Vietnam – Driving Licenses

Can foreign nationals drive in Vietnam on their home country licence, and for how long?

Foreign driving licences — even those accompanied by an international driving permit — carry no legal validity in Vietnam. This surprises many newcomers, since the situation differs markedly from regions such as the European Union, where member-state licences are mutually recognised across borders. In Vietnam, the law provides no exception that allows long-term residents to continue using their original overseas documents.

According to Article 18.7 of the Ministry of Public Security’s Circular 12/2025/TT-BCA dated February 28, 2025, foreigners who wish to drive in Vietnam must complete the procedures for converting their national driver licences into a Vietnamese driver licence of the equivalent category. This obligation applies to all foreign nationals regardless of which country issued their licence.

Under Article 24.1(a) of Circular 12, a foreign national must have been residing in Vietnam for a minimum of three months and must hold a valid national driver licence together with one of the following: a diplomatic identity card, an official-duty identity card, or a residence permit. Short-stay visitors who hold a valid 1968 Convention IDP may drive lawfully as tourists, but any individual taking up longer-term residency or employment in Vietnam is required to convert their licence.

For those living in Vietnam or planning an extended stay beyond three months, acquiring a local licence (GPLX – Giấy Phép Lái Xe) is the definitive solution. A Vietnamese licence makes you fully compliant with the law, ensures you are properly insurable, and eliminates any ambiguity around IDP recognition. Driving without adequate documentation can also jeopardise insurance claims — if you are involved in an accident while unlicensed, your health insurance cover may be rendered ineffective.

Does Vietnam have licence exchange agreements with other countries?

Under Circular 12/2025/TT-BCA, where Vietnam is party to a treaty on driver’s licences that applies to a particular case and contains provisions that differ from those in Circular 12, the provisions of that treaty will take precedence. This means that bilateral or multilateral agreements can alter the standard conversion requirements for nationals of certain countries.

The most significant regional arrangement is the ASEAN agreement. Nationals of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia may legally operate a motorcycle in Vietnam using their national motorcycle driving licence under the terms of this arrangement. This is broadly comparable in concept to the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement between Australia and New Zealand — though the ASEAN arrangement comes with meaningful practical limitations.

Even where a driver’s licence from an ASEAN country is recognised under certain circumstances, it is still strongly advisable to obtain a Vietnamese driver’s licence if you intend to drive regularly in Vietnam. Insurance providers, traffic police at checkpoints, and vehicle rental companies may all require a locally issued licence regardless of treaty provisions.

Beyond ASEAN, Vietnam does not maintain the extensive network of bilateral exchange agreements seen in some other jurisdictions — such as the UK or Australia, which have reciprocal arrangements with many individual nations. If your nationality falls within the scope of a treaty on driver’s licences to which Vietnam is a contracting party and which contains provisions that differ from Circular 12, that treaty will govern your situation. You should confirm directly with the Ministry of Public Security’s Traffic Police Department whether your country has a specific agreement in force, rather than assuming any exemption applies.

Where no exchange agreement exists, the standard conversion process applies: submitting a dossier to have your foreign licence converted to its Vietnamese equivalent. In the majority of cases, no fresh driving test is required for this conversion — though you must satisfy the residency and documentation requirements set out below.

How do you exchange or convert a foreign driving licence in Vietnam?

Converting a foreign licence to a Vietnamese one is the standard path for expatriates who have been resident in Vietnam for at least three months and hold a valid residency document. Unlike certain countries — Germany, for instance, where converting an EU licence involves little more than presenting it to the relevant authority — Vietnam requires a translated and notarised copy of the original licence, submitted through the Traffic Police system. No new driving test is required solely for the conversion.

Certain foreign licences are not eligible for conversion. These include temporary foreign driver licences, international driving permits, foreign licences that have expired, or those that are so damaged or torn that they no longer contain sufficient readable information, and licences issued by unauthorised entities. Your licence must be complete, current, and in good condition to be eligible.

