What Documents Do You Need to Prepare for an International Driving Licence?
(Photo Credit: Freepik)
When travelling abroad, driving yourself may sometimes be more convenient than using public transportation, but having a driver's licence doesn't automatically allow you to drive in foreign countries legally. You must have an international driving permit before you can drive legally overseas.
What is an International Driving Licence?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document which confirms that the holder is legally allowed to drive vehicles in other countries. There are two types of IDPs:
- The 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic
It is an international driving permit valid for 1 year and can be used in 101 countries worldwide.
- The 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic
It is an international driving permit valid for 3 years and can be used in 86 countries worldwide.
However, for some countries that are party to both versions of the treaty, they accept the International Driving Permit issued under the Vienna Convention of 1968, covering 84 countries worldwide.
The list of countries under the Road Traffic Convention
Countries that require an IDP under the 1949 Geneva Convention | Countries that require an IDP under the 1968 Vienna Convention | Countries that accept both types of IDP |
| Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Barbados, Botswana, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Congo, Cyprus, Dominica, Ecuador, Egypt, Fiji, Ghana, Guatemala, Haiti, Hong Kong, Honduras, Iceland, India, Ireland, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Macau, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Namibia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Syria, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, United States, Vatican City, Venezuela. | Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Ethiopia, Germany, Guyana, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Latvia, Liberia, Moldova, Mongolia, Myanmar, North Macedonia, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Palestine, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uruguay, Uzbekistan. | Albania, Austria, Belgium, Benin, Bulgaria, Central African Republic, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Senegal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Vietnam, Zimbabwe. |
(Photo Credit: Freepik)
Documents for obtaining an International Driving Permit
For Thai citizens:
- Original passport with remaining validity, along with a photocopy of the personal information page and any amendment pages, certified as true copies with signature (1 set)
- Original Thai driver's licence, either valid for 5 years, lifetime, or for transporting, along with a certified true copy and signature (1 set)
- Two recent passport-sized (2-inch) photographs, uncoated (not more than 6 months old)
- Copy of documents for name change, if applicable, certified as a true copy with signature
- Copy of marriage certificate or divorce certificate, along with a certified true copy with signature (if applicable)
For foreigners:
- Original passport and visa, along with a certified true copy with signature (1 set), but not a tourist visa, sports visa, or transit visa
- Proof of address certified by embassy or immigration office, such as an original certificate of residence or work permit (physical or digital) showing address details and not expired, or evidence of being a holder of a Smart Visa certified by embassy, immigration office, government agency, or international organisation (1 set)
- Original Thai driver's licence, either valid for 5 years, lifetime, or for transporting, along with a certified true copy with signature (1 set)
- Two recent passport-sized (2-inch) photographs, uncoated (not more than 6 months old)
Steps to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP):
- Make a reservation through the DLT Smart Queue mobile application or website
- Contact the Department of Land Transport (DLT) office in Bangkok areas 1-5 or DLT offices in all provinces
- Verify documents and submit an application
- Pay the fee of 505 baht (payment closes at 3:30 pm)
The current licence has not yet been verified for an international driving permit. However, only individuals holding a personal car driver's licence for 5 years are eligible to apply for an international driving permit.
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