I. Legal basis: 

Circular 29/2015/TT-BGTVT regulating the issuance and use of international driving licenses

Circular 12/2017/TT-BGTVT regulating training, testing, and issuance of road motor vehicle driving licenses, amended by Circular 38/2019/TT-BGTVT.

II. Can foreign driving licenses be used in Vietnam?

Based on Circular 29/2015/TT-BGTVT, there are two types of driving licenses: international driving permits (IDP) and national driving licenses.

• International Driving Permit (IDP): This is issued to citizens of countries that are parties to the Vienna Convention. Foreigners holding an IDP can use it to drive in Vietnam.
• National Driving License: This is valid only within the issuing country. Therefore, foreign national driving licenses cannot be used directly in Vietnam.

Additionally, Clause 10, Article 33 of Circular 12/2017/TT-BGTVT stipulates that foreigners or Vietnamese citizens residing abroad who wish to drive in Vietnam must either:

• Exchange their national driving license for a corresponding Vietnamese one; or
• Adhere to the provisions of any international treaties on driving licenses to which Vietnam is a party.

Thus, it can be understood that a national driver’s license is valid for use within the territory of that country. Thus, in case a foreigner does not have an IDP license, but only has a driver’s license of the country of his/her nationality, that driver’s license is only valid for use in that country (except for the case of International treaties that have different regulations). Therefore, foreigners, depending on whether the driving license they own is an international driving license or a national driving license, will be able to directly use it or have to change it to a Vietnamese driving license to have it. can be used.

III. Are foreigners allowed to exchange their driving licenses for Vietnamese ones?

According to current regulations, not all foreigners are eligible to exchange their driving licenses for equivalent Vietnamese ones. As stipulated in Clause 5, Article 37 of Circular 12/2017/TT-BGTVT, foreigners must meet the following conditions to be eligible for a driving license exchange in Vietnam:

• Foreigners residing, working, or studying in Vietnam, holding a diplomatic passport, official passport, temporary residence card, residence card, stay card, or permanent residence card for a period of 3 months or more, and possessing a valid national driving license.
• Foreign tourists driving a foreign-registered vehicle into Vietnam with a valid national driving license.

IV. What is the procedure for exchanging a foreign driving license for a Vietnamese one?

Pursuant to Article 41 of Circular 12/2017/TT-BGTVT, as amended by Clause 23, Article 1 of Circular 38/2019/TT-BGTVT, the specific procedures for exchanging a foreign driving license are as follows:

1. For foreign residents: 

Prepare a dossier to submit to the Vietnam Road Administration or the Department of Transport (where the person is registered, residing, or temporarily residing), including:

• An application for a driving license exchange as per the prescribed form.
• A Vietnamese translation of the foreign driving license, certified by a notary public or the embassy/consulate of the country where the translator is working, stamped and attached to a copy of the driving license.
• A copy of the passport (including the passport number, full name, photo, expiry date, and visa entry page), the national ID card or citizen ID card, the diplomatic or official passport issued by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or a copy of the residence card, temporary residence card, or permanent residence card for foreigners; in case of any doubt, the licensing authority shall request the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security, or the Provincial/City Public Security Department to verify. 

When coming to complete the driving license exchange procedures, the driver must have their photo taken directly at the licensing authority. 

2. For foreign tourists: 

Prepare a dossier to submit to the Department of Transport, including:

• An application for a driving license exchange as per the prescribed form.
• A Vietnamese translation of the foreign driving license, certified by a notary public or the embassy/consulate of the country where the translator is working, stamped and attached to a copy of the driving license; in case of any doubt, the licensing authority shall request the embassy/consulate of the issuing country in Vietnam to verify.
• A certified copy of the entry and exit list issued by the Ministry of Public Security or a copy of the passport including the passport number, full name, photo, expiry date, and visa entry page.
• One 3cm x 4cm color photo with a blue background, similar to an ID photo.

When receiving the driving license, the driver must present the originals of the above documents (except for the originals that have been submitted) for verification.

V. About Us, Hankuk Law Firm

■ Hankuk Law Firm – Introduction

The goal of the legal services provided by HANKUK LAW FIRM is to support businesses, investors, and people. Our organization employs skilled Korean lawyers, partners, and professionals to provide legal services to businesses related to corporations and litigation.

To support the startup process, our lawyers and staff provide a wide range of services, including business law consulting, tax and immigration law consulting, real estate services, business consulting, marketing and communications, human resources, product distribution, franchise options, etc. We provide expert advice on every aspect of your business needs.

To protect the legitimate rights and interests of our clients and achieve the best results, we provide legal advice and participate in civil lawsuits related to business, labor, marriage, family, and inheritance.

■ Contact us now

For reliable and effective legal advice, please contact HANKUK LAW FIRM now. We are committed to providing you with the best possible answers and our team of experienced lawyers has extensive knowledge in many legal fields. We are always here to provide the most competent and dedicated support, whether you are dealing with contractual issues, commercial disputes or need guidance on foreign investment. HANKUK LAW FIRM is honored to have assisted hundreds of domestic and international clients in skillfully resolving complex legal issues as their trusted legal partner. Do not let legal issues hinder your success. Let us accompany you towards legal achievement and comfort. For prompt guidance and support to ensure your rights are always maintained at the highest standards, contact HANKUK LAW FIRM now.

■ Contact Hankuk Law Firm:

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