The documents required for a licence conversion application are as follows, based on Article 24.2 of Circular 12/2025/TT-BCA:

1. A completed application form for driver’s licence conversion (Appendix XIII of Circular 12 — the form designated specifically for foreign nationals).
2. A copy of your foreign driver’s licence together with a Vietnamese translation, notarised by a Vietnamese notary office or certified by an overseas Vietnamese diplomatic mission (where the translator is a staff member). These two documents must be stapled together and stamped across the staple.
3. A valid health certificate issued by a qualified medical facility operating under Vietnamese law. This requirement may be waived if your application falls within the validity period of your visa or temporary residence card.
4. Personal residency documentation: a copy or certified electronic copy of one of the following — a diplomatic ID card, an official-duty ID card, a temporary residence card, or a permanent residence card, with at least three months of remaining validity.
5. Payment in Vietnamese Dong of the application fee (135,000 VND as of 2025). Additional costs such as translation, photographs, or postal delivery may apply. Always confirm the current fee schedule with the relevant authority before submitting your application.

Once your dossier has been lodged, the process unfolds as follows:

1. Within one working day, your dossier will be forwarded to the Ministry of Public Security’s Traffic Police Department for centralised assessment.
2. If verification of your foreign licence is required, the processing timeline commences upon receipt of those verification results. The Ministry’s Traffic Police Department may consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Immigration Department, or relevant local authorities should any doubts arise regarding your immigration or residency status.
3. If your application is approved, a Vietnamese driver’s licence will be issued and recorded in the national electronic database within three working days. The provincial-level Traffic Police Division will subsequently print your licence within five working days.
4. You may collect your new licence in person or arrange for it to be sent to you by post.
5. If your application is refused, you will receive a written explanation setting out the grounds for rejection.

Your Vietnamese driver’s licence will remain valid for whichever period is shorter: the validity of your diplomatic passport, official-duty passport, or residence permit; or the expiry date of your original foreign licence — and in any case it will not exceed the maximum validity period prescribed for the equivalent Vietnamese licence category. You will be permitted to drive the same classes of vehicles as authorised under your foreign licence.

Applications may also be submitted online via dichvucong.gov.vn. Foreign nationals can access this portal, though at the time of writing the website operates exclusively in Vietnamese. In-person submissions can be made at provincial Traffic Police Division offices throughout the country.

How do you apply for a driving licence in Vietnam from scratch?

If you do not hold a recognised foreign driving licence, if your licence is ineligible for conversion, or if you simply prefer to start fresh, you may sit the Vietnamese driving licence examinations. Any foreigner aged 18 or over who is currently living, working, or studying in Vietnam for more than three months is entitled to pursue a Vietnamese driving licence through this route.

Language is an important practical consideration. The Vietnamese driving theory examination is conducted entirely in Vietnamese, and there is currently no provision for test papers in other languages. This stands in contrast to countries such as Germany, where theory tests are available in numerous languages including English. Candidates whose Vietnamese is not yet at a sufficient level will need to invest significant preparation time before sitting the exam.

The documents required to enrol at a driving school and sit the test include:

• A photocopy of your passport and visa, demonstrating a stay of at least three months.
• A completed application form for driver’s licence study and examination, available at the Department of Transportation.
• A health certificate from a recognised medical facility.
• A certified copy of your residence card or temporary residence card.

The testing process involves both theoretical and practical elements:

1. Enrol at a Department of Transportation–approved driving school and complete the prescribed training programme. Following the 2025 regulatory changes, applicants are now required to undertake additional assessments simulating real-world traffic conditions, and the mandatory practical training hours have been increased.
2. Sit the theory examination, conducted by computer with 25 questions. A score of at least 21 correct answers is required to pass. As of 2025, some sources indicate that the car licence exam uses a 40-question format — confirm the current format with your training centre or the Department of Transportation before sitting.
3. Complete the practical driving assessment in the relevant vehicle category.
4. Collect your licence upon successfully passing both components.

