Driving Licenses & Motorcycle Rentals in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Licensing is one of the most misunderstood — and most important — topics for anyone renting a motorcycle in Chiang Mai. Get it wrong and you could face fines, a confiscated bike, or problems with your travel insurance. Here is a clear, honest breakdown of what you need.
Important note: Thai traffic law is enforced inconsistently, and rules can change. This guide reflects our best understanding of the regulations as they apply to foreign visitors in Chiang Mai. Always verify the current requirements with an official source before riding, and check with your travel insurance provider about their specific license requirements.
1. What Thai Law Actually Says
Under the Thailand Land Traffic Act, any person operating a motorcycle on public roads must hold a valid Thai motorcycle driving license. This is the legal baseline.
However, Thailand is also a signatory to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, which allows foreign nationals to drive in Thailand using a valid foreign driving license or an International Driving Permit (IDP) during the initial period of their visit. In practice, this is widely interpreted as valid for foreign tourists during short-term stays, though the precise legal duration and scope is not always clearly defined in Thai law.
The practical reality is that police checkpoints are common on roads in and around Chiang Mai. Officers typically check for a valid license (Thai or IDP), a helmet, and the bike's registration document (green book). Having the correct documentation avoids fines, delays, and — in the worst case — the bike being impounded.
2. Licenses That Are Accepted
✓ Thai Motorcycle Driving License
A valid Thai motorcycle license is the gold standard — fully accepted by Thai law with no time restrictions. There are two classes: Class A1 (up to 110cc) and Class A (all motorcycles). If you are staying in Thailand for an extended period, getting a Thai license is strongly recommended.
✓ International Driving Permit (IDP) + Home Country License
An IDP issued by an authorized motoring organisation in your home country (such as the AA, AAA, RAC, ADAC, etc.) is accepted at police checkpoints in Thailand. Critically, the IDP must include the motorcycle category — an IDP for cars only does not cover motorcycles.
The IDP must always be carried together with your original home country driving license — it is a translation document, not a standalone license. Police will want to see both.
⚠ Foreign Motorcycle License (Without IDP) — Caution Required
Some foreign nationals ride in Thailand on their home country motorcycle license without an IDP. Police officers may accept this, particularly for tourists during a short stay — but this is at the officer's discretion. It is not a reliable legal position and is not recommended. If you do not have an IDP, you ride at your own risk of being fined.
3. Licenses That Are NOT Accepted for Motorcycles
✗ Car-Only License (Thai or Foreign)
A driving license that only covers cars (categories B, B1, or equivalent) does not legally permit you to ride a motorcycle in Thailand. This applies to both Thai licenses and foreign licenses. Many tourists make this mistake — do not assume your car license covers motorcycles.
✗ IDP Without Motorcycle Category
An IDP issued only for car driving (without a motorcycle category) does not cover motorcycle riding. Check your IDP carefully — it should show motorcycle (category A or equivalent) as one of the permitted vehicle categories.
✗ IDP Without the Original Home License
An IDP alone is not a valid document — it must be accompanied by your original home country driving license. If you have only your IDP and not the original license, it is not valid.
✗ No License At All
Riding a motorcycle in Thailand with no license is illegal and will result in a fine if stopped at a checkpoint. More seriously, it will almost certainly invalidate any travel insurance claim if you are involved in an accident.
✗ Expired License
An expired license — Thai or foreign — is not valid. Check the expiry date on your IDP and home country license before traveling.
4. Fines and Consequences for Riding Without a License
Police checkpoints on roads leading out of Chiang Mai are genuinely common — particularly on weekends and public holidays. If you are stopped without a valid motorcycle license, here is what you can expect:
| Offence | Fine (THB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| No license / invalid license | 500 – 2,000 THB | Bike may also be impounded in serious cases |
| No helmet | 500 THB | Applies to both rider and pillion |
| Drunk riding (DUI) | Up to 20,000 THB | Imprisonment possible; automatic license suspension |
| No vehicle registration (green book) | 500 – 1,000 THB | Carry the bike's registration document at all times |
| Running a red light | 500 – 1,000 THB | Traffic cameras operate in Chiang Mai city |
| Riding on the wrong side of the road | 500 – 1,000 THB | Thailand drives on the left |
Important: If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Thailand without a valid license, you may be held legally and financially responsible for all damages — even if the accident was not your fault. This can have very serious financial consequences. Do not ride without valid documentation.
