The Department of Land Transport is partnering with the Ministry of Public Health to raise service standards by preparing a full "online driver's license renewal" system for new drivers. They are confident this will reduce procedural burdens and establish safety standards on the roads through an accurate and comprehensive health screening system. The service is expected to launch in June 2026 GMT+7.
Mr. Sorapong Paitoonpong, Director-General of the Department of Land Transport (DLT), stated that under the new ministerial regulation (No. 2) of 2025, aimed at easing the burden and facilitating convenience for citizens, individuals applying to renew their driver's licenses who are not older than 55 years and have not delayed renewal by more than one year can submit their applications electronically without needing to undergo physical fitness tests at transport offices nationwide. This significantly reduces travel burdens and truly meets the demands of the digital era. To ensure complete and beneficial implementation, the DLT is currently consulting with medical professionals to establish guidelines and methods for physical fitness verification for those wishing to renew online. The service is expected to be ready by June 2026 GMT+7.
The department has coordinated with the Ministry of Public Health, which already has an electronic medical certificate issuance system, to develop a channel for exchanging electronic document data to replace the traditional paper-based process for those visiting transport offices. This will involve API linkage with the Ministry of Public Health to enable real-time verification of document origin and accuracy.
However, during the initial phase of the service, data linkage will primarily be limited to hospitals. Development of platforms with relevant agencies is ongoing to extend this to clinics nationwide beyond hospitals under the Ministry of Public Health, to meet the demand of citizens who mostly prefer to use nearby clinics.
The Director-General of the Department of Land Transport added that those wishing to renew online must undergo physical fitness testing, particularly "visual acuity" tests. Standards for health examinations are being further defined with physicians to allow citizens to complete vision tests with doctors immediately without traveling to transport offices. This supports the needs of over 2.5 million people annually who renew personal car and motorcycle licenses, enabling them to use the online system confidently. Health checks will follow uniform standards across all medical facilities, providing greater convenience and reducing trips to transport offices.
For those who meet the criteria, access will be further simplified by expanding the digital medical certificate system to clinics nationwide. This enhances safety by ensuring every driver on the road undergoes standardized physical and vision fitness checks. This upgrade marks a significant step in confirming drivers' physical readiness and promoting sustainable road safety for Thai society. The Department of Land Transport and Ministry of Public Health are ready to integrate and link data to advance digital government services, ensuring the best possible service to citizens.
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