Converting a foreign driving licence to a Vietnamese licence for foreigners (2026)

What is licence conversion and who is eligible?

Converting a foreign driving licence is an administrative procedure that allows a holder of a licence issued by a competent foreign authority to receive an equivalent Vietnamese driving licence in order to drive legally in Vietnam. It is a conversion, not a full new course and test from scratch.

Common applicants include foreigners who come to Vietnam to work, invest, study or reside long-term, as well as overseas Vietnamese returning with a foreign licence. The general requirement is that you are residing or working legally in Vietnam and that your foreign licence is still valid.

Legal basis and managing authority (2025-2026)

From 1 January 2025, the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety No. 36/2024/QH15 took effect, replacing the previous rules on driving licences. An important change is that the authority to manage testing, issuance and conversion of driving licences was transferred to the Ministry of Public Security.

Regarding the licence template and procedures, the Ministry of Public Security issued Circular 12/2025/TT-BCA (effective 1 March 2025), setting out the new driving licence template and related matters. Accordingly, conversion applications from foreigners are received by the competent authority under the Ministry of Public Security, typically the Traffic Police Department or a decentralised body.

Because these regulations may be amended over time, you should check the original documents currently in force and the notices of the receiving authority at the time you file your application.

Conditions for conversion to a Vietnamese licence

To be considered for conversion to a Vietnamese licence, you generally need to meet the following basic conditions:

• You reside, work or study legally in Vietnam (with a visa, temporary residence card or suitable residence document).
• You hold a foreign-issued driving licence that is still valid at the time of application.
• The foreign licence is of the correct class, matching the vehicle class you wish to drive in Vietnam.
• You meet the age and health requirements for the corresponding licence class.
• Your documents are clear, without signs of erasure or forgery, and personal details are consistent across documents.

Documents to prepare (overview)

A conversion application for foreigners typically includes the main components below. This is a general reference list; the receiving authority may request additional items or adjust it according to the regulations in force.

• An application form for licence conversion using the competent authority's template.
• The foreign driving licence (original) together with a notarised Vietnamese translation.
• A valid passport with the visa page or temporary residence card proving legal residence.
• A health certificate issued by an authorised medical facility (as required for the relevant class).
• Photographs and any other documents as instructed by the receiving authority.

The conversion process step by step

The process of converting a foreign licence to a Vietnamese one generally involves the following steps:

• Step 1: Have your foreign licence translated and notarised into Vietnamese and prepare your identity and residence documents.
• Step 2: Obtain a health check at an authorised medical facility (if required).
• Step 3: Submit the application to the competent authority under the Ministry of Public Security (Traffic Police Department or a decentralised body), or via the public service portal if available.
• Step 4: The receiving authority checks and verifies the application and the original licence details.
• Step 5: Receive your Vietnamese licence once the application is approved, according to the appointment for returning the result.

Fees and processing time (for reference)

The fee level and processing time for licence conversion follow the regulations of the competent authority and are for reference only; they may change according to the rules in force at each point in time.

Processing time also depends on how complete and valid your application is and on verification of the original licence. To avoid repeated supplementation, you should prepare accurate documents from the start and stay in contact with the receiving authority. Đông Nam Á can help you review your file and provide detailed guidance.

When a test is required and key notes

Not every case qualifies for direct conversion. If your foreign licence is not eligible for conversion, has expired, is invalid, or your documents are incomplete, you may be required to take a course and test to be issued a licence like a new applicant.

In addition, personal details across documents must be consistent, the original licence must be verifiable, and some countries or licence types may have specific requirements. As this is a legal area that can change, you should check the current regulations and seek advice before filing to avoid wasting time and cost.