Swap your foreign driving licence for a Thai one, without an agent
LicenceReady is a step-by-step kit for converting a valid foreign licence at a Thai Department of Land Transport office. It covers the papers, the order to get them in, and what happens on the day, with a note wherever offices differ.
The steps that trip people up
Proof of address.
What Immigration calls a "Letter of Residence Information", why it isn't a TM.16, and why your TM.30 has to be filed first.
Embassy letters.
Which embassies still issue them and which stopped, checked on their own pages.
The tests.
What everyone takes, and where offices disagree about the theory test.
2 years or 5.
Why DTV holders usually get 2 years, and what that means for a Thai IDP.
What's inside
- A step-by-step handbook, in the order that saves the most time
- A "can I convert?" check
- An office-by-office table of what differs
- A printable checklist and a list for the copy shop
- Official sources on every page, with the date we checked them
- Free updates until 12 months after you buy
- 1
Start here
Who this kit is for, who it isn't for, and the order to work through it to swap your foreign driving licence for a Thai one.
- 2
Can I convert?
Four quick checks: your visa, your licence, the vehicle types it covers and how long it's still valid.
- 3
Your timeline and document checklist
A typical plan from start to licence, and every document to collect.
- 4
Step 1: your proof of address
The Immigration 'Letter of Residence Information' (free in Bangkok), when an embassy letter works instead, and how to avoid the common delays.
- 5
Step 2: translation, if your licence isn't in English
When you need a certified translation, which embassies do it, and what changes in 2027.
- 6
Step 3: medical certificate
The Medical Council form, what it certifies, how recent it must be, and where to get one.
- 7
Step 4: e-learning and booking your DLT slot
The DLT's English e-learning for foreigners, and booking through Smart Queue.
- 8
Step 5: your day at the DLT
What to bring, the tests, the fees, and where offices differ.
- 9
Later: from a 2-year to a 5-year licence
When you can renew, why DTV holders usually get 2 years again, and what that means for a Thai IDP.
- 10
A note on bank accounts
Why a Thai licence doesn't open a bank account, and what banks currently say about DTV holders.
- 11
Printable checklist
One page to print and tick off, plus a list for the copy shop.
- 12
Sources and changes
Where every fact comes from, when we checked it, and what we've changed.
Who it's for
Who it's for
People living in Thailand on a non-immigrant visa, an LTR or a DTV, with a valid licence from home.
Not for tourists or visa-exempt visitors.
In practice, most offices won't issue any licence on a tourist visa or visa exemption, and the law bars tourists from the 5-year licence. Please don't buy it if that's you.
Price · Thai Driving Licence Conversion Kit
฿690 about $19
฿690 (about $19), one payment, instant access. Pay by card.
- A step-by-step handbook, in the order that saves the most time
- A "can I convert?" check
- An office-by-office table of what differs
- A printable checklist and a list for the copy shop
- Official sources on every page, with the date we checked them
- Free updates until 12 months after you buy
No money-back guarantee. Refunds only for a broken file or access, a duplicate purchase or a payment error. See the refund policy.
Sold by eBuyz · support@ebuyz.co.uk
Questions
Can I get a Thai licence on a tourist visa or visa exemption?
In practice, most offices won't issue any licence on a tourist visa or visa exemption, and the law bars tourists from the 5-year licence. This kit isn't for you if that's your situation.
Can I convert on a DTV?
Usually yes, to a 2-year licence. Expect 2 years again at renewal, because many offices treat the DTV as a tourism-type admission. A few offices have given 5 years, but don't count on it.
What is the "certificate of residence"? Is it a TM.16?
No. In Bangkok it's called the "Letter of Residence Information in the Kingdom of Thailand", and it has no TM number. TM.15 and TM.16 are permanent-residence forms. The kit links the official 2026 form.
Do I need a 90-day report first?
Bangkok's official list says your latest 90-day report "if any", so it isn't written as a must. Some counter staff still ask for one. Bring it if you have it.
How much does the Immigration letter cost?
In Bangkok it's free, according to Immigration's own page (checked 1 Nov 2026). Other offices set their own fees; the kit lists what's been reported and says which figures aren't official.
Will my embassy give me a letter instead?
It depends on your country. The US and Australia say they don't, and the UK and Canada don't list one. Germany, France, the Netherlands, India, Japan and China still issue a residence letter or similar, with conditions. The kit has a table.
My licence isn't in English. What now?
You need a translation into Thai or English certified by your embassy or consulate. The kit says what several embassies do.
Do I have to take the theory test?
Everyone takes the physical tests (reaction, colour vision, depth and side vision). Whether you also take the theory test depends on your office. Recent reports differ, so the kit tells you to ask and to prepare anyway.
How long is the medical certificate valid?
One month from the exam. Get it in the week before your DLT visit.
How much are the DLT fees?
฿205 for a 2-year car licence and ฿105 for a motorbike licence (official). Payment closes at 15:30.
Will a Thai licence help me open a bank account?
Not by itself. Several big banks currently don't open accounts for DTV holders. The kit has a short, honest note on this, and we can't promise an account.
Can you guarantee I'll get my licence?
No. Offices differ and rules change. The kit shows you the official requirements and where offices are known to differ.
What's your refund policy?
There's no money-back guarantee. We refund a broken file or access, a duplicate purchase or a payment error. See the refund policy.
How do updates work?
Free updates until 12 months after you buy, through the members area. We date every change. We already plan an update for March 2027, when Thailand joins the Apostille Convention.