Thai License Abroad?

[JeffreyO]

Hello,

I will be traveling to Japan for 3 months in the coming months and I was wondering, will my Thai license be valid while there? I'm an American however my American license expired some time ago. I have a recently issued Thai license, however. I read somewhere that they accepted ASEAN licenses but anyone with experience who could let me know would be greatly appreciated.

On that same note, what about in the USA? When I return do I have a period of time where I can still use my Thai license until I'm able to renew/get a new US license? Thank you again!

[sunnyjim5]

A valid 5 year Thai licence accompanied by in International Driving Permit would be acceptable in Japan.

I have no idea about what may be required in the States.

[Thanyaburi Mac]

Don't know about Japan, didn't Google it, but your Thai license validity in the U.S. is dependent on the states you'll be traveling to, it varies. Oregon, for example, allows use of a non-Oregon license for up to 30 days.

Mac

[JeffreyO]

Don't know about Japan, didn't Google it, but your Thai license validity in the U.S. is dependent on the states you'll be traveling to, it varies. Oregon, for example, allows use of a non-Oregon license for up to 30 days.

Mac

It sounds like Japan isn't going to happen. This is a recently issued license and as such it has a validity of 2 years.

I will be in Washington state.

[khwaibah]

Don't know about Japan, didn't Google it, but your Thai license validity in the U.S. is dependent on the states you'll be traveling to, it varies. Oregon, for example, allows use of a non-Oregon license for up to 30 days.

Mac

It sounds like Japan isn't going to happen. This is a recently issued license and as such it has a validity of 2 years.

I will be in Washington state.

You have a 2 year Thai DL and at the top its says "Temporary" This license can only be used in Thailand only a 5 year Thai DL can be used out side Thailand. I have used my 5 year Thai DL to rent and drive cars on the west cost and the east cost of the USA with no problem and this is without an IDP for the Thai DL, Its a smart card in both Thai and English. BTW even if you want an IDP it is only issued on a 5 year Thai DL.

Edited March 16, 2016 by khwaibah

[WalterTP]

I've rented cars from major rental firms in New York and Puerto Rico with my 5 year Thai DL and no IDP.