I have a UK Licence. The Phuket police are making a fortune stopping and fining foreigners for not having a Thai Driving Licence, or an International Driving Permit (obtained in ones own country).

 

To obtain the Licence, a Certificate of Residence is required, issued by Immigration. However, I am staying in a hotel while looking for long term accommodation to rent. So I have no residential address for the application.

 

1. Solution?

 

2. This being Thailand:- Is there a Thai company providing services to obtain a licence for you in Phuket?

 

 

I think you can actually get a certificate if staying at a hotel...but haven't done it myself.

You are supposed to have a TM47, but residence certificates involve expediting fees. A UK license should not need an IDP because they are in English. They changed the rules a while back. IDPs do not have Thai anyway.

22 hours ago, DaRoadrunner said:

I have a UK Licence. The Phuket police are making a fortune stopping and fining foreigners for not having a Thai Driving Licence, or an International Driving Permit (obtained in ones own country).

 

To obtain the Licence, a Certificate of Residence is required, issued by Immigration. However, I am staying in a hotel while looking for long term accommodation to rent. So I have no residential address for the application.

 

1. Solution?

 

2. This being Thailand:- Is there a Thai company providing services to obtain a licence for you in Phuket?

 

 

ask the hotel for copy of their filing the tim 30 and get the COR from immigration, I've done it, easy
For phuket , appts often take over 3 months now so .....
https://www.motorist.co.th/en/article/2580/how-to-book-a-driver-s-licence-appointment-through-dlt-smart-queue-2025-update

13 hours ago, zzzzz said:

ask the hotel for copy of their filing the tim 30 and get the COR from immigration, I've done it, easy
For phuket , appts often take over 3 months now so .....
https://www.motorist.co.th/en/article/2580/how-to-book-a-driver-s-licence-appointment-through-dlt-smart-queue-2025-update

I looked at the online queue and there were no appointments available. Typical! So I am just gonna go there.

 

There appears to be an agreement between the UK and Thailand where the UK licence is accepted in Thailand. Obviously the greedy Thai Police are ignoring this. I reckon they could be making 2 - 300,000 Baht / day on the main road into Phuket alone.

41 minutes ago, DaRoadrunner said:

I looked at the online queue and there were no appointments available. Typical! So I am just gonna go there.

 

There appears to be an agreement between the UK and Thailand where the UK licence is accepted in Thailand. Obviously the greedy Thai Police are ignoring this. I reckon they could be making 2 - 300,000 Baht / day on the main road into Phuket alone.

 

Correct - there is an agreement whereby British Licenses can be used in Thailand and vice versa - though the enforcement has to match, and most British Tourists in Thailand using their UK drivers licence do not have the correct motorcycle enforcement - and then there's the issue of the police in such area's knowing they aren't going to lose the argument when they demand to see an IDP !!! 

 

Regarding online queue's at the DLT - last time I tried (DLT area 3 Bangkok), my Wife could get an online queue, but as a foreigner, I couldn't but turned up anyway (and there was a dedicated line for foreigners, next to the queue for online booking, and another 'massive queue' for those who had not booked)... So...  Try it - best option as experiences very from area to area, day to day !... 

 

 

Get your CoR using your hotel address - its been reported that most immigration offices have no issue with this.

10 hours ago, DaRoadrunner said:

I looked at the online queue and there were no appointments available. Typical! So I am just gonna go there.

 

There appears to be an agreement between the UK and Thailand where the UK licence is accepted in Thailand. Obviously the greedy Thai Police are ignoring this. I reckon they could be making 2 - 300,000 Baht / day on the main road into Phuket alone.

technically ur uk license is good for 90 days but not longer, but sometimes the police wont accept it without a idp
Go to the office at 7:30 am, line up at the door (not the seats) on the left side and wait till doors open at 8 am>
You might get in but at the outside u will get an appt within 2 weeks.

make sure u have all ur docs

From gov.uk:-

 

If you are planning to drive in Thailand, see information on driving abroad. You’ll need to carry both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence while driving. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

TM 30 obtained from hotel. I then went to Phuket Immigration, where for 500 Baht they issued Cert of Residence. Then on to the DLT Licence office, only to be informed there were no appointments for 5 weeks and that the Cert of Residence is only valid for 4 weeks and so will need to be done again. Grrrrr stupid regulations. Half a day wasted. (Note that online App DLT waiting list is even longer). Meanwhile the corrupt Phuket Police continue to rake money in at 1000 Baht a go. You would not think Phuket depends on tourist income..... I wonder how many will go elsewhere next year?

