Netherlands Worldwide

Renewing your Dutch driving licence in Thailand

If you live in Thailand and your Dutch driving licence has expired (or has almost expired) you can renew it. You can use your valid Dutch driving licence to apply for a Thai licence. 

Renewing your driving licence

Do you have the Dutch nationality? Or the nationality of another EU/EEA country? Then you can renew your Dutch driving licence at the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW). Even if your driving licence has expired. However, you must have a (correspondence) address in the Netherlands. You will need this to receive the application form and your driving licence. The RDW does not send mail abroad.

Attention: Do you have a valid foreign driving licence in addition to your Dutch driving licence? Then it is not necessary to renew your Dutch driving licence. If you are visiting the Netherlands, you may drive with your valid foreign driving licence. Are you living in the Netherlands again? Then you can exchange your foreign driving licence back for a Dutch driving licence.

Follow the steps to renew your driving licence:

Step 1: Request an application form

You can request an application form for renewing your driving licence from the RDW's website.

Step 2: Collect the right documents

You will need the following original documents:

  • your Dutch driving licence
  • a photocopy of your valid travel document, e.g. a passport or identity card 
  • a completed and signed application form
  • 1 colour passport photo that meets Dutch passport photo requirements and is less than 6 months old. 

In the following situations you will need to supply additional documents. Click on the situation(s) that applies (apply) to you for more information.

Step 3: Submit your documents

Send all the documents needed for your application to the RDW: 

RDW, Unit Rijbewijzen
Postbus 9000
9640 HA Veendam
Nederland

Step 4: Pay the fee

Pay the fee for your application for a new driving licence. Scroll to ‘Kosten’ on the RDW's website to find out what the fee is and how to pay it. 

After your payment has been assessed, the RDW will process your application within 10 working days.

Does RDW approve your application? Then it will take 5 working days before you receive your new driving licence at your correspondence address in the Netherlands.

If your application is rejected you will receive a letter explaining why.

Applying for a Thai driving licence

You can use your valid Dutch driving licence to apply for a Thai licence at the Department of Land Transport (in English). 

What do I need?

You will need a certified true copy of your Dutch driving licence to apply for a Thai licence, as well as other documents. You can make an appointment at the Dutch embassy in Bangkok to apply for the certified true copy. You can only do this in person. Bring the following documents with you to the appointment:

Neem naar uw afspraak de volgende documenten mee:

  • your original, valid Dutch driving licence
  • your valid Dutch passport.

Read more about applying for a certified true copy of your driving licence on the page on legalising a copy of your identity document.

Visit the website of the Department of Land Transport for information on the other documents you will need if you wish to apply for a Thai driving licence. If in your case you require a declaration of residence, which you can obtain from the Dutch embassy in Bangkok, you will not have to make a separate appointment. You can apply for it when you come in for your appointment for the certified true copy of your driving licence.

Attention: Please note: Your Thai driving licence may be valid for longer or shorter than your Dutch driving licence.