Drivers License Renwal

[opalhort]

My 5yr DL is due for renewal in Jan'09

Does anybody have a link (Thai or English) where I could download the required application form?

Also, does the 'no photo required' policy apply to all branches of the Land Transport Department in BKK (mine is in Bang Khun Thien) or only to the head office?

opalhort

[mistresserika]

My 5yr DL is due for renewal in Jan'09

Does anybody have a link (Thai or English) where I could download the required application form?

Also, does the 'no photo required' policy apply to all branches of the Land Transport Department in BKK (mine is in Bang Khun Thien) or only to the head office?

opalhort

I don't recall having filled out any forms when I renewed mine. Also the new ones are in English as well as Thai, showing non Thai years.

[soundman]

Moved to Motoring forum and also suggest the answer to OP's question may be found in Pinned section at top of motoring forum page.

[opalhort]

Thanks for moving my post to the correct forum.

I could not find any answer there in the pinned topics to my two questions:

1: Is the renewal application form available online?

2: Does the 'no photo required' policy apply to all branches of the Land Transport Department in BKK or only to the head office?

I am aware of all documentary requirements and have no problems in this regard.

opalhort

[Mali1964]

Thanks for moving my post to the correct forum.

I could not find any answer there in the pinned topics to my two questions:

1: Is the renewal application form available online?

2: Does the 'no photo required' policy apply to all branches of the Land Transport Department in BKK or only to the head office?

I am aware of all documentary requirements and have no problems in this regard.

opalhort

They take a digital photo at each centre for the new type licence.

no form to fill

[opalhort]

Thanks Mali,

now I know.

In the past a form and photos were needed.

So I have everything now as required.

opalhort

[monty]

No pics needed, although cheapskates can still request old style license (in Pattaya anyway) which do require the pictures!

[JetsetBkk]

Does anyone know if you have to go after the old one has expired - like you do when changing from the one year license to the 5 year license?

[opalhort]

The way I understand it is that if you already have a 5yr DL you have to renew it within the last 30 days of validity of your current DL.

Only one year DLs have to be renewed after they expire.

opalhort

[phuketrichard]

if u have a 5 year licvense u can do 30 days before and up to 90 days after

and it must be done at the office as they take ur pic and all and then give ya a license good for singapore, malaysia, cambodia, Nam and Laos in english and thai

It does cost more thou as i recall it was 500 for the license for 5 yerars plus 250 or so for the card and pic

[JetsetBkk]

The way I understand it is that if you already have a 5yr DL you have to renew it within the last 30 days of validity of your current DL.

Only one year DLs have to be renewed after they expire.

opalhort

if u have a 5 year licvense u can do 30 days before and up to 90 days after

and it must be done at the office as they take ur pic and all and then give ya a license good for singapore, malaysia, cambodia, Nam and Laos in english and thai

It does cost more thou as i recall it was 500 for the license for 5 yerars plus 250 or so for the card and pic

Thanks, you guys. I'll add a note to that effect in my "To Dos" list.

[Wash]

Just got 5 year renewsal so wanted to share the process that worked great for me at the Phong Khon office.

Yesterday I stopped at the office and asked what I needed to get renewal of my license and showed a copy of license to the gal. My Old license expires on Jan 11, 2009. She told me that I could apply for renewal at any time I wanted up to 90 days ahead of expiration. She told me that I did not need certificate from Doctor and that the only thing I needed to bring with me was passport and visa, and a copy of each for their records and a copy of my wifes house papers and her ID. I also needed either a letter from Immigration or from local Amphur verifying that I lived at the address specified. No photos or other forms were asked for.

So we went to the Amphur and got the address verification letter (they required that I bring the Mayor of our village to sign and verify that we lived where we said)and that I be prepared to pay 10 baht fee for the letter.

We also could have gotten verification from Immigration but that is a 65 km drive compared to 9 km to the Amphur, and I am bright enough to take the 9 km option.

So armed with my not yet expired 5 year license, a copy of my passport and visa, copy of house papers and wife's ID and the certification letter from the Amphur we went back today to the License facility in Phong Khon.

The papers were all checked by the clerk and compared to the original passport, visa and wifes ID, and we were asked to sign each copy as is the custom for everything you do. We were then shuttled down to another area for eye check and reaction time test. Even though it was a bit tough to understand the description of the tests I managed to get through all of them and we were then sent back to the clerk that we originally met with. She then entered all the information into the system and after about 15 minutes asked me to go around the corner for a photo. The photo was taken quickly and the new drivers license was printed combining what she entered and my photo onto a sturdy plastic encased card with a magnetic stirpe on the back side, which I assume contains all the details that they have on file for me.

I paid the fee of 605 baht and was given the license and a reciept for the transaction along with some prideful comments from the gal informing me that the license was valid as drivers license in all Asean countries.

I present this information outlining my experience today because there are so many iterations of what you need on the forum that I was totally confused before asking the gal at the license bureau what to do.

I cannot confirm that the same rules apply wherever you might want to apply but can suggest that you do take the time next time you are near the License bureau to ask them what you need to do.

