There is an increasing number of foreigners coming to Vietnam to live, work, or engage in long-term tourism. In addition, many Vietnamese citizens who have studied or worked abroad possess driver’s licenses issued by foreign authorities. When wishing to drive in Vietnam, they must exchange their foreign driver’s licenses for Vietnamese driver’s licenses to ensure legality and compliance with regulations.
This exchange allows holders of foreign driver’s licenses to operate vehicles in Vietnam without having to retake driving tests. However, not everyone is eligible for such an exchange, and not all types of licenses are accepted.
1. Conditions for License Exchange
Pursuant to Clause 1, Article 24 of Circular No. 12/2025/TT-BCA on driver training and testing; issuance and use of international driver’s licenses, the requirements for exchanging foreign driver’s licenses for Vietnamese driver’s licenses are as follows:
| Subjects | Requirements | Eligibility for Exchange |
| Foreign nationals residing, working, or studying in Vietnam | A valid national driver’s license Possession of one of the following documents: Diplomatic ID card, official ID card, temporary residence card, or permanent residence card valid for at least 03 months Intention to drive in Vietnam | Eligible for exchange to the equivalent class of Vietnamese driver’s license |
| Vietnamese citizens holding Vietnamese nationality, who have resided, studied, or worked abroad | A national driver’s license issued by a competent foreign authority A valid driver’s license Intention to drive in Vietnam | Eligible for exchange to the equivalent class of Vietnamese driver’s license |
| Foreign driver’s licenses and international driver’s licenses | Used temporarily or expired Erased, torn, damaged, incomplete information, or unidentifiable Issued by an unauthorized authority The Vietnamese national’s period of residence abroad is not more than 03 months, or the residence period does not correspond to the duration of driver training | Not eligible for license exchange |
2. Required Documents
Pursuant to Clause 2, Article 24, the following documents are required:
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- Application form for driver’s license exchange:
- For Vietnamese citizens: Form as per Appendix XII
- For foreign nationals: Form as per Appendix XIII
- A certified Vietnamese translation of the foreign driver’s license (bearing the notary seal and seal across pages) and a copy of the foreign driver’s license.
- A medical examination certificate for drivers in accordance with the law on medical examination and treatment (except in cases of exchange based on visa or temporary residence card validity).
- A copy of proof of lawful residence.
3. Implementation Procedure
In accordance with Clause 3, Article 24, the procedure is as follows:
Step 1: Prepare one (01) complete application dossier containing all required documents mentioned above.
Step 2: Submit the application dossier to the Traffic Police Division or the Commune-level Police Office.
- The applicant must have their photo taken directly at the application reception office.
- Present original documents for verification.
- Pay the applicable fee.
Step 3: Information verification (if necessary)
- If there are doubts regarding entry or residence status, the licensing authority shall send a written request for verification to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Immigration Department, or the Immigration Management Division.
Step 4: Receipt and processing of the request
- Time limit: Within 05 working days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid application dossier.
- Content: Transfer data to the Traffic Police Department, integrate the driver’s license information into the electronic system, print, and issue the driver’s license.
- If the dossier is invalid: Respond in writing, clearly stating the reason for refusal.
Step 5: Receive the result
- At the agency where the application dossier was submitted; or
- Via postal service upon request.
Note on validity period when exchanging a foreign driver’s license:
- Must correspond to the remaining validity of the foreign driver’s license;
- Must not exceed the maximum validity period prescribed for Vietnamese driver’s licenses.
Exchanging a foreign driver’s license is a necessary step for foreigners or Vietnamese citizens residing abroad to legally operate vehicles in Vietnam. Understanding the requirements and following the correct procedures not only ensures the driver’s rights but also contributes to maintaining traffic order and safety on Vietnam’s roads.
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1. Lawyer Vu Thi Phuong Thanh, Ha Noi Bar Association
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Email: tmle@tlalaw.vn
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