5. How Licensing Affects Your Insurance
Travel insurance is where the licensing question becomes most critical. Most travel insurance policies that cover motorcycle accidents have strict requirements about licensing — and if you do not meet them, your claim will be denied.
What to check in your travel insurance policy
- →Does the policy explicitly cover motorcycles over 50cc? Many budget travel policies exclude all motorcycles over 50cc entirely.
- →Does the policy require you to hold a valid local license (i.e., a Thai motorcycle license), or does it accept an IDP? This varies significantly between insurers.
- →Does the policy require you to hold a motorcycle license in your home country? Some policies deny claims if you have only a car license.
- →What is the engine size limit? Some policies cap coverage at 125cc, 250cc, or 500cc.
- →Does the policy cover off-road riding? If you plan to ride dirt bikes or trails, standard travel insurance often excludes this.
Read the fine print carefully — or call your insurer before you travel. Getting the right insurance sorted before you arrive is far easier than arguing a claim after an accident.
6. How to Get an International Driving Permit (IDP)
An IDP is issued by your national motoring organization and must be obtained in your home country before you travel — it cannot be issued abroad. The process is simple and typically takes a few days:
UK
Issued by: Post Office (on behalf of DVLA)
Cost: £5.50
Timing: Available immediately at most Post Office branches
USA
Issued by: AAA or AATA
Cost: ~$20 USD
Timing: Same day at AAA branches, or by post
Australia
Issued by: NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAA (state-based)
Cost: ~AUD 35
Timing: Same day at most offices
Germany
Issued by: ADAC
Cost: ~€15
Timing: Same day at ADAC offices
France
Issued by: Préfecture or Sous-préfecture
Cost: Free
Timing: Allow a few weeks by post
Key reminders when applying for your IDP:
- Ensure your home country license includes a motorcycle category (A, A1, or equivalent) before applying — the IDP mirrors your existing license categories
- Always carry the IDP together with your original home license
- Check the expiry date — most IDPs are valid for 1–3 years
- The 1949 Convention IDP is the correct type for Thailand — most issuing organizations know this, but it is worth confirming
7. How to Get a Thai Motorcycle License as a Foreigner
If you are planning a longer stay in Thailand — or simply want the peace of mind of a fully legal license — getting a Thai motorcycle driving license as a foreigner is straightforward in Chiang Mai. The process is done at the Chiang Mai Department of Land Transport (DLT) office.
Who can apply?
Foreign nationals with a valid non-immigrant visa (type B, ED, O, etc.) or those who have completed a 90-day address notification (TM30/TM47) can apply. Tourist visa holders may also apply, but requirements can vary — check with the DLT directly.
Documents required
- ✓Original passport with a valid visa
- ✓A copy of your passport (photo page and visa page)
- ✓House registration or a letter from your hotel/landlord confirming your address in Chiang Mai (TM30 receipt)
- ✓Medical certificate from a Thai doctor (available from most clinics for 50–100 THB, valid for 30 days)
- ✓Your existing home country motorcycle license and/or IDP (if applicable — helps in the process)
- ✓Passport-sized photographs (usually 2–4, check current requirements)
- ✓Application fee: approximately 105 THB for a temporary license, 505 THB for a 5-year license
The process at Chiang Mai DLT
Colour vision and depth perception tests
Simple tests done at the DLT office. Takes about 5 minutes.
Reaction time test
A basic computer-based reaction test on site.
Theory test (written or computerized)
A multiple-choice test on Thai traffic laws. An English version is available. Many questions are straightforward for any experienced driver. Study materials are available online and at the DLT.
Practical riding test (for new applicants)
A short practical test in the DLT compound — typically involves riding through a marked course at walking pace, demonstrating slow control and balance. It is easier than it sounds.
License issued
If you hold a valid foreign motorcycle license, the practical test requirement may be waived. A temporary license is issued same day; the full plastic license usually arrives by post within a few weeks, or can be collected from the DLT.
Chiang Mai DLT Office
Hang Dong Road, Chiang Mai (near Central Airport Plaza)
Open: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm (closed Thai public holidays)
Tip: Arrive early — the office gets busy. Bringing a Thai-speaking friend or hiring a local agent to assist can speed up the process significantly.
Quick Summary
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