Get your International Driving Permit for Vietnam in 8 minutes

Your license instantly translated and valid in 150+ countries. Travel freely to multiple destinations with a single permit — use in unlimited countries during validity period.

Digital + Printed International Driving Permit – Always have a backup while traveling
Accepted in 189+ Countries – Drive legally, stress-free
Free English ID Card – Helps with language barriers
Meets Global Driving Standards – Recognized internationally
Perfect for Non-English Countries – No translation issues

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Limited Coverage

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Global Coverage

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Vietnam issuing authority notice

Vietnam specifies which International Driving Permit issuing authorities it recognizes. Verify acceptance with local authorities or your rental provider before driving there.

Does Vietnam require an International Driving Permit?

Original license: Always required
Format accepted: Not accepted
Issuer matters: Verify authority recognition
Valid from entry: Not applicable

Vietnam specifies which International Driving Permit issuing authorities it recognizes, and this permit is currently not accepted there. Confirm the local licensing requirements with the authorities or your rental provider before planning to drive in Vietnam.

Driver type	Requirement	Notes
Tourist / short-term visitor	IDP not accepted	Check local licensing rules before driving
Rental car driver	IDP not accepted	Rental companies follow local acceptance rules
Long-term foreign resident	Different rules apply	After 1 year, a local license may be needed
Mutually recognized license holder	May be exempt	Depends on home country agreement

What are the requirements to get an International Driving Permit in Vietnam?

Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements and have the following documents ready before you start.

Documents needed

All it takes is what’s already in your wallet

Valid domestic driver’s license
Passport-style photo
Valid government-issued ID
Completed online application

Eligibility

You must meet every condition below

18 years or older
Valid home country license
License not suspended
Applicable from home or abroad

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At a Glance

Legal requirement: Foreign drivers must carry their valid home-country licence plus a 1968-format International Driving Permit (IDP).
1949-format International Driving Permits are not accepted in Vietnam.
US/Canada travellers: These countries issue only the 1949-format International Driving Permit, which Vietnam does not recognize. For longer stays, a Vietnamese licence conversion is necessary.
Police enforcement: Expect roadside checks. Driving without proper documents can lead to fines or impoundment.
Insurance: Claims may be denied if you drive without the correct licence and International Driving Permit.

Do I Need an International Driving Permit in Vietnam?

Yes. To drive legally in Vietnam, you must carry:

Your original, valid home-country driving licence, and
A valid 1968-format International Driving Permit.

Vietnam acceded to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic in 2015. That means only the 1968 International Driving Permit is valid. The 1949 International Driving Permit commonly issued in the US and Canada is not recognized.

Rental company policies may add requirements (minimum age, deposits, driving experience), but these do not replace the legal obligation: 1968 International Driving Permit + original licence.

Legal Recognition in Vietnam

International basis: Vietnam is bound by the 1968 Vienna Convention, which sets the model for the International Driving Permit.
National rules: Ministry of Transport Circular 29/2015/TT-BGTVT regulates International Driving Permit use. Your International Driving Permit must always be carried alongside your original licence.
Penalties: Driving without a proper licence/International Driving Permit violates Decree 100/2019 and can result in fines of 4–6 million VND and possible vehicle impoundment.
Insurance: Compulsory liability and private insurance may not pay claims if you were unlicensed at the time of an accident.

Who Needs a 1968 International Driving Permit?

Drivers from 1968 Convention countries (EU/EEA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland): Must carry their original licence + 1968 International Driving Permit.
Drivers from 1949-only countries (United States, Canada): The 1949 International Driving Permit is not valid. Options are licence conversion or not driving.
Drivers from non-party countries: No treaty recognition. You must apply for a Vietnamese licence to drive.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Arriving with the wrong International Driving Permit format (1949).
Thinking the International Driving Permit replaces your licence it never does.
Renting a motorcycle without the correct motorcycle entitlement on both your home licence and International Driving Permit.
Forgetting supporting documents (passport, visa, insurance, registration).
Letting your domestic licence expire this invalidates your International Driving Permit.

Read our full Vietnam driving guide to avoid these and other common mistakes

How to Get an International Driving Permit for Vietnam

To drive legally in Vietnam, you need the 1968-format International Driving Permit (IDP). With the International Drivers Association (IDA), every permit automatically includes both the 1968 Vienna and 1949 Geneva formats, so you’re covered in 240+ countries worldwide — including Vietnam.

Why Choose IDA?

Dual-convention coverage: Both 1968 and 1949 formats included in one permit.
Maximum acceptance: Valid in 240+ countries — more than any other provider.
Proven reliability: 1M+ travelers served since 2019 with a 99.8% global acceptance rate.
Professional service: 24/7 support in 30 languages, unlimited replacements, and a money-back guarantee.
Fast, secure processing: Apply online in minutes and receive your digital copy quickly, with the printed booklet shipped worldwide.

What You’ll Need to Apply

A valid driver’s licence from your home country.
A passport-style photo.
A completed IDA online application form.

Validity

IDA permits are valid for up to three years (depending on your licence), but never beyond the expiry of your home-country licence.

Important Reminders for Vietnam

You must always carry both your original licence and your International Driving Permit.
Ensure your International Driving Permit clearly lists the vehicle categories you are entitled to drive (e.g., cars, motorcycles).
International Driving Permits are translations and verification documents — they do not replace your home licence.

👉 Apply now with the International Drivers Association to secure your dual-convention International Driving Permit and drive in Vietnam with complete confidence.

