What Are Requirements For Thai International License?

[CosmicSurfer]

I'll be taking a trip to USA and Canada soon, and I want to rent a car there to drive from NYC into Canada and back to NYC.

My USA license is expired, and all I have is my Thai license, so I need an International license for me and my wife.

What are the document requirements and costs of a Thai issued International license?

Do I need a letter of residency from the Emabassy? (What a waste of money that is.)

I'm here on a Non-"O" married with an extension.

Any info will be much appreciated.

Thanks

CS

[CosmicSurfer]

I guess that none of you have an International Driver's license issued in Thailand.

If anyone knows where I can find this info, I would appreciate the pointer.

Thanks,

CS

[Klyph]

You can get the international license at the same place you received your Thai license. Just ask at the information counter. I think, it's only an extra 500 baht, but that's unconfirmed. I'm getting mine soon too.

[LivinLOS]

I got one last year, but as I was getting a new 5 year I dont know how many of the same bits they reused from the 5 year requirements.

Then you need a small postal order (515 baht ??) as my office doesnt process them, they just get and check the information is complete, then send it to Bangkok to issue it, and its then returned registered mail.. Took about 6 weeks. I think you get them fast only if you apply in bangkok but I guess others will confirm.

[Klyph]

Apparently, if we go to Mochit, we can get it in a few minutes. Just be sure to go early... 8 AM if you want it seriously fast.

[CosmicSurfer]

Thank you for the freedback, but Actually I'm more interested in the document requirements than the costs.

Specifically.... Do I need an updated Residency Certificate from The USA Embassy?

This costs US$75 if my memory is correct. I'd rather not spend the money and go running down to the Embassy if I don't need to.

Also, I don't want to waste a day going to Morchit only to find out that I do need it.

A Heads-up would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

CS

[Klyph]

Wait... are you just looking for an International version of your Thai license (a translation of your Thai license that is usable as a valid second license anywhere in the world) or an International Driver's License that is issued in Thailand (which cannot be used in Thailand)?

The later is a much more complicated process that I know nothing about. The first gives the same result and requires no documentation. Just go to the MoChit Land Transit department. Or, to save the trip, you can call the Driving License Sub-Division of the Motor Vehicles Registration Office, 02 279-2959.

[CosmicSurfer]

Wait... are you just looking for an International version of your Thai license (a translation of your Thai license that is usable as a valid second license anywhere in the world) or an International Driver's License that is issued in Thailand (which cannot be used in Thailand)?

The later is a much more complicated process that I know nothing about. The first gives the same result and requires no documentation. Just go to the MoChit Land Transit department. Or, to save the trip, you can call the Driving License Sub-Division of the Motor Vehicles Registration Office, 02 279-2959.

To Clarify.. I have a current 5 year Thai driving License.. Or rather I have a valid older Thai language 5 year license, but not the newer bilingual version with the photo embedded digitally.

I guess I could claim I lost it and request a replacement that would be bilingual and easier to use in case of a Traffic stop in USA or Canada.

But, as I plan to rent a car in NYC and then drive a big triangle thru New England to Montreal, Toronto and then back to NYC (I want to introduce my wife to my past) to catch the return flight to BKK, I think it would be safer for the Car Rental to have an actual "INTERNATIONAL" license. There are a number of insurance issues regarding renting a car in the USA and then taking it into Canada. Having an International license would help satisfy the residency requirements.

I used to be a Boy Scout in my wild youth.. "Be Prepared".

Having an International license would be like wearing a belt with suspenders... but then I would be sure that my pants won't fall down... or that I won't get the Car rental because of lack of a valid license.

Covering my Bases,

CS

[CosmicSurfer]

BTW.. Thank you for the above phone number... Maybe they can answer my Primary question....

"Do I need a US Embassy issued 'Certificate of Residency' as I did for my regular license?"

CS