Thailand Vehicle Registration Process

The Process of Vehicle Registration In Thailand For Imported Cars, Trucks, & Motorbikes

You can choose between temporary and permanent registration when shipping a vehicle to Thailand. Temporary registration requires fewer hoops to jump through, but most of the paperwork and documents needed for temporary registration also apply to permanent registration.

Here’s what you’ll need for a temporary vehicle registration permit in Thailand:

• Identification/Passport
• Declaration form
• Invoice
• Registration
• Temporary import application

The rest of this page will focus on the requirements for the permanent import and registration of a foreign vehicle in Thailand.

Required Documents For Permanent Permit

An import permit is required to bring a car into Thailand, unless it is new and has not been registered in another country. For other vehicles, you must obtain an import permit from the Ministry of Commerce before you ship your vehicle to the country.

Once that is done, you will need the following documents to have it registered locally:

• Passport & Visa
• Residency certificate or work permit
• Thai driver’s license
• Roadworthiness certificate (TorRorOr)
• Vehicle Tax payment
• Registration
• Insurance
• Bill of lading
• Import declaration form

As with any country and the laws that govern vehicle registration, it’s important to check with the local departments in charge to get the most up-to-date information. (You can find links to these resources at the bottom of this page.)

For additional resources about vehicle shipping, visit our Thailand international transport page! You’ll find lots of useful information there, including the expected shipping costs and taxes (they are high in Thailand).

Roadworthiness Inspection & Auto Enrollment Resources

A roadworthiness test for imported vehicles is one key component of the registration process in Thailand. If you fail the initial attempt, you will need to make necessary repairs to pass the inspection.

Roadworthiness Inspection

Cars and trucks over seven years old and motorcycles over five years old must undergo a roadworthiness inspection in Thailand. The document you’ll receive once you have passed the inspection is called the “ToRorOr,” and you will need it for registration purposes. The roadworthiness test examines the the vehicle's basic components and safety features to ensure everything is in working order. These are the main points of the inspection:

• Emissions test
• Headlights and blinkers
• Brakes and tires
• Steering
• Mirrors
• Body damage

Car Signup Resources

Department of Land Transport - The Department of Land Transport is Thailand's closest approximation to what Americans would know as the DMV or motor vehicle department. Their website has many helpful resources for foreigners and residents trying to register a vehicle locally.

Personal Vehicle Import - Information about importing a car, truck, or motorcycle into Thailand for personal use. Here, you’ll find more information about the necessary documents for registration and customs clearance procedures.

Want a FREE shipping quote for shipping a vehicle to Thailand? Contact us today at the number at the top of the page, or send us an email to learn more! Our staff is happy to answer questions and direct you toward the proper resources!