A Quick Guide to Renewing Your Thai Driving License in Bangkok

This is my experience of renewing my five year Thai driving license. It doesn’t matter which office you go to. I chose the one in Bang Chak this time instead of the one in Samut Prakan as it’s a few minutes walk from a skytrain station. Just go to BTS Bang Chak and take Exit 3. You are looking for a road on your left with a blue archway over it. It’s just after Sukhumwit Soi 99. Walk down the road to the Department of Land Transportation (see map). It is a three-story purple building on your left. You cannot miss it.

Entrance to Soi (left picture) has a blue archway. Walk down the soi to the purple building

When you enter the building, go to the information counter. They will check your documents. If you don’t have the correct photocopies already, she will direct you to the service for this to your right. In my case, I needed a signed photocopy of my passport (photo page, visa page and last entry stamp page) and work permit (photo page, last extension page, and page with my home address). If you don’t have the latter, you either need a yellow house registration book with your name on it or a letter from Immigration with proof of address. Please note, a sign on the counter says they only issue 250 queue tickets per day. I got queue number 247 at 10:45am, so, advisable to come early.

This is the information counter where you get your queue number. To the left is where you start queuing. To the right is the place where you have your photo taken.

After you get your queue ticket, wait near the counters to your left for your number to be called. The lady here will check your documents. Next up is the physical tests in the large room opposite. Apparently, you should wait for your number to be called but I went straight in without realizing. But you’re not really jumping the queue, as you use the same number to enter the seminar room for the road safety video and then later to have your photo taken.


There are three tests but two stations. First one is to test your peripheral color vision. You have to look straight ahead and then say what color you see to the left or right. It can either be red, green or yellow. You will fail if you look left or right or say the wrong color. Several people failed by saying yellow was red. So be careful with this color. If you fail, go to the back of the queue and try again. The next two tests are at the next station. For the first one, you have to press a button to align two sticks. This tests depth perception. For the next test, you put your foot on the accelerator and then, when you see a red light, quickly put your foot on the brake. This tests your speed reaction. Watch how others do it if you don’t understand the instructions in Thai.

Next up is the one hour road safety video. You have to wait for your queue number to be called. The times for this are on the hour from 9am to 12pm. I was in time for the last one at 12pm. As there were many of us and the room on the ground floor only seats 60 people, we were invited up to Room 301 on the third floor.

This is the final stop where you sit and wait to be called to have your photo taken.

Once this was over, we went back down to the ground floor to the section to the right of the Information counter. Sit down and wait for your number to be called. I had to wait here for over an hour. In this large room, you pay the fee and have your photo taken. They will then print out your new driver’s license. If you do like I did and wait for your license to expire first, then they will give you five years from the date of your next birthday. So, I got 5 years + 359 days. The cost for me was 555 Baht as I had to have some details changed. But the standard fee is 500 Baht.

If you had a different experience or you have some tips, please post in the comments below. Please note, It’s been twenty years since I applied for my first Thai driving license and so I cannot help you with tips for doing this. But, I do know that in this same building you can apply for an International Driving Permit if you want to use your Thai driving License abroad.

83 thoughts on “A Quick Guide to Renewing Your Thai Driving License in Bangkok

  • February 16, 2023 at 12:41 pm
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    Your article is very useful. I went to Bang Chak office today morning at 8 AM to renew my 5 year Thai driving license. I had all my documents ready. However, lady at the information counter told me that you have to get the que appointment first and gave me an appointment of 21st March. I told her you can wait but she told’No’. She also told me to get new medical certificate since it’s only valid for a month. It’s an unnecessary hassle for foreigner’s . You have to go there just to take appointment and then again go for renewal. DLT should find a solution to this.

    Reply
  • November 1, 2022 at 12:35 pm
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    On 26th October 2022 I had very a bad experience in DLT BangChak. I arrived shortly before 10 a.m. and was told that walk -in was not possible, since they only allow 70 persons to walk in each day. I was advised to come as early as 6 a.m. to queue up. I asked the officer to check, if I had the correct documents, but the officer told me, that my yellow Book (Tabien Baan) could not be used as evidence of residence in Thailand, and that I would have to get a “Certificate of Residence” from my embassy or from Immigration, before I could renew my drivers licences. Furthermore I was told to go to my home provincial DLT. I was very surprised, since I have always used the yellow book as proof of residency and had already renewed my drivers licence with it in BangChak twice before.

