A driver’s licence is perhaps one of the most important documents to always have on hand, as it serves not just as proof of driving eligibility but also as a key form of identification. In Thailand, renewing your driving licence on time is essential to avoid fines and legal issues.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to renew your Thai driving licence, including the documents needed, renewal fees, and the implications if you don’t renew on time. By following these instructions, you can get back on the road legally and confidently.
Types of Thai driving licences
Before diving into the driving licence renewal process, it’s important to understand the different types of driving licences in Thailand, each with its own validity period and renewal requirements:
- Temporary licence: Issued to new drivers, this licence is valid for 2 years. After this period, it can be upgraded to a 5-year licence.
- 5-year licence: Once you hold a temporary licence, you can upgrade to this 5-year licence. It can be renewed for another 5 years upon expiration.
- International Driving Permit (IDP): This permit allows Thai residents and eligible foreigners to drive in other countries. It is valid for one year and can be renewed annually.
Renewal period for an expired driving licence
According to regulations, an expired driver’s licence must be renewed within 1 year. To avoid the hassle of forgetting and having to retake the test, you can renew your licence in advance. Drivers can renew their licence up to 180 days (6 months) before the expiration date. The necessary documents, renewal process, and fees will follow the standard guidelines.
Do I need to retake the test for an expired driving licence?
There are specific regulations that all drivers should understand to avoid letting their licence expire unknowingly. Here are the details:
- Licence expired for less than 1 year: If your licence has expired for less than 1 year, or even just 1 month past the expiration date, you can renew it at the Department of Land Transport (DLT) without paying a fine or taking a new test. However, you will need to pay the standard renewal fee.
- Licence expired for more than 1 year but less than 3 years: In this case, you will need to pass a written test through the electronic exam system (50 questions) and score at least 90%, meaning you must answer at least 45 out of 50 questions correctly. If you fail, you will need to retake the test.
- Licence expired for more than 3 years: If your licence has been expired for more than 3 years, you will need to undergo training, pass the written test through the electronic exam system, and retake the driving test, essentially starting over as if you were getting your licence for the first time.
Steps to renew a Thai driving licence
- Check your eligibility: Ensure your licence has not expired for more than a year. If it is, you may need to go through additional training and tests.
- Gather the required documents: You will be asked to provide both original and photocopies of the following documents.
- Your current driving licence
- Valid ID card or passport with non-immigrant visa (for foreigners)
- Proof of residency or work permit with current address (for foreigners)
- Medical certificate from a clinic or hospital (valid for 1 month)
- Book an appointment (if applicable): While walk-ins are possible at some offices, it’s advisable to book an appointment through the Department of Land Transport’s website or DLT Smart Queue app to avoid long waits.
- Complete vision and reaction tests: At the DLT office, you’ll need to take a basic colour-blindness test, peripheral vision check, and a reaction-time test using a brake pedal simulator.
- Submit your documents: Hand in all required documents to the officer for verification.
- Pay the fee & take a photo: Pay the renewal fee, have your photo taken, and receive your new driving licence.
Fees for renewing a driving licence in Thailand
- 2-year temporary licence: THB 250
- 5-year car driving licence: THB 500, plus a THB 5 application fee
- 5-year motorcycle driving licence: THB 250, plus a THB 5 application fee
You can visit your closest DLT office any day during business hours (08:00-15:30) to renew your licence. It’s not necessary to submit your renewal at the office corresponding to the address on your vehicle registration. It’s advisable to carry a little extra cash for miscellaneous charges and always double-check the current fee structure on the DLT website.
Fines and penalties for driving with an expired licence in Thailand
Thai traffic law is strict regarding driving without a valid licence. According to the Motor Vehicle Act of 1979, the penalties for not having a driving licence, not carrying a driving licence, or having an expired driving licence are as follows:
- Violation under Section 64: Driving without a licence carries a penalty of imprisonment for up to 1 month, a fine of up to THB 1,000, or both.
- Violation under Section 65: Having an expired driving licence or having your licence confiscated carries a fine of up to THB 2,000.
- Violation under Section 66: Having a driving licence but not showing it to the authorities or not carrying it carries a fine of up to THB 1,000.
Do you know what happens if your driving licence expires and you don’t pay the fine?
If a driver, vehicle owner, or vehicle possessor knows that their driving licence has expired, they must renew it within the specified number of days. If they fail to do so and let it expire, resulting in an offence, and do not fully pay the overdue fine within the set period, the traffic officer will notify the registrar to suspend the issuance of the vehicle’s annual tax mark.
Where can you pay the fine?
According to Traffic Law, Section 141 states that once a driver, vehicle owner, or possessor receives a ticket under Section 140, they must pay the fine within the period specified in the ticket by one of the following methods:
- By mail: Send a postal money order or bank draft via registered mail to the Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police. Include a copy of the ticket and send it to the address specified on the ticket.
- Electronically: Pay using electronic transactions, credit cards, or other methods through banks or payment service centres for the amount specified on the ticket.
- At the police station: Pay the amount specified on the ticket or the amount determined by the investigating officer. Any investigating officer nationwide can settle the fine. Once the fine is fully paid, the case is considered closed.
Renewing your driving licence on time ensures that you stay compliant with traffic laws. Failing to renew can lead to penalties, fines and even complications with insurance coverage in case of an accident. To further protect yourself and your vehicle, it’s essential to have comprehensive car insurance. At Roojai, we offer tailored insurance plans designed to suit your needs and budget. You can get a personalised quote in just 5 minutes for a fast and easy way to find the right coverage.
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