The official examination fees for foreign nationals are the same as those for Vietnamese applicants: theory examination — two-wheeled motorcycle licence: 60,000 VND per attempt; automobile licence: 90,000 VND per attempt. Practical examination — two-wheeled motorcycle licence: 70,000 VND per attempt; automobile licence: 300,000 VND per attempt (as of 2025). These figures cover official exam fees only; tuition fees charged by driving schools, whether private or government-run, are additional and vary by provider. Always verify current fees with the relevant Department of Transportation office.

The 2025 revisions introduced changes to licence categories that are worth noting. The A1 licence (effective from January 1, 2025) now covers motorcycles up to 125cc only, reduced from the previous 175cc ceiling. The former A2 category has been redesignated as the A licence, which permits operation of motorcycles exceeding 125cc as well as those falling within the A1 threshold. For car licences, categories B and C1 issued from 2025 carry a fixed validity of 10 years, no longer linked to the driver’s age.

How do you renew a driving licence in Vietnam?

Renewing a Vietnamese driving licence follows a defined procedure applicable to both Vietnamese nationals and foreign residents. The validity periods applying to licences issued from 2025 are determined by category rather than by the holder’s age, representing a departure from the previous framework.

Licences in categories B and C1 issued from 2025 carry a fixed validity of 10 years. Other categories — including C, D1, D2, D, BE, and extensions such as C1E, CE, D1E, D2E, and DE — are valid for five years. For foreign nationals, the validity of a converted licence is additionally constrained by the residency permit: the period of use of a Vietnamese driver’s licence exchanged for foreigners must correspond to the period shown on the entry visa or temporary residence card, and align with the expiry date of the original foreign licence, without exceeding the maximum validity prescribed for the equivalent Vietnamese licence category.

Renewal may be completed in person, by post, or online. Article 36 of Circular 35/2024/TT-BGTVT provides for a postal renewal procedure. Online renewal is accessible through dichvucong.gov.vn, though the portal operates in Vietnamese only. For online submissions, a reduced fee of 115,000 VND per issuance applies between December 1, 2023 and December 31, 2025 (as of 2025). Always confirm current fees with the official authority before submitting your application.

Drivers who have outstanding unpaid traffic fines will not be issued a renewed licence. The Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety further stipulates that drivers who have not complied with administrative penalties for road traffic violations will be refused issuance, renewal, or grant of a driver’s licence. Settling any outstanding penalties before commencing the renewal process is therefore essential.

Medical fitness standards for renewal are divided into groups under Circular 36/2024/TT-BYT: Group 1 applies to A1 and B1 licence health checks; Group 2 covers A and B licences; Group 3 applies to C1, C, D1, D2, D, BE, and extension categories. A health certificate from an approved medical facility forms a mandatory part of the renewal dossier. Foreign nationals must also present their residency documentation — passport, visa, and residence card — in addition to the standard renewal paperwork.

Is an International Driving Permit valid in Vietnam?

Vietnam does recognise the International Driving Permit (IDP), but only under tightly defined conditions. Not every IDP is accepted, and the rules were updated with effect from January 1, 2025 under the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety 2024.

An IDP is valid for use in Vietnam if it has been issued by a competent state authority of a country that is a member of the Vienna Convention, conforms to the standardised format, has been valid for no more than three years from the date of issue, and does not exceed the remaining validity of the underlying national driving licence. Vietnam is a signatory to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, which means only IDPs issued under the 1968 Convention — sometimes referred to as the Vienna Convention IDP — are accepted. IDPs based on the 1949 Geneva Convention are not recognised.

This distinction has significant practical consequences. Australia, for example, is a party to the 1949 Convention rather than the 1968 Convention. Australian IDPs therefore carry no validity in Vietnam, meaning their holders cannot legally ride anything above 50cc. The US Embassy in Vietnam has similarly confirmed that American IDPs are issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention format, which Vietnam does not recognise. Before travelling, always establish which convention underpins your country’s IDP.

