Exchange Driving License in Vietnam: Step-by-Step Guide 2025

Introduction

If you’re a foreign resident or a returning Vietnamese citizen, you may be eligible to exchange your valid foreign driver license for a Vietnamese driver license without having to take a local driving test.

This process is officially recognized and regulated, offering a legal and streamlined way to drive in Vietnam based on your current national license.

✅ Exchange your national driver license for a Vietnamese license — no testing required!

1. Who Is Eligible to Exchange a License in Vietnam?

🔹 For Foreign Nationals:

• Must hold a valid national driver license (plastic card, not IDP alone)

• Must have a valid passport

• Must hold a visa or temporary residence card in Vietnam

🔹 For Vietnamese Citizens Returning from Abroad:

• Must possess a valid foreign driver license

• Must be able to prove they were legally residing abroad when the license was issued
  (e.g. visa, green card, student permit, work permit, entry stamps)

⚠️ Note: An IDP (International Driving Permit) is not sufficient for license exchange. It must be accompanied by a valid national license.

2. Required Documents for License Exchange

🔍 Some national licenses may require embassy or consulate verification. We’ll guide you case by case.

3. Step-by-Step License Exchange Process

🔸 Step 1: Free Document Pre-check

Send photos or scans of your documents to Zalo +84 944 526 862
We’ll assess your eligibility for free

🔸 Step 2: Translation & Notarization

Your national driver license is translated into Vietnamese
Notarization is completed for legal submission

🔸 Step 3: Legalization (if required)

Some licenses must be legalized through your country’s embassy or Vietnam’s Department of External Relations

🔸 Step 4: Application Submission

Submit all documents to the Department of Transport or a licensed public security office
Sign the form, provide biometric data (photo), and confirm details

🔸 Step 5: License Issuance

Receive your Vietnamese driver license within 7–10 working days
Choose in-person pickup or home delivery (where available)

4. Validity & License Type After Exchange

• Foreign Nationals: License is valid until the expiration of your visa or residence permit

• Vietnamese Citizens: License is typically valid up to 10 years

• Issued Category: Most often Class B2, which allows driving both manual and automatic vehicles (including for business purposes)

✅ Once issued, your Vietnamese license is legally recognized nationwide.

5. Important Reminders

• Only physical, original national licenses are accepted (no photocopies or digital files)

• Ensure your license is clean, readable, and not expired

• Different provinces may have slight variations in procedure—contact us to confirm the latest details

6. Get Help from License Conversion Experts

We provide full assistance for your license exchange process:

What We Offer:

• ✅ Document pre-check and eligibility assessment

• ✅ License translation & notarization

• ✅ Embassy/legalization guidance if needed

• ✅ Application submission to the correct authority

• ✅ Progress updates and delivery options

Processing Time:

• Standard: 7–10 business days

• Express options: Available in some locations

📞 Contact Us for Full Support

Hotline / Zalo: +84 944 526 862
Office Address: No. 4 Quang Trung, Nguyen Trai, Ha Dong, Hanoi
Email: contact@doibanglaixe.com.vn

🌍 Serving clients from the U.S., UK, Germany, Korea, Japan, France, Singapore, Australia, and beyond.

Drive in Vietnam with Confidence

Exchange your driving license in Vietnam legally and quickly — no guesswork, no confusion.
Let our team handle the hard part, so you can hit the road safely and worry-free.

➡️ Start your license exchange today!