International Driving license in Thailand: A Guide for Expats and Frequent Travelers

Who Can Apply for an International Driving license  in Thailand? 

An International Driving license  in Thailand can only be issued to individuals who already possess a valid Thai driving license. This means that foreigners residing in Thailand must first obtain a local driving license  before they can apply for an IDP. Conversely, visitors who hold an IDP from their home country may legally drive in Thailand for up to 90 days without requiring a Thai license .

To be eligible for an IDP issued in Thailand, an applicant must:

• Hold a valid Thai driving license  (temporary or permanent).
• Be a legal resident in Thailand, with proof of address (such as a work license , visa, or a certificate of residence issued by the immigration office or embassy).
• Be compliant with the Land Transport Act B.E. 2522 (1979), which governs all driving license -related matters in Thailand.

Since an IDP is not automatically renewable, applicants must reapply for a new license  each year to maintain legal driving status abroad. If an individual fails to comply with these regulations, their application may be denied, or their driving privileges may be revoked.

How to Apply for an International Driving license  in Thailand

1. Preparing the Necessary Documents

Before applying for an international driving license  in Thailand, applicants must gather several documents to support their application. The required documents include:

• A valid Thai driving license , which may be either temporary or permanent
• A passport with a valid visa or residence license 
• Two recent passport-sized photos (2 inches)
• A completed IDP application form, available at Department of Land Transport (DLT) offices
• A processing fee of approximately 505 THB

It is important to ensure that all documents are valid and up to date before visiting the Department of Land Transport to avoid delays in processing.

2. Visiting the Department of Land Transport 

Once all necessary documents have been gathered, the applicant must visit the nearest DLT office to submit their application. The main DLT headquarters in Bangkok is the most common location for IDP applications, but other provincial DLT offices also process these license s.

At the DLT office, the following steps are followed:

• The applicant submits their documents for verification.
• A DLT officer reviews and verifies the submitted paperwork to confirm that all requirements are met.
• The applicant may be asked to confirm details and sign the application form.

Unlike a Thai driving license  application, the process for obtaining an IDP does not require a driving test or written exam. The application is processed based on the validity of the Thai driving license  and other supporting documents.

3. Receiving the International Driving license

If all requirements are satisfied, the applicant will receive their International Driving license . The license  is generally issued on the same day, although in some cases, it may take a few business days for processing.

The issued IDP remains valid for one year from the date of issuance. After this period, the license  must be renewed to continue driving legally in other countries.

4. Renewing the International Driving license

Since an IDP is valid for only one year, it must be renewed annually. The renewal process is similar to the initial application process and requires the following:

• A valid Thai driving license 
• A completed IDP renewal form
• Updated passport-sized photographs
• A processing fee

To avoid driving illegally, applicants should apply for renewal before the expiration of their current IDP. Renewal applications can be submitted at the DLT offices in person.

Common Issues and Solutions When Applying for an IDP 

1. Missing or Expired Documents 

One of the most common reasons for a delayed or denied IDP application is missing or expired documents. Applicants should double-check their passport, Thai driving license , and visa validity before submitting their application. If any document has expired, it must be renewed before applying for an IDP.

2. Application Rejection Due to Residency Issues

Only legal residents of Thailand with proof of residence can apply for an IDP. If an application is denied due to residency issues, the applicant should obtain an official certificate of residence from Thai immigration or their embassy.

3. Delays in Processing

Although most IDPs are issued the same day, delays can occur during peak application periods. To avoid long waiting times, applicants should visit the DLT office early in the morning or schedule their application outside of peak seasons.

Legal Considerations for Driving in Thailand with an IDP

Foreign drivers holding an International Driving license  in Thailand must strictly adhere to Thai traffic laws. Some important legal aspects include:

• An IDP is only valid when accompanied by the original national driving license . Drivers must carry both documents at all times.
• An IDP does not substitute a Thai driving license  for long-term residents. After 90 days, foreigners residing in Thailand must obtain a local Thai driving license .
• Thai insurance companies often require a valid local or international driving license  to process claims. Driving without the appropriate documentation can result in denied claims in case of an accident.
• Traffic violations committed while using an IDP are subject to the same penalties as Thai license  holders, including fines, suspension, or potential revocation of driving privileges.