    My wife then tried to call the DLT’s in Samut Prakan province, but they didn’t pick up the phone. The next day my wife got through to talk to DLT in Phra Prapradaeng (Samut Prakan), who told her, that they had walk in service and that I could certainly use my yellow book as proof of residence. We immediately drove off to DLT Phra Pradaeng which was out in the sticks and really hard to find (Thank you Google Maps). I was told that it was a little late for walk in and that I was expected to have participated in online learning / test before I showed up. They allowed me to do the test on my mobile phone on the premises and after passing the test and the the usual 3 physical tests for color blindness and reaction, all I had to do was to wait to take a photo and for my 2 new drivers licences to be printed. Two thumbs up to the very kind chief officer in DLT Phra Pradaeng. Luckily I can now relax another 6 years, until I have to renew my drivers licences again.

    Reply
  • August 15, 2022 at 7:33 pm
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    Just been to renew my license today, i had thought i could use my pink ID card as proof of residence an used this id card number to do the elearning video online and use the DLT smart queue. Anyway i turned up today and was told the pink id card and yellow tabien Baan are not acceptable for non ASEAN this is a recent change so i was sent to get a letter from immigration 500baht for car and 500 for motorbike and was told i have to do the elearning again with my passport number. They did say if i insisted i could use the pink card but i would be breaking the law if i drove outside my province so by the time all this happened it was closing time as smart queue tie onlt=y available 1630 -1800 and i had to 10 days for todays slot

    Reply
    • November 1, 2022 at 10:56 pm
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      Hello, I renewed my driving licence in Bangkok using my pink ID as proof without problem. I now have a driving licence with my thai ID number on it.
      Different office / officer = different answer.

      Reply
  • June 15, 2022 at 12:10 am
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    My Thai driver’s license expired in February 2019 soon after we leaft Thailand for work. We are back in Thailand, is it possible to seek an extension based on that lisence? I do have an international lisence and Vietnamese liscence for the remaining period.

    What is the best option for me?

    Thank you in advance
    Suyash

    Reply
  • March 12, 2022 at 1:19 pm
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    My 5 year Thai license will expire in August 2022.
    I was told if my TM30 and 90 day visa were current I could get a residency card easy from immigration. I assume I will need a 100 baht medical certificate from a clinic(need for 5 year renewal?) The 1st page in my passport references my old passport (for proof I am the same person) and I have a work permit(copies of everything). I live in Bangkok near OnNut

    I know Thai policies change quickly
    Do I need anything else?
    Do I need an appointment? (I downloaded an application it I have not tried it yet).
    Any chance of doing it online?
    I read there is an office close to Bangjak BTS

    I am thinking about getting a 1st time motorcycle license.
    I heard may need to take multiple choice exam.
    Any additional steps for this? (I assume a driving test around cones.
    Will it be added to my 5 year license or start over with 2 year license?

    Reply
  • May 5, 2021 at 11:14 am
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    Is it possible to renew a 5-year-license at the moment (May 2021)? Anyone knows? What if the license has been expired and not possible to renew, will it be allowed still to drive with an expired license?

    Reply
    • May 6, 2021 at 7:27 am
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      I think there’s no limit in renewing but if it expired there’s just added complications. I don’t know if there’s that kind of expiration that makes renewal impossible. But definitely you can’t walk in and expect to have your license renewed in a day.

      …”will it be allowed still to drive with an expired license?” <— no, IF they find out. You can still drive (even without license) UNTIL you get caught. So, either don't do anything to attract attention on the road or wish you have all the luck not to be randomly picked out there by the police.

      Reply
  • April 7, 2021 at 10:35 pm
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    Confirmed, April 2021: Main DLT office at Chatujak does not accept Yellow Tabien Baan as proof of address; and instead demands an expensive letter from an Embassy (as if the Embassy, which may see me once in 10 years, can provide more reliable proof than the Thai Govt’s own offices. Go figure.)

    Pink ID card is accepted as proof of residence, but only at the DLT office in the area where it was issued (in my case Taling Chan).

    Most Thais who showed up at that office seem to have made an appointment in advance using a DLT app — which probably helped to speed their processing time.

