Converting Foreign Driver's Licenses in Vietnam: A Complete Guide for Expats & Foreign Workers
Asia Legal Group – Legal expert for foreign workers in Vietnam.
I. INTRODUCTION
1. Important context and reasons
When foreign workers work or reside long-term in Vietnam, the need to use personal vehicles such as cars or motorbikes increases. However, many people holding foreign-issued driver's licenses, or international driver's licenses, do not know or misunderstand the regulations. convert (exchange) driver's license to legally drive in Vietnam.
Not changing your driver's license when needed can lead to many risks:
- Get fined for traffic violations if your license is checked by the police.
- Insurance dispute if an accident occurs (insurance may be denied because the license is invalid).
- Difficulty in renting a car or registering a vehicle.
- Risks when extending visa or temporary residence card if there are regulations related to driving licenses.
So, getting the hang of it Driver's license exchange process for foreigners is very important. This article will provide detailed instructions, updates on the latest laws, and practical experiences so that foreign workers can carry out the procedure quickly, safely, and legally — with professional support from Asia Legal Group.
2. Objective of the article
Fully explain the conditions and regulations for exchanging driver's licenses for foreigners in Vietnam.
Presenting the process of applying for a driver's license change, time, cost, and submission location.
Discuss real challenges and risks – and how to overcome them.
Provide practical case studies from cases where foreigners have changed their licenses, or encountered violations due to invalid driver's licenses.
Promote Asia Legal Group's legal services as a reliable solution to support driver's license renewal.
3. Main SEO keywords
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II. LEGAL BASIS & CURRENT REGULATIONS
To change a driver's license for foreigners in Vietnam, it is necessary to rely on the following legal regulations:
- Circular 12/2017/TT-BGTVT (Transportation Public Information): detailing training, testing, issuance of driving licenses, including changing driving licenses for foreigners.
- Circular 38/2019/TT-BGTVT amends and supplements a number of articles of Circular 12/2017.
- Circular 12/2025/TT-BCA (if effective): according to a report in Vietnam Law Magazine, newer regulations related to changing driving license.
- Internal regulations of traffic police and traffic police (PC08): such as instructions for changing driver's licenses for foreigners issued by PC08 City. issued by Ho Chi Minh City.
These laws clearly stipulate who can change their license, the documents, the authority to issue a replacement license, the duration of the new license, and the cases. cannot be exchanged.
III. SUBJECTS & CONDITIONS PERMITTED TO CHANGE DRIVERS LICENSE
1. Who is allowed to change?
Theo Article 37, Circular 12/2017/TT-BGTVT (modified by Circular 38/2019):
- Foreigners residing, working or studying in Vietnam, with a temporary residence period of at least 3 months or more.
- Holder of a valid national driving license from the issuing country, still valid.
- Foreigners can also change their driving licenses for corresponding classes (if their licenses are for multiple vehicle classes) → will be issued a corresponding Vietnamese driving license.
2. Circumstances Exchanges are not allowed
According to Circular 12/2017 and Circular 38/2019:
- Temporary foreign driver's license cannot be changed.
- International driving license (IDP - International Driving Permit) cannot be changed to Vietnamese driving license under normal conditions.
- The foreign driver's license has expired, been erased, torn, lost important identifying information or no longer has all necessary information.
- Degrees from unauthorized institutions are also not accepted.
- People who do not meet medical standards for driving.
3. Validity period of the license after exchange
The term of the new Vietnamese driving license will be equal to the term of the temporary residence card (temporary residence card, permanent residence card, visa...) of the foreigner, but will not exceed the remaining term of the foreign original certificate.
If a short-term foreigner (for example, a tourist) changes his or her driver's license, the term of the Vietnamese driving license corresponds to the temporary residence permit as prescribed, and does not exceed the term prescribed by the Transport Law.
4. International regulations (if any)
If the foreigner's country and Vietnam are members of one International agreement on driving licenses If there is an exception clause, the provisions of that agreement may be applied instead of the provisions of the Circular.
CHANGING DRIVER'S LICENSE FOR FOREIGNERS IN VIETNAM
IV. DOCUMENTS & DOCUMENTS NEED TO BE PREPARED
When applying for a driver's license change, foreigners need to prepare documents according to the regulations in Article 41, Circular 12/2017/TT-BGTVT (modified by Circular 38/2019). Below are the detailed documents:
1. Application to change driver's license
Use form Appendix 20 of Circular 12/2017 for foreigners.
2. Copy of foreign driver's license + translation into Vietnamese
The translation must be certified (notarized) by a notary office or Embassy/Consulate in Vietnam.
Translation and original with copy verification stamp.
3. Proof of residence documents
Passport (page with photo, passport number, expiration date), visa page/entry stamp.
Temporary residence card, permanent residence card, diplomatic card, official card (if any).
4. Health certificate
If the original driver's license is for the class of car, many localities require a health certificate. According to some sources, if you drive a car, you need to be examined.
5. Portrait photos
01 3×4 photo (color, blue background, according to regulations) to paste on the new driving license.
6. Original copy for comparison
When submitting the application, you must bring original documents for comparison (passport, temporary residence card, original driver's license...).
