A Complete Guide to International Driver’s Licenses in Thailand (2026)

Learn how to get an international driver’s license in Thailand, including required documents, fees, processing time, and the difference between 1-year and 3-year IDPs. Find out how to apply at the Department of Land Transport and drive legally in over 100 countries.

When I had a 5-year Thai driving license and needed to travel abroad, I visited the Department of Land Transport in Thailand to apply for an international driver’s license. It was one of the easiest things I had done in Thailand.

And it allows me to drive in more than 100 countries all over the world, including my home country in Australia.

This article shows you the fast, simple process of applying for an international driver’s license in Thailand, including which documents you need, where to go, and how much it costs.

What Is It? 

There are a few things to know about international driver’s licenses, so let’s look at the most important points.

An international driver’s license is technically known as an International Driving Permit (IDP). But because so many people refer to it as a license, we’ll stick with that term for this article.

The important word to remember is “permit.” An international driver’s license permits you to drive in another country temporarily.

Two Types of IDP

There are two types of international driver’s licenses you can obtain in Thailand:

• A one-year license based on the 1949 Geneva Convention.
• A three-year license based on the 1968 Vienna Convention.

Both types of IDP have the same requirements, application process, and fees.

The main difference, in addition to the year of validity, is based on the countries where you can use them.

For a one-year license, you can use it in 101 countries worldwide, while a three-year license allows you to drive in only 84 countries.

To determine which license I need, I always check this list on Wikipedia before applying for the IDP.

For example, if I am planning to go to Japan, I need to obtain a one-year license. However, if I am going to Costa Rica, I need a three-year license.

Fortunately, in my experience, a Department of Land Transport officer always asks me which country I intend to visit in order to issue the appropriate license.

Where to Apply

To apply for an international driver’s license in Thailand, just visit any Department of Land Transport (DLT) office in Thailand.

If you live in Bangkok, there is a DLT office in Bang Chak and one in Chatuchak.

Here’s a list of all DLT offices in Thailand. 

Required Documents

To apply for an international driver’s license in Thailand, this is what I need when I applied for it in Chatuchak.

• a valid five-year Thai driver’s license
• passport
• non-immigration visa
• resident certificate. I always get it from a Thai immigration office since it costs only THB200. Alternatively, you can get it from your embassy (more expensive) or a work permit
• two, 2-inch photos no older than six months.

Other Department of Land Transport offices also require similar documents. However, I heard that some may need both originals and signed copies for all documents.

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Tip: it’s recommended to prepare a full set of both originals and copies before going to the DLT. It’s better than relying on the on-site copy machine to save you if something is missing.

Most DLT offices have a copy machine available. So, if you forgot to bring copies with you, you can just do it there.

After you submit all your documents, you’ll have to pay the fee, and you’ll be given an international driving license that is valid for one year or three years depending on the type of your IDP as mentioned in a previous section. 

How Long Does It Take?

Since it’s very simple to get an international driver’s license in Thailand, the whole process took me only 15 minutes. I might be lucky since there was only 1 queue before me.

How Much Does It Cost?

The fee for obtaining an IDP is currently THB505 for both one-year and three-year IDP.

When Should I Go There?

Even though the DLT office opens at 7:30am and you can register at that time. The section for IDP only begins work at 8:30am.

The DLT office can be pretty busy in the morning. There can be a long queue of more than 50 people over there. However, the queue is mainly for Thai nationals.

As a foreigner, there is usually a separate counter with “Foreigner Only” marked window with an English-speaking receptionist.

In my experience, I normally visit in an early afternoon since the queue tends to be shorter at that time.

International Driving License for Motorcycle

You can obtain an international driving license for a motorcycle in the same way as you would for a car. 

However, this time, you would need to present a five-year motorcycle driving license instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Drive on an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Thailand?

Yes, if you already have an international driver’s license, you can use it to drive in Thailand. 

Actually, if you are planning to move to Thailand, it’s a good idea to get your international driver’s license in advance. It helps you get your Thai driver’s license much easier. 

Also, having an international driver’s license will let you drive in multiple countries if you live in Thailand but travel abroad often.

Take note that the IDP is valid for only one year for driving in Thailand. So, if you are planning to drive in Thailand longer than that, it’s better to convert it to a Thai driver’s license.

It’s a very easy process and you can see how to do it here.

How to Use Your International Driver’s License

When driving on your international driver’s license, you must carry your resident country’s driver’s license with you as well.

For example, if you visit America and want to drive there, you have to carry your Thai driver’s license with your international driver’s license.

How Long Is an IDP Valid for Driving in Thailand?

An IDP is valid for only one year for driving inside Thailand, regardless of whether it’s the 1-year or 3-year type. If you plan to drive in Thailand longer than that, you need to convert to a Thai driver’s license instead.

Do I Need a Thai Driving License to Get an IDP in Thailand?

Yes. You need a valid 5-year Thai driver’s license to apply for an IDP at the Department of Land Transport. A temporary 2-year Thai license does not qualify; you must first convert it to a 5-year license.

Does an IDP Cover Motorcycles in Thailand?

Yes, but you need a 5-year motorcycle driving license (not a car license) to get an IDP for a motorcycle. You can apply for a car IDP and a motorcycle IDP at the same time if you hold both licenses and bring two separate resident certificates, one for each application.

How Much Does an IDP Cost in Thailand?

The fee is THB505, the same price for both the 1-year and 3-year IDP.

Where Do I Apply for an IDP in Thailand?

At any Department of Land Transport (DLT) office in Thailand. In Bangkok, offices are located in Bang Chak and Chatuchak. The DLT website has a directory of all provincial offices.

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for an IDP in Thailand?

A valid 5-year Thai driver’s license, your passport, a non-immigrant visa, a resident certificate (from Thai immigration or your embassy), and two 2-inch photos taken within the last six months. Bring both originals and copies, since not every DLT office has a copy machine on-site.

Can I Apply for an IDP in Thailand Online?

Not yet for foreigners. Online applications became available in 2025, but currently only Thai nationals can use that option. Foreigners still need to apply in person at a DLT office.

Do I Need to Book an Appointment in Advance?

I never need to book an appointment to make an IDP. I can simply walk in.

Can I Apply for an International Driving License for Car and Motorcycle at the Same Time?

Yes, you can do it at the same time.

You need to have both a car driving license and a motorcycle driving license and also 2 original separate resident certificates, each stating what it is for.

You can present everything to a DLT officer. 

Your international driving license will then enable you to legally operate both a car and a motorcycle overseas.

Can I Apply for an IDP in Thailand with a Two-Year Thai Driving License?

Unfortunately, you cannot use your two-year Thai driving license (a temporary driving license) to apply for an International Driver’s License in Thailand.

You need to convert it to a 5-year driving license first.

Can I Apply for an IDP in Thailand with My Home Country Driver’s License?

No, you cannot.

If you have a foreign driver’s license and would like to apply for an international driving license with the Thai Department of Land Transport (DLT), the first step is to obtain a Thai driver’s license.

Initially, you will be eligible for a temporary two-year license only. You need to wait until you can obtain a five-year license. Therefore, it’s a good idea to get your Thai driver’s license as soon as you arrive in Thailand.

Now, on to You

Believe it or not, the process for getting an international driver’s license in Thailand is fairly simple.

In fact, it’s one of the easiest processes you’ll go through while living in the country. The entire process will take you less than 15 minutes.

Sources Cited

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