Driver's License Procedures Chiang Mai

[Tywais]

The topic of DL comes up often enough to warrant a pinned topic on it. I went in to renew my 5 year license today, 1 day after my birthday in order to get 5 years + 364 days. The timing of my experience today will probably not be the norm as it was two days before a 5 day holiday and the place was packed.

1. Arrived at exactly 9:30AM and went to the 2nd floor and got in the long queue to the information desk. She will pre-check your documents and hand you the application form. After filling it out took the documents to window 22 at 9:45AM where they check your document more closely. I supplied them with the application form, copy of my passport, copy of my work permit (address verification in my case) all signed, my DL, passport and work permit. Given a queue number which has two numbers on it. The top one is the queue number used to make your payment and the bottom is the time to go for your physical examination and training video.

2. 10:00AM was called in to the physical testing area. Due to the very large number of people today they only did the color eye test and forgo the other tests. Collect your documents that are laid out on the table.

3. Next, went to the training video room and handed over the documents again. Set through the video but again, due to the large numbers today, they actually cut it short to get the next group in. Collect documents from the table in front and go out to wait to be called to pay. My number was C139, they were serving C52.

4. When called to the window, hand your documents over and payment. In my case it was 500 Baht for the license, 5 Baht for the stamp and an additional 50 Baht for amendment (Changed my address from the last one).

5. Go in to the room and get a queue card to wait for your photo to be taken and DL (plastic) to be given to you. Do not need to bring a photo. There was an additional 10 Baht charge and believe it was for the plastic card holder/protector.

6. DL handed over and done at 12:59PM.

Next post will show photos of most of the procedures outlined above.

[Tywais]

Location of Land Transport Department (Google Maps street view)

Main building & 2nd floor information counter - 1st stop.

Queue card for start of process. Top number the number for making your payment after testing and video.

Normal physical fitness procedures

Color chart test. They point to a color and you tell him what it is. English or Thai response allowed. I preferred using Thai

Queue card for photo and receiving DL

Documents required list

Procedures:

List of charges:

[craigt3365]

Very detailed post. Excellent information!

[CMBob]

Going from the 1-year temporary to one's first 5-year license (which I did a couple of weeks ago), one needs a medical certificate in addition to the items Tywais pointed out. I only received one cue number (I got #76 and they were currently on #46) and, after about 45 minutes, my number was up and I went to the window, the guy checked my paperwork, asked me what colors I saw on the baby stoplight, took my money (I think it was 760 baht for both the car and motorsy licenses) and then told me to go behind the counter to get the licenses (I didn't get a separate queue number for that, he just told me to go back there and sit down). After 4-5 minutes, one of the ladies motioned me over to her desk, briefly checked the paperwork, took my photo, typed some stuff on her computer and printed out the licenses, and handed them over. Think I was in the office for about an hour and fifteen minutes. At least for me, there was no specific color blind test, no written exam, no video or training session, and nothing else.

Specifically, I needed the following documents (if you're going for both licenses, you need two sets of these):

(1) Signed application form.

(2) Signed passport pages - photo page, visa/extension page, entry page, and departure card (TM6).

(3) Residency certificate [as I had two applications, I had one original and a signed copy].

(4) Medical certificate .

(5) Your Thai driver/motorsy license(s).

[Tywais]

Going from the 1-year temporary to one's first 5-year license (which I did a couple of weeks ago), one needs a medical certificate in addition to the items Tywais pointed out. I only received one cue number (I got #76 and they were currently on #46) and, after about 45 minutes, my number was up and I went to the window, the guy checked my paperwork

Thanks for that as I was hopping some one would come along with experience of the 1 to 5 year conversion. Also hope to get someone with recent experience in obtaining their 1st 1-year temporary license.

Also, if you note the next to bottom photo showing procedures it matches up exactly with your experience for 1 to 5 year. No physical nor training video.

