Ask question

This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Is it easier to convert a driver's license to a Thai one in Hua Hin or Bangkok?

Driver's License Conversion Thai Driving License Hua Hin Bangkok Residence Certificate Car Registration Expats in Thailand

Feb 2, 2025

20 days ago

Bastien ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I all, probably more a « everything else » 

So in a few months I plan on moving to Hua Hin 

I’ll probably need to buy car and I’m completely lost with all info I find online, so simple question :

Is it easier to convert my Driver licence to a Thai one in Hua Hin or in BKK (or other city?)

Do I need a residence certificate or is it only for buying the car ? Since I’m about to leave the place I rent I don’t know if it’s worth it to ask now.

No agent for sketchy scheme I play by the rules

869

views

2

likes

24

all likes

15

replies

2

images

6

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The conversation revolves around the process of converting a foreign driver's license to a Thai one, focusing on the necessary requirements such as a residence certificate, health certificate, and international driving permit (IDP). Participants share insights about the relative ease of conversion in Hua Hin versus Bangkok, with one user recounting a successful experience in Pranburi. They emphasize that a residence certificate is needed for both the license conversion and car registration, and mention that the conversion process includes a simple sight and reaction test.

Pelle Eriksson

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted Thai Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Maneerat ************

@https://www.facebook.com/shar*****************************

Like

Reply

Si ********

Like

Reply

Bastien ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

oh wait Certificate residence is TM30? I was thinking it was two separate things

Thanks for this I keep your pictures very clear

Like

Reply

Tony **********

@Bastien *******

it is not a tm30

Like

Reply

Bastien ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tony *********

just checked yeah I was wrong thanks !

Like

Reply

Reply to

Bastien ********

Reply

John *******

I converted my Canadian drivers license in Pranburi while I was resident in Hua Hin a few years ago.The usual photocopies of passport pages required, can't remember if I needed a medical cert.which is easy to obtain. Also didn't have to watch any videos, just did a colour blind test.Had my Thai license in about an hour.Also Cha-Am is another option to get license. Hope this helps.

Like

Reply

Bastien ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

sounds easy like that

I miss driving so much I can’t wait to be able to explore more freely

Like

Reply

John *******

@Bastien *******

Drive very carefully in Thailand.

Like

Reply

Bastien ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

100%, might just drive on small road not on highway and definitely not in Bangkok, just I’ll move to a house that might be a little far from the city (not sure yet) so for groceries and everyday things I feel like I can’t do without

Like

Reply

Reply to

Bastien ********

Reply

Jan ******************

Regarding converting I guess it’s quite equal. You’ll need a residence certificate and a health certificate and most probably a IDP together with your national licence to convert anyway.

The simple test regarding sight and reaction is more or less similar at the different DLT’s and they use the same equipment for this. You’ll need to watch this movie in the link and answer some simple questions and you can book appointment through this app.

**************************************

Like

Reply

Bastien ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jan *****************

sounds fair, might need to drive a little just to get used to the RHD cars too

Like

Reply

Reply to

Bastien ********

Reply

Stuart *********

You’ll need a residence certificate for buying (actually to register the car in your name) the car AND for your licence. Be aware that they are only valid for 30 days (or until your existing stamp is for - which we is the sooner).

Like

Reply

Bastien ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

yeah I prefer to have everything on my name, so I guess what I’ll do is get the certificate as soon as I move to my new home and follow up with driver licence and then buy the car

Not sure I can drive with an international license since I’m on a DTV

Like

Reply

Graham ******

@Bastien *******

you need two residence certificates (tick two boxes on the application), one for the DL and one for registering the car

Like

Reply

Jan ******************

@Bastien *******

Doesn’t matter what kind of stay you’re on. A IDP is only valid for up to 90 consecutive days in Thailand anyway.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Jan ******************

Reply

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

Can someone recommend a reliable agent in Hua Hin for obtaining a motorbike driving license?

47 comments

5 months ago

What do I need to obtain a residency certificate for a driver's license in Hua Hin as an expat with a 10-year LTR visa?

10 comments

7 months ago

What are the steps to convert a UK driving license to a Thai driving license in Bangkok, and should I use an agency?

53 comments

9 months ago

Can I obtain a Thai driver's license without having one in my home country?

16 comments

10 months ago

How Can I Obtain a Thai Driver's License As an Expat?

5 comments

a year ago

What are the requirements for obtaining a Thai driving license with a foreign license?

99 comments

a year ago

What are the current requirements and processes for obtaining a driver's license in Thailand, particularly for expats?

7 comments

a year ago

What is the process of obtaining a Thai driver's license, and how can I prepare for the tests?

29 comments

a year ago

Do I need a TM30 when applying for a Thai driver's license, and can I apply in Hua Hin with a Bangkok address?

11 comments

a year ago

How can I obtain a temporary motorcycle license in Thailand with a tourist visa?

21 comments

a year ago

Can I obtain a scooter license in Thailand while staying in an AirBnB in Bangkok?

10 comments

a year ago

What do I need to obtain a Thai driver's license in Chiang Mai?

10 comments

2 years ago

What is the procedure for getting a bike license in Hua Hin, Thailand?

7 comments

2 years ago

How can I renew my Thai driver's license without frequently needing a residence certificate in Chiang Mai?

27 comments

2 years ago

Do I need to translate my Irish driving license to Thai to convert it for a Thai driving license?

5 comments

2 years ago

Can I obtain a certificate of residence for my driving license in Bangkok due to medical treatment?

5 comments

2 years ago

What are the steps to obtain a Thai driving license with a Washington State license and how to handle translation issues?

45 comments

3 years ago

What is the process to obtain a Thai driving license if my UK license is expired and I can't renew it?

23 comments

3 years ago

Is it difficult to get a driver’s license in Thailand, especially in Phuket?

80 comments

4 years ago

How difficult is it to obtain a Thai driver's license for expats?

83 comments

4 years ago

How can I obtain an International Driving Permit while living in Thailand?

66 comments

4 years ago

What documents do I need to convert my driving license to a Thai one?

25 comments

4 years ago

How can I obtain an international driving license or driving lessons in Bangkok?

22 comments

4 years ago

What do I need to get a Thai driving license at the DLT office in Taling Chan without a Thai companion?

23 comments

7 years ago

How can I obtain a residency certificate in Thailand without official rental documentation?

38 comments

8 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.