    Having gone to the trouble of obtaining a Pink ID card some years ago, I have made a point of trying to link bank accounts etc to it, since the ID number is more ‘permanent’ than a passport number. Apparently though, there is a statement written in Thai on the back of the Pink ID card which limits driving to the area in which it was issued! So, it’s necessary for foreigners link the driver’s licence to a passport, unless you’re content just driving to your local 7-11.

    It’s crucial to have copies of old documents (eg long-expired passports etc.) to which the old Driver’s Licence was linked — somehow to prove you are still who you were back then. (Never mind that you have may have 3 or 4 other current photo IDs and residence documents that should suffice for that purpose.)

    Contrary to what others have experienced, I did require a medical certificate for a 5-year renewal. (80 Baht waste-of-time from a nearby clinic, which took my blood pressure and asked me to tell them my weight and height.)

    At Taling Chan, prior to administering the physical tests, a suprisingly clear video with English subtitles is shown to explain how the tests work. The mandatory 1-hour instruction video (only in Thai with no subtitles) is partly a “Greatest Hits Compilation” of high-speed motocy and car crashes — no doubt featuring individuals (RIP) who didn’t watch the video.

    Following what is arguably the most useful tip of Richard Barrow’s post, I also allowed my old driver’s licence to expire by a day, and managed to get 6 years on the new one: one year for each hour of my life spent obtaining the new one.

    Reply
  • April 4, 2021 at 3:56 am
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    Confirmed, April 2021: Main DLT office at Chatujak does not accept Yellow Tabien Baan as proof of address; and instead demands an expensive letter from an Embassy (as if the Embassy, which may see me once in 10 years, can provide more reliable proof than the Thai Govt’s own offices. Go figure.)

    Pink ID card is accepted as proof of residence, but only at the DLT office in the area where it was issued (in my case Taling Chan).

    Most Thais who showed up at that office seem to have made an appointment in advance using a DLT app — which probably helped to speed their processing time.

    Having gone to the trouble of obtaining a Pink ID card some years ago, I have made a point of trying to link bank accounts etc to it, since the ID number is more ‘permanent’ than a passport number. Apparently though, there is a statement written in Thai on the back of the Pink ID card which limits driving to the area in which it was issued! So, it’s necessary for foreigners link the driver’s licence to a passport, unless you’re content just driving to your local 7-11.

    It’s crucial to have copies of old documents (eg long-expired passports etc.) to which the old Driver’s Licence was linked — somehow to prove you are still who you were back then. (Never mind that you have may have 3 or 4 other current photo IDs and residence documents that should suffice for that purpose.)

    Contrary to what others have experienced, I did require a medical certificate for a 5-year renewal. (80 Baht waste-of-time from a nearby clinic, which took my blood pressure and asked me to tell them my weight and height.)

    At Taling Chan, prior to administering the physical tests, a suprisingly clear video with English subtitles is shown to explain how the tests work. The mandatory 1-hour instruction video (only in Thai with no subtitles) is partly a “Greatest Hits Compilation” of high-speed motocy and car crashes — no doubt featuring individuals (RIP) who didn’t watch the video.

    Following what is arguably the most useful tip of Richard Barrow’s post, I also allowed my old driver’s licence to expire by a day, and managed to get 6 years on the new one: one year for each hour of my life spent obtaining the new one.

    RB: Would be nice if these comments could be sorted “Newest First”.

    Reply
  • March 29, 2021 at 3:33 pm
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    How about getting a new DL? I can’t seem to find my car DL (missplaced or lost), which expires on 2024. What are the requirements? Some forums say, need to have an affidavit of loss from the police while others say there’s no need. Anyone?

    Reply
  • March 1, 2021 at 10:34 pm
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    Can anyone confirm the yellow book is no longer accepted as a proof of residence by any LTD office in Bkk/Samut Prakan?

    The address in my work permit is outdated, so I can’t use it. In case I can’t use the yellow book, I understand I’ll need either a certificate from the Immigration or from my embassy: which one is more convenient money/time-wise?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • March 13, 2021 at 9:03 pm
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      At the Bang Chak office in November 2019, I was also told that I couldn’t use the yellow housebook as proof of address. But I was able to go to the my local district office which issued me with the yellow housebook in the first place and get a pink ID card (I think I had to have my passport with me too). The pink ID card was then accepted as proof of address at Bang Chak. I find the pink ID card useful for other things too, e.g. sending mail, and also once when I got stopped by the police.

