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World Driving Permit

🇹🇭 Do you need an IDP to drive in Thailand?

IDP required· the 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 1 May 2026

Key facts

IDP validity
Up to 3 years, or until your licence expires
Driving side
Left-hand
Minimum driving age
18+ years
Driving without the right documents
Roadside checkpoints are common in Thailand; driving without the required IDP can mean an on-the-spot fine and may void your travel or motor insurance after an accident.

Short answer

Yes — to drive in Thailand you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. Thailand recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, so yours must come from your own country's authorised issuer under that convention. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required.

Driving in Thailand: the rule explained

Thailand legally requires an IDP (1949 or 1968 convention, depending on your license country) for tourists driving cars or motorbikes. Enforcement varies, but insurance is typically void without one. A Thai translation companion helps at police checkpoints.

Renting a car in Thailand

Car rental agencies usually ask for the IDP; scooter shops often don't — but riding without the correct license category plus IDP voids travel insurance and risks fines.

Motorcycles & scooters: You need a motorcycle category on your home license AND on the IDP — a car-only license does not cover scooters of any size.

What to carry when driving in Thailand

  • Original driving license (physical card)
  • Passport with valid visa/entry stamp
  • Translation companion or certified translation of your license
  • Proof of insurance covering the destination
  • IDP covering the right vehicle category
  • Check your travel insurance's driving clause
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Translation companion

A certified, multi-language translation of your licence to carry alongside it. It is not an IDP and does not replace one.

Thailand: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Thailand?
Yes — to drive in Thailand you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. Thailand recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, so yours must come from your own country's authorised issuer under that convention. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required. Thailand legally requires an IDP (1949 or 1968 convention, depending on your license country) for tourists driving cars or motorbikes. Enforcement varies, but insurance is typically void without one. A Thai translation companion helps at police checkpoints.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Thailand?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Thailand read your licence, but where Thailand requires an IDP it must be one issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Always carry your original national licence with it.
What do I need to rent a car in Thailand?
Car rental agencies usually ask for the IDP; scooter shops often don't — but riding without the correct license category plus IDP voids travel insurance and risks fines.
Which IDP convention does Thailand use?
Thailand recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Make sure your IDP is issued by your own country's authorised issuer under the matching convention.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Thailand?
Because Thailand follows the 1968 Vienna Convention, an IDP is valid for up to three years, or until your national licence expires — whichever comes first. The permit is only valid alongside your original national licence, and it cannot be renewed — you apply for a new one from your home country's authorised issuer when it lapses.
What is the minimum age to drive in Thailand?
Visitors generally need to be at least 18 to drive in Thailand; car-rental companies often set a higher minimum age and add a young-driver surcharge. Always confirm the age terms with your specific rental provider.

Official sources

Need a real, government-recognised IDP? How to get an IDP from an authorised issuer.

Driving to Thailand from your country

In-depth driving guides

Real-world driving and IDP guides for popular trips:

Requirements for other countries