ฉบับภาษาไทย: อ่านหน้านี้เป็นภาษาไทย
Must a foreign driving licence be translated to be used in Thailand?
Short answer
For short visits, an International Driving Permit issued under the 1949 or 1968 road traffic conventions is generally accepted alongside your home licence. To convert to a Thai licence at the Department of Land Transport, a foreign licence in a non-Thai, non-English script normally needs a certified translation, and offices commonly ask for embassy certification.
Requirements are applied at branch level, so confirm with the specific Department of Land Transport office before travelling to it. Typical items for conversion are the passport with a valid visa or permit to stay, a certificate of residence issued by Immigration or your embassy, a medical certificate, and the foreign licence with translation. Some offices accept a licence in English without translation; others do not.
Two things worth checking early: whether your country's licence qualifies for conversion without the theory and practical tests, and whether your motor insurance will respond if you drive on a permit or licence the insurer considers invalid. The insurance point is where an administrative shortcut becomes expensive. Scope, turnaround and fees are confirmed by IVC staff by phone, LINE or email — this site does not publish prices.
Reviewed as of 2026-08-04. General guidance only, not case-specific advice and not a guarantee of outcome. Government fees, conditions and processing times are set by the responsible authority and can change. This site does not publish prices — please ask our staff.
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