If you’re a foreigner planning to live and work in Vietnam, being able to drive legally can make everyday life much easier. However, a driver’s license issued in another country cannot be used directly in Vietnam. To drive legally in Vietnam, foreigners must convert their existing licenses to a Vietnam driver’s license.
Fortunately, Vietnam allows foreigners with a valid overseas driver’s license to exchange it without retaking the driving test.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the key requirements, documents, and steps involved in exchanging a foreign driver’s license in Vietnam so you can complete the process smoothly and start driving legally.
Who is eligible to exchange a Vietnam driver’s license
According to Circular 12/2025/TT-BCA, the following individuals are eligible to convert a foreign driver’s license into a Vietnam driver’s license:
- Foreign nationals who are residing, working, or studying in Vietnam and hold a valid driver’s license issued by a foreign authority. Applicants must also possess one of the following documents with a validity of at least 3 months: a temporary residence card/a diplomatic or official identity card/a permanent residence card.
- Vietnamese citizens who are living, studying, or working abroad and hold a valid driver’s license issued by a competent foreign authority.
Types of foreign driver’s licenses eligible for conversion in Vietnam
The categories of vehicles listed on a foreign driver’s license can be converted to the corresponding Vietnamese license. For example: A foreigner holding a foreign license of class A2 + B2 (allowing operation of motorcycles over 175cc and cars with fewer than 9 seats) will be granted the equivalent A2 and B2 licenses in Vietnam.
Eligible licenses for conversion include those for cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses. Since 2015, Vietnam has recognized 15 categories: A, A1, B, B1, C, C1, D, D1, D2, BE, C1E, CE, DE, D1E, D2E
Additionally, driver’s licenses issued by countries that have international agreements with Vietnam on the recognition of driver’s licenses may also be eligible for conversion. In such cases, the provisions of the relevant international agreement will apply if they differ from domestic regulations.
Licenses not eligible for conversion:
- Temporary foreign driver’s licenses
- International driving permits (IDP)
- Expired, altered, or damaged licenses that lack sufficient information or show discrepancies in identification
- Licenses not issued by a competent authority
4 steps to convert a foreign driver’s license in Vietnam
To convert a foreign driver’s license into a Vietnam driver’s license, applicants must complete the following steps:
Step 1: Prepare the required documents
– Application form for converting a foreign driver’s license
– Certified Vietnamese translation of the foreign driver’s license
– Valid medical certificate issued by an authorized medical facility (not required if the conversion is within the validity of the visa or temporary residence card)
– A certified copy of one of the following documents:
- Temporary residence card
- Permanent residence card
- Diplomatic identity card
- Official identity card
Step 2: Submit the application
Once the documents are complete, the applicant must submit them directly to the Department of Transport at the place of temporary residence. At this stage, the applicant will have their photo taken, present the originals of the documents, and pay the required fee.
Step 3: Application processing
Within five working days from the date of receiving a complete and valid application, the Department of Transport will issue the converted driver’s license.
If the application does not meet the requirements, the authority will provide a written response explaining the reasons.
If there are concerns regarding the applicant’s entry or residence status in Vietnam, the licensing authority will request verification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Immigration Department, or the provincial Immigration Office under the Police Department.
Step 4: Receive the result
The applicant may choose to receive the converted license either by postal service or directly at the office where the application was submitted.
Validity period of Vietnam driver’s licenses for expats
When converting a foreign driver’s license into a Vietnamese one, the validity period is determined based on the following criteria:
- The remaining validity of the passport
- The validity stated on the temporary residence card or entry visa
- The remaining validity of the foreign driver’s license
- It must not exceed the maximum validity period prescribed for Vietnamese driver’s licenses
In other words, the Vietnamese license issued to a foreigner will be valid for the shortest remaining period among the foreign license, passport, and residence card.
Example:
A foreigner has:
- A foreign driver’s license valid until 30/10/2026
- A temporary residence card valid until 28/10/2027
- A passport valid until 04/03/2032
In this case, the Vietnamese driver’s license will be valid until 28/10/2026, following the expiration date of the foreign license, since it is the shortest of the three.
Cost of Vietnam driver’s license conversion
The cost of Vietnamese driver’s license conversion depends on several factors: the method of application, the type of license being converted, and the local authority handling the process.
In addition to the official conversion fee, applicants typically need to cover extra expenses such as:
- Translation and notarization of documents
- Medical examination fees
- Postal delivery charges (if choosing home delivery of the license)
- Other incidental costs depending on the locality or support services used
Professional Vietnam driver’s license conversion services
Converting a foreign driver’s license into a Vietnamese one is a necessary procedure for foreigners to legally drive in Vietnam. However, language barriers often make preparing the application challenging.
To avoid mistakes and save time, many applicants choose professional Vietnam driver’s license conversion services. With over 40 years of experience and a team of expert consultants, FISC provides comprehensive support throughout the entire process, ensuring that the conversion is smooth, efficient, and hassle-free.
