Converting an International Driving Permit to a Thai Driver’s License

*(Article updated: 16 November 2025)*

Introduction to Converting to a Thai Driver’s License

The Department of Land Transport (DLT) put a draft regulation out for public hearing in June-July 2025 that would end direct conversion from an IDP or foreign license and require everyone to pass written and road tests. As of the most recent reporting found, this remains a draft — it has not been published in the Royal Gazette — and requirements currently vary by DLT office (some still waive the written test for a valid foreign license). Confirm the current rule at your local DLT office before applying. Whether you’re a short-term visitor or a long-term resident, if you plan to drive in Thailand, you need to apply for a Thai driver’s license to comply with the law. This guide covers the current application process, the documents you’ll need, what the tests cover, and other points to watch for, to help you get through the licensing process smoothly.

Documents Required

If your original license is not in English, you’ll need an English or Thai translation. In addition, prepare the following:

• A valid driver’s license from your home country
• A valid International Driving Permit (IDP)
• Proof of residence (a Certificate of Residency) — this can be issued free by the Immigration Bureau (takes about 25 minutes) or substituted with a Work Permit
• A medical certificate — obtained at a clinic (around THB 100; a blood-pressure check and a few health questions)
• 2 passport photos
• A copy of your passport information page
• A copy of your most recent visa or visa-extension page

The Application Process

1. Get Your Proof of Residence

Apply at the Immigration Bureau; some Department of Land Transport (DLT) offices may require this document.

2. Get Your Medical Certificate

Available at a clinic; the check itself is simple.

3. Go to Your Local Department of Land Transport (DLT) Office (addresses listed at the end)

Some areas, such as Bangkok, allow booking through the DLT app:

• Download on Google Play or Apple’s App Store

4. Submit All Required Documents

5. Take the Tests (requirements vary by DLT office)

Written test: you must pass a test on Thai traffic rules; you can watch the instructional videos on the DLT’s e-learning website in advance and print a certificate of completion.

Road test: covers practical driving skills.

Other tests:

• Brake/reaction test
• Color-blindness test
• Depth-perception test

6. Pay the Fee and Collect Your License

Temporary license (valid 2 years): about THB 200-300
Full license (valid 5 years): THB 505

Important Points to Note

• An International Driving Permit (IDP) can generally be used in Thailand for 90 days; beyond that period, you need to convert to a Thai license.
• The DLT put a draft regulation out for public hearing in June-July 2025 that would end direct conversion from an IDP or foreign license and require everyone to pass written and road tests. As of the most recent reporting found, this remains a draft — it has not been published in the Royal Gazette — and requirements currently vary by DLT office (some still waive the written test for a valid foreign license). Confirm the current rule at your local DLT office before applying.
• Motorcycle license rules: if your home-country license does not include motorcycle qualification, you cannot obtain a Thai motorcycle license directly — you must take an additional training course and pass a test.

Renewing Your License

A 2-year temporary license can be upgraded to a 5-year full license within three months before it expires.

Upgrading to the 5-year license does not require retaking the written or road test, but you still need to submit the relevant application documents.

A Thai driver’s license also works as a general form of identification — for example, for domestic flight check-in or hotel registration — though policies vary between hotels and airlines, so it’s advisable to check in advance.

Estimated Time

The time the whole process takes varies by region and office efficiency; at its fastest, it takes about half a day to a full day. Since requirements can differ slightly between offices and demand can be high, it’s advisable to book ahead and allow plenty of time.

Since specific requirements at each DLT office may be adjusted, it’s best to check directly with your local DLT for the latest information.

Department of Land Transport (DLT) Office Addresses by Region

Bangkok Head Office

Address: 1032 Phahon Yothin Road, Kwang Ladyao, Khet Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
GPS: N13.798219 / E100.553144

Bangkok Area Office 1

Address: Km 4.5, Bang Khun Thian – Chai Thale Road, Kwang Thakham, Khet Bang Khun Thian, Bangkok 10150
GPS: N13.620811 / E100.438550

Bangkok Area Office 2

Address: 51 Moo 5, Suan Phak Road, Kwang Taling Chan, Khet Taling Chan, Bangkok 10170
GPS: N13.794567 / E100.458281

Bangkok Area Office 3

Address: Between Soi 99 and Soi 101, Sukhumvit Road, Kwang Bangchak, Khet Phra Khanong, Bangkok 10250
GPS: N13.696453 / E100.609128

Bangkok Area Office 4

Address: 34 Moo 6, Ruam Phatthana Road, Kwang Lamtoyting, Khet Nong Chok, Bangkok 10530

Other Provinces

Nonthaburi
Address: 82 Moo 8, Tiwanon Road, Tambon Bangkasor, Amphoe Muang, Nonthaburi 11000
GPS: N13.865111 / E100.518336

Pathum Thani
Address: 84 Moo 1, Phathum Thani–Lat Lum Kaeo Road (R 346), Tambon Ban Chang, Amphoe Muang, Pathum Thani 12000
GPS: N14.035714 / E100.499933

Samut Prakan
Address: 323 Moo 3, Sukhumvit Road, Tambon Bang Pu Mai, Amphoe Muang, Samut Prakan 10280

Pattaya Area (Bang Lamung Office)
Address: near Highway 36, close to Regent International School
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30-16:00 (closed on public holidays)

Chiang Mai
Address: 192 Moo 7, Chiang Mai–Hang Dong Road / Highway 108, Mae Hia Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30-16:30, excluding public holidays

Other Ways to Find an Office

DLT offices are spread across every province in Thailand, and larger cities may have several branches. To find your nearest DLT office, try:

• The DLT’s official website: www.dlt.go.th
• An online map or navigation app
• Your local municipal office

Practical Tip

It’s advisable to confirm the latest requirements with your local DLT office again before applying. If in doubt, the DLT’s current requirements take priority over anything stated here.

If you’d like help getting a Thai driver’s license quickly, ask Zagdim about ZDelp’s expedited licensing service, which can issue a license in as little as two to three days for a car or motorcycle license (available to applicants with two or more years of driving experience, or holders of an International Driving Permit — first-time applicants receive a 2-year temporary license first, upgradable to the 5-year full license once eligible).

Have a question about this guide? Leave a comment below, or ask Zagdim directly.