The Siamerican

So, you’ve survived your first year as a legal driver in Thailand, and it’s time to renew your temporary one year license into the five year version? Congratulations!

Be sure not to wait too long after your license expires before going to renew, otherwise you may be subject to sit through the written and driving tests all over again. If it’s only a matter of days or weeks, you should be all good to go to renew it without tests.

Just head on over to the nearest Land Transport Department (Thailand’s version of the DMV) with the necessary documents, get your queue ticket, wait your turn, submit your documents, pay the fee, and you’ll be walking out with a brand new, smart card version of the Thai drivers license.

Non-Thais need the same documents required when they got the one year license in addition to their recently expired one year license–that is their passport, visa, embassy letter, recent medical certificate and work permit. Thais only need their old driver license, id card, and the medical certificate.

Renewal is straightforward and swift, though depending on the day, their may be a long queue. The latest fee for renewal into the smart card version is about 350 baht for motorcycle license or about 600 baht for standard cars.

The author can’t vouch for other branches, but those living on/near east Sukhumvit road should head on over to the Land Transport Department near Soi 99 (opposite of soi 62) and remember to have all your required documents in tact. Good luck and safe driving!

For contact information of the nearest Land Transport Department, see this page.

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