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| Sample cover of an IDP issued by Vietnam |
I am a foreigner living in Vietnam. Can I apply for an International Driving Permit here?
Yes. Foreigners residing permanently or temporarily in Vietnam are eligible to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP), provided they are nationals of countries that are contracting parties to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (the Convention).
Since joining the Convention in 2015, Vietnam has been authorized to issue IDPs to both Vietnamese citizens and eligible foreigners.
According to Circular 12/2025/TT-BCA of the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), to qualify, an applicant must hold either:
- A valid PET-format Vietnamese driver’s license issued by a competent authority, or,
- A valid national driver’s license issued by an authority of a Convention member country.
It should be noted that, at present, physical driver’s licenses in Vietnam exist in two forms: PET plastic cards and traditional paper licenses. While paper licenses are no longer issued, those previously granted remain valid until their expiration date.
The application may be rejected if the submitted license is altered, damaged, lacks required details, or was not granted by a competent authority.
Importantly, the IDP issued in Vietnam may not be used as a substitute for a Vietnamese driver’s license within Vietnam's territory, as stipulated in Article 29.1 of Circular 12.
The IDP code begins with “VN”, Vietnam’s international traffic distinguishing sign, followed by a 12-digit number corresponding to the national driver’s license of the applicant.
In case the Vietnamese driver’s license was issued before January 1, 2025, vehicle categories on IDPs correspond to those listed on Vietnamese driver’s licenses as follows:
| Vietnamese license category | Corresponding IDP category |
|---|---|
| A1 | A1 |
| A2 | A |
| A3 | B1 |
| B1, B2 | B |
| C | C, C1 |
| D | D1, D2 |
| E | D |
| FB2 | BE |
| FC | CE, C1E |
| FD | D1E, D2E |
| FE | DE |
For licenses issued on or after January 1, 2025, vehicle categories have been updated to align with international standards and facilitate mutual recognition of driver’s licenses.
What are the formalities for obtaining an IDP in Vietnam?
Under Article 28 of Circular 12, there are two application procedures, depending on whether the applicant holds a Vietnamese or a foreign driver’s license.
Case 1: The applicant holds a Vietnamese driver’s license
Required documents:
- Application form (Appendix XVI to Circular 12); and,
- One 3cm×4cm portrait color photo.
Procedure:
The applicant submits the dossier in person to the MPS’s Traffic Police Department or the provincial-level Public Security Department’s Traffic Police Division, or apply online via the national public service portal.
For in-person submission, the applicant must present his Vietnamese driver’s license, passport, and residence card, and pay the prescribed fee.
For online submission, the applicant must accurately declare information, take legal responsibility for its accuracy, and complete the payment via the online payment system.
Processing time:
Within five working days after receiving a complete dossier, the competent agency will issue an appointment slip or online notification.
If documents are incomplete, the applicant will be notified within two working days for supplementation.
Case 2: The applicant holds a foreign driver’s license
Required documents:
- Application form (Appendix XVI to Circular 12);
- The Vietnamese translation of the foreign driver’s license, certified by a notary office or the embassy or consulate in Vietnam where the translator is working (the translation and copy must be stapled and fan-stamped together);
- A copy of residence card, diplomatic ID or official ID card; and,
- One 3cm×4cm portrait color photo.
Procedure:
The applicant submits the dossier directly at the MPS’s Traffic Police Department or the provincial-level Public Security Department’s Traffic Police Division.
Upon dossier submission, the applicant must present the original foreign driver’s license, passport, and residence card for verification, and pay the prescribed fee.
Processing time:
Within five working days after receiving a complete dossier, the competent agency will issue the IDP or inform the applicant within two working days if the dossier needs correction or addition.
In both cases, the IDP can be received in person or delivered by post, depending on the applicant’s choice.- (VLLF)
