You hold a US/Australian/EU driving licence and just moved to Vietnam for a 2-year posting. Can you drive on the foreign licence — and where do you convert it to a Vietnamese one? Since 1 March 2025, the answer to the second question has completely changed: no longer the Department of Transport, but the police.
Where to convert your licence since 2025
Under Circular 12/2025/TT-BCA (in force on 19 October 2026), driving-licence issuance moved from the Ministry of Transport to the Ministry of Public Security. Foreigners file at one of three places:
- In person at the Traffic Police Division (provincial Public Security) of their registered residence;
- In person at a commune-level police post designated to receive files;
- Online via the National Public Service Portal.
Do not take your file to the Department of Transport as old online guides say — it no longer receives them.
What does the dossier include?
- A Vietnamese translation of the foreign licence, translation-quality certified by a Vietnamese notarial practice (sealed together with the licence copy);
- A valid health certificate — except where converting to match the visa/TRC validity period;
- A copy of the visa or TRC valid for at least 90 more days (or permanent residence card); present originals for verification if filing uncertified copies.
The conversion fee is about VND 135,000; processing takes 5 working days for valid files. The Vietnamese licence’s validity follows the foreign licence’s validity but never exceeds the holder’s residence period in Vietnam.
FAQs
Can I convert an expired foreign licence?
No. The foreign licence must be valid at conversion time. Expired means re-testing under Vietnamese rules.
Can short-term tourist visa holders convert?
Practically no. Files require a visa/TRC valid 90+ days — short tourist visas do not qualify. Short-term tourists should use an IDP (if the issuing country joined the 1968 Vienna Convention).
Online conversion — must I still appear in person?
Yes — after online approval, you must visit the receiving office for a photo and signature in person, then collect the licence (or register postal delivery).
Contact us
FLAT Law Firm advises foreign nationals and their families on inheritance, wills, driving licences, health insurance and money transfers in Vietnam. Contact us for advice on your specific case.
This article has been quality-reviewed by the FLAW AI Legal Council