How to Exchange a Foreign Driving License in Vietnam?

To make traveling around Vietnam more convenient, many expats have opted to exchange foreign driving licenses. Compared to getting a brand new Vietnamese driving license, this is a much more efficient approach, time-wise and effort-wise. But what do you have to do to exchange your foreign driving license in Vietnam? Is it a complex procedure? What types of documents are required? All of these questions will be answered in the article below. Read on!

Regulations on exchanging foreign driving licenses in Vietnam

The Ministry of Transport has set forth regulations for Vietnamese citizens living abroad and foreigners residing in Vietnam who wish to operate a vehicle within Vietnam borders as follows: 

1. ● Holders of a foreign driving license are required to convert it into a Vietnamese driving license of corresponding validity.
2. ● Should there be specific stipulations in an international driving license treaty that Vietnamese is a party to, the driving license exchange process will adhere to the regulations set out in that treaty. 

Conditions

In general, it is not difficult to have your driving license converted to the local equivalent. However, before you can exchange your driving license in Vietnam, certain requirements must be satisfied: Here are the scenarios under which you can convert your driving license in Vietnam: 

1. ● Individuals of foreign nationality who are residing in Vietnam or have entered the country to study or work for at least three months and hold either a valid Vietnamese residence card or an international work permit.
2. ● Individuals of Vietnamese nationality who have been granted a valid driving license by a foreign country in which they were studying or living.

In addition, to apply for the driving license exchange, applicants must ensure that their foreign-issued driving licenses are fully intact with the correct identification details, are not damaged or torn, and are free of any erasures or alterations. The licenses must retain all the essential features required to complete to conversion process.

Fees

The fees concerning the foreign driving license exchange process include: 

1. ● Exchanging fee, whether conducted in-person or online: 135,000 VND
2. ● Postal service (if chosen): 135,000 VND

What documents are required to exchange a foreign driving license in Vietnam?

You can apply to have your driving license exchanged either in person or online. Before submitting the request, it is necessary to prepare the necessary documents including: 

1. ● Foreign driving license exchange application form (respective versions available for Vietnamese and foreigners)
2. ● Notarized Vietnamese translation of the foreign driving license to be exchanged 
3. ● For Vietnamese nationals, notarized translation will still be required for the foreign driving license
4. ● Copies and translations of your passport, identification card, or any official or diplomatic identification. Additionally, you may be required to submit a copy of your temporary or permanent residence card or any proof of your residency status in Vietnam.

Steps to exchange a foreign driving license in Vietnam

Converting a foreign driving license into the Vietnamese equivalent is now an easy and expedited process with the following steps: 

1. ● Step 1: Submit application. Applicants in possession of a foreign driving license must apply to have it converted to the local equivalent. The application should be submitted to either the Department for Roads of Vietnam or the regional Department of Transport.
2. ● Step 2: The responsible agency evaluates the application by assessing and verifying the authenticity and validity of the submitted documents. Based on this appraisal, the receiving authority will decide whether to accept or reject your application.
3. ● Step 3: The result of your application will be handed to you in paper. 

The entire process can take up to five working days from the date the application is received. It is advisable to allocate sufficient time beforehand for document preparation, translation, and the processing stage, especially if you need to ride around on your own.

Guide to exchange a foreign driving license in Vietnam online

To save time and reduce travel expenses, you can apply to have your foreign driving license exchanged in Vietnam entirely online by following these steps: 

1. ● Step 1: Navigate to the website of the Department for Roads of Vietnam for exchanging driving licenses. Choose the option “Online registration for driving license exchange.” Within the “Administrative procedures” section, opt for the “Public service for international driving license issuance (Level 4).” Then, designate the Department for Roads of Vietnam as the “Processing agency” and proceed by clicking on the “Online registration” item.
2. ● Step 2: Input the details of your driving license number and place of issuance, then click “Search” to verify its validity. Proceed to fill in additional information, such as your passport number, date of issue, place of birth, phone number, and email. Then, upload your portrait photo and signature to the online system.
3. ● Step 3: Upload the following files: A photograph of both the front and back of your driving license, as well as a photograph of your passport’s information page. After ensuring all the information provided is accurate, select the option “I certify that the declared information is correct” before clicking on “Continue.”
4. ● Step 4: Register to have your converted driving license delivered Please provide all necessary recipient details, including identification number, address, and telephone number.
5. ● Step 5: Complete payment as indicated on the screen
6. ● Step 6: Once your application has been processed, the exchanged driving license will be sent to the address you have provided.

If you are not proficient in Vietnamese, consider seeking assistance from Vietnamese friends or professional agencies to complete the application. At Thao & Co., we offer more than just translation services for applications to exchange foreign driving licenses. We also assist foreign clients with the registration process by helping to fill out handwritten or online forms in Vietnamese. This additional service is provided for a reasonable fee to ensure your maximum convenience.

Where to translate applications for exchanging driving licenses?

When exchanging a foreign driving license in Vietnam, you are required to obtain notarized translation for your documents. If you are not well-versed in the language or uncertain about Vietnamese administrative procedure regulations, this part of the process could be both time-consuming and error-prone. Therefore, it is advisable to seek assistance from professional translation agencies to avoid complications.

Thao & Co. translation agency is proud to offer a notarized translation service specifically tailored for foreign driving license conversion applications. This service also encompasses the application of notary stamps. By choosing our services, you can enjoy the following advantages: 

1. ● Accurate translations that closely resemble the original document’s format.
2. ● Translation and proofreading done by skilled linguists
3. ● Obtain translations with complete legal validity, backed by notarization executed by experts versed in legal requirements.
4. ● Receive a guarantee for timely delivery of translations as per the agreed schedule
5. ● Enjoy competitive and fair pricing for the translation and notarization of your foreign driving license conversion documents
6. ● Stay informed about the progress of your project with regular and transparent updates through Thao & Co.’s proprietary platform.

For detailed consultation on translation services for documents included in the exchanging of foreign driving licenses in Vietnam, please contact Thao & Co. via our hotline or fill out your information on the Get a Quote page. Our specialists will then get in touch with you to provide personalized assistance.