Vietnamese Driver's License for Foreigners (Giấy Phép Lái Xe)
The good news: if you already have a foreign driver's license, the process is simple and takes about one week.
Package Includes
- Driver's License Application Form (for foreigners)
- Affidavit of Residence (required to prove your temporary address in Vietnam)
Requirements WITH a Foreign License
- Valid passport with at least a 3-month visa to Vietnam
- Two copies of your passport (photo and personal information pages only)
- 2 passport photos measuring 3×4 cm
- 2 passport photos measuring 2.5×3 cm
- Valid foreign driver's license with two certified (stamped) Vietnamese translations
- 2 completed application forms (province-specific)
- Proof of temporary residence — hotel registration, apartment registration, or an Affidavit of Residence
- 30,000 VND (~$1.50 USD) fee
- Some provinces may require a medical examination
Procedure
- Print two copies of the application form (you must submit two completed forms).
- Complete the forms. Where it says "Transport Department," write the province you are applying in. Example: Kính gửi (To): Sở Giao thông vận tải Ho Chi Minh City
- Gather all required documents.
- Submit at the nearest Department of Transportation (Sở Giao Thông Vận Tải) in the province where you have temporary residence.
- Receive your Vietnamese driver's license in approximately one week.
Requirements WITHOUT a Foreign License
If you do not have a foreign driver's license, you must take both a written exam and a practical driving test at the Department of Transportation. The written exam is available in English at most major provincial offices.
Department of Transportation Locations
Apply at the Department of Transportation (Sở Giao Thông Vận Tải) in the province where you have registered temporary residence.
| Province | City | Address | Phone | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ha Noi | Ha Noi | Số 2 Phùng Hưng, Hà Đông | 034.3824404 | Red River Delta |
| Ho Chi Minh City | Ho Chi Minh City | 63 Lý Tự Trọng, Quận 1 | 028.3829.5111 | Southeast |
| Da Nang | Da Nang | 82 Hùng Vương | 0236.3821.955 | South Central Coast |
| Hai Phong | Hai Phong | Số 1 Cù Chính Lan | 031.841217 | Red River Delta |
| Bac Ninh | Bac Ninh | Khu 6, phường Thị Cầu | 0241.822416 | Red River Delta |
| Ha Nam | Phu Ly | Đường Đinh Tiên Hoàng | 0351.852767 | Red River Delta |
| Hai Duong | Hai Duong | Số 6 Đường Bạch Đằng | 0320.852590 | Red River Delta |
| Hung Yen | Hung Yen | Đường Quảng Trường | 0321.863413 | Red River Delta |
| Nam Dinh | Nam Dinh | Xã Lộc Hoà | 0350.849692 | Red River Delta |
| Ninh Binh | Ninh Binh | Số 40 Lê Đại Hành | 030.871129 | Red River Delta |
| Thai Binh | Thai Binh | Số 2 Phố Hai Bà Trưng | 036.731605 | Red River Delta |
| Vinh Phuc | Vinh Yen | Số 9 Đường Mê Linh | 0211.862544 | Red River Delta |
| Ha Tinh | Ha Tinh | 143 Đường Hà Huy Tập | 039.852907 | North Central Coast |
| Nghe An | Vinh | Số 47 Lê Hồng Phong | 038.844530 | North Central Coast |
| Quang Binh | Dong Hoi | Số 2 Đường Trần Hưng Đạo | 052.822012 | North Central Coast |
| Quang Tri | Dong Ha | Số 73 Quốc Lộ 9 | 053.852570 | North Central Coast |
| Thanh Hoa | Thanh Hoa | Số 42 Đại lộ Lê Lợi | 037.710965 | North Central Coast |
| Thua Thien-Hue | Hue | Số 10 Phan Bội Châu | 054.823xxx | North Central Coast |
| Bac Giang | Bac Giang | Số 51, Nguyễn Văn Cừ | 0240.854299 | Northeastern |
| Cao Bang | Cao Bang | Đường Hoàng Đình Giong | 026.852397 | Northeastern |
| Ha Giang | Ha Giang | Số 380 Đường Nguyễn Trãi | 0219.866289 | Northeastern |
| Lang Son | Lang Son | Đường Hùng Vương | 025.810095 | Northeastern |
| Lao Cai | Lao Cai | Số 5 Đường Hoàng Liên | 020.821125 | Northeastern |
| Phu Tho | Viet Tri | 1508 Đại Lộ Hùng Vương | 0210.848268 | Northeastern |
| Quang Ninh | Ha Long | Phố Hồ Xuân Hương, Bãi Cháy | 033.846413 | Northeastern |
| Thai Nguyen | Thai Nguyen | Phường Quang Trung | 0280.851059 | Northeastern |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a motorbike in Vietnam with my US license?
No. A US license is not valid for driving in Vietnam. However, the Vietnamese driver's license process is the same for both cars and motorbikes — just specify which category you need on the application.
How long is the Vietnamese driver's license valid?
Vietnamese driver's licenses are typically valid for 5–10 years depending on the category. You can renew at any Department of Transportation office.
What if I do not have temporary residence registered?
You need to register your temporary residence (đăng ký tạm trú) with the local police before applying. Most hotels and apartments do this automatically. If not, use our Affidavit of Residence.