Do Tourists Need an International Driving Licence to Drive in Thailand?

Driving in Thailand? Foreigners must have an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive legally. Learn everything you need to know, how to get one online easily and affordably, and avoid fines while exploring Thailand.

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If you’re planning to rent a scooter or car during your Thai getaway—especially in places like Krabi, Phuket, Chiang Mai, or Koh Samui—you absolutely need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Thailand may feel like a laid-back paradise, but when it comes to driving, the rules are clear and enforcement is real. Here’s everything you need to know about driving legally (and safely!) as a foreigner in Thailand.

🛂 Is an International Driving Permit Required in Thailand?

Yes. By Thai law, all foreign drivers must hold a valid International Driving Permit along with their original driver’s license from their home country. Whether you plan to drive a scooter, car, or motorbike, having an IDP is essential for:

• Legal compliance

• Insurance validity

• Avoiding fines or police bribes

• Safety in case of accidents

Important: Your home license alone is not enough—even if it’s in English.

Read on to learn fully about the rules around International Driving Permit for Thailand (IDP's), what they are?

• Why you need an International Driving Permit for Thailand?

• How to get one?

• How long do they last?

• How much they cost?

• And if you've left it too late and are already in Thailand get one online here (this takes you further down the page to the right section)

If you haven't already, I did a quick video showing my process of obtaining my International Driving Licence for Bali. The 1949 International Driving Permit. The process is the same (even though this is for Bali). Go check it below to see just how EASY and quick it was to get My International Driving Permit in the UK for my next visit to Indonesia. Follow my below process BEFORE you leave for your next trip to save yourself money and hassle £5 instead of £40 (but if you have left it too late, don't worry there is an online instant option below:

💡 What Happens If You Drive Without an IDP in Thailand?

You can be stopped by the police and fined, or worse, invalidated insurance coverage in the event of an accident. Many travelers assume it's fine to rent a scooter and ride without an IDP—but more and more, police checkpoints are cracking down, especially in tourist areas like Krabi and Phuket.

And even if the rental shop doesn’t ask for your IDP (they often don’t), that doesn’t make it legal.

🔍 Where to Get an International Driving Permit (IDP)

✅ Easiest Option: Get Your IDP Online in Minutes

We recommend using a reputable, fast, and budget-friendly online service. It takes just a few minutes to apply, and you’ll get a digital version instantly, with a printed copy shipped to you.

➡️ Click here to apply for your IDP today – Fast, Cheap, Reliable (Affiliate link)

Bonus tip: Some online services offer multilingual translations and digital copies, perfect for showing on your phone if you’re stopped on the road.

Left it late and already in Thailand? Apply for your International Drivers Permit Online

You can apply for your IDP online at The International Drivers Association website. It takes around 8 mins to do at the Official IDA site here:

🛵 Renting a Scooter or Car in Thailand

Thailand is scooter heaven, and Krabi in particular is perfect for exploring on two wheels. But if you're renting, play it safe:

• Always wear a helmet

• Check the brakes and tires before renting

• Never drink and drive

• Keep both your IDP and passport copy with you. Or we have photos on our phones of both so our documents can be kept safe at home. If the police need to see original docs, we can hand them in at a station. This stops our important docs getting wet, frayed, damaged as we travel.

⚠️ Tips for Driving in Thailand

• Drive on the left side of the road

• Roads can be chaotic—expect the unexpected (but not as chaotic as Bali... nowhere near, so we find driving in Thailand a breeze in comparison.

• Watch for animals, potholes, and aggressive drivers. But overall road rage is not on a level as UK roads

• Scooters are fun but take it slow if you’re new to riding

📍 Best Places in Thailand to Drive

Thailand’s natural beauty is best seen on the road. An IDP lets you legally explore:

• Krabi: Quiet back roads, beach-hopping in Ao Nang and Klong Muang

• Chiang Mai to Pai: Oh my! Scenic mountain drive

• Phuket: Coastline drives and hidden beaches

• Koh Lanta: Peaceful island drives ideal for families

🧳 Final Word: Is the IDP Worth It?

Absolutely. For the price of a few coffees, you’ll have the peace of mind that you're covered legally and financially while exploring one of the most beautiful countries on earth.

Don't risk your holiday—get your IDP before you ride.➡️ Grab your International Driving Permit online here (Affiliate link)

Drop a comment below or check out my Ultimate Krabi Travel Guide for everything you need to know!

I hope you found this post helpful. And Don't forget to keep up with our daily updates of our full time travel life below and use our handy travel planning tools below to get best prices for flights, hotels and more:

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💡HELPFUL PLANNING TOOLS FOR YOUR THAILAND TRIP 💡

✈️ - FLIGHTS - Check your dates and flight costs to on our Flight Planning Page fore more

🏨 - ACCOMMODATION - We use this to check dates and costs to hotels and hostels in Thailand now or go to our Accommodation Planning Page for more

🧭🗺️👣 - THAILAND TOURS & GUIDES - We use Get Your Guide for all of the trips in Thailand. But we also love Klook too. TIP: Use both to compare offerings as trips will be different.

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