      Reply
      • March 13, 2021 at 10:49 pm
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        Thanks a lot. Eventually, I solved with a residency certificate from the local immigration office. 500 bath and half an hour time.

        Cheers

        Reply
  • February 10, 2021 at 2:37 am
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    How do I get a letter from Immigration proving my address? I am in the middle sorting out my work permit but my driver’s licence will expire before this is done. Thanks.

    Reply
  • December 18, 2020 at 1:13 pm
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    Well can’t get back in to renew my license so i am sure there is now way to do it from Vietnam where I have been since covid restrictions to re-enter

    Reply
  • November 16, 2020 at 9:03 am
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    Excellent directions for drivers license renewal. Both in paperwork needed and directions to get to Bang Chak Department.

    But I had to get queue reservations in 2 months time ;Covid-19 new normal time.

    Lady official very polite in her instructions.

    A heartfelt thanks!

    Reply
  • November 11, 2020 at 11:25 am
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    Question everyone.
    Can we renew the DL by only having a 30-day visa exempt stamp? I saw one of the comments above that they were able to, but better it some other person was able to do the same?

    If I lost the DL and have it replaced with a new one, will the expiry date follow the same date as the one I’ve lost, or will it have a new expiry, counting 5 years from my next birthday?

    Reason for this is that, I just changed my license from 2-yr to 5-yr yesterday and I don’t think I will still have work here until next year. I was thinking of maybe if I get a license before I go back to my country, or if I can go back here as a tourist and renew the license after 5 years.

    Reply
  • October 25, 2020 at 3:24 pm
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    I went to Bang Chak during the week and have to wait until early December to renew due to backlog for foreigners. Also, my address isn’t in work permit so have to get a residence cert. My issue is that my license is now expired so can’t drive between now and early December?

    Reply
  • September 10, 2020 at 4:23 pm
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    Hello Richard, hello everyone, I am 75 years old I just renewed today both my driving licence for car and motorbike, both for five years in Koh-samui, my wife’s sister told us by phone that in north of Thailand, old people cannot renew their driving licence any more after a certain age! I can hardly believe it, by the way it is in Bueng Kan province ! Someone has an answer about this “story”?

    Reply
  • August 6, 2020 at 8:39 pm
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    I went to the Chatuchak branch at around 9am on Tue, 4 Aug 20, but was told that a print-out of a digital work permit is not acceptable and a letter from my country’s embassy to confirm my residential address is needed. I returned at 2.30pm on Wed, this time with the embassy letter, had my documents checked and confirmed to be in order but was told the queue for the day is full and I had to get an appointment for the next day. I returned on Thu at the designated appointment time (11am) and was able to complete the process just before 2pm.

    Reply
  • July 14, 2020 at 7:58 am
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    Just went to renew 2years to 5years. Had to put my name on a list of up to 10 people for a specific date. Mine is now next Tuesday 9.30 to 12.30. Its a written list so i presume you need to go there and put your name down.

    Reply
  • May 26, 2020 at 2:34 pm
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    I have a question.
    My Temporary 2 year Motorcycle License has expires on the 10th of May.
    Can I still go renew my Licence to my 5 year licence or what do I need to do now?

    Reply
  • May 8, 2020 at 11:22 am
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    I just came from Land Transportation Office Area 4. It seemed less busy than on previous visits, especially for a Friday. I was told that, currently, only Thais were allowed to renew licenses, foreigners would have to wait an unspecified amount of time. Interestingly, the woman walked away and a different woman asked if she could help me. She looked at my license and was about to let me through when the first woman showed up and repeated that foreigners couldn’t renew at this time. I wonder if the possibility for renewal depends on the area office or the person manning the door. I did ask what I
    should do if I’m stopped by the police next week after my license expires. If I understood her answer correctly, I should just smile.

