How to buy a Thai license plate safely

What you receive when you buy a plate

• Auction plate: the rights to the number are transferred to you from the current holder. You then use the documents to put the number on your car.
• Classic white plate: the number is tied to the seller's car, so the plates are swapped between the two cars. Both cars must be the same vehicle type and registered in the same province.

Either way, what you should get is a full set of documents you can take to the DLT office.

Six checks before you send money

1. The seller is a real business, with a shop or website, and can be reached by LINE and by phone.
2. Ask to see proof of the rights, such as the auction certificate or the registration book of the car carrying the plate.
3. The name on the documents matches the seller, or there is a proper power of attorney.
4. The price is close to similar plates. Ask why if it is much cheaper.
5. You know the steps and every fee: who files the paperwork, which office, and any extra costs.
6. You get proof of payment and the refund terms in writing.

Warning signs

• Pressure to pay right away without seeing documents.
• The seller avoids phone calls.
• You are asked to pay into an account of someone unrelated to the seller.
• The seller cannot explain the steps at the DLT office.

If you see these, slow down. A genuine plate will wait while you check the documents.

How buying with Ladytabien works

1. Choose a plate on our website, or tell us the number you want.
2. Message us on LINE or call. Khun Pokkie checks the plate is available and that it can go on your car.
3. Pay a deposit by bank transfer to a Thai bank account. If the transfer cannot be completed, you get a full refund.
4. Receive your plate at the DLT office, your workplace, your home or your car showroom. We send transfer documents free of charge anywhere in Thailand.

Every plate we sell is a genuine plate from the Department of Land Transport, and the transfer is done through the official process. Foreigners can usually buy too. See our foreigner guide.

Questions

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