While driving on Vietnamese roads, holders of a valid 1968 Vienna Convention IDP must carry both the IDP and the underlying national licence covering the relevant vehicle category, both of which must remain current. Presenting only the IDP without the accompanying national licence is insufficient.

In Vietnam, an IDP is valid solely in conjunction with a tourist visa. Individuals who relocate to Vietnam and hold a Residence Card must convert to a locally issued licence. The IDP is therefore a short-stay visitor’s tool — it is not a viable long-term arrangement for residents. The permit must be obtained in your home country before departure; it cannot be acquired once you have arrived in Vietnam.

Category accuracy is equally important. Your IDP must carry the “A” (Motorcycle) endorsement if you intend to ride a motorbike. A “B” car licence authorises you to drive a car only — riding a motorcycle on a car-only licence is treated by Vietnamese authorities as driving without a licence.

What are the penalties for driving licence offences in Vietnam?

Vietnam substantially overhauled its penalty structure for road traffic offences with the introduction of Decree 168/2024/ND-CP, which came into force on January 1, 2025. The changes represent a fundamental shift in enforcement, with financial penalties rising considerably compared to the previous regime.

Under Article 2 of Government Decree 168/2024/ND-CP on administrative sanctions for violations in the field of traffic order and safety, foreign nationals in Vietnam are subject to identical penalties as Vietnamese citizens when committing traffic offences. No special leniency is extended to overseas nationals.

Decree 168/2024, which took effect on January 1, 2025, significantly increased penalties for driving violations, with fines for operating vehicles without proper licensing rising by 50–80% compared to previous regulations. Specifically, fines under Decree 168/2024 Article 18 are scaled according to vehicle engine capacity: motorcycles under 125cc attract a penalty of VND 2–4 million, motorcycles over 125cc face VND 6–8 million, and cars are subject to fines of VND 18–20 million for operation without a valid licence (as of 2025). Always consult the current decree for up-to-date figures, as these amounts are subject to revision by the government.

Beyond financial penalties, vehicle impoundment is a very real possibility. Under the 2025 enforcement framework, police have the authority to seize your motorbike for seven days if you are unable to produce a valid licence. This can cause serious disruption, particularly if you are in a rural area or riding a rented vehicle.

Vietnam introduced a 12-point licence system for holders of Vietnamese licences alongside the 2025 reforms. Each licence begins with 12 points, which are deducted for each recorded violation, with the database updated immediately once a penalty decision takes effect. Full restoration of the 12 points occurs automatically if no further points are deducted within 12 months of the most recent deduction.

The 12-point system applies only to those holding a Vietnamese licence. Unlicensed drivers have no points to lose but face immediate confiscation of their vehicle, and their violations are permanently logged in the national database — an outcome that can block future licence applications for between 6 and 12 months depending on the severity of the offence (as of 2025).

The consequences of unlicensed driving extend well beyond the roadside encounter. Database records can generate difficulties elsewhere: re-entry visa applications may attract additional scrutiny, long-term residence permit renewals require a clean legal record certification, and work permit renewals in certain provinces include verification of traffic violation history.

Vietnamese law imposes severe consequences for individuals driving without a valid local licence. In addition to the prospect of very substantial fines, an unlicensed driver may face a custodial sentence of up to three years. An unlicensed driver who causes an accident could be imprisoned for up to 10 years. Where the accident results in a fatality, the maximum sentence rises to 20 years. These are maximum criminal sentencing guidelines — seek advice from a qualified Vietnamese legal professional for confirmation of current provisions.

Which government departments or agencies handle driving licences in Vietnam?

Knowing which authority to approach is fundamental for expatriates navigating Vietnam’s licensing process. Responsibility was reorganised in 2025, with the Ministry of Public Security (Bộ Công an) now occupying a central position in the system.

The Ministry of Public Security’s Traffic Police Department is responsible for assessing conversion dossiers. Where any uncertainty arises regarding a foreign national’s entry into or period of residence in Vietnam, it may issue an official letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Public Security’s Immigration Department, or the Immigration Office of the relevant provincial-level Public Security Department requesting formal verification.

