Conditions for the issuance and changing foreigner's driving license

1. Conditions for issuance and changing of driving licenses for foreigners

According to the Circular No. 12/2017/TT-BGTVT dated April 15, 2017 about regulations on driver training, driving tests and issuance of driving licenses for road motor vehicles of the Ministry of Transport, the conditions for the exchange of driving licenses Vehicles for foreigners are as follows:

• Foreigners residing, working and studying in Vietnam for at least 03 months, having Diplomatic or Official Identity Card, Permanent Residence Card, Temporary Residence Card, stay permits and unexpired native driving licenses may apply for renewal with corresponding driving licenses of Vietnam if they wish to drive in Vietnam.

• A foreign driver's license with all the necessary elements: Still valid, the vehicle class is allowed to drive, there is no sign of erasing or tearing, there is no difference in identification, it will be considered to change from a foreign driver's license to a Vietnamese driver's license.

• Vietnam also has regulations on not changing temporary foreign driver's licenses, international driving licenses.

2. Application for issuance and changing driving licenses for foreigners

Application (made in 01 set by the driver and sent directly to the Department of Transport (where registered for residence, stay, temporary residence or permanent residence) includes:

• Written request for changing of driving license according to prescribed form (the form for foreigners).

• A written translation of the driving license in Vietnamese guaranteed in quality by notary office or Embassy, Consulate in Vietnam where the translator works, affixed with a stamp on adjoining edges of pages and copy of the driving license; in case of any question found, the licensing agency shall issue a written request to the Embassy or Consulate for verification.

• The copy of passport (passport number, full name, passport photo, validity period and page of entry visa to Vietnam), people’s identity card, citizen’s identity card issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam or a photocopy of the Permanent Residence Card, Temporary Residence Card, stay permits or the papers proving the foreigner’s long-term residence in Vietnam; in case of any question found, the licensing agency shall issue a written request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Immigration Department affiliated to the Ministry of Public Security and the Immigration Office affiliated to the Public Security station at the provinces for verification.

• When coming to change the driving license, the driver is directly photographed by the Department of Transport and must present the original valid passport, residence card, temporary residence card, permanent residence card, documents verifying long-term residence in Vietnam and foreign driver's license for comparison. Processing time is within 5 working days from the date of receipt of complete and valid application.

The above article is all the conditions for issuance and changing driver's licenses for foreigners living and working in Vietnam. Foreigners should notice that they must meet all of the above conditions to facilitate the process of issuance and changing driving licenses.