[freedomnow]

Is there a checklist anywhere for what to take to immigration over at Promenada to get the certificate of residency which is one of the key documents needed to apply for a license I believe ? This a key pre-requisite document I believe...

As far as i know it might be...

3 months rent receipts

rental contract overlapping application date into near future (1 year ?)

2 or 4 photos ?

Passport with latest consulate issued visa ...(i.e. not visa-except status)

[briley]

Tywais,

I take it your old licence had expired by 1 day since you went one day after your birthday.

As it happens my wife's birthday is 34 days before mine and we would like to do the renewal together - if she goes in 35 days late (and I am 1 day late) can we do that? Or has her licence expired too long ago?

Suppose my basic question is how late can you still renew a 5 year licences, 1 month, 1 year or what?

Edited January 2, 2015 by briley

[Tywais]

Suppose my basic question is how late can you still renew a 5 year licences, 1 month, 1 year or what?

I don't have a definitive answer but I believe up to 1 year after expiration. Will see if someone has specific experience on this. The sign indicates for 1 year to 5 year you have 3 years after expiration before you have to start the new temporary one all over again. I would say it is very likely 35 days is no problem for 5 to 5.

[lj cm]

It's best to go at 13:00, then they are not busy.

Actually be there 10-15 minutes before, so you finish the video before the Thai's.

[freedomnow]

It's best to go at 13:00, then they are not busy.

Actually be there 10-15 minutes before, so you finish the video before the Thai's.

Good to know thanks. Hope someone can chime in about the residency letter requirements as it will be a pain to go all the way out to Promenada and be missing one key officer's/stickler's requirement...

Edited January 3, 2015 by freedomnow

[lj cm]

It's best to go at 13:00, then they are not busy.

Actually be there 10-15 minutes before, so you finish the video before the Thai's.

Good to know thanks. Hope someone can chime in about the residency letter requirements as it will be a pain to go all the way out to Promenada and be missing one key officer's/stickler's requirement...

You need that and I had a post about it: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752801-residence-certificate-in-chiang-mai/

[elektrified]

Suppose my basic question is how late can you still renew a 5 year licences, 1 month, 1 year or what?

I don't have a definitive answer but I believe up to 1 year after expiration. Will see if someone has specific experience on this. The sign indicates for 1 year to 5 year you have 3 years after expiration before you have to start the new temporary one all over again. I would say it is very likely 35 days is no problem for 5 to 5.

"The topic of DL comes up often enough to warrant a pinned topic on it. I went in to renew my 5 year license today, 1 day after my birthday in order to get 5 years + 364 days. The timing of my experience today will probably not be the norm as it was two days before a 5 day holiday and the place was packed."

I was there today - a few days after my birthday/expiration date. It was packed with people. But I didn't get the extra year. I got 17 days short of 5 years. No big deal.....

[Tywais]

I was there today - a few days after my birthday/expiration date. It was packed with people. But I didn't get the extra year. I got 17 days short of 5 years. No big deal.....

That's odd as there have been quite a few current reports, not just in the CM forum, of others going shortly after and getting nearly 6 years. This was the 3rd 5 year renewal that I got 6 years - 1 or 2 days. They go by the number of birthdays and not the actual number of days. Sounds like a mix up there either inputting the wrong birth date or something else. Did you double check the dates on your new license to verify birthday and expiration date and time in between? Or, they now consider it a loophole that they closed starting the new year.

[elektrified]

I was there today - a few days after my birthday/expiration date. It was packed with people. But I didn't get the extra year. I got 17 days short of 5 years. No big deal.....

That's odd as there have been quite a few current reports, not just in the CM forum, of others going shortly after and getting nearly 6 years. This was the 3rd 5 year renewal that I got 6 years - 1 or 2 days. They go by the number of birthdays and not the actual number of days. Sounds like a mix up there either inputting the wrong birth date or something else. Did you double check the dates on your new license to verify birthday and expiration date and time in between? Or, they now consider it a loophole that they closed starting the new year.

