Vehicle documents, driving licences and cross-border use
Driving licences, vehicle registration books and import/export paperwork must be translated and certified to the receiving transport authority's format. Some countries accept an International Driving Permit; others require a separately certified translation.
Documents to prepare
- Valid Thai driving licence
- International Driving Permit issued under the 1949 or 1968 convention, as the destination requires
- Vehicle registration book
- Registration / encumbrance-free certificate from the Department of Land Transport
- Passport and proof of address
Step-by-step procedure
1. Check which format the destination accepts
Confirm whether the country follows the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna convention — the permits differ.
2. Obtain the IDP or registry extracts
Apply at the Department of Land Transport with your passport and original licence.
3. Translate what the IDP does not cover
Registration books and certificates need separate translation.
4. Certify the translation
Have the Department of Consular Affairs certify it before foreign use.
5. Legalize if required
Some countries additionally require an Apostille or destination embassy certification.
Pitfalls to avoid
- An IDP issued under the wrong convention is not valid at the destination, even if correctly issued in Thailand.
- An IDP is tied to the Thai licence — if the licence expires, the permit lapses with it.
- Financed vehicles require written consent from the registered owner.
Advisory tips
- Check licence expiry before applying so the permit covers the whole trip.
- Keep colour scans of every booklet on your phone in case of loss.
- For long stays, ask early about converting to a local licence.
Let us handle it end to end
Prefer not to handle the queues yourself, or worried about a rejection? Send us photos of your documents for a free pre-check. We handle the full chain — obtaining certified copies, translation, certification and submission — and keep you updated at each step. Reach us on LINE, phone or email during business hours.
Let us handle it end to end