What Is an International Driving Permit?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official translation of your home country driving license into multiple languages. It is NOT a standalone license — it must always be carried alongside your original license. Thai police will reject your IDP if you cannot show your original license. The IDP is recognized under the 1949 Geneva Convention and the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.
Thailand is a signatory to the 1949 Geneva Convention, which means IDPs from signatory countries are recognized for temporary use. This primarily benefits tourists and short-term visitors who need to drive during their stay.
Geneva vs Vienna Convention: What It Means for Your IDP
There are two international treaties governing IDPs. The 1949 Geneva Convention established the original IDP framework, and the 1968 Vienna Convention updated it. Thailand signed the 1949 Geneva Convention, which means IDPs issued under either convention are accepted, but the rules differ slightly.
Because Thailand ratified the 1949 convention, IDPs from all signatory countries — including the US, UK, Australia, and most of Europe — are legally valid for temporary driving. However, Thailand also recognizes Vienna Convention IDPs, so travelers from countries that only issue Vienna-format permits are covered as well.
- 1949 Geneva Convention IDP: valid for 1 year from date of issue
- 1968 Vienna Convention IDP: valid for up to 3 years from date of issue
- Both types are accepted in Thailand but limited to 90 days per entry
- Your IDP must always be accompanied by your original home-country license
- An IDP is a translation document, not a standalone driving authorization
The 90-Day Rule for IDPs in Thailand
No matter what expiry date is printed on your IDP, Thailand caps its validity at 90 days per entry. This means that even if your IDP is valid for a full year (Geneva) or three years (Vienna), you can only use it for driving in Thailand for up to 90 consecutive days from your date of entry.
After 90 days of continuous stay, you must obtain a Thai driving license to continue driving legally. Leaving Thailand and re-entering may reset the 90-day clock, though this is debated and not guaranteed. Long-term residents on non-immigrant visas (work, retirement, education) should not rely on an IDP — getting a Thai license is strongly recommended.
IDP for Motorcycles and Scooters
Your IDP must include Category A (motorcycles) to legally ride any two-wheeled vehicle in Thailand, including scooters and mopeds. This category is only included if your home-country license has a motorcycle endorsement. A standard car-only license produces a Category B IDP, which does NOT cover motorcycles of any size.
This is the single most common mistake tourists make. Riding a scooter with a car-only IDP means you are driving without a valid license. If you are stopped by police or involved in an accident, your travel insurance and vehicle insurance will be voided. Hospital bills from motorcycle accidents in Thailand regularly exceed $10,000 — all of which you would pay out of pocket.
Insurance and Legal Implications
A valid IDP paired with your original license provides the legal basis for your insurance coverage as a tourist driver in Thailand. Rental car companies require it, and your travel insurance policy typically requires you to hold a valid driving authorization in the country where the incident occurs. Without a valid IDP (or with the wrong category), insurers can and do deny claims.
For long-term residents, an IDP has limitations. Thai insurance companies strongly prefer — and some require — a Thai driving license for policy issuance. If you own a vehicle, have a long-term lease, or drive daily, a Thai license provides significantly more reliable legal protection than an IDP. See our IDP vs Thai License comparison for a detailed breakdown.
When an IDP Is Sufficient
An IDP is appropriate if you are:
- A tourist visiting Thailand for less than 90 days on a tourist visa or visa exemption
- Renting a car or motorcycle for a short-term vacation
- Passing through Thailand as part of a longer trip
- Driving occasionally during a short business visit
When You Need a Thai License Instead
You should get a Thai driving license if you are:
- Living in Thailand on a non-immigrant visa (work, retirement, education, etc.)
- Staying longer than 90 days continuously
- Buying or owning a vehicle in Thailand
- Wanting the most reliable insurance coverage for daily driving
- Planning to ride a motorcycle without a home-country motorcycle endorsement
For a detailed comparison, see our IDP vs Thai License comparison.
How to Get an IDP
For Driving IN Thailand (Get Before You Travel)
You must obtain your IDP from the automobile association in your home country before traveling to Thailand. You cannot get an IDP for use in Thailand from within Thailand. Common issuers by country:
- United States: AAA — $20, same day at office or 1-2 weeks by mail
- United Kingdom: Post Office or AA — £5.50, 1-2 weeks processing
- Australia: State motoring orgs (NRMA, RACV, RACQ) — ~$40 AUD
- Germany: ADAC — ~€15-20, same day or 2-3 business days
- France: Préfecture — free of charge, 2-4 weeks processing
- Canada: CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) — $25 CAD
- Japan: JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) — ¥2,350
- Netherlands: ANWB — same day available at service points
- Sweden: Transportstyrelsen (Swedish Transport Agency)
- South Korea: Korean Road Traffic Authority (KRTA)
- Russia: Regional traffic police (GIBDD)
Costs range from free (France) to about $40 AUD (Australia). Processing time: same day to 1 week for in-person, 2-4 weeks by mail. Always apply at least 4 weeks before your trip if ordering by mail.
For Driving OUTSIDE Thailand (Thai-Issued IDP)
If you already have a Thai driving license and need an IDP for driving abroad, you can obtain one from the DLT. This requires a valid Thai 5-year license. Our IDP service can handle this for you.
Getting a Thai-Issued IDP for Driving Abroad
The Department of Land Transport (DLT) issues International Driving Permits to holders of a valid 5-year Thai driving license (a 2-year temporary license is not eligible). Two types are available: the 1949 Geneva Convention IDP (valid 1 year, accepted in 101 countries including Japan, USA, Korea, Spain) and the 1968 Vienna Convention IDP (valid 3 years, accepted in 84 countries, not valid in Japan, USA, Korea, or Spain). Ideal for 5-year Thai license holders planning road trips abroad.
The cost is 505 THB and the process takes 1-2 hours at any DLT office. Important: only holders of a Thai 5-year license are eligible. If you hold a temporary 2-year Thai license, you must first upgrade to the 5-year license before applying for an IDP.
- Valid Thai 5-year driving license (2-year temporary license is NOT eligible)
- Passport (original and copy)
- Two recent passport-sized photographs (1 inch)
- Application form (available at DLT office)
- Fee: 505 THB