Oops... I'm so bad. I was calculating 2015 to when it expires in 2020/2563, not taking into account that it is really from [2014] as my birthday was in December 2014. So, yes you are totally correct Tywais. My apologies.

[CMBob]

I don't think they use birthdates when you get your first 1-year "temporary" license (mine was issued on December 3, 2013, and expired on December 3, 2014....and my birthday is in October).

And, yes, if you do go for your first 5-year after the one-year license expires, you will get 5 years from your next birthday (e.g., my first 5-year license was issued in mid-December, 2014, and expires on my birthday in October, 2020).

[chiang mai]

Any drivers license agents on the radar yet!

[scorecard]

I thank god that I have a lifetime drivers license for both car and motorcycle.

Sorry folks couldn't resist.

[hard124get]

why bother getting one at all? getting into National Parks cheaper seems the only advantage !

[bangmai]

Can I assume that a Yellow Book will work instead of a COR?

[chiang mai]

Correct

[Loptr]

Nice write up...

Here is a link to similar information, but includes some additional details, such as links to download all required forms and samples of the exam questions and answers...

http://donslifeinthailand.com/Thai-Drivers-License-2.html

BTW, I had to renew this week myself in CM... Went at around 1:30pm and was in / out in 30 minutes... Wasn't required to watch any videos...

Edited January 17, 2015 by Loptr

[Loptr]

why bother getting one at all? getting into National Parks cheaper seems the only advantage !

Technically, if you are in-country for more than 60 days, you cannot use your home country DL or an International DL... Easier than carrying around a copy of you passport too... Also gives the BiB the message that you are not a tourist if stopped for any reason and asked for ID...

[dickyknee]

why bother getting one at all? getting into National Parks cheaper seems the only advantage !

you won't get any insurance coverage without one.

[DaamNaam]

why bother getting one at all? getting into National Parks cheaper seems the only advantage !

you won't get any insurance coverage without one.

Absolutely correct.

[Sparkles]

I was there today - a few days after my birthday/expiration date. It was packed with people. But I didn't get the extra year. I got 17 days short of 5 years. No big deal.....

That's odd as there have been quite a few current reports, not just in the CM forum, of others going shortly after and getting nearly 6 years. This was the 3rd 5 year renewal that I got 6 years - 1 or 2 days. They go by the number of birthdays and not the actual number of days. Sounds like a mix up there either inputting the wrong birth date or something else. Did you double check the dates on your new license to verify birthday and expiration date and time in between? Or, they now consider it a loophole that they closed starting the new year.

I was one that got the 6 years.My licence date has always been tied to my birthday for some unknown reason and I was a few days overdue.Was told my the girl on the front desk it was ok to be up to 6 months overdue.This was my second 5 yr licence renewal.As we all know there is no logic to letting people be unlicenced up to 6 months and the ground rules can change in an instant but when some one gives you 6 years instead of 5 why argue with them ?

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

why bother getting one at all? getting into National Parks cheaper seems the only advantage !

you won't get any insurance coverage without one.

I think that depends on whether you mean insurance for a car you own and drive yourself, or insurance for a car you're renting from a car rental agency.

I don't own my own car. But I've rented from most of the major Thai car rental agencies in recent years. And my rentals have always included their add-on liability and CDW insurance packages, and all were done using my U.S. driver's license, which they accepted without question.

[bangmai]

Will I need either a car or motorbike for a road test, as a first time applicant?

Edited January 19, 2015 by bangmai

[onthedarkside]

Will I need either a car or motorbike for a road test, as a first time applicant?

If you need to take the practical test then you must supply the bike for bike licence and car for car licence.

[Thailand]

Will I need either a car or motorbike for a road test, as a first time applicant?

Do you have a driving licence from your home country or international driving licence or are you a learner driver taking your first test?

[bangmai]

Will I need either a car or motorbike for a road test, as a first time applicant?

Do you have a driving licence from your home country or international driving licence or are you a learner driver taking your first test?

I have a valid auto driver's license in Virginia, USA.