Hope this is of some help to someone.

[TerryLH]

I renewed last week in Khon Kaen. I waited about a week after the licence expired.

They did want a medical certification.

They accepted a work permit for proof of address.

They will take your photo, or you can bring your own. They gave me a choice.

There was a short form to fill out. They later entered the info in the computer.

Besides the color and braking (reaction) tests they had me sit in a room with a CD running showing traffic accidents and safety tips. It was all in Thai. They gave me a booklet with road signs in it, and told me to read it while I was in the 'movie' room, and return in an hour. They wrote the time on the form showing when I was to return.

The booklet had the signs and stuff labled in 5 languages.

When I went back to get the photo taken, there was some talk about the proper expiration of the new licences.

The old ones expired Dec 08. The new ones Dec 2014.

That means I'm the proud owner of two 6 year licences.

[Mali1964]

I renewed last week in Khon Kaen. I waited about a week after the licence expired.

They did want a medical certification.

They accepted a work permit for proof of address.

They will take your photo, or you can bring your own. They gave me a choice.

There was a short form to fill out. They later entered the info in the computer.

Besides the color and braking (reaction) tests they had me sit in a room with a CD running showing traffic accidents and safety tips. It was all in Thai. They gave me a booklet with road signs in it, and told me to read it while I was in the 'movie' room, and return in an hour. They wrote the time on the form showing when I was to return.

The booklet had the signs and stuff labled in 5 languages.

When I went back to get the photo taken, there was some talk about the proper expiration of the new licences.

The old ones expired Dec 08. The new ones Dec 2014.

That means I'm the proud owner of two 6 year licences.

I noticed on the new licences they expire on your birthday after the 5 years is up, so it is possible to have a 6 year licence if you happen to apply around the same time, mine became 5 years 7 months due to the same thing take a look see if it expires on your birthday same as mine.

[JetsetBkk]

I noticed on the new licences they expire on your birthday after the 5 years is up, so it is possible to have a 6 year licence if you happen to apply around the same time, mine became 5 years 7 months due to the same thing take a look see if it expires on your birthday same as mine.

Yes, this could be a good trick! My current 5-year expires on my birthday, so if I renew a few days AFTER it expires, I should get one valid for nearly 6 years!

[Tywais]

Yes, this could be a good trick! My current 5-year expires on my birthday, so if I renew a few days AFTER it expires, I should get one valid for nearly 6 years!

Same her, expires on my Birthday just a few days from now. Will go a day or two after and see what I get.

[longball53098]

My 5yr DL is due for renewal in Jan'09

Does anybody have a link (Thai or English) where I could download the required application form?

Also, does the 'no photo required' policy apply to all branches of the Land Transport Department in BKK (mine is in Bang Khun Thien) or only to the head office?

opalhort

Check this link out from Phuket DLT offices. They say no application form necessary for renewals

Phuket DLT

[Tywais]

Check this link out from Phuket DLT offices. They say no application form necessary for renewals

Phuket DLT

Just noted this on that site > "information: A driving license is only 1 year old according to government permission for foreigners annually." which is obviously wrong (hopefully not a change in rules). Or I'm misinterpreting it.

[opalhort]

Just noted this on that site > "information: A driving license is only 1 year old according to government permission for foreigners annually." which is obviously wrong (hopefully not a change in rules). Or I'm misinterpreting it.

This is very old info and was valid until 2002 or 2003. Rules have changed and 5 yr DLs for foreigners are now OK.

opalhort

[opalhort]

Yes, this could be a good trick! My current 5-year expires on my birthday, so if I renew a few days AFTER it expires, I should get one valid for nearly 6 years!

Same her, expires on my Birthday just a few days from now. Will go a day or two after and see what I get.

Interesting point.

My 5yr DL is due for renewal mid Jan'09 on my birthday, but I thought that a 5yr DL has to be renewed within 90 days before it expires?

opalhort

[Birdman]

It seems, that all 5 years licences expire on the birthday in the 5th year after the issuing date.

[Tywais]

My 5yr DL is due for renewal mid Jan'09 on my birthday, but I thought that a 5yr DL has to be renewed within 90 days before it expires?

I went in today after seeing your post regarding the 90 days since mine expires Sunday - got me worried. But you are correct. I have a copy of the requirements attached here from the Chiangmai office.

[Mali1964]

My 5yr DL is due for renewal mid Jan'09 on my birthday, but I thought that a 5yr DL has to be renewed within 90 days before it expires?

I went in today after seeing your post regarding the 90 days since mine expires Sunday - got me worried. But you are correct. I have a copy of the requirements attached here from the Chiangmai office.

Must mention my renewal was for a 1 year old type licence to a 5 year new type licence, i have a feeling this only happens the once with this 1st renewal but if the guy from Khon Kaen was a 5 year licence renewal it would seem that office made a mistake if the 90 day before expiry is still in force.

[opalhort]

Hi Tywais,

In the attachment you posted they state the requirement of a new medical certificate and a new test.

