Whether you have a new or used vehicle, be it a sedan, pickup truck, or even a motorcycle, securing a Thai licence plate with your preferred registration number is now easier than ever. With the convenience of online vehicle registration through the Department of Land Transport (DLT), you can choose your car registration number to match your personal preference with just a few clicks.
We have gathered comprehensive details on how to book your motorcycle and car registration online, including the necessary steps, fees, and examples of available registration numbers. Additionally, you’ll find valuable tips to ensure a smooth booking process. Follow along to make your vehicle registration experience seamless and efficient!
Required documents for vehicle registration in Thailand
To register a vehicle in Thailand, both locals and foreigners need to provide specific documents. Here’s a breakdown for each:
For locals:
- Thai ID card.
- House registration document.
- Vehicle purchase documents:
- Original purchase invoice.
- Vehicle import tax payment receipt (if applicable).
- Compulsory motor insurance (Por Ror Bor) certificate.
For foreigners:
- Valid passport with a non-immigrant visa.
- Proof of residence:
- Work permit or residence certificate issued by the Immigration Bureau. If you have a digital work permit, please bring a printed copy when verifying your identity in person at the DLT office
- Lease agreement or utility bill (if applicable).
- Vehicle purchase documents:
- Original purchase invoice.
- Vehicle import tax payment receipt (if applicable).
- Compulsory motor insurance (Por Ror Bor) certificate.
Note that a vehicle can only be registered under a single name, whether it is for personal or business use. Registering a vehicle in the names of multiple individuals, including spouses, is not allowed. If you’ve purchased a second-hand car, make sure to transfer the car ownership first so that all legal responsibilities and liabilities are correctly assigned to you.
Eligible vehicles for online registration
While anyone can book a car registration online, there are specific conditions to be aware of. For new cars, you need to have received the vehicle before you can book the registration online. For previously registered vehicles, they must be used in Bangkok to be eligible for online registration. The types of vehicles eligible include:
- Private passenger cars with up to 7 seats (white licence plate, black letters). This category includes sedans and 4-door pickup trucks.
- Private passenger vehicles with more than 7 seats (white licence plates, blue letters). This typically refers to vans.
- Personal trucks (white plates, green letters). This includes pickup trucks and 2-door pickup trucks.
- Personal motorcycles
How to reserve vehicle registration online
If you’re interested in booking a car or motorcycle registration online, follow the steps below. Note that since June 1, 2023, personal identity verification is required before reserving vehicle registrations. This can be done by logging in through the Department of Provincial Administration’s ThaID mobile application.
Do note that the ThaID app is for Thai citizens and doesn’t support foreigners. Expats can reserve car registration online but must first verify their identity at a local Department of Land Transport office. Once verified, they can use the online system. Alternatively, registration on the ThaID app for foreigners can be done through a local representative.
After completing the verification process, follow these steps to reserve your car registration:
- Go to the Department of Land Transport’s (DLT) website to reserve your car registration or motorcycle registration online.
- Tip: The DLT website is in Thai, so you can use your browser’s translate feature to view it in English.
- Click on the “Car Registration Number” button (the first button in grey on the right-hand side).
- Use the ThaID application to scan the QR code and verify your identity.
- Carefully read the online booking guidelines and click “Accept the Guidelines”.
- Choose the type of vehicle you wish to register.
- Choose whether the reservation is for an individual, legal entity, or foreigner.
- Fill in all the necessary information accurately and thoroughly, then click “Reserve Now”.
- Double-check all information and click “Confirm.”
Online vehicle registration fee
Registering your vehicle online, whether it’s a car or a motorcycle, is free of charge. However, there are additional costs once you receive your licence plate. Here are the fees for online motorcycle and car registration:
- Changing the licence plate obtained from the reservation: THB 500
- Changing the licence plate of an auction car obtained from the reservation: THB 1,500
- Cost of a licence plate: THB 100
- Other request fees: THB 75
These fees apply after the initial free online registration process.
Choosing Thai licence plates
Here’s an interesting fact: in Thailand, certain license plate numbers are so sought after that they are auctioned for a high price. Car licence plates are more than just a means of vehicle identification as they hold significant cultural and superstitious value.
Many Thais believe that certain numbers bring good luck, prosperity, and protection. This belief influences their choices when selecting car licence plates. Here are some popular choices:
- Number 8: Considered extremely lucky, as it sounds like the word for “prosperity” in Chinese. Plates like 388, 488, and 6788 are highly sought after.
- Number 9: Symbolises progress and moving forward. Plates such as 599, 699, and 3899 are popular choices.
- Sequential numbers: Plates like 1234, 3456, and 5678 are believed to bring order and harmony.
- Double and triple digits: Plates with repeating numbers like 11, 77, 99, 333, 888, and 111 are considered very auspicious.
- Special combinations: Plates like 4549 (Sunday), 9554 (Monday), and 1564 (Tuesday) are chosen based on birth dates and are believed to bring personal luck.
The DLT often holds auctions for special licence plates that feature auspicious numbers and words. These auctions can attract high bids, with some plates selling for millions of baht. For example, plates like “Success 1” and “Windfall 8888” have fetched significant sums.
Knowing about these customs can be helpful if you’re thinking of buying a vehicle in Thailand. It can guide you in choosing a licence plate that aligns with local beliefs, potentially bringing you good luck and fortune.
What to do if you don’t like your reserved licence plate
If you have reserved a licence plate number but aren’t satisfied with it, you can choose not to pick it up. However, while there’s no penalty for this, you won’t be able to reserve another licence plate for 3 months.
To avoid this situation, prepare some backup options. If your first choice isn’t available, you can quickly move to your next preferred set of numbers. This way, you increase your chances of getting a plate you like without having to participate in expensive auctions.
6 tips to successfully book your car registration online
If you’re wondering what to do after booking your car registration online and want to ensure you don’t lose your reserved number, here are some important tips to follow:
- Double-check your information: Ensure your name, surname, national ID card number, and other details are correct before finalising your booking. Incorrect information cannot be edited later, and you won’t be able to use the registration. Additionally, you won’t be able to request another registration number for 3 months.
- Match your documents: The information you enter online must match your official documents (e.g., vehicle registration book, ID card). If there are discrepancies, the registration number will be invalid.
- Register promptly: After booking your registration online, you must complete the registration within 15 days. If you miss this deadline, your reserved number will become available for others to book.
- Reserve under your own name: Online vehicle registration numbers must be reserved by the vehicle owner. You cannot reserve a number on behalf of someone else.
- Booking hours: Online car registration bookings are available daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Make sure to check the booking schedule on the DLT website.
- One booking per computer: On the day of booking, each computer can only be used to book one registration number.’
No matter what type of car you drive, you can reserve auspicious numbers or any numbers you like. However, even with a lucky car registration number, it’s important to plan for potential accidents by securing car insurance. Roojai offers online insurance that can save you up to 30%. You can customise your insurance policy to meet your specific needs. Plus, with over 1,800 garages and 24-hour roadside assistance throughout Thailand, you can enjoy peace of mind throughout your journey.
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