Thai Driver’s License Expiring Soon – Visa Options?

[singtho]

Hey everyone!
My 5-year Thai driver’s license for both car and bike is expiring in 2 months. Does anyone know if it’s possible to renew it while on a tourist visa?

I’m not planning to stay in Thailand long-term, and the only visa option I’ve found is a 1-year one that costs 55k THB. If there were a cheaper 3-month option, I’d consider it just to renew my license.

Any tips or ideas? Would love to hear your thoughts. 🙏

[DrJack54]

16 minutes ago, singtho said:

I’m not planning to stay in Thailand long-term, and the only visa option I’ve found is a 1-year one that costs 55k THB

What visa option is that. Obviously agent however what type of visa.

 

17 minutes ago, singtho said:

My 5-year Thai driver’s license for both car and bike is expiring in 2 months.

You can renew you licences however they will be valid for 2 years. 

Age? 

[singtho]

At 38 years old, offered an ED visa

[DrJack54]

1 minute ago, singtho said:

At 38 years old, offered an ED visa

Look into DTV. Might be an option.

What is current status in Thailand?

Visa exempt entry?

[singtho]

Correct status in Thailand: Tourist. Entered on December 12th via the Savanakhet Friendship Bridge.

 

[DrJack54]

You can obtain a 30 day extension and follow that with a border bounce for another visa exempt entry.

Of course this just buys time.

Be aware that border bounces have shifted recently and some requiring overnight stays 1-2 nights.

Current thread running on this.

Recommended to use border run agents.

Depends where you are located in Thailand. 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1347328-nong-khai-border-bounce-avoid/

[singtho]

Thanks, mate! I really appreciate the valuable information. I’m currently staying in Mukdahan, right across the border, with my girlfriend. I wouldn’t mind spending a few days or even weeks in Laos—I’ve got friends there and a bike to get around. I’ll try renewing my driving license with the tourist visa, and if that doesn’t work, I’ll just pay for the one-year option. That’s life, I guess! Thanks again for all your help; this website is an absolute gem—way better than Facebook. Cheers! 🙏

[Caldera]

Do you currently need a valid Thai driving license? If not, you can renew your license within one year after expiration without having to undergo additional testing.

 

That would give you more time to sort out your visa situation, but you wouldn't be allowed to drive using your expired license in the meantime.

 

As a tourist, you can only get a temporary 2-year license, even if you're renewing a 5-year license.

[zzzzz]

PHUKET:
if ur license is expired, BUT u have made an appt ( mine expires feb 21st but i made an appt, 1st available date was April 16th) police wont fine you, BUT ur insurance is not valid

[OneManShow]

8 hours ago, singtho said:

it just to renew my license.

You need an address certificate from Imm. 
Have you done a 90 day recently? 

They made me to do a new TM-30, if I need address certificate for DL. 
I renewed my 5 year a few days ago

[SiSePuede419]

11 hours ago, singtho said:

not planning to stay in Thailand long-term,

Then why don't you get a DL in the place where you live long term, duh.

[DrJack54]

4 minutes ago, SiSePuede419 said:

Then why don't you get a DL in the place where you live long term, duh.

Seriously.

The OP also indicated he was considering ED visa.

He may not live anywhere long term.

Perhaps using Thailand as a base..

I have a TDL and a AU driving license.

I could elect to drop the Oz license and use my TDL when in some other countries. 

[chercheur888]

3 hours ago, OneManShow said:

You need an address certificate from Imm. 
Have you done a 90 day recently? 

They made me to do a new TM-30, if I need address certificate for DL. 
I renewed my 5 year a few days ago

For renewal to 5 years TDL, do I need a residence/address certificate from Immi or is the TM30 accepted at DLT?

Thks

[DrJack54]

7 minutes ago, chercheur888 said:

For renewal to 5 years TDL, do I need a residence/address certificate from Immi or is the TM30 accepted at DLT?

Thks

You require a certificate of residence.

TM30 perhaps required for the COR at immigration.

Which immigration office? 

[chercheur888]

2 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

You require a certificate of residence.

TM30 perhaps required for the COR at immigration.

Which immigration office? 

Phuket

[DrJack54]

5 minutes ago, chercheur888 said:

Phuket

You will need to obtain a COR.

Hopefully immigration will accept a TM30 or lease. 

If you have your most recent TM47 that may even suffice 

[OneManShow]

53 minutes ago, chercheur888 said:

For renewal to 5 years TDL, do I need a residence/address certificate from Immi or is the TM30 accepted at DLT?

Thks

You definitely need a residence certificate.

TM-30 is immigration paper work, not acceptable by DLT. But you need a print out of your TM-30 when you apply for RC. 

[DrJack54]

5 minutes ago, OneManShow said:

But you need a print out of your TM-30 when you apply for RC. 