7 minutes ago, DaRoadrunner said:

Meanwhile the corrupt Phuket Police continue to rake money in at 1000 Baht a go. You would not think Phuket depends on tourist income..... I wonder how many will go elsewhere next year?

 

Oh you would...   they're dependent on '1000 baht a go' as you put - the BiB must rake in a fortune - its just disappointing to see such obvious graft in action when clearly you are trying as hard as you can to play by the book.

 

Options:

1) Very grudgingly - use an agent (they usually leapfrog the queue).

2) Travel to another DLT office (is the nearest Phang Nga ? - maybe quieter and you can get it done there).

3) Try and 'walk in' again - sometimes they accept 'walk-ins' if you are early enough and its not crazy busy.

4) Can you make an online booking ?...  Book for 5 weeks from now - then turn up, they may not check the date (thats what my Wife did).

5) IF you have a Booking Slip (for 5 weeks from now) - just turn up and show that, they may not check the date !!

 

Its a game - treat it like one.

 

 

 

9 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Oh you would...   they're dependent on '1000 baht a go' as you put - the BiB must rake in a fortune - its just disappointing to see such obvious graft in action when clearly you are trying as hard as you can to play by the book.

 

Options:

1) Very grudgingly - use an agent (they usually leapfrog the queue).

2) Travel to another DLT office (is the nearest Phang Nga ? - maybe quieter and you can get it done there).

3) Try and 'walk in' again - sometimes they accept 'walk-ins' if you are early enough and its not crazy busy.

4) Can you make an online booking ?...  Book for 5 weeks from now - then turn up, they may not check the date (thats what my Wife did).

5) IF you have a Booking Slip (for 5 weeks from now) - just turn up and show that, they may not check the date !!

 

Its a game - treat it like one.

 

 

 

 

Can't be arsed. Had enough of this type of crap from the Thais.

4 minutes ago, DaRoadrunner said:

Can't be arsed. Had enough of this type of crap from the Thais.

 

I know how you feel - but don't blame the 'Thais'...  its bureaucracy world wide which operates at such an apathetic level its can be like pulling teeth... 

 

I'm just logging in to my DLT App as your thread triggered me to remember that I'll need to renew my DL next month... 

Nope - can't log in, it was working a month ago (I could see my license online etc)...   not anymore, I can't log in at all.

 

So... I feel your frustrating - then I go and read a passport renewal thread and realise its not just Thailand - this level of fluckwittery is everywhere....   

 

... But, I won't let the BiB win and catch me without a license - and I wont want to be driving and have some pished up idiot drive into me, then see someone try and pin it on me because my license is expired by a week etc... 

16 minutes ago, DaRoadrunner said:

 

Can't be arsed. Had enough of this type of crap from the Thais.

1000 baht for driving unlicensed is cheap.

£1000 back in the UK.

 

Thailand.

Love it or leave it.

14 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

23 minutes ago, DaRoadrunner said:

Can't be arsed. Had enough of this type of crap from the Thais.

 

I know how you feel - but don't blame the 'Thais'...  its bureaucracy world wide which operates at such an apathetic level its can be like pulling teeth... 

 

I'm just logging in to my DLT App as your thread triggered me to remember that I'll need to renew my DL next month... 

Nope - can't log in, it was working a month ago (I could see my license online etc)...   not anymore, I can't log in at all.

 

So... I feel your frustrating - then I go and read a passport renewal thread and realise its not just Thailand - this level of fluckwittery is everywhere....   

 

... But, I won't let the BiB win and catch me without a license - and I wont want to be driving and have some pished up idiot drive into me, then see someone try and pin it on me because my license is expired by a week etc... 

 

OK - so went through a bunch of silly stuff to re-register, said I was already registered etc...  stuck in a circular system.

Tried again, go through...  QLT DLT app worked.

 

Went to the QLT booking App, registered there (cos its a separate App !!!) and strangely, just as you mentioned - there are only spaces available 'exactly 5 weeks from now !!!)

 

This leaves me wondering - do they just do that for every booking ??? - can't book sooner than 5 weeks ???

 

I have the booking QR code now - I'll just rock-up at the DLT when I feel like it soon, and see if just 'flashing' the QR code is enough to pass muster and get me in.

 

-----------------

 

Earlier this year Wife and I both wanted IDP's... The queue for the Wife was longer than a month and past our holiday date... So it was me driving on my UK IDP....    Wife booked a date anyway (past our holiday date) and we went to the DLT (Area 3 BKK) and chanced it - the staff only looked at her QR code and that was that...  She was in. 

