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Foreign Driver Licence → Thai Conversion
Can I convert a foreign driving licence in Thailand?
Yes. Foreigners with a valid licence from home or an international driving permit can apply at a Department of Land Transport office for a Thai licence, usually with a residence certificate, a medical certificate and a short test. Offices may require a translation. Check the exact list with your local DLT office.
12 nationalities · certified translation + Apostille/embassy + DLT queue — subject to the DLT queue at Chatuchak
Quick Answer
We handle every step: certified translation (country-specific — NAATI, vereidigter Übersetzer, Traducteur Assermenté, JAF, KoROAD, embassy, Apostille) → Notary + MFA legalization → Immigration residence certificate → medical certificate → DLT queue at Chatuchak / Sirimongkol / Bang Bua Thong. Timing depends on DLT appointment queues.
Pick the issuing country of your licence
State-issued Driver License (CA/NY/TX/FL etc.)
📜 Translation: Embassy
Convention: Geneva 1949
DVLA Photocard Driving Licence
📜 Translation: Embassy
Convention: Geneva 1949
State/Territory Driver Licence (NSW/VIC/QLD/WA etc.)
📜 Translation: NAATI
Convention: Geneva 1949
Japan Driver's Licence (Class 1 / Semi-medium / Medium / Large)
📜 Translation: Embassy
Convention: Geneva 1949
EU Driving Licence — Führerschein (Class B / A / A1 / BE / C)
📜 Translation: Sworn Translator
Convention: Vienna 1968
EU Permis de conduire (pink card / smart card)
📜 Translation: Sworn Translator
Convention: Vienna 1968
PRC Driver's Licence (机动车驾驶证) — Class C1/C2/A/B
📜 Translation: Consular
Convention: Non-signatory
Korean Driver's Licence (운전면허증) — Class 1st Ordinary / 2nd Ordinary
📜 Translation: Embassy
Convention: Vienna 1968
Indian Driving Licence (LMV / MCWG / MCWOG / HMV)
📜 Translation: Embassy
Convention: Geneva 1949
Singapore Driving Licence (Class 3 / 3A / 2 / 2A / 2B)
📜 Translation: Authorized Agency
Convention: Vienna 1968
Provincial Driver Licence (ON G / QC Class 5 / BC Class 5 / AB Class 5)
📜 Translation: Embassy
Convention: Geneva 1949
Russian Driving Licence (Водительское удостоверение) — Category A / B / C / D
📜 Translation: Consular
Convention: Vienna 1968
FAQ
- How long does it take to convert a foreign licence to Thai?
- Once documents are complete (certified translation + medical certificate + residence certificate), the DLT step is often done on the appointment day. Translation, embassy and DLT booking queues vary, so timing is not guaranteed — check current DLT rules before applying.
- What is the total cost?
- Fees depend on the documents, destination and urgency. Send your documents for a written quote after review — no prices are published. Any government or embassy fees are set by the authority; verify them directly before filing.
- Do I need to take theory or road tests?
- No road test if you hold a valid non-provisional foreign licence in the same class. DLT still requires a physical exam, colour-blindness, vision, and reaction tests.
- Which translation route applies to my country?
- Three main routes — (1) issuing-country embassy certification, (2) Apostille (Hague 1961 members), (3) MFA legalization + Thai Notary. See each country page for specifics (NAATI for AU, JAF for JP, KoROAD for KR, vereidigter Übersetzer for DE, Traducteur Assermenté for FR, etc.).
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Official sources — driving licence
The information on this page follows the official sources below. Always check the latest version before you file.
- Department of Land Transport — driving licences— Department of Land Transport
- Department of Provincial Administration — civil & family registration— Department of Provincial Administration
- Department of Consular Affairs — document legalisation— Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Immigration Bureau — visas, 90-day reporting, TM.30— Immigration Bureau
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General information before proceeding: Confirm current requirements with the receiving authority before using your documents. This page is not a legal opinion for your individual case — meet the team · editorial policy
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The correct order of steps before sending documents abroad
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Compare visa categories and the documents each one needs translated
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Frequently asked questions
- How does 90-day reporting work and what happens if I miss it?
- Foreigners staying in Thailand on a long-stay permission must report their address to Immigration every 90 days, in person, by post, through an agent or online, within the window from 15 days before to 7 days after the due date. Late reporting carries a fine of 2,000 baht, rising to 4,000 baht if you are caught during an arrest, and the counter can only accept the report within the permitted window.
- What is TM30 and who must file it?
- TM30 is the notification of a foreigner's place of stay, and the legal duty falls on the house owner, condominium owner, hotel or landlord to notify Immigration within 24 hours of the foreigner's arrival at the address. Foreigners are affected in practice because Immigration frequently requires a current TM30 receipt before processing extensions, 90-day reports and re-entry permits.
- Can I convert my foreign driving licence to a Thai one?
- Yes — the Department of Land Transport allows conversion of a valid foreign licence with a certificate of residence from Immigration or an embassy letter, a medical certificate, passport and visa copies, and passing the colour, reaction and depth-perception tests. Holders of a licence from a country with a reciprocal arrangement may be exempt from the written and practical tests.
- Can a foreigner own a condominium in Thailand?
- Yes, under the Condominium Act foreigners may own units in freehold up to 49% of the total saleable floor area of the building, and the purchase funds must be remitted into Thailand in foreign currency with a Foreign Exchange Transaction certificate issued by the receiving bank for transfers of USD 50,000 or more. Land ownership remains closed to foreigners other than under BOI or specific statutory exceptions.