    Reply
  • May 5, 2020 at 10:45 am
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    Hi Richard,
    Could you suggest if the license (5 yr to 5 yr) renewal is back at the office now? It has been suspended and it’s not clear how foreigners can renew it.
    Thanks much in advance

    Reply
  • May 4, 2020 at 8:33 pm
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    Hi Richard,
    Thanks for these details! Could you or anybody confirm if the dept of land transport will be working as of May 5, 2020? Their website (https://www.dlt.go.th/en/) has a notice that it was suspended from Mar 31, 2020. Now that the restrictions have been eased up, will the offices be open to work from May 5, 2020 or not?
    Thanks much in advance

    Reply
  • March 13, 2020 at 4:37 pm
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    Your passport number is written on your driving license. I have just renewed my passport so i have a new number initially when i asked about this i was told take your new passport with the old 1 to the transport office where you apply initially and it will be changed keeping the same dates. Today i was told dont worry let it expire and then change it also immigration gave me this perception by saying the change in passport no has been recorded so it all correct. Any thoughts

    Reply
  • March 5, 2020 at 4:33 pm
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    I went to renew my 5-year motorcycle license to another 5-year one at the DLT headquarters at Mo Chit today, and got turned away because I didn’t have the original of my work permit, just photocopies. I didn’t have a medical certificate and they didn’t say I needed one.

    So in addition to the photocopies of everything listed above, make sure you have the ORIGINAL of EVERYTHING.

    Reply
  • February 28, 2020 at 12:42 pm
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    If you have a valid work permit (which actually stipulates your present residential address) is an additional residence certificate from immigration still needed? Or can that be skipped? (takes an entire day to get one)

    And is there a website where the renewal form can be downloaded?

    Reply
    • March 6, 2020 at 11:27 pm
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      I believe you still have to produce the certificate from the immigration, as they did not even accepted the yellow book which is by itself a proof of residence, it looks as they want to be sure all the info are still current.

      Reply
  • February 27, 2020 at 3:53 pm
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    What happens when you change your passport in the middle of the 5 years obviously your passport no is printed on the driving license so do you just have the no changed or do you redo the tests for 5 years?

    Reply
    • February 27, 2020 at 4:04 pm
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      Just go and apply for a new one. There is an additional fee to change something on your license. I didn’t realize you were supposed to do this and so I didn’t have mine updated until it was time to renew anyway.

      Reply
  • February 11, 2020 at 2:45 pm
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    UPDATE: February 11, 2020.

    Went there this morning to renew my 2 year Car and bike license to the 5 year one at L&T Bang Chak. Arrived at 7.45 AM and there was already a long que (Around 50 people)

    Had to hand in the following:

    Passport copy x 2
    Visa page x 2
    Last Entry Stamp Page x 2
    Copy of Digital Work Permit x 2 (Screenshots of both pages)
    Copy of the information from the QR code of Digital Work Permit x 2
    Medical Certificate Original and 1 copy

    Had copies of the front and back of the license but they didn’t need those.

    Didn’t have the medical certificate because I didn’t think/read it was needed (with some conflicting reports) The two clinics I found were both closed (There is one near the BTS Bang Chak station) Decided to go back next week with everything ready instead of hopelessly driving around to find an open clinic.

    Will report back on the rest next week 🙂

    Reply
  • January 3, 2020 at 2:18 pm
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    In the past I used to renew my driver’s license at the Main Land Transport in the Chatuchak area, but now I would consider doing it where it is closer to my home area in Paknam, in the suggested place mentioned here in Bangchak, where Richard just went

    Are the tests practically the same as in the main Land Transport in Chatuchak area?

    Thanks in advance for your support Richard and co.

    Reply
  • December 6, 2019 at 10:41 pm
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    Ok chaps, i got the answer to my question by going there by myself and doing what i needed to do, so, basically, both DL (Car/Moto) were expired from 4 months, all i had to do is to align 2 sticks inside a box by using 2 push buttons on a box, then the brake test with a foot pedal, recognize the green,yellow,red colours and then that horrible horrible 1 hour movie’s watch.
    505 baths for the new car license, 205 bahts for motorcycle, you have to make copies of both your passport front page and visa stamp, fill their forms and also get a residence letter from the immo, which takes 1 day to get, the yellow book is no longer accepted by them….
    No need to take other tests unless your DL is expired from 12 months (mine was 4 months over), i think.
    Good Luck!

    Ohh and something that might be of interest to many….they give you 5 years even with a 30 days exempt visa !!!

    Reply
  • November 6, 2019 at 8:25 am
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    So no traffic theory test for the 5 year renewal, hé?

    Reply
  • November 5, 2019 at 10:56 am
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    Good question up here, i am on the same situation, expired 3 months ago, how does it works?
    I seem to recall there is no need to re-do theory or driving test if the expiration date is no longer than a year, but maybe things changed again?