Meanwhile, there was no queue option for me for an IDP so I joined a different queue (foreigner queue) - told them I was of away and needed an IDP - that was that, joined the IDP queue with the wife.

 

So...  Tale of the story - If you have the booking QR code great - give it a try any-day, you may get put through...

And if you don't - play the 'stuck foreigner card' and you may get put through... 

 

 

 

9 hours ago, DaRoadrunner said:

TM 30 obtained from hotel. I then went to Phuket Immigration, where for 500 Baht they issued Cert of Residence. Then on to the DLT Licence office, only to be informed there were no appointments for 5 weeks and that the Cert of Residence is only valid for 4 weeks and so will need to be done again. Grrrrr stupid regulations. Half a day wasted. (Note that online App DLT waiting list is even longer). Meanwhile the corrupt Phuket Police continue to rake money in at 1000 Baht a go. You would not think Phuket depends on tourist income..... I wonder how many will go elsewhere next year?

many phuket expats and locals even head to phang nga for their license..
have heard, that police will let u go if u show them a booking as they know its backed up
last year it was 2-3 months so 5 weeks is nothing  🙂
 

On 10/8/2025 at 6:58 AM, zzzzz said:

many phuket expats and locals even head to phang nga for their license..
have heard, that police will let u go if u show them a booking as they know its backed up
last year it was 2-3 months so 5 weeks is nothing  🙂
 

I phoned Phang Nga DLT and their next appointment is January. Their online booking and website e mail are not working. They also said I had a Thai licence before, which has expired. Therefore I would need to re take the driving test and re sit the exam..... (this after 52 years of driving).

Amazing Thailand!

1 hour ago, DaRoadrunner said:

I phoned Phang Nga DLT and their next appointment is January. Their online booking and website e mail are not working. They also said I had a Thai licence before, which has expired. Therefore I would need to re take the driving test and re sit the exam..... (this after 52 years of driving).

Amazing Thailand!

if its UNDER 1 year expired u dont need do the written'/practical
so if there saying u do , than i guess ur expired over 1 year

I Always let my license expire and go in like 1 week after an get almost 6 years  🙂

I'd book an appt in phuket< than once u have it, watch the online video and just go in at 7:30 am in Phuket and hope for the best

This is a perfect example of where you'd be much better to simply pay an agent.

 

For maybe 5-8K THB , several agents in HKT would have all your docs sorted, including the residence cert, and medical report if required. 

 

You would not lift a finger, turn up to the DLT when the agent says, straight to the front of the line, then do the needed admin, and you'd have your license. One and done, maybe a couple of hours max. No stress, no frustration. 

 

It seems that many people don't put a value on their time and frustration.... look at all the time you've spent, back and forth, asking Q's on here, calling the DLT, going in there, looking back on that now,...........not a good idea right?  

 

Travel all the way to Phang Nga? Why? Take a whole day to get there and back, not a good idea. How is that even cost effective......

 

Just pay an agent, take it as a lesson and relax. 

1 hour ago, anrcaccount said:

This is a perfect example of where you'd be much better to simply pay an agent.

 

For maybe 5-8K THB , several agents in HKT would have all your docs sorted, including the residence cert, and medical report if required. 

 

You would not lift a finger, turn up to the DLT when the agent says, straight to the front of the line, then do the needed admin, and you'd have your license. One and done, maybe a couple of hours max. No stress, no frustration. 

 

It seems that many people don't put a value on their time and frustration.... look at all the time you've spent, back and forth, asking Q's on here, calling the DLT, going in there, looking back on that now,...........not a good idea right?  

 

Travel all the way to Phang Nga? Why? Take a whole day to get there and back, not a good idea. How is that even cost effective......

 

Just pay an agent, take it as a lesson and relax. 

I did contact one agent, it was even worse than doing it myself. This is Thailand where common sense is at a premium.

52 minutes ago, DaRoadrunner said:

I did contact one agent, it was even worse than doing it myself. This is Thailand where common sense is at a premium.

 

You have got hold of the wrong agent then. Try searching the Facebook expat groups to check.

 

The experience is as I described above, it is many magnitudes easier than doing it yourself. 

18 hours ago, anrcaccount said:

This is a perfect example of where you'd be much better to simply pay an agent.

 

For maybe 5-8K THB , several agents in HKT would have all your docs sorted, including the residence cert, and medical report if required. 

 

You would not lift a finger, turn up to the DLT when the agent says, straight to the front of the line, then do the needed admin, and you'd have your license. One and done, maybe a couple of hours max. No stress, no frustration. 