7. Additional documents (if required)
If there is any doubt about the authenticity of the driver's license or documents, the issuing agency may request verification through the Embassy, Consulate or the management agency that issued the original driver's license.
V. IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS (STEP-BY-STEP)
Below is the detailed process that foreigners should follow when exchanging their driver's license in Vietnam:
Step 1: Prepare documents
Collect documents as listed in section IV.
Translate driver's license, notarized or certified by the Embassy/Consulate if necessary.
Take photos upon request.
Step 2: Submit application
Submit your application directly to the Department of Transport (Department of Transport) of the province/city where you are registering your residence (temporary / permanent residence).
Some provinces/cities have driving license offices or offices that specialize in exchanging licenses for foreigners.
Step 3: Check and compare documents
When submitting the application, the issuing agency will take a photo of the applicant.
Present original documents (driver's license, passport, temporary residence card...) for verification.
Step 4: Appraise and process documents
The Transport Authority will check documents, verify the validity of foreign driver's licenses, translations, temporary residence papers, etc.
In some cases, the license issuing agency may request verification with the Embassy or the agency of the country that issued the original license if authenticity is suspected.
Step 5: Issue a new Vietnamese driving license
According to Vietnam Law Magazine, if the application is complete and valid, the driver's license exchange will be completed within 5 working days from receipt of the application.
When issued, Vietnamese driving licenses will be issued for vehicle classes corresponding to foreign driving licenses, if allowed.
The duration of the driving license issued by the Traffic Authority will be as stated in section III.
Step 6: Get a new driver's license
After being issued, you go to the Transport agency or the driving license return location according to the receipt to get a Vietnamese driving license.
Remember to bring your receipt, passport/temporary residence card for comparison upon receipt.
VI. TIME, COST, LOCATION OF APPLICATION
1. Time
According to a report from Vietnam Law Magazine, the Transport Authority completes the issuance of licenses within 5 working days if the documents are valid.
But in reality, when there is a request for verification with an Embassy or foreign agency, the time may take longer.
2. Cost
According to Saigon License, the processing fee for changing a driving license is 135,000 VND.
In addition, if a medical examination is required (for car class), examination costs will be incurred at the designated hospital.
Cost of notarizing/translating driver's license if you don't have one: depends on the notary service or the Embassy/Consulate.
3. Application submission location
Department of Transport (Department of Transport) of the province or city where you are registered to reside.
Some provinces have offices for renewing driver's licenses for foreigners under the Department of Transport or the Provincial Traffic Police.
For example, PC08 (Ho Chi Minh City Traffic Police) has issued instructions for exchanging foreign driving licenses.
VII. DIFFICULTIES, COMMON RISKS AND SPECIALIZED NOTES
1. Common difficulties
1. Translation & notarization documents
- Incorrect translation or notarization may be rejected by the Transport Department.
- Some driver's licenses are too old, torn, no longer have clear information → difficult to verify.
2. International verification
- The issuing agency may require verification of the original degree with the Embassy or degree-issuing organization in the country of origin, causing delays.
- For some countries, the verification process is very complicated or the Embassy/consulate does not cooperate quickly.
3. Medical requirements
- If a medical examination is required (for certain vehicle classes), foreigners need to schedule an examination, pay the cost, and wait for the results.
- Some clinics require additional tests or medical documents that are difficult to prepare.
4. Temporary residence / visa period
- If your temporary residence card or visa is about to expire, changing your driver's license can be risky: if the card expires, a new driver's license cannot be issued for a long period.
- If the temporary residence card is shorter than the original driver's license term, the Vietnamese driver's license may be issued for a shorter term than desired.
5. Confusion about driver's license class
- Foreigners have licenses for many vehicle classes (eg car + motorbike), but the issuing agency may only record part of the class if the records are unclear.
- Some people are issued Vietnamese licenses only for lower classes, due to inaccurate translation or application forms.
6. Lack of information or instructions
- Some foreigners do not know how to change their license or think that an international license (IDP) is enough → driving violations.
- Transportation agency staff or traffic police sometimes give unclear instructions, especially to people who do not speak Vietnamese or are not familiar with Vietnamese administrative procedures.
2. Risks if you do not change your driver's license according to the law
- Penalties for traffic violations: if the police ask for a Vietnamese driver's license or a valid license that only has an IDP, there may be a fine.
- Insurance does not pay for accidents: many insurance companies require a valid driving license according to Vietnamese law.
- Difficult to register to rent a car, especially if the rental company requires a Vietnamese driver's license or a long-term valid license.
- Legal problems when applying to extend a visa or temporary residence card: if the driver's license is invalid, the management agency may consider it a violation of the law.
VIII. PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE & CASE STUDY (ASIA LEGAL GROUP)
Below are some real-life situations Asia Legal Group met and supported foreign workers in changing their driving licenses in Vietnam.
Case Study 1: Korean expert changes car license
Situation:
- A Korean expert working at an FDI Company in City. Ho Chi Minh City, has a Korean driver's license for car class, wants to change to Vietnamese driver's license for personal driving.
- His temporary residence card is valid for 2 years.
