What You Need to Do to Renew Your License in Hua Hin
To renew a 5-year driving license in Hua Hin as a foreigner, you must visit the Hua Hin Provincial Land Transport Office in person, submit your current license and passport, and pay the renewal fee. The process takes one day if you arrive early and have all documents ready. You cannot renew by mail or through an agent — Thai law requires your physical presence and your signature on the process form.
The Hua Hin office is located on Petchkasem Road (Highway 4), about 15 kilometers south of Hua Hin town center. It opens at 8:30 a.m. and stops accepting new applications around 11:30 a.m., so arrive before mid-morning. The office closes for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. and reopens until 4:30 p.m., but new applications are not taken after 11:30 a.m.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring your current driving license, passport, and a photocopy of your passport identification page and Thai address documentation.
- The renewal fee is 1,000 Thai baht for a 5-year license, payable in cash at the office.
- You will take a new photograph at the office; bring a pen to fill out the TM.87 form (the renewal process).
- The office does not accept applications after 11:30 a.m., so plan to arrive by 10:30 a.m. at the latest.
- Your new license will be ready the same day, usually by 3 p.m., and you collect it before you leave.
Documents You Must Bring to the Hua Hin Office
Bring your current driving license and your passport — both originals. The office will not process your renewal without both. You also need one photocopy of your passport's identification page (the page with your photo and personal details) and one photocopy of a document showing your Thai address. A Thai address document can be a rental agreement, a utility bill in your name, a bank statement, or a letter from your landlord stating your address and the dates you have lived there.
If your address on your current license is still correct and matches your Thai address document, the office will use that. If you have moved, bring the new address document. Do not assume the office will accept a hotel booking or a letter from a hotel — they typically require a rental agreement or utility bill. If you live in a condo, bring a copy of your condo registration or a letter from the condo management confirming your unit and residency dates.
Bring a pen (black or blue ink) to fill out the TM.87 form at the office. The office does not provide pens. Bring cash in Thai baht — the office does not accept cards for the renewal fee, though some offices have ATMs on-site.
The Step-by-Step Renewal Process at the Office
When you arrive, go to the information desk or the foreigner window and tell staff you want to renew your 5-year license. They will give you the TM.87 form (the renewal process form in Thai and English). Fill it out with your pen, using the information from your passport and current license. The form asks for your name, passport number, Thai address, license number, and the type of license you hold.
Take your completed form, current license, passport, and photocopies to the document-checking window. Staff will verify that all documents are present and legible. If anything is missing or unclear, they will tell you to fix it before you proceed. Once documents are approved, you will be directed to the photograph booth. You will sit for a new photograph (similar to a passport photo). The office takes the photo and prints it onto your new license.
After your photograph, go to the payment window and pay 1,000 Thai baht. You will receive a receipt with a number. Wait in the main area until your number is called. When called, go to the collection window, present your receipt, and collect your new license. The entire process from arrival to collection usually takes 2 to 3 hours if you arrive early and the office is not busy.
Fees and Payment Details
The renewal fee for a 5-year driving license is 1,000 Thai baht. This is a flat fee for all foreigners renewing a 5-year license, regardless of your nationality or the type of vehicle you are licensed to drive. The fee covers the license itself, the photograph, and the processing.
Payment is cash only. The office does not accept credit cards, debit cards, or bank transfers. If you do not have 1,000 baht in cash, the Hua Hin office has an ATM in the building, but it may have withdrawal limits or fees depending on your bank. Plan to bring cash or arrive early enough to use the ATM without delaying your process.
What Happens if Your License Has Expired or Is About to Expire
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it at the Hua Hin office. Thai law allows you to renew an expired license without penalty as long as you have not driven on an expired license. Bring your expired license along with all other documents. The office will process it the same way as an active license.
If your license expires before you can visit Hua Hin, do not drive. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Thailand and can result in a fine of up to 400 Thai baht and confiscation of your license. If you are stopped by police, explain that you have an appointment to renew. Some officers may allow you to proceed to the Land Transport Office, but this is not may provide. Plan your renewal before your license expires.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not arrive after 11:30 a.m. The office stops accepting new applications at this time, even if staff are still working. If you arrive at noon, you will be turned away and told to come back the next day. Plan to arrive by 10:00 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. to be safe.
Do not bring a hotel booking or a letter from a hotel as proof of address. The office requires a rental agreement, utility bill, bank statement, or landlord letter. If you live in a hotel long-term, ask the hotel for a letter on their letterhead stating your name, room number, and the dates of your stay. Some hotels will provide this; others will not. If the hotel refuses, you may need to establish a Thai address elsewhere or ask a friend if you can use their address with their written permission.
Do not assume your old address is still valid. If you have moved since your last license was issued, bring a new address document. If you bring an old address document that does not match your current residence, staff may reject it or issue a license with an outdated address, which can cause problems if you are stopped by police.
Do not forget your passport. Without it, the office will not process your renewal. If you have lost your passport, contact your embassy first to report the loss and obtain a replacement or emergency travel document before attempting to renew your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Thai law allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. If your license expires in 2026, you can renew it starting in 2025. Renewing early does not change the fee or the process — you still pay 1,000 baht and receive a new 5-year license from the date of renewal.
What if I do not have a Thai address?
You must have a Thai address to renew your license. If you are staying in a hotel, ask the hotel for a letter confirming your residency. If you are staying with a friend, ask them to write a letter on their letterhead stating your name, their address, and the dates you are staying there. Some offices accept this; others do not. Contact the Hua Hin office by phone before you visit to confirm what they will accept.
Can someone else pick up my license for me?
No. You must be present to sign the process form and collect your license. Thai law requires your signature on the TM.87 form. If you cannot visit in person, you cannot renew your license at this time.
What if my passport is about to expire?
Bring your current passport, even if it is expiring soon. The office will use the passport number on your current passport for the license. If your passport expires after you renew your license, your license remains valid. If your passport expires before your license, you will need to update your license with your new passport number at a later date, but this is a separate process.
How long does the new license last?
Your new 5-year license is valid for five years from the date of renewal. If you renew in 2026, your license will expire in 2031. You will need to renew again at that time.