🔄 Cập nhật lần cuối: 11/07/2026
If you live in Nha Trang and hold a valid foreign driving licence, converting it to a Vietnamese licence may be the clearest way to drive legally during a longer stay. Since 1 July 2026, conversions have been governed by Circular 108/2026/TT-BCA. One important change is that eligible foreigners may apply with a visa or temporary residence card that has at least 90 days remaining.
The short answer: You may qualify if your national licence is still valid, covers the vehicle category you intend to drive, and your qualifying immigration document has at least 90 days left. This is a conversion procedure rather than a new driving test, but approval remains subject to document checks by the competent authority.
Do you need a Vietnamese licence, or is an IDP enough?
| Your situation | The practical route |
|---|---|
| Short visit with a valid 1968 Vienna Convention IDP plus the matching national licence | You may use both documents where recognised by Vietnamese law |
| Living, working or studying in Nha Trang for three months or longer | Consider converting to a Vietnamese licence |
| Car licence only, but you want to ride a motorbike | A car category does not automatically convert to a motorcycle category |
| Expired, temporary or damaged foreign licence, or an IDP alone | Not a valid basis for conversion |
Be careful with “international driving permits” sold online. Vietnam does not recognise every commercial IDP card. A recognised IDP must be issued by a country participating in the 1968 Vienna Convention, and you must carry the corresponding national licence for the same vehicle category.
Who is eligible to convert a foreign licence?
Under the current rules, a foreign resident, employee or student in Vietnam may be considered for conversion when all key conditions are met:
- Your national driving licence is valid and was issued by a competent foreign authority.
- It clearly covers the vehicle category you want to drive in Vietnam.
- You hold a diplomatic or official identity card, a visa or temporary residence card valid for at least another 90 days, or a valid permanent residence card.
- Your name, date of birth and identification details are consistent across your passport, residence document and licence.
Temporary foreign licences, IDPs, expired licences, illegible or altered documents, and licences not issued by a competent authority cannot be used for conversion.
Documents to prepare
A practical application file should include:
- Your original valid foreign driving licence.
- A certified Vietnamese translation of the licence, attached and sealed to the licence copy in the required manner.
- A copy of your qualifying immigration document: a visa or temporary residence card with at least 90 days remaining, a valid permanent residence card, or an eligible diplomatic/official ID.
- Your original passport and copies of the identity page and relevant visa or entry pages for comparison.
- A 3 × 4 cm portrait photo on a white background. At a physical counter, the authority may take a new photo or use available electronic identity data.
- A valid medical certificate if required for your case. Circular 108 provides an exception for certain foreigners whose converted licence follows the validity of their visa or temporary residence card, so confirm this before attending.
Avoid a preventable delay: Make sure the spelling and order of your name, your date of birth and passport number are identical across the translation and your immigration documents.
How to apply in Nha Trang
Step 1 — Check the three expiry dates
Before paying for translation and notarisation, check your foreign licence, passport and immigration document. A licence close to expiry or a visa with fewer than 90 days remaining may make the application impractical or ineligible.
Step 2 — Obtain the certified translation
The translation should accurately state the issuing authority, categories, issue date and expiry date. It must be certified and sealed together with the licence copy as required.
Step 3 — Submit one application set
Circular 108 allows applications:
- In person at the provincial Traffic Police Division or a designated commune-level police reception point; or
- Online through the National Public Service Portal where the applicant and electronic documents meet the system requirements.
For many foreigners, an in-person application is more practical because the original passport, residence document and translation can be checked immediately. In Nha Trang, call 0694 401 222 or 0886 335 530 during office hours before travelling to confirm the current counter handling foreign-licence conversions.
Step 4 — Identity check, photo and fee
The receiving officer checks the originals and electronic information. If there is doubt about your immigration status or the authenticity of the foreign licence, the authority may request verification from the relevant agencies. This will extend the real processing time.
Step 5 — Receive the result
Under the new procedure, an electronic Vietnamese licence may be issued within one day after a complete and valid file is accepted. A physical card may be printed within approximately 2 to 5 working days if requested. Collection may be at the reception point or by post. These are regulatory processing periods, not a guarantee where additional verification is needed.
Five common mistakes
- Renting a motorbike with a car-only licence. Vehicle categories matter.
- Buying an unofficial “IDP” online. A commercial card is not automatically valid in Vietnam.
- Applying with fewer than 90 days left on the visa or residence card.
- Using a translation that does not match the passport.
- Carrying the IDP without the national licence. A recognised IDP must be accompanied by the matching domestic licence.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to take a driving test?
When you meet the conversion requirements and your foreign licence is valid, this is an exchange into the corresponding Vietnamese category, not a new-licence examination. The authority may still verify the licence and your residence status.
Can a foreign car licence be converted into a Vietnamese motorcycle licence?
Not unless the original licence includes the corresponding motorcycle entitlement. A car category alone does not grant a motorcycle category.
Can a visitor using Vietnam’s 45-day visa exemption apply?
In most cases, a 45-day stay does not meet the requirement for a visa or residence document with at least 90 days remaining.
How long will the Vietnamese licence remain valid?
Its validity depends on the converted category and the relevant supporting documents. Converting a licence does not extend your legal stay in Vietnam.
Can I drive using the application receipt?
Do not assume that a filing receipt replaces a valid driving licence. Drive only when you hold a set of documents recognised in Vietnam and valid for the vehicle category.
Final checklist
- Valid foreign licence with the correct vehicle category
- Visa or temporary residence card with at least 90 days remaining
- Valid passport with matching personal details
- Properly certified Vietnamese translation
- Originals and copies of immigration documents
- White-background 3 × 4 cm photo
- Current Nha Trang reception point confirmed by phone
Where ViEntry fits in
ViEntry is not the authority that issues driving licences. If you are unsure whether your visa or temporary residence period is suitable, ViEntry can help you review your stay dates, use the free Visa Tracker, and connect with an appropriate local operator. The final decision always belongs to the competent state authority.
Legal update: Checked on 10 July 2026 against Circular 108/2026/TT-BCA, effective from 1 July 2026, and the latest notices from Khanh Hoa Provincial Police. Procedures, counters and fees can change; confirm them before applying.
👉 Apply for an E-Visa or inquire about a combo package: Telegram @Visa_Services · WhatsApp +84 33 699 0728 · Hotline 033 699 0728.