Is this really required for renewal of an existing 5yr DL?

Did you have to provide a medical cert. and sit for a test?

I'm in BKK where rules may be interpreted differently.

opalhort

[Tywais]

In the attachment you posted they state the requirement of a new medical certificate and a new test.

Is this really required for renewal of an existing 5yr DL?

Did you have to provide a medical cert. and sit for a test?

I specifically questioned her about the medical certificate and she said it was required (this is to renew my 5 year license for another 5 years). It isn't a new test or a test at all, it's just a video you have to watch for training purposes. I came in too late to go through the video but will have to go back Monday to apply for the license. She said one day late, since mine expires on a Sunday, wasn't a problem. But she did make a point of pointing out the 90 days bit.

You might call up the transportation office to verify the requirements in Bangkok.

[JetsetBkk]

Thanks for all the info, Tywais.

So it looks like the trick going from a 1 year to a 5 year license and getting extra months shouldn't be possible when renewing a 5 year if they stick to the rules. You might end up having to start again with a 1 year.

But you never know - on Monday they may give you a license valid for 5 years, 11 months and 29 days! Please let us know what happens!

[Tywais]

Please let us know what happens!

Just got it done today. Arrived at 1:15PM and finished at 5:10PM. Bit of an explanation for that though. Appears all the offices in Thailand are running full out and the main database is being burdened. Apparently due to wanting to be legal over the long 5 day holiday and all the police check points.

Handed copy of my passport, work permit (used for address verification) medical certificate, old license and original pp and wp. Sent over to another window to queue for the color test, peripheral vision, depth of field and reaction tests. Afterwards, sent to a room to sit in front of a computer to watch the training video (VCD - in English) for one hour.

Went to the counter and stood in line to get my call number. Looked at the sign, said serving #272 - looked at my number - 397. Because of the special circumstances of the 5 day shutdown they announced they will stay open and complete everyone that was there. Everyone was polite, courteous and helpful. Fortunately met one of my students from the university who happened to be there at the same time and had some one to kill the time with.

Elected to get the smart card for an additional 100 Baht, and it indeed does look smart. 505 Baht + 100 Baht total.

One thing I noticed. I was reading the signs (Thai) explaining the requirement of first year, 1 to 5 year, 1 to 1 year, and 5 to 5 year. Nowhere on the 5 to 5 year requirements is the need for a medical certificate but the English language document showed it was needed and was verified by the officer. Perhaps just not up to date though the 1 year was a stapled notice on the board saying it was needed for that license.

And last and just for you Jetset, the expiration date is Dec. 28, 2557. Unless my math is messed up, that appears to be 5 years and 364 days.

//edit - BTW opalhart I didn't have to fill out any forms at all. It was all entered directly into the computer. Some things were filled in by the staff but nothing requested from me. Also, for the smart card they take the photo themselves and it is directly put into the card automatically. If you don't elect for the smart card I believe you need to supply your own photos. Saw several applicants with their own photos.

//edit2 - also, found out the reason going from 1 year to 5 year license has to be after the license expires. It's due to Thai law stating the license has to be at least one year old before renewal is allowed. Funny thing that.

[JetsetBkk]

...And last and just for you Jetset, the expiration date is Dec. 28, 2557. Unless my math is messed up, that appears to be 5 years and 364 days. ...

That's brilliant!

Thanks very much for such a detailed post - I'm going to put a link to this thread in my "to do" list.

...//edit2 - also, found out the reason going from 1 year to 5 year license has to be after the license expires. It's due to Thai law stating the license has to be at least one year old before renewal is allowed. Funny thing that.

I reckon they (1) didn't think it through, when they made the law, and (2) can't be bothered to put it right.

[Mali1964]

...And last and just for you Jetset, the expiration date is Dec. 28, 2557. Unless my math is messed up, that appears to be 5 years and 364 days. ...

That's brilliant!

Thanks very much for such a detailed post - I'm going to put a link to this thread in my "to do" list.

...//edit2 - also, found out the reason going from 1 year to 5 year license has to be after the license expires. It's due to Thai law stating the license has to be at least one year old before renewal is allowed. Funny thing that.

I reckon they (1) didn't think it through, when they made the law, and (2) can't be bothered to put it right.

Yeah & all my family were not aware till i pointed it out maybe it's just a falang thing looking for little lopholes

Happy new year to all.

[opalhort]

a brief report about my renewal (2nd) of 5yr DL at Land Transport Department in BKK, Thonburi:

Docs needed:

PP, WP and old DL (my expiry date 16.01.09) and copies of relevant pages of PP and WP.

Had Medical certificate but was not needed (only for new applicants according to posted signes and officer)

No form or photos were required for 'smart card type'.

did the required tests (EASY!) and was let into the video show after it was already running for 30 mins. (I told them I can understand Thai), watching something what looked more like a soap opera rather than a teaching video for about 25mins.

After that a bit of waiting, photo taken and payment at same desk then collect new DL.

Total time 2hrs (09:20 - 11:20hrs.)

New DL valid 'till 16.01.2014

opalhort