Difficulty:
- His Korean driver's license was slightly erased and the scanned photo was unclear.
- When translating and notarizing, there was a small error in recording the vehicle class.
- The Department of Transportation requested verification with the Korean Embassy.
Asia Legal Group solutions:
- Support translation & notarization of driver's license accurately according to request form.
- Contact the Korean Embassy in Vietnam to quickly verify driver's license information (with verification letter).
- Prepare complete documents: application form, photo, passport, temporary residence card, health certificate.
- Representative submits documents at the City Department of Transport. Ho Chi Minh, monitor progress, handle additional requests.
- Receive Vietnamese driving license after 5 working days and check the vehicle class issued - ensure class B (car) as desired.
Case Study 2: European family changes motorcycle and car licenses
Situation:
- European couple living in Hanoi, husband has a car license, wife has a motorbike license. Both want to change to Vietnamese driving license for convenient travel.
- Their temporary residence card is for 3 years.
Difficulty:
- Two people have driver's licenses from two different countries, need to verify origin and translation.
- City Transportation Office. Hanoi is crowded, waiting time is long, which can affect work.
Asia Legal Group solutions:
- Consulting on individual processes & documents for each person according to nationality and degree type.
- Prepare translation documents + notarization + Embassy notarization if necessary.
- Make an appointment to submit your application on an off day to avoid queuing.
- Follow the records and contact the Department of Transport if additional verification is required.
- Helps get a new driving license, checks the correct vehicle class (motorcycle + car) - ensures the right to use both types of vehicles like the original license.
Case Study 3: Technology startup hires diploma exchange service for many employees
Situation:
- A technology company with many foreign employees (Australia, India, EU) wants to change their driver's license so that the company can support transportation and transportation within the province.
- The company wants to do it once for many people to save time and ensure legality.
Difficulty:
- Each country has different driver's license models → requires translation + notarization of many types.
- Some people have a short visa, the temporary stay period needs to coincide with the new driver's license.
- The company needs to ensure costs and comply with legal processes.
Asia Legal Group solutions:
- Make a list of employees, classified by nationality and license type.
- Organize internal training sessions for employees on documents that need to be prepared.
- Collect documents, translate, and notarize centrally to save costs.
- Company representatives submit applications for each employee at the local Department of Transport.
- Track all documents, report progress to company management, ensure everyone receives their license within a reasonable time frame.
Results: more than 90% of employees completed their license change within 1–2 weeks, the company ensures legal and safe travel, reducing the risk of traffic violations.
IX. IMPORTANT EXPERIENCE & TIPS FROM ASIA LEGAL GROUP
- Prepare early: Don't wait for your temporary residence permit to expire before starting to change your license. Preparing documents early helps avoid risks.
- Proper translation & notarization: Use a notary public, Embassy or Consulate if necessary — avoid incorrect translations and application rejections.
- Check license class: When changing, check clearly which class you want to change to (motorbike, car...) - written in the application and translation documents.
- Choose a reasonable time to submit your application: Avoid submitting on the first day of the week or the end of the month if the Department of Transport is crowded.
- Track progress: If international verification is required by the transportation authority, contact the consulate or embassy of the issuing country early for assistance.
- Always keep receipts & original documents: When submitting documents, get complete receipts, keep original documents for comparison, to avoid loss.
- Legal support: If you feel the process is complicated or are unfamiliar with the procedure, use professional legal services to reduce risks — especially when many people are involved or high degrees are involved.
X. REASONS TO CHOOSE ASI A LEGAL GROUP TO SUPPORT DRIVER LICENSE CHANGE
High experience: We have supported many foreign workers, experts, and managers to change their driver's licenses in many provinces and cities.
Multilingual team: Lawyers, support staff speak Vietnamese - English - other languages if needed.
Cost optimization: We support translation, notarization, and application submission - helping to save time and costs for customers.
Track the entire process: From preparing documents, submitting, verifying with the Transport authority, to receiving driving license.
Consulting on visa & temporary residence: We combine driver's license renewal with residence document management to avoid risks when temporary residence cards are about to expire.
Comprehensive solution: Asia Legal Group not only replaces your driver's license but also provides legal services related to labor, immigration, and work permits, so you can feel secure in staying in Vietnam legally and safely.
XI. CONCLUSION
Changing your foreign driver's license to a Vietnamese driver's license is an important step if you are a foreign worker who wants to legally drive in Vietnam.
The process of changing a driver's license includes: preparing documents, translating, submitting to the Department of Transport, verifying, and receiving a new driving license - according to the regulations in Circular 12/2017/TT-BGTVT and amendments.
There are many risks if not done correctly: application rejection, traffic fines, insurance problems, or loss of license if the temporary residence card expires.
With practical experience and a professional team, Asia Legal Group is the ideal partner to support the entire process of changing your driver's license - helping you stay in Vietnam legally, drive safely, and without worrying about complicated procedures.
Source: Asia Legal Group
Phone number:028 6674 3333 - 0945 009 002 (Deputy General Director)
Website:https://dinhgiaav.com/
Address: 6-8 Phan Huy Thuc, Tan Kieng Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
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