Vietnam is a popular destination for expats from around the world, and many of them choose to drive during their stay in the country. However, exchanging a foreign driver’s license for a Vietnamese one is a necessary step for foreigners who intend to drive legally in Vietnam. This article will explain the process of changing a driver’s license for foreign nationals in Vietnam, including the required documents and procedures.
Foreigners are allowed to change their driving license
Currently, individuals operating cars or motorbikes in Vietnam can exchange their driving license without needing to have an international driver’s license.
As per Clause 5, Article 37, Point g of Circular 12/2017/TT-BGTVT, certain individuals qualify for this procedure, including:
– Holders of diplomatic or official identity cards, temporary or permanent residence cards that are valid for three months or longer, and
– Those with a valid national driving license.
There are specific cases in which individuals can convert their foreign driving license into a Vietnamese one, such as:
– Foreign nationals residing in Vietnam who already possess a driver’s license issued by their native country, and
– Individuals who bring a car into Vietnam for three months or longer, possess a valid national motorbike driver’s license or car driver’s license, and intend to participate in traffic in Vietnam.
– Vietnamese people living abroad who have a foreign driving license that remains valid upon their return to Vietnam and hope to drive a vehicle can also undergo the process.
Expiry date of Vietnamese driving license for foreigners
The expiry date of the Vietnamese driver’s license exchanged for foreigners must comply with Clause 7 Article 37 of Circular 12/2017/TT-BGTVT:
– In accordance with the period stated in the entry visa or temporary residence card
– In accordance with the expiry date of the foreign driver’s license, but not exceeding the specified period of the Vietnamese driver’s license;
The validity period of the Vietnamese driver’s license exchanged for foreign tourists (who already have a driving license according to the regulations of that country) must be consistent with the travel time in Vietnam (from the time of entry to the time of departure) but not exceeding the period specified in the Vietnamese driver’s license.
Dossier to prepare when changing driving license
Documents to be prepared are specified in Article 41 of Circular 12/2017/TT-BGTVT as follows:
– An application for change of a driver’s license according to the prescribed form (for foreigners);
– The translation of the foreign driver’s license into Vietnamese is guaranteed by the translation quality of the Notary Public or the Embassy or Consulate in Vietnam where the translator works, stamped adjacent to the copy of the driver’s license;
For Vietnamese, consular legalization of driver’s license/driver’s license issued abroad in accordance with the law on consular certification and legalization (except for exempted cases). Profile include:
– Copy of passport (including passport number, full name and photo of the grantee, expiry date and entry visa page to Vietnam);
– A photocopy of one of the following papers: residence card, temporary residence card, permanent residence card, papers verifying long-term residence in Vietnam.
– 2 3×4 photos with green background such as ID card.
For Vietnamese driving licenses exchanged for foreign tourists, the driver shall make a dossier and send it directly to the Department of Transport, Clause 2, Article 42 of Circular 12/2017/TT-BGTVT, including:
– Application for renewal of driving license;
– The translation of the foreign driver’s license into Vietnamese is guaranteed by the translation quality of the notary agency or the Embassy or Consulate in Vietnam where the translator works, stamped adjacent to the copy of the driver’s license car;
– A certified copy of the entry and exit list of the Ministry of Public Security or a copy of the passport, including: passport number, full name and photo of the grantee, expiry date and entry visa page to Vietnam;
– 01 color photo of size 3cm x 4cm, with blue background, type of identity card or citizen identification card.
Procedures for applying to change the driving license for foreigners
Step 1:
Foreigners entering Vietnam and wishing to use personal means of transport when living, working or traveling for a long time need to change their driver’s license issued by the host country to a Vietnamese driver’s license are now administratively sanctioned according to regulations. The agency competent to change the driver’s license is either the Directorate for Roads of Vietnam or the Department of Transport, depending on the place of residence, temporary or permanent.
Step 2:
Both the Directorate for Roads of Vietnam and the Department of Transport are responsible for receiving driver’s license change dossiers, appraising them, issuing and changing driving licenses and ultimately returning the driving license change dossiers to the license holders.
When coming to carry out the procedure for changing a driver’s license, the driver must take a photo directly at the driver’s license agency and present his/her valid passport, residence card, residence card, temporary card. residence card, permanent residence card, documents verifying long-term residence in Vietnam and foreign driver’s license for comparison.
In case of suspicion, the driving license-issuing agency shall send a written request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security, the Immigration Department of the provincial and municipal Police Departments Centrally verified.
Step 3:
Within 05 working days of receiving complete dossiers, the Directorate for Roads of Vietnam or the Department of Transport shall change the driving license. In case the driving license still needs changed, a reply must given and clearly state the reason.
Conclusion
In conclusion, obtaining a Vietnamese driver’s license is essential for foreigners who wish to drive in Vietnam. While the process may seem complicated, it is manageable as long as you have the required documents and follow the necessary steps. Remember that by obtaining a Vietnamese driver’s license, you are not only ensuring compliance with local laws but also promoting road safety for yourself and those around you.
HMLF is always available to offer assistance in understanding the procedures or liaising with authorities.
Harley Miller Law Firm “HMLF”
Head office: 14th floor, HM Town building, 412 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ward 05, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
Phone number: 0937215585
Website: hmlf.vn Email: miller@hmlf.vn
