Important update: Thailand joins Hague Apostille — effective 28 Feb 2027
Thailand deposited its instrument of accession to the Hague Apostille Convention on 30 June 2026. The Convention enters into force for Thai-issued public documents on 28 February 2027. The Department of Consular Affairs (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) will issue the Apostille for Thai documents. — Certified Driving License Copy
Before 28 Feb 2027 (legacy Legalization chain)
- Notarise / certify original or translation
- MFA Thailand legalisation
- Destination embassy legalisation
- Use in destination country
From 28 Feb 2027 (destination is a Hague member)
- Notarise / certify original or translation
- Apply for Apostille at MFA Thailand
- Use directly in destination country (no embassy step)
Note: Documents issued before the effective date may still use the legacy Legalization chain depending on the receiving authority. We advise the fastest/most cost-effective path per case.
Sources: HCCH (Hague Conference), MFA Thailand — Department of Consular Affairs
What is a Certified Driving License Copy and what is it used for?
Notarised copy of Thai or International Driving Permit for car rental, work, or license exchange abroad. A Thai Notary Public, working under the Lawyers Council of Thailand, certifies the document so it can move on to MFA legalisation and embassy legalisation for use abroad — the legal weight is equivalent to notarisation in other jurisdictions once the chain is complete.
Common use cases
- → เช่ารถระยะยาวในสหรัฐ/ยุโรป/ออสเตรเลีย
- → แลกใบขับขี่ต่างประเทศ (US State DMV, UK DVLA)
- → สมัครงานขนส่ง/โลจิสติกส์ต่างประเทศ
- → ประกอบใบสมัคร Uber/Grab ต่างประเทศ
What to bring
- ✓ ใบขับขี่ตัวจริง (ไทย/สากล)
- ✓ พาสปอร์ต
- ✓ สำเนาใบขับขี่ 2 ชุด
Common destination countries
USA · UK · Australia · Germany · Canada · New Zealand · UAE