Obtaining a Thai driving licence as a foreign resident
In short
Driving licences are issued by the Department of Land Transport under the Motor Vehicle Act B.E. 2522 (1979). Foreign applicants normally provide a passport, evidence of address acceptable to the office, a medical certificate, and either pass the tests or convert a recognised foreign licence.
Proof of address is the step that varies most between offices: a residence certificate from immigration, an embassy letter or a certificate of residence may each be accepted, and the office decides which. Confirm with the specific branch before travelling there.
A foreign licence in a language other than Thai or English generally needs a certified translation, and an International Driving Permit is a temporary solution rather than a substitute for a Thai licence for residents.
What we need from you
- Passport with valid permission to stay
- Proof of address accepted by that Land Transport office
- Medical certificate in the accepted form
- Existing foreign licence with certified translation, for conversion
Watch out
Insurance claims can be affected by driving without a valid licence category — check the category, not just the licence.
Reviewed as of 2026-08-04. General guidance only, not case-specific advice and not a guarantee of outcome. Government fees, conditions and processing times are set by the responsible authority and can change. This site does not publish prices — please ask our staff.
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