Some immigration offices yes.

Some no.

Read post above yours.

I have obtained few certificate of residence at CW.

Never supplied TM30.

Previously they wanted a TM47 receipt 

[Bangkok Black]

13 hours ago, singtho said:

Hey everyone!
My 5-year Thai driver’s license for both car and bike is expiring in 2 months. Does anyone know if it’s possible to renew it while on a tourist visa?

I’m not planning to stay in Thailand long-term, and the only visa option I’ve found is a 1-year one that costs 55k THB. If there were a cheaper 3-month option, I’d consider it just to renew my license.

Any tips or ideas? Would love to hear your thoughts. 🙏

I can give you contact details of a very good agent who can do that. Are you in Bangkok?

[DrJack54]

4 minutes ago, Bangkok Black said:

I can give you contact details of a very good agent who can do that. Are you in Bangkok?

From the OP....

"I’m currently staying in Mukdahan, right across the border, with my girlfriend" 

So Bangkok agent of no help.

Also how can your agent assist? 

The well know agents in Bangkok such as Fatboys and BSK bikes do not assist with COR. 

[biggles45]

The countries in ASEAN recognize each other's licences, mine is from the Philippines. Would it be easier to get a new one over the border if you and your girl plan a stay there.?

[chercheur888]

4 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

You will need to obtain a COR.

Hopefully immigration will accept a TM30 or lease. 

If you have your most recent TM47 that may even suffice 

Thank you

The only thing I like about Elon is, getting rid of useless bureaucracy. I know my opinion does not change anything, but I don't really see a difference between COR and TM30. I know COR is for residence and TM30 for address🤔

[DrJack54]

3 minutes ago, chercheur888 said:

. I know my opinion does not change anything, but I don't really see a difference between COR and TM30

Bottom line is that for a few things such as license renewal, open bank account etc a certificate of residence is required..

End of. 

[Bangkok Black]

4 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

From the OP....

"I’m currently staying in Mukdahan, right across the border, with my girlfriend" 

So Bangkok agent of no help.

Also how can your agent assist? 

The well know agents in Bangkok such as Fatboys and BSK bikes do not assist with COR. 

The agent I know can do a COR

[DrJack54]

23 minutes ago, Bangkok Black said:

The agent I know can do a COR

Direct helpful post to OP who is in Mukdahan not Bangkok 

[singtho]

Hi everyone,

The transportation office wouldn’t let me renew my driving license without a residence certificate. Unfortunately, the TM-30 isn’t enough, and immigration told me that I can’t get a residence certificate with a tourist visa.

If anyone has any suggestions or knows of a solution, please let me know! I don’t mind traveling to other provinces if needed, but if it’s too much of a hassle, I’ll just get a long-term visa and put an end to this saga. I just want to make sure I’m covered in case of an accident.

Thanks so much for all your help!

[DrJack54]

4 hours ago, singtho said:

. Unfortunately, the TM-30 isn’t enough, and immigration told me that I can’t get a residence certificate with a tourist visa

It will be hit and miss you being able to obtain a certificate of residence which is necessary for transport office to process TDL.

CW for example previously required a TM47 receipt.

However seems recently has changed.

Here is snip from recent post re COR at CW from @Tod Daniels

 

"I can confirm that you CAN get a Certificate of Residence from Chaengwattana on any entry stamp WITH a TM30 <- they use that address to mail the COR to you" 

 

Given you are located in Mukdahan this all seems too much effort.

You stated that you do not plan (currently) plan to stay long term don't see easy option to obtain TDL renewal.

Even if you were in Bangkok the COR takes a week to be posted out.

 

Be aware that you can renew your license up to one year after expiry.

The 55k ED visa is not best idea (imo) 

Be aware that with visa exempt stamp your license will only be renewed for 2 year period

Ride carefully! 

[zzzzz]

u can get a cor in Phuket using a visa exempt entry or tourist visa
cost 500 baht , takes and hour 
just check into a hotel an ask for screen copy of the tm 30 they file for u

Bear in mind, appts for the renewal are VERY backed up, ( mine was 2 1/2 months after i applied on jan 5th)

[Briggsy]

Pattaya (Jomtien) will have no problem processing a TM30 and COR for you on a tourist visa or visa exempt.

[singtho]

Hey everyone,

First off, I want to sincerely thank you all for the support and for being such an amazing community—I really appreciate it!

My friend recently did something similar in Pattaya. He stayed there for a month, got a TM30 from his hotel, and immigration issued him a residence certificate. With that, he was able to renew his driver’s license for 2 years. I’m considering doing the same.

I also reached out to a shop I found on the forums, and they offered to renew both my bike and car licenses in just one day for 2 years at 8,500 THB (I’ll share the link as well somewhere on the post). I’ll keep researching and will update you all soon.

Thanks again!