About Drivers License Extension in Pattaya

Holding a driver’s license in Pattaya has only benefits for you! Whether you are in Thailand for a short visit or you plan to stay for a longer time, a driving license allows you to drive freely, without any worries. Once you hold a valid and eligible driving license, you can purchase a vehicle and drive around the country. 

In case you visit Thailand for less than 60 days and hold a tourist visa, you can simply drive based on your home country license. However, if your visit extends and you plan to prolong your stay, you are required by Thai laws and regulations to apply for a Thai driving license. 

At this point, the Thai driving license is only valid for 2 years. After it expires, you will need to apply for a driver’s license extension in Pattaya. For that reason, it is a simple procedure that will maintain your stay in Thailand within the legal requirements.

Drivers License Extension in Pattaya

Once you have a Thai driving license, you are legally allowed to drive any vehicle on all public roads across Thailand. No matter, if you are here as a student, worker, or retired person, a driving license, is useful for many reasons. It gives you accessibility to the whole country, you can drive and explore the beautiful landscapes of Thailand or simply drive for professional purposes. 

All foreigners who enter Thailand based on a non-immigrant visa are allowed to apply for a Thai driving license. If you have the age and the documentation, it is not a difficult process. However, to make it easy for you, you should stay informed about all the steps and paperwork you need. 

It all starts with a visit to The Department of Land Transport. This is where you have to apply for your Thai driving license which will be valid for only 2 years. Due to safety measures, the government has decided that no one, not even Thai citizens can obtain a permanent driving license at first. Everyone needs to have at least one year of experience driving in Thailand before they can apply for a Thai driving license extension that lasts for 5 years. 

In addition, both first-time applicants and those wishing to obtain a driver’s license extension in Pattaya must apply at The Department of Land Transport. Afterward, you will have to pass a written test as well as a medical test. Once you pass all these requirements, you will get your Thai driving license.

Documents for Drivers License Extension in Pattaya

If you plan to apply for a Thai driving license extension in Thailand, you have to prepare all the documentation for this process. Remember to have copies of all documents and check the official page of The Department of Land Transport for any legal changes. Check the list below of all the documents you need for a driver’s license extension in Pattaya!

1. The 2-year Thai driving license. This one will no longer be valid, therefore you won’t need it anymore. It will be replaced with a driving license valid for 5 years. 
2. Your passport. This is your identification document to prove your name and legal entrance into Thailand. You need to add to your Thai driving license extension application copies of the first page of the passport (the one holding your name and photo), the page holding the visa stamp, the page with the last entry, and the page with the visa extension.
3. Certificate of residency to prove your address. You can get it from the Immigration Bureau and it is only valid for 30 days. 
4.  A valid non-immigrant visa to prove your stay in Thailand is legal. You can obtain a Thai driving license extension on any visa, including the Tourist Visa. 
5. Application form for Thai driving license extension in Pattaya that you will find at The Department of Land Transport. You have to fill it out and present it with all the documents. 
6. A medical certificate that will prove you are physically and mentally able to apply for a Thai driving license extension. It implies some tests to check your eyesight and reflexes and state that you have no medical conditions that prohibit you from driving in Pattaya. Any clinic or hospital can provide you with this certificate. 
7. Two photographs 1×1 inch that are not older than 6 months. The Department of Land Transport offers you a photo service you can use to avoid any unclarities. 

These are all the documents you need to apply for a driver’s license extension in Pattaya as a foreigner. The process will be fast and without any problems as long as your documentation is well-prepared.

Benefits of drivers license extension in Pattaya

There are many benefits to applying for a Thai driving license extension. Here are the most useful for you to know about:

• Drive across Thailand without any worries! Your Thai driving license allows you to drive freely for the next 5 years and within the legal requirements. You can explore Pattaya or travel for your studies or work. No matter the purpose, the driver’s license extension gives you this opportunity.
• Your Thai driving license is also your identification card. Whenever you need to prove your identity, the driving license is accepted as a form of identification. Therefore, you can always prove you are who you say you are simply with your driving license.
• Make sure you apply for an extension before your 2 years driving license expires. To fully enjoy your time in Pattaya, you need to remember to extend your driving license in time. Unless you do so, you will have to apply for a completely new driving license and pass the written tests again.
• J&E Concierge is here to help you with everything you need for your stay in Thailand. If you need to apply for a Thai driving license extension in Pattaya, we will guide you through all the processes and make sure all your documents are correct. 

A driver’s license extension in Pattaya doesn’t have to be complicated and exhausting. Besides the benefits of getting a 5-year Thai driving license, you will have fulfilled all the legal steps for a pleasant stay in Thailand. Enjoy the beauty of this country and the region of Pattaya and contact J&E Concierge to help you with all the legal documents and specifications.