How long does the conversion take?

1–2 Thai business days for English-language licences (UK, Australia, Singapore, USA) that require no translation, 3–4 days for European licences needing certified MoJ translation plus embassy verification, and 5–7 days for China and other non-Hague countries that need full 2-tier legalisation (embassy + MFA). NYC books your DLT slot in advance to avoid walk-in queues.

Do I need to take a driving test?

No practical driving test if your original licence is from a Geneva 1949 or Vienna 1968 Convention signatory (over 100 jurisdictions) — DLT grants direct conversion under Ministerial Regulation B.E.2555. Only Mainland Chinese licences require a written theory test in Thai or English; NYC provides the 50-question DLT study guide and on-site interpreter.

Is an International Driving Permit (IDP) enough?

An IDP allows temporary driving for up to 1 year on tourist or short-stay status. If you live in Thailand on a Non-B, LTR, DTV, Marriage, Retirement or work visa, the Department of Land Transport requires a Thai 5-year licence (renewable for 5 more) under Land Traffic Act §42. Insurance claims on an IDP-only basis are often partially voided after 12 months.

Can a Thai licence be used abroad?

Yes. A Thai 5-year licence paired with a DLT-issued IDP (in either Geneva 1949 or Vienna 1968 format) is valid for short-term driving in 100+ signatory countries, including all EU/EEA states, UK, Australia, Japan, South Korea and most ASEAN. NYC obtains the IDP for THB 1,200 same-day at DLT Chatuchak.

What's the total cost?

NYC end-to-end service THB 4,500 covers certified translation by a Lawyers Council-registered translator, embassy verification escort, and DLT escort with appointment booking. Add THB 605 DLT government fee (eye/colour test + 5-year card) plus embassy verification fees of THB 500–2,000 depending on country. All charges itemised on a Revenue Department e-Tax Invoice.

Thai licence vs International Driving Permit (IDP) — what's the difference?

A Thai driving licence is issued by the Department of Land Transport (DLT) — 2-year temporary or 5-year permanent — valid only in Thailand. An IDP is issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, valid 1 year in 150+ countries, and must be carried together with the underlying domestic licence.

Driving License Conversion · Thai DLT

Convert Foreign Driving License → Thai 5-Year License

Covering 12 major nationalities · Geneva 1949 + Vienna 1968 · Translate + embassy verify + DLT escort — 1-7 working days

AI Quick Answer

How long does it take and how much does it cost to convert a foreign driving license to a Thai license?

1-2 days (UK/Australia/Singapore — no translation needed) to 5-7 days (China — 2-tier legalization). DLT fee THB 605 + NYC service THB 4,500 (translation + embassy escort + DLT escort). No driving test required for Geneva 1949/Vienna 1968 signatories — NYC has processed 8,000+ cases.

Processing time

1-7 days

Service from

THB 4,500

DLT branches

77 provinces

Call +66 92-242-9293 LINE @nyc-notary