok.. That was specificially being asked if it was a legal licence to use here.. Of course how insurers etc deal with this is down to the insurer and the policy..

As a flip side I know that the application process for this is loose because I asked via email about having a license issued in an alternative name as my current license and passport are not the same (there is a legit reason for this) and was told that it would not be an issue.. so licenses seem to be able to be issued in any name..

I would wager that these licenses would also cover a car in the UK if rented though gaining insurance on it privately could be very expensive / impossible (unknown specialist insurers can often do this as per my previous post)..

[Dragonman]

Thsi thread has come from the 6k baht thread in the other forums..

I know the service provided by this person and considered getting one for reasons I dont need to describe here.. The licenses that come have been checked by local police at roadblocks and Patong cop shop and given a 100% ok.. That was specificially being asked if it was a legal licence to use here.. Of course how insurers etc deal with this is down to the insurer and the policy..

As a flip side I know that the application process for this is loose because I asked via email about having a license issued in an alternative name as my current license and passport are not the same (there is a legit reason for this) and was told that it would not be an issue.. so licenses seem to be able to be issued in any name..

I would wager that these licenses would also cover a car in the UK if rented though gaining insurance on it privately could be very expensive / impossible (unknown specialist insurers can often do this as per my previous post)..

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You think the local police would know the difference between a IDP/IDL/Passport for Disneyland. As I stated on prevoius thread was even told by police "why don't they teach us what these look like"

[ChiangMaiMike]

Been stopped several times and U.S. drivers license never a problem...

Insurance that actually covers something is way too expensive... better to self insure IMHO.

[Preceptor]

I understand that in order to aquire a thai driving license, one has to have a six months valid visa with a work permit or am i wrong, mates?

[Bilko]

I understand that in order to aquire a thai driving license, one has to have a six months valid visa with a work permit or am i wrong, mates? 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No need for a work permit Preceptor.

Non Immigrant Visa is needed.

[Crossy]

People.

For XXXXX sake what are some of you thinking?

QUESTION: Would you knowingly drive with a fake or invalid licence (or license for you Septics) in your own country ???

Of course you wouldn't !!! So why on earth do you consider it OK here ??

The law is very simple, you need a valid IDP to drive here at all (except certain Asean countries), if you wish to drive for more than 6 months you MUST get a local licence, QED.

It is not difficult, nor expensive to get a valid local licence (or an IDP if you don't qualify for a Thai licence) and sensible insurance for your vehicle is not exactly expensive compared with the premiums we pay at home (UK / US).

If you don't have a valid licenc(s)e just pray you never have an accident with me (hairy Brit, Silver BMW 325i). You WILL be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

OK, rant over, I feel better now

Edited June 25, 2005 by Crossy

[Preceptor]

hi Bilko,

will a Non Immigrant Visa of 3 months do? Or more then 3 months?

My friend who just arrived in BKK has no valid DL back in his homeland. He would like to aquire the Thai DL. How long does it takes before one gets the valid Thai DL?

Preceptor.

I understand that in order to aquire a thai driving license, one has to have a six months valid visa with a work permit or am i wrong, mates? 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No need for a work permit Preceptor.

Non Immigrant Visa is needed.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[george]

hi Bilko,

will a Non Immigrant Visa of 3 months do? Or more then 3 months?

A 3 months NON-Immigrant visa will do perfectly.