Q1039. How to translate foreign driving licenses for conversion into Thai driving licenses?

Answered by the NYC Visa & Translation certified translation team

Foreign driving licences convert to Thai licences at the Department of Land Transport (DLT) without a driving test if the documents are in order. The document set: the foreign licence (valid, not expired), a translation if the licence is not in English or Thai, a medical certificate (issued in Thailand within 1 month), proof of residence in Thailand (residence certificate from immigration or an embassy letter), and the passport with a valid visa or stay permission. The translation rules: licences in English are generally accepted without translation; licences in other languages need a certified translation — the DLT accepts translations certified by the issuing country's embassy in Bangkok or MFA-certified translations (200/quoted on request per stamp); an International Driving Permit (IDP, 1949 Geneva Convention) can be used directly for the conversion of the corresponding category and needs no translation. Practical points: the licence category must map to a Thai category (car, motorcycle) — a licence without a motorcycle endorsement does not convert to a Thai motorcycle licence; some countries' licences show categories by code only, and the translation should include the code explanation; and the DLT checks the licence against security features, so a laminated paper translation is not a substitute for the original card. The Thai licence issued on conversion is typically a 2-year temporary licence first. Confirm the current DLT checklist at the specific office before going, as document practice varies between offices.