Thai Driver’s License Expiring Soon – Visa Options?

[bbi1]

On 1/4/2025 at 6:39 AM, singtho said:

At 38 years old, offered an ED visa

How did you even get a 5 year licence in the 1st place on an ED visa or a tourist visa???

[gearbox]

On 1/4/2025 at 6:42 AM, DrJack54 said:

Look into DTV. Might be an option.

What is current status in Thailand?

Visa exempt entry?

Are DTV holders eligible for 5 years renewal?

[BrandonJT]

You can add Chiang Mai to the list of provinces where you can get a residence certificate on any visa or visa exempt with just a TM30.  500 baht for next day pickup.

[DrJack54]

7 hours ago, gearbox said:

Are DTV holders eligible for 5 years renewal?

https://aseannow.com/topic/1338111-dtv-and-5-year-drivers-license/ 

 

Above thread suggests 5 yr possible..

Not all DLT offices might agree with that. 

 

[gearbox]

2 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

https://aseannow.com/topic/1338111-dtv-and-5-year-drivers-license/ 

 

Above thread suggests 5 yr possible..

Not all DLT offices might agree with that. 

 

Thanks, I have a 5 years licence, pink card and yellow book, hopefully that would help. Last time I used the yellow book instead of certificate of residence in Samui.

[DrJack54]

8 minutes ago, gearbox said:

Last time I used the yellow book instead of certificate of residence in Samui.

perhaps that's a Samui thing.

My understanding is that years ago folk with yellow book, pink card didn't require certificate of residence for DLT to obtain TDL or renewal.

 

Now days in most places that doesn't cut it. COR required. 

Fortunately now even at CW people can obtain the COR with tourist status.

The forum will hope that folk with DTV can post their experience for license renewal.

Some experts eg Siam Legal refer to DTV class as "special tourist visa" 

I don't quite understand what that means. 

Guess similar to PE visa (elite)

 

[mania]

22 hours ago, singtho said:

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!

 

I wonder if you might just get a International Drivers Permit/License  Especially if you also have a license from your home country. They are good for 1 year although I *think* only 90 days continuous? But if your the type that comes & goes may be fine for you

Although I am not aware of any type of visa in hand being required you never know with Thailand....

Quote

 

To obtain an International Driver's License (IDP) while already in Thailand, you can contact the Department of Land Transport (DLT) in Thailand and apply for an IDP through them; you can visit a branch office nearest your location, and will need to provide your existing driving license, passport, and passport-sized photos to complete the application process.

 

Key points about getting an IDP in Thailand:

• Issuing authority:

  The Department of Land Transport (DLT) is the official body responsible for issuing IDPs in Thailand.

   

• Required documents:

  You will typically need your original driver's license from your home country, passport, and recent passport-sized photos.
• Application process:

  Visit a DLT branch office and submit your application with the required documents.
• Contact information:

  If you are in Bangkok, you can contact the DLT directly at: 02-271-8888. 

   

 

•  

[Ralf001]

21 hours ago, zzzzz said:

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)

 

Very helpful info for the OP who lives .............1500km from Phuket !

[zzzzz]

49 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

 

Very helpful info for the OP who lives .............1500km from Phuket !

OP stated!!!
"....If anyone has any suggestions or knows of a solution, please let me know! I don’t mind traveling to other provinces if needed,"
OK?
 

[Ralf001]

4 minutes ago, zzzzz said:

OP stated!!!
"....If anyone has any suggestions or knows of a solution, please let me know! I don’t mind traveling to other provinces if needed,"
OK?
 

 

Man, how dumb are you if you think the OP meant a 1500km drive is ok to obtain a COR.

[BrandonJT]

16 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Some experts eg Siam Legal refer to DTV class as "special tourist visa" 

I don't quite understand what that means. 

That's basically the exact wording of the Royal Gazette.  Tourist Visa, special classification.

It doesn't give clarity on exactly what that means though.