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🇯🇵 Japan → Thai Driver Licence
Japan Driver's Licence (Class 1 / Semi-medium / Medium / Large) · Convention: Geneva 1949
Quick Answer
Translation route: Translate at Embassy of Japan Bangkok (翻訳証明 service, ¥3,660 ≈ THB 900, book 1 week ahead) — or use a JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) official translation, which DLT accepts directly. Total turnaround: 1 day(s)หลังได้คำแปล JAF/Embassy. Motorcycle is issued as a SEPARATE licence (รยจ.). No road test required (physical/vision/reaction tests still apply).
DLT reciprocity notes
Japan does NOT issue Vienna Convention IDPs — only Geneva 1949. DLT converts Japanese licences directly (without IDP) if a JAF or Embassy translation accompanies the original.
Pitfalls
- The Japanese licence shows the address in kanji — attach a Juminhyo (住民票) copy if the address differs from your passport.
- Gentsuki (原付, ≤50cc mopeds) do NOT convert to Thai รยจ.
- AT-only (AT限定) restriction is carried over to the Thai licence as well.
Documents to prepare
- ✓ Passport + current visa (Non-Imm)
- ✓ Original foreign licence + 2 copies
- ✓ Certified translation (per country route)
- ✓ Immigration/Embassy residence certificate
- ✓ Medical certificate (≤ 30 days old)
- ✓ 2× 1-inch photos
- ✓ IDP if held (for reference)
- ✓ Thai address proof (lease/tabien)
FAQ
- How long is a Japanese IDP valid in Thailand?
- 1 year from issue, but only the first 90 days of each Thai entry. Long-stayers must convert to a Thai licence.
- Where do I get a JAF translation?
- JAF Bangkok office (Sathorn) or order online from jaf.or.jp; express shipping 5–7 days.
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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.
- กรมการขนส่งทางบก — ใบอนุญาตขับรถ— Department of Land Transport
- กรมการปกครอง — ทะเบียนราษฎร ทะเบียนครอบครัว— Department of Provincial Administration
- กรมการกงสุล — บริการรับรองเอกสาร (นิติกรณ์)— กระทรวงการต่างประเทศ
- สำนักงานตรวจคนเข้าเมือง — วีซ่า รายงานตัว 90 วัน TM.30— Immigration Bureau
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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 THB 2,000, rising to THB 5,000 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.