 

It seems that many people don't put a value on their time and frustration.... look at all the time you've spent, back and forth, asking Q's on here, calling the DLT, going in there, looking back on that now,...........not a good idea right?  

 

Travel all the way to Phang Nga? Why? Take a whole day to get there and back, not a good idea. How is that even cost effective......

 

Just pay an agent, take it as a lesson and relax. 

Illegal and many scammers.

Imo a stupid advice.

8 hours ago, stevenl said:

Illegal and many scammers.

Imo a stupid advice.

 

No more illegal or scammy than any agent in Thailand. They simply have contacts at the DLT and get the line skipped, no waiting for months and months for an appointment.

 

The customer goes through exactly the same process ( reaction test etc)  and gets exactly the same valid license issued as anyone else. 

 

 

2 hours ago, anrcaccount said:

No more illegal or scammy than any agent in Thailand

Are you saying that's legal?

2 hours ago, anrcaccount said:

 

No more illegal or scammy than any agent in Thailand. They simply have contacts at the DLT and get the line skipped, no waiting for months and months for an appointment.

 

The customer goes through exactly the same process ( reaction test etc)  and gets exactly the same valid license issued as anyone else. 

 

 

Please post the contact details of this agent

On 10/7/2025 at 9:10 PM, DaRoadrunner said:

TM 30 obtained from hotel. I then went to Phuket Immigration, where for 500 Baht they issued Cert of Residence. Then on to the DLT Licence office, only to be informed there were no appointments for 5 weeks and that the Cert of Residence is only valid for 4 weeks and so will need to be done again.

Usually, you do not need to get a new one if it is valid the day you book a time at the office. The same goes for the medical certificate that is also valid for one month only.

 

On 10/7/2025 at 9:53 PM, MalcolmB said:

1000 baht for driving unlicensed is cheap.

£1000 back in the UK.

The fine is affordable. Not having insurance coverage can be much more expensive.

My thai gf done it there recently. What I learnt. Despite the online bookings (full until APRIL 2026) that is just a small bunch of who they see daily. You can still walk in and try. 

Like other things this experience may vary based on your skin colour I guess.

I am doing mine this month. My plan is try walkin at phuket. If it fails try the DLT in northern (not south) phang nga. Most people go southern phang nga one but they already confirmed 2 years only for renewing a 5 year license on DTV.

The other may be less familiar I'm hoping.

Also, not for OP but pro tip - renew after it expires to get an extra year validity. 6 years instead of 5 etc. 

1 hour ago, sikishrory said:

I am doing mine this month. My plan is try walkin at phuket. If it fails try the DLT in northern (not south) phang nga. Most people go southern phang nga one but they already confirmed 2 years only for renewing a 5 year license on DTV.

Please report back if you get 5 years, I'm on the DTV too, and I would certainly consider the trip to Phang Nga if they give 5 years.

On 10/7/2025 at 9:10 PM, DaRoadrunner said:

TM 30 obtained from hotel. I then went to Phuket Immigration, where for 500 Baht they issued Cert of Residence. Then on to the DLT Licence office, only to be informed there were no appointments for 5 weeks and that the Cert of Residence is only valid for 4 weeks and so will need to be done again. Grrrrr stupid regulations. Half a day wasted. (Note that online App DLT waiting list is even longer). Meanwhile the corrupt Phuket Police continue to rake money in at 1000 Baht a go. You would not think Phuket depends on tourist income..... I wonder how many will go elsewhere next year?

The certificate of residence is supposed to be free of charge , if you would have asked for a receipt they would not have charged you.

 

3 hours ago, farang51 said:

Please report back if you get 5 years, I'm on the DTV too, and I would certainly consider the trip to Phang Nga if they give 5 years.

dtv is considered a long tourist visa and does not qualify for a 5 year license

Make a booking online, ( even if its 2+ months out) get ur cor, and med, copies
go to the transport office and line up at 7:30 ( opens at 😎 on the left hand side door and wair
good chance u will get in or at the least they will give ya an appt not to far away

the cor is indeed FREE, BUT it takes 1 week, if u want it in an hour   500 baht
ur choice

I've had a 5+ year license here since 94

4 hours ago, farang51 said:

Please report back if you get 5 years, I'm on the DTV too, and I would certainly consider the trip to Phang Nga if they give 5 years.

I already have 5 years. The manager of Phang Na southern most branch confirmed to me already that the policy is to renew it as 2 due to DTV. Takua Pa branch may be less familiar with it and give 5 but it's a long shot.