    Reply
    • November 25, 2019 at 2:12 pm
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      Any answer to this, yet? This will apply to me as well… Maybe need to say I lost it and get a new one before leaving Thai

      Reply
  • October 21, 2019 at 4:18 pm
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    Hi everybody ,my 5 years thai driving licence will expire when i m abroad and i will be back to thailand after 2 month of the expiring date ,can i still get 5 years renowal?

    Reply
  • October 8, 2019 at 9:49 am
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    Hi there, today I went to Bang Chak to renew my Drivers License. They gave me an appointment for December, is this normal or some kind of hassle a foreigner has to go through? Any ideas on how to speed up this process? Thanks.

    Reply
    • October 8, 2019 at 9:58 pm
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      I went to bang chak on 4th oct at 7 am and they open office to give you queue no at 7.45 so there is no point taking Appointment. And I also asked whether any form needed or not…so I found out they keep my form side. So you just need documents and originals no need to fill any form.

      Reply
  • October 3, 2019 at 2:18 pm
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    is there any form needed to submit all documents for renew 2 years license? or just go with the documents? If yes where can I get such form coz I believe it would be in Thai so I need to fill them out in advance. Thank you

    Reply
  • October 3, 2019 at 2:12 pm
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    i see agents advertising to renew driving licences, then i see you had to go through all the requirements again, ie, 3 tests and the video, so how does this work out then, never heard of anyone doing the tests again

    Reply
    • October 3, 2019 at 7:10 pm
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      if you will renew your driving license for another 5 yrs … you will have to go through physical test ( e.g depth perception , reflex , peripheral and color blindness ) plus you need to watch 1 hr video …FYI if you have a new passport kindly bring your old passport orginal and photo copy of the front page . No medical cert is required …

      Reply
  • July 20, 2019 at 10:34 am
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    At the Phahohlothin 18 office, there is no need to come early. I went twice recently after lunch (twice because I did not have a medical cert the first time). One time my number was called as soon as I got into the waiting room. The next day, more people were there and there was about a 20 minute wait. Everything else was similar to that described in the article except we only watched the movie for 30 mins when a woman came in with our papers and everyone immediately left the room to go to their next station.

    Reply
  • July 18, 2019 at 3:06 pm
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    how to pass the depth perception test

    Reply
  • July 2, 2019 at 9:24 am
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    As part of the process, did you have to complete the drivers license application form, which is all in Thai?

    Reply
    • January 3, 2020 at 9:15 am
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      Just read all this info and the thread. I need to renew my licence which actually expired last october! I did my test in Samut Prakan. Can my work permit still be used as proof of address? Do i have to do that multiple choice test again? Will I need a whole day off work or can i go on saturdays?

      Reply
  • June 20, 2019 at 10:23 am
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    Thank you for this informative post.

    I extended my 5 year driving license today, same place. Arrived at 07:45 but seems they open for queues at 07:30 and there was already a long line.

    I had my passport copy (photo page, visa page and last entry), copy of front and rear of expired driving license, and an affirmation letter of residence from British embassy, translated in to Thai and legalised at MOFA. Note I managed to do the MOFA legalisation process at MRT Khlong Tei, underground adjacent to the station by Amazon coffee shop. A very efficient process.

    The queue moved quickly and I had the physical reaction and eye tests done just before 09:00 and was one of the last called in to the hours video training at 09:00, which has English subtitles.

    Then waiting for the license (payment and photos and issuance all done at the same desk). Waited just under an hour and out by 11:00.

    Could have been far worse!

    Reply
    • June 20, 2019 at 6:11 pm
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      Thanks for the extra tips. BTW, I don’t believe you need to photocopy your old license. I didn’t and they didn’t say anything.

      Reply
    • June 21, 2019 at 10:29 am
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      First time I have heard the residency letter needs translation. Is this others experience as well?

      Reply
      • June 21, 2019 at 5:13 pm
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        I was getting a certified copy of my passport translated and legalised for application for pink alien card, and obtained the residency letter from the embassy at the same time. I therefore decided to get both translated and legalised together. It may not be necessary but this is what I did, one day at the driving centre is enough, I’d flip if things were rejected and I had to go back again with further documents!!

        Reply
  • June 11, 2019 at 9:31 am
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    forgot to post…when renewing, there an age limit, after which you need to do the written test? I am 75. My wife is more worried, than i her next renewla is in 2020, when she will be 78.
    tia.

