Thai drivers license with an expired American license

[chang beer]

Hi. Boo hoo. I fxxking let my American drivers license expire since I had to actually walk in to local DMV to renew it due to my age and an eye exam. My question is can I get a Thai drivers license with an expired American license. Don't want the hassle of taking a course and written test etc is the reason. I know it's a bit if stretch...thanks

Happy mongering 

 

[forqalso]

I was able to renew my California license online from Jomtien. They only asked if I had any change in vision. I used an agent (Mot’s 084-671-1055) to get my Thai DL, but I think you’ll need an International Driver Permit to be able to transfer your US license.

[SteveX08]

2 minutes ago, forqalso said:

I used an agent (Mot’s 084-671-1055) to get my Thai DL, but I think you’ll need an International Driver Permit to be able to transfer your US license.

And afaik IDP’s need to be got from your home country.

Will need a current unexpired IDP.   Mine had expired by two months.  My Thai wife tried her best to pursuade the staff, but without success.  No ‘gifts’ were asked for or offered.

[HimBadMan]

1 hour ago, chang beer said:

Hi. Boo hoo. I fxxking let my American drivers license expire since I had to actually walk in to local DMV to renew it due to my age and an eye exam. My question is can I get a Thai drivers license with an expired American license. Don't want the hassle of taking a course and written test etc is the reason. I know it's a bit if stretch...thanks

Happy mongering 

 

No.  Once your DL is expired, you are screwed and will need to take the tests.

[logboy]

51 minutes ago, SteveX08 said:

And afaik IDP’s need to be got from your home country.

 

A friend from Denmark got a IDP at the Danish Embassy in Bangkok 3 months ago. 

[Micky2]

3 hours ago, chang beer said:

 My question is can I get a Thai drivers license with an expired American license. Don't want the hassle of taking a course and written test etc is the reason. 

 

Would someone get a Driving Licence in the US by fronting up with an expired Thai Driving Licence and no IDP? 

Nah, they would have to go through the hassle of getting a US Driving Licence from scratch. 

Boggles the mind that anyone could think it might be different in Thailand.

[BuckDefiant]

2 hours ago, SteveX08 said:

And afaik IDP’s need to be got from your home country.

Will need a current unexpired IDP.   Mine had expired by two months.  My Thai wife tried her best to pursuade the staff, but without success.  No ‘gifts’ were asked for or offered.

I've been monitoring this but with an expired IDP haven't done anything. This thread prompted me to ask AI if I could renew my US IDP while in Thailand...

* Applying from overseas: Fortunately, if you are currently overseas, including in Thailand, you can still apply for a new IDP through the AAA. They offer an online application process and mail the physical permit to you. You will need to provide:

   * A completed and signed application form (available on the AAA website).

   * A digital passport-style photo.

   * A clear image of the front and back of your valid U.S. driver's license.

   * Payment for the permit fee and shipping.

[WhereIsMyMind]

I had no problem getting a Thai DL with my DL and no IDP. Used Mots though, so don't know if that made the difference, but I don't remember IDP being a requirement either way for a DL in English. It's probably a requirement if you're DL is not in English as the IDP is basically just translations into various languages.

Edited May 8, 2025 by WhereIsMyMind

[Rocketboy]

On 08/05/2025 at 16:15, WhereIsMyMind said:

I had no problem getting a Thai DL with my DL and no IDP.

Was your DL expired?

 

A guy I know yesterday told me his US DL expired, he wants a Thai DL. He talked to someone from one of the companies that assist you getting DL. He said they quoted him 30000฿! 

 

I told him he should call the DLT...Department of Land Transportation and ask them.