Guidelines for Converting Foreign Driver's Licenses to Vietnamese Licenses (2026 Update)

1. Eligibility Requirements for License Conversion

According to current regulations, the following subjects are eligible to perform the conversion procedure:

• For Foreigners: Those residing, working, or studying in Vietnam who possess a valid national driver's license and one of the following documents: Diplomatic/Service ID card, Temporary Residence Card, or Permanent Residence Card with a duration of 03 months or more.
• For Vietnamese Citizens: Those who were granted a national driver's license by a foreign competent authority while residing, studying, or working abroad (the license must still be within its validity period).

Cases NOT Eligible for Conversion:

• Temporary foreign driver's licenses or International Driving Permits (IDP).
• Expired licenses, or those that are erased, torn, lack sufficient information, or have identification discrepancies.
• Driver's licenses not issued by a competent government authority.
• Vietnamese citizens whose duration of stay abroad is under 03 months or whose stay duration does not align with the driving training period of the issuing country.

2. Required Application Dossier

To ensure a swift process, applicants must prepare the following documents:

a) Application Form for License Conversion:

* For Vietnamese citizens: Use the form in Appendix XII.

* For foreigners: Use the form in Appendix XIII (issued under the relevant Circular).

b) Certified Translation: A Vietnamese translation of the foreign driver's license, certified for translation quality by a Notary Office in Vietnam or a Vietnamese Representative Office abroad where the translator works. The translation must be affixed with a cross-border (overlapping) stamp with a copy of the license.

c) Health Certificate: A valid health certificate issued by a qualified medical facility as per legal regulations (except for foreigners converting licenses based on the duration of their entry visa or temporary residence card).

d) Legal Identity Documents: A certified copy or a certified electronic copy (from the original or master register) of one of the following: Diplomatic ID, Service ID, Temporary Residence Card, or Permanent Residence Card with a term of 03 months or more.

Learn more here: How to convert the Driver's Licenses for Foreigners in Vietnam | DB Legal

 

The information contained in this article is general and intended only to provide information on legal regulations. DB Legal will not be responsible for any use or application of this information for any business purpose. For in-depth advice on specific cases, please contact us.

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