US car rental with Thai driver license

[Manassas]

My US driver license expired and I couldn't renew because I don't actually live at my former address. So when I go to the US can I rent a car with a valid Thai license? I'm thinking it must be ok because tourists need to rent a car.

[ubonjoe]

Your Thai drivers license should be accepted since it is in Thai and English now. You could also get a international drivers license from the Department of Land transport where you got your drivers license if you have a 5 year license.

Check with a rental car company to confirm they will accept it. 

[GinBoy2]

I've rented Hertz, Avis and Enterprise using my Thai license without any issue, didn't have an International License either.

On a pricing note. I've often used rentalcars.com, and their best deals usually exclude you using your US license, so the Thai one will often get you a better price.

[Manassas]

PS I've asked my US accountant, that if my former state of residence will not recognize me as a resident for purposes of a driver's license, do I still have to pay that state's income tax!!!  

[Langsuan Man]

42 minutes ago, Manassas said:

PS I've asked my US accountant, that if my former state of residence will not recognize me as a resident for purposes of a driver's license, do I still have to pay that state's income tax!!!  

Depend upon the state

 

Virginia for instance,  compares their state income tax roles with their DMV rolls to find any matches, or more importantly mis-matches.  I think California does the same

[JimGant]

Quote

Virginia for instance,  compares their state income tax roles with their DMV rolls to find any matches, or more importantly mis-matches. 

Actually, you can keep your Virginia drivers license when you abandon the state, as this is not an indicator that you have not abandoned Virginia for another domicile. Just don't try and renew, as this would indicate an intent to eventually return to Virginia -- and thus subject you to continuing income taxes.

 

Quote

The Department has found that an individual may successfully establish a domicile outside Virginia even if he retains a Virginia driver's license.  See Public Document (P.D.) 00-151 (8/18/2000).  However, obtaining or renewing a Virginia driver's license is considered to be a strong indicator of intent to retain domiciliary residency in Virginia.  See P.D. 02-149 (12/9/2002)

For Manassas, then, as your state won't renew your drivers license, it's saying that it does not consider you a resident, thus a priori not subject to resident income taxes.

[55Jay]

Used my Thai license for rental car in Los Angeles last week, no problems.  

[Manassas]

On 2/1/2018 at 3:14 PM, 55Jay said:

Used my Thai license for rental car in Los Angeles last week, no problems.  

Good to know. I was wondering whether it would be an issue or not with the rental company.

[john 111]

On 1/24/2018 at 9:06 AM, GinBoy2 said:

I've rented Hertz, Avis and Enterprise using my Thai license without any issue, didn't have an International License either.

On a pricing note. I've often used rentalcars.com, and their best deals usually exclude you using your US license, so the Thai one will often get you a better price.

Hi Ginboy, do they accept that you are a Thai resident as long as you have a Thai drivers licence. I just don't want to get there and find out that I'm considered a US resident because of my US passport and then it appears the price literally doubles....

Thanks for your help.

 

[GinBoy2]

31 minutes ago, john 111 said:

Hi Ginboy, do they accept that you are a Thai resident as long as you have a Thai drivers licence. I just don't want to get there and find out that I'm considered a US resident because of my US passport and then it appears the price literally doubles....

Thanks for your help.

 

I never had any problems just giving my my Thai DL at the rental desk. Never asked to show a passport

[john 111]

57 minutes ago, GinBoy2 said:

I never had any problems just giving my my Thai DL at the rental desk. Never asked to show a passport

Hi Ginboy, are you a U.S. citizen?

[GinBoy2]

33 minutes ago, john 111 said:

Hi Ginboy, are you a U.S. citizen?

yes

[john 111]

Thanks very much Ginboy!!