International Driving Permit Checklist for Vietnam

Confirm your country issues the 1968-format International Driving Permit.
Apply through IDA for dual-convention coverage.
Verify your International Driving Permit lists the vehicle categories you intend to drive.
Ensure your home licence is valid for your entire trip.
Carry supporting documents: passport, visa, insurance, and registration.

FAQs About Driving in Vietnam

1) Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Vietnam?
Yes, you need your original licence and a 1968-format International Driving Permit.

2) Which International Driving Permit does Vietnam accept?
Only the 1968 Vienna International Driving Permit. The 1949 version is not valid.

3) Can I drive with just my foreign licence?
No. The International Driving Permit must accompany your licence.

4) What if I’m from the US or Canada?
You cannot obtain a 1968 International Driving Permit at home. In Vietnam, your 1949 International Driving Permit is invalid. Either convert your licence for long stays or avoid driving.

5) What are the penalties for driving without the correct International Driving Permit?
Fines of 4–6 million VND, possible vehicle impoundment, and denied insurance claims.

6) Can I get an International Driving Permit in Vietnam?
No. Vietnam issues International Driving Permits only to holders of Vietnamese licences. Foreigners must obtain the International Driving Permit before travel.

7) How long is a 1968 International Driving Permit valid for in Vietnam?
Up to three years depending on your home country’s rules, but never beyond your licence expiry.

8) Can I ride a motorcycle with a car licence and International Driving Permit?
Only if your licence and International Driving Permit both include motorcycle entitlement.

9) Are digital “International Driving Permits” valid?
No. Only the physical treaty-standard International Driving Permit booklet is valid.

Key Takeaway

To drive legally in Vietnam, carry your original licence plus a 1968-format International Driving Permit. The 1949 International Driving Permit (common in the US and Canada) is not valid. Secure your dual-convention International Driving Permit with the International Drivers Association to ensure compliance and peace of mind.

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Free access to all benefits of the digital International Driving Permit format included
Accepted in 189+ countries – travel without worries
Includes a free ID card with English license details
Globally recognized & meets international standards
Essential for non-English speaking countries

Digital International Driving Permit

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Easily accessible digital format, accepted in many countries
Can be obtained online, fast and easy process
Accepted widely, but not in all countries
Doesn't include printed booklet and complementary plastic card

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common queries and get the information you need quickly and easily.

An International Driving Permit is a translation document of your driver's license in several languages. It is a translation booklet that translates your driver's license into a language your destination country understands. This allows foreign drivers to legally drive a private motor vehicle and can be a form of identification.

It is an international travel document and not a replacement for your domestic driver's license or a legal document like a passport. An International Driving Permit is only valid if you have your original license with you.

Some countries, car rental agencies, insurance companies, and/or traffic authorities may ask to see your International Driving Permit whenever you are abroad, so it is best to keep one handy at all times. You should always carry and show your domestic driver's license along with the International Driving Permit whenever asked.

An international driver's license, technically, does not exist, so it does not grant any driving privileges and is not considered a substitute for a valid domestic driver's license. But most drivers interchangeably use this term with an international driving permit.

An international driving permit (International Driving Permit) is a travel document governed by international conventions. It is a translation of a driver's license that allows the holder to drive abroad. An International Driving Permit is not a replacement for your valid driver's license from your home country.

There are some countries that may or may not recognize your domestic driver's license but will officially recognize an International Driving Permit, which offers a local language translation of your valid license.

In some cases, the destination country's government may not require foreign visitors to have an International Driving Permit, but some car rental companies (such as Hertz, Avis, etc.) may require an international driving permit for you to rent a car.

Quiz: Take our quiz or contact your destination's traffic authorities and offices for more information.

This International Driving Permit follows the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.

Most countries recognize the International Driving Permit if presented alongside your domestic driving license. Drivers from countries that use non-Roman alphabets (like Thailand or Russia) are often advised to obtain an International Driving Permit.

Not recognized in: North Korea, South Korea, Japan

Only accept one-year validity printed International Driving Permit: Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Spain, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

China does not recognize international driver's licenses, and foreign drivers need to obtain a Chinese driver's license.

To get an International Driving Permit, you will need:

• A valid domestic driving license
• A passport-style photo

Process:
1. Fill out the form
2. Upload photos of the back and front of your domestic driving license
3. Upload a passport-style photo
4. Attach your digital signature

Start your application here

To be eligible, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a holder of a valid domestic driving license issued by your home country

Applying for an International Driving Permit in your home country varies and will most likely take 2–3 weeks, longer if you mail your application rather than visit in person. It is recommended to apply at least 6 months before your overseas trip.

Some providers claim application processing in less than 2 weeks via express shipping.

An International Driving Permit is essentially a translation document of your driver's license in several different languages. It is used to translate your driver's license into a language that your destination country understands.

It is not a replacement for your original driver's license or a legal document like a passport. An International Driving Permit is only valid if you have your original license with you.

Available in 12 languages, making it easier for you to communicate with foreign officials and understand traffic signs and regulations in countries where English is not widely spoken. This added convenience and accessibility helps you navigate foreign roads more confidently.

This longer validity period is presented as useful for frequent travelers planning multiple trips and extended stays abroad, reducing the need to obtain a new International Driving Permit for every trip.

Driving without a valid license in a foreign country can result in fines, legal trouble, or other penalties. An International Driving Permit helps demonstrate that you are properly licensed in your home country when driving abroad.

Some services claim you can obtain an International Driving Permit at an affordable price without compromising on quality or service, and warn against overpriced or fake permits from unofficial providers.

Some providers offer worldwide express shipping so travelers can receive their International Driving Permit quickly and efficiently before their trip.