How much a Thai driving licence costs a foreigner

The costs in one table

Prices differ a little between provinces and clinics, so treat every figure as an estimate and ask before you pay. These are the amounts we found, with the guide that explains each one.

Three routes, three totals

1. You do it yourself, licence in English

Licence fee, medical certificate and residence certificate: roughly 600 to 1,000 THB, which matches the 700 to 1,000 THB most expats report. Nothing else is needed if your licence is in English.

2. You do it yourself, licence in another language

Add a certified translation. The only prices we found were about 700 THB per page at a Bangkok translator and around 1,000 THB reported on a forum, so budget 1,300 to 2,000 THB in total. Embassy translation fees are not published.

3. You pay an agent

Agents typically charge 1,500 to 5,000 THB all in. One reader in Pattaya reported about 4,000 THB. What the price includes varies, so agree it in writing: see do you need an agent.

Costs people forget

• A second licence. Car and motorcycle are separate. If you ride and drive, you pay the fees for both.
• Your time. The visit is one day when everything is in order and several when a document is missing. The most common reason is the residence proof: see visa requirements.
• Travel to the office, which depends on the province: see the DLT offices guide.
• Insurance. It is not a licence cost, but it is why most residents want the licence. See vehicle insurance and your licence.

How to keep the cost down

1. Check your documents against the main guide before you go, so you do not pay for a second trip.
2. Ask the clinic for the price before the check-up, and compare it with the hospital.
3. Practise the theory test first. Failing and booking again costs a day, not just money: use the free practice test.
4. Pick an agent only if the paperwork, not the test, is your problem.

Frequently asked questions