The principal agencies and contact points for driving licence matters are:

• Ministry of Public Security – Traffic Police Department (Cục Cảnh sát giao thông): The central authority overseeing foreign licence conversions under Circular 12/2025/TT-BCA. Website: mps.gov.vn
• Provincial-level Public Security Department – Traffic Police Division: Dossiers for conversion may be lodged in person at the Traffic Police Division under the provincial-level Public Security Department, or at a commune-level Public Security Office that has been authorised to receive such applications.
• National Public Services Portal: Online applications for licence conversion and renewal can be submitted at dichvucong.gov.vn (available in Vietnamese only).
• Department of Transportation (Sở Giao thông Vận tải): The Department of Transportation is responsible for issuing Vietnamese driving licences to foreigners who hold valid licences from their home countries. It also handles the replacement of lost licences and the processing of renewals. Regional offices operate in all provinces across the country.

Key in-person offices where expatriates frequently apply for or convert licences include:

Foreigners seeking to obtain or convert a Vietnamese driver’s licence should contact the nearest Traffic Police Department or Commune-level Police Department for authoritative, up-to-date guidance. Requirements can differ slightly from one province to another, so it is always worth confirming the local procedure before attending with your application.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive in Vietnam with just my home country driving licence?

No. Foreign driving licences — even those accompanied by an international driving permit — are not legally valid in Vietnam. Residents are required to convert their licence to a Vietnamese one. Short-stay tourists may drive legally if they hold a valid 1968 Vienna Convention IDP alongside their national licence.

Do I need to retake my driving test to get a Vietnamese licence?

If you are converting an existing valid foreign licence to its Vietnamese equivalent, neither a written nor a practical driving test is required. However, if your licence is ineligible for conversion or you are applying for a Vietnamese licence without a prior qualification, you will need to complete a theory exam (conducted in Vietnamese) and a practical driving test at an approved training centre.

How long does it take to get a Vietnamese driving licence through conversion?

Once your dossier is approved, a Vietnamese driver’s licence will be issued and recorded in the national electronic database within three working days. The provincial-level Traffic Police Division will then print your physical licence within five working days. You should allow additional time for document preparation, obtaining a notarised translation, and any verification of your foreign licence that may be required.

Is my International Driving Permit valid if my country uses the 1949 Geneva Convention?

No. Vietnam exclusively recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. If your country has not ratified the 1968 Convention, there is no IDP format available to you that Vietnam will accept. Always confirm which convention governs your country’s IDP before making travel arrangements.

What happens if I drive in Vietnam without a valid licence?

Fines under Decree 168/2024 Article 18 are determined by vehicle type: motorcycles under 125cc incur VND 2–4 million, motorcycles over 125cc face VND 6–8 million, and cars are subject to penalties of VND 18–20 million (as of 2025). Your vehicle may additionally be impounded, and repeated or serious violations are entered permanently into a national database that can affect future visa and work permit applications.

Can I apply for a Vietnamese driving licence as a tourist?

This is not an option for holders of standard e-visas. To be eligible, you must hold a business visa, work permit, or Temporary Residence Card (TRC) with at least three months of validity remaining. Ordinary tourist visas do not satisfy the required residency threshold.

How long is a Vietnamese driving licence valid for?

Licences in categories B and C1 issued from 2025 carry a fixed validity of 10 years. Categories including C, D1, D2, D, BE, and associated extension categories are valid for five years. For converted foreign licences, validity is tied to whichever period is shorter — your residency permit duration or the expiry date of your original foreign licence — subject to the maximum validity prescribed for the equivalent Vietnamese licence category.

Which agency should I contact if I have questions about converting my licence?

Foreigners seeking to obtain or convert a Vietnamese driver’s or motorcycle licence should contact the nearest Traffic Police Department or Commune-level Police Department for official guidance. The national public services portal at dichvucong.gov.vn and the Ministry of Public Security website at mps.gov.vn also provide further information.