Motorbike Registration Renewal in Chiang Mai
I am trying to make the process of your motorbike registration renewal easier. This is one of the simplest things to do. It requires a couple of short visits to a local non-DLT registration shop and a little bit of cash and it’s done. It should take up to 30 minutes for the first visit, then one week later just pickup the green book and new sticker.
YOU CAN DO THIS PROCESS UP TO THREE MONTHS BEFORE YOUR REGO EXPIRES!
If your bike is not fully registered, or the registration expire and you have an accident, you will not have any of the basic medical personal injury insurance, which is worth up to 30,000 baht if you have an accident or someone crashes into you. It’s not much, but it’s a start.
Your Motorbike Registration
Each year your motorbike (or car) needs to be registered. No forms necessary. yes you heard me correctly!
Firstly, you have a green book or blue book for a car. These are VERY important. don’t lose them!!!
Look at your motorbike registration label that looks like this. Next to the year 2559 (2016 + 543 Buddhist years) is the month and date. All rego stickers now should be 2560, with 2561 coming out in 2017.
You need to renew on or just before this date(or upto 3 months earlier)!
What’s that? You can’t read Thai, just look for the Thai script and corresponding month. Easy!
Ok, so you have your green book or blue book, your vehicle and expiring rego, and want to sort it out, well there are many locations around the city. Look for the ตรอ. logo at any car repair or garage-looking shop.
Your green book will stay with them and they will tell you to come back in a week. That’s it!
When you come back to collect your new rego sticker, it takes just a couple of minutes, you show your receipt(or picture) and they give you your book and new label. Go home and attach it to your motorbike and come back next year!!!
Non-DLT Registration Locations
Any registered bike or car can get their annual check done at a non-DLT location. Just look for the ตรอ. logo at car repair or garage shops around Chiang Mai. There are many locations across the city, so find the one closest to you.
Motorbike Registration Process at a Non-DLT Location
There is one near Nimman. Head along Huay Kaew Road from the Maya intersection. Drive past the pub and about 200 metres down on the left, just after a crossing.
Start on the right hand side at the front. There are a few guys who will come to you — show them your green book and they should understand. They will do their forms and get you to sign. Keep the slip.
They will send you to the motorbike registration desk. She will take and keep your green book, complete your registration and insurance, and take your money. It is usually around 400-500 baht per year.
Your bike will be checked on site. Go up to the front desk to check if your bike is finished — if not, wait in the waiting area. You can watch some Thai TV while you wait.
After about 5 minutes, check again. You will need to pay 60 baht for the check, then collect your bike.
DON'T FORGET. Go back a week later and pick up your green book and new sticker from the registration desk. Your book gets returned in a week usually.
Chiang Mai Motorbike Registration. Two Day Processing
The main Department of Land and Transport centre for everything motorbike registration and transfer related activities is at the lights at the Holiday Inn in Nong Hoi, but it’s at least 30 minutes from Nimman area. They do everything on the spot, but the process is a little complicated, but a lot quicker, except it involves two trips to the main office. The non-DLT shop option near you is the easier choice for most people.
If you have just bought a new motorbike, you can see my Guide to Transferring your Motorcycle Registration.
If you are needing to get or renew your license, the best resource is my friend’s PDF. Getting a Thai Drivers License (and Renewing)
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I renew my motorbike registration in Chiang Mai?
Look for any shop displaying the ตรอ. logo — these are authorised non-DLT registration points. There are many around Chiang Mai. They handle the full process including mandatory insurance and the green book update.
How long does motorbike registration renewal take in Chiang Mai?
Two visits. The first takes up to 30 minutes for the inspection and paperwork. Return one week later to collect the green book and new registration sticker. You can start the process up to three months before expiry.
What happens if I ride with expired registration in Thailand?
If your registration is expired and you have an accident, your compulsory third-party insurance is void. This covers up to 30,000 baht for personal injury. Riding unregistered also risks a fine if stopped at a checkpoint.
How much does motorbike registration renewal cost in Chiang Mai?
The cost depends on engine size and age of the bike. Expect a few hundred baht for a typical 125cc scooter. The mandatory annual insurance (Por Ror Bor) is separate and costs roughly 400 to 600 baht.
Do I need to be the registered owner to renew a motorbike registration?
Technically yes, the process requires the green book (vehicle registration document). If you are renting, check with your landlord or rental shop. Many handle renewals on your behalf for a small fee.
Guru Tip
Renew three months early. You can legally do it that far in advance and it removes the risk of letting it slip. Registration expiry in Thailand is easy to miss because there is no reminder system. Set a recurring calendar alert for one month before the expiry date on the green book.