    Reply
  • June 9, 2019 at 4:10 pm
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    Do i need to take those test again when i need to renew my driving license for another 5 years … i mean i have my 5 years license at the moment and soon to expire by sept … from other info i got they said i dont need to go through that vision test anymore?

    Reply
    • June 9, 2019 at 5:34 pm
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      The above experience was from this week of renewing a five year license for another five years.

      Reply
    • July 2, 2019 at 11:41 am
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      The physical tests need to be done every time for renewal regardless of the license.

      Reply
  • June 9, 2019 at 12:57 pm
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    I have been to Bang Chak three times, 1,2 and 5 year license but strangely enough I`ve never seen this safety video. Never been asked to either…

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  • June 8, 2019 at 10:08 pm
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    I was at the Soi 99 drivers license 5yr renewal and repremanded like a child for wearing short trousers only down to the knees, so sent away to get long trousers before allowed to do the eye and reaction tests with a later group.

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    • June 9, 2019 at 6:00 am
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      Yes, standard practice at all government offices across the country. You have to be dressed properly. I posted a picture of the sign there but I will add this too. Thanks.

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  • June 8, 2019 at 7:05 pm
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    Only for people with PR – the lady at the information desk said I should have got a Thai pink ID card, but she would let me through this one time. Lots of debate on ThaiVisa about whether or not the pink ID cards are of any use…but it seems they might be mandatory for government purposes in the future.

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    • June 9, 2019 at 10:35 am
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      I have the pink ID card also. They didn’t want to live ok at it.

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  • June 8, 2019 at 4:48 pm
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    Went to renew my 5 year license at the main office on Phaholyothin. They said they no longer accept the yellow book house registration as evidence of address for driving license. They said to get a statement from Immigration or Embassy instead.

    Interestingly, the vehicle registration building in the same compound had no problem using the yellow book to change my address on my car registration.

    Go figure.

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    • August 10, 2019 at 6:31 pm
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      Interesting as I was told my last renewal to get a Yellow Taiban for next one.

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  • June 8, 2019 at 4:40 pm
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    If during the previous 5 years you have changed passports remember to bring your old one as well, along with the obligatory photo copies.

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    • June 8, 2019 at 5:55 pm
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      Yes, I should have mentioned that as I literally had a brand new passport that day and had to have photocopies of both photo pages. Thanks

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    • July 2, 2019 at 11:40 am
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      I have renewed my license last week and even I changed my passport during the last 5 years I did not need the old passport. Had it with me anyway.

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      • September 3, 2019 at 10:51 am
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        I just went into renew my 5 Yr license in Trang office, same place as previous 2 times. Have a non imm O visa, same as last 10 years but now been told I can only get 2 year temporary visa. For 5 year visa I was told I need a retirement visa. Tried to talk sense showing the official website with requirements to no avail. So I have gone backwards.

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        • September 3, 2019 at 2:01 pm
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          To update re getting only 2 years renewal, I went back for more talking in afternoon and further attempts of persuasion. Finally they realised their error, unbelievable but true. Now have my 5 year licenses, car + mbike..whew🙏.

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  • June 8, 2019 at 4:31 pm
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    Did you have to book for driver licence application in advance? Last time I visited Department of Land Transportation, they told me that I have to apply for application from their website (or something like that) and that there is a queue about 3 month. It was near Aranyaprathet. Not only me, but Thai brother of my girlfriend was told that he have to book a meeting as well.

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      • August 25, 2019 at 12:19 am
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        I did my first licence a short while ago. I believe July. No appointment necessary. However I printed the form and filled it out prior to attending with all my documents to the first counter.

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        • September 3, 2019 at 11:57 am
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          Where did you print it from? I’ve had a look around, but couldn’t find anything

          Thanks.

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  • June 8, 2019 at 3:38 pm
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    Process of obtaining the initial Thai driving licence is the exact same. Initial license is good for 2 years and is considered “temporary”, as that’s what is wrote on the license itself.

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    • August 23, 2019 at 11:23 pm
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      No, when you renew your 5 year, you don’t need a medical cert.

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      • November 15, 2019 at 9:47 am
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        You do need a medical certificat when you change your 2-year license for a 5-year licence at Bang Chak. I was just turned away because I didn’t have one.

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    • March 31, 2020 at 9:13 am
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      What are the requirements in renewing thai driving license for foreigners?

      Reply

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