Do I Need An International Driving Permit for Thailand?

Put shortly, if you have a license that is outside of the ASEAN agreement, then you will need an international permit to drive in Thailand. For Thailand, you specifically need a 1968 international driving permit, which can be obtained from any shop with a PayPoint in the United Kingdom or from the AAA (American Automobile Association), if you’re from the USA.

To get an international permit you will need:

  • 1 passport-sized photo
  • A valid driving license
  • Cash or card

Getting an IDP is a very simple process, just turn up with the listed items above, pay the fee, and you will walk out of the shop or association with an international permit.

Can I Drive A Motorcycle With An AM License in Thailand?

It is not legal to ride a motorcycle in Thailand with an AM license, using the 1968 International Driving Permit. An AM license only covers you to ride up to 50cc. If you get a 1968 international permit, the clerk will stamp A, which only allows up to 50cc bikes to be ridden abroad.

If you are caught riding with an incorrect international permit, you will be fined up to 1000 baht ($30 USD).

You need a full motorcycle license to get an A1 stamp in the 1968 International Permit, which allows you to drive up to 125cc abroad.

If you are currently in Thailand, I would recommend getting a Thai driver’s license. The process is pretty simple, and with the correct visa, you will be able to get a temporary license for 2 years, which will cover you for riding up to 400cc bikes. Technically you cannot use this license in other ASEAN countries, but in my experience, having ridden to Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam on a Thai license, border guards never know the difference between a temporary and full license as of 2025.

If you do this, you will not be covered by any insurance if you have a crash, so we do not recommend doing this, but it is possible.

Your mileage may also vary from country to country. We would never recommend doing this, and if you do so, it is at your own risk. We are not liable for anyone choosing otherwise. It is your choice to make.

How Can I Ride More Than 125cc in Thailand?

Your International Permit is not a replacement for your actual driving license. It is to be used in conjunction with your home license. If you have the correct training, and stamp on your official, home license, you can ride anything up to 1000cc in Thailand.

Beware of corrupt police trying to claim that you are only covered for up to 125cc according to your international driving permit, this does not have a stamp to prove or show that you can drive anything above 125cc.

Can I Used The 1949 Permit To Ride in Other Countries Without a Full License?

No, it is illegal to do this and we do not recommend it.

However, with a 1949 license, there is only 1 stamp to indicate which motorcycle you can drive. In the written documentation, this has no upper limit on the engine size you can drive abroad. In many cases, I have run into situations in other countries where the Police have no idea what they’re looking for on your license, and if you have the AM slot ticked, they do not bother you.

However your mileage may vary, and I do not recommend anyone to do this.

Besides, a 1926 IDP only allows you to drive in Mexico or Somalia.

How Long is My International Driving Permit Valid?

Here is the validity for your international driving permit:

  • 1926 – valid for 1 year from start date
  • 1949 – valid for 1 year from start date
  • 1968 – valid for 3 years from start date

To make sure you get the most out of your international driving permit you can ask the store clerk to put a date in the future from which the permit is valid from. Your permit will not be valid until that date, but if you have a trip planned, it’s a good idea to get on the date your trip starts in the countries you will need your IDP for.

Can I Get An International Driving Permit Abroad?

No. Do not trust any website that is offering an international driving permit website, unless it is listed on your government’s website. They do not work, and you will still receive a fine for driving without the proper documentation. Additionally, this permit will not cover you on insurance in the case of a crash.

You might be able to get a friend, or your parents to go into the AAA or to a PayPoint to get the international permit for you, and then ship it out to you, but they would need an up-to-date passport photograph of you.

If you do not have an international permit, it’s best to skip driving.

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