What an International Driving Permit Actually Is
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into multiple languages so you can rent cars and drive legally in other countries. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your original license, which you must carry at all times. Vietnam does not issue IDPs; you obtain one from your home country before you travel.
If you are a Vietnamese citizen, you request an IDP from the Vietnamese traffic police before leaving the country. If you are a foreign visitor already in Vietnam with a valid home-country license, you can drive using that license plus an IDP you obtained before arrival, or you can take the steps to get a temporary Vietnamese license while you are here.
The process and requirements depend entirely on which country issued your original license. This guide covers both routes: getting an IDP before you travel, and obtaining a Vietnamese driving permit if you are already in the country.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is issued by your home country, not by Vietnam, and must be obtained before you travel.
- You need your valid home-country driver's license, a passport, and a passport-sized photo to request an IDP from your home country's licensing authority.
- If you are already in Vietnam, you can drive on your home-country license for tourism purposes, but a temporary Vietnamese license requires a medical exam and written test in Vietnamese.
- Vietnamese citizens leaving the country can request an IDP from the traffic police in their province, which takes about one week.
- An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and does not extend your driving privileges beyond what your original license allows.
Getting an IDP Before You Travel (Citizens of Other Countries)
Contact the licensing authority in your home country — this is usually the Department of Motor Vehicles (United States), the DVLA (United Kingdom), Service Ontario (Canada), or the equivalent body in your country. Most countries now allow you to request an IDP by mail or online without visiting an office in person.
You will need your valid driver's license, your passport, one or two passport-sized photos (requirements vary by country), and a completed process form. Some countries charge a small fee, typically between $15 and $30 USD. Processing time ranges from one week to four weeks depending on the country and whether you pay for expedited service.
Once you receive your IDP, keep it with your original license at all times while driving in Vietnam. The IDP alone is not valid — Vietnamese police will ask to see both documents. The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, after which you would need to request a new one if you plan to drive internationally again.
Requesting an IDP as a Vietnamese Citizen
Vietnamese citizens can request an IDP from the traffic police department in their province of residence. Visit the provincial Department of Transport or the traffic police office (Phòng Cảnh Sát Giao Thông) with your valid Vietnamese driver's license, your passport, and one passport-sized photo.
Complete the process form on site — staff can information you if you need help. The fee is typically 200,000 to 300,000 Vietnamese Dong (roughly $8 to $12 USD, though exchange rates vary). Processing takes about one week. You will receive a booklet that translates your license information into English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, and Chinese.
This IDP is valid for one year. After that, you can request a renewal by returning to the same office with your original license and a new photo.
Driving in Vietnam on a Foreign License Without an IDP
If you are a foreign visitor and did not obtain an IDP before arrival, you can still drive in Vietnam on your home-country license for tourism purposes — short-term sightseeing and travel. However, you cannot work as a driver or use the vehicle for commercial purposes. Vietnamese police generally recognize home-country licenses for tourists, though carrying an IDP removes any ambiguity.
The safest approach is to rent from a company that provides a driver, or to hire a local driver through your hotel or a ride-hailing service. If you do drive yourself, keep your original license and your passport with you at all times. Driving without a valid license or without carrying it can result in fines.
Getting a Temporary Vietnamese Driving License
If you plan to stay in Vietnam for an extended period and want to drive regularly, you can obtain a temporary Vietnamese driving license. This requires a medical examination, a written test in Vietnamese, and a practical driving test. The process takes two to four weeks and costs between 1 million and 2 million Vietnamese Dong (roughly $40 to $80 USD).
Start at the Department of Transport (Sở Giao Thông Vận Tải) in the province where you are staying. You will need your passport, a visa that allows you to stay at least one month, proof of residence (such as a rental agreement or hotel booking), and a medical certificate from a Vietnamese hospital confirming you are fit to drive. The medical exam covers vision, hearing, and general health.
After passing the medical exam, you take a written test on Vietnamese traffic laws. The test is in Vietnamese, though some provinces offer versions in English — ask when you arrive. Once you pass, you complete a practical driving test with an examiner. If you pass all three components, you receive a temporary license valid for one year. This license allows you to drive in Vietnam but is not recognized internationally.
What to Do If You Lose Your IDP or License While Traveling
If you lose your IDP while in Vietnam, contact your home country's embassy or consulate in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can issue a temporary letter confirming your identity and home-country license status, which Vietnamese police will usually accept alongside your passport.
If you lose your home-country license itself, you have a bigger problem — you cannot legally drive without it, even with an IDP. Contact your embassy when ready. Some countries can issue a temporary replacement license through their embassy, though this varies. In the meantime, do not drive; use taxis, ride-hailing apps, or hired drivers instead.
If you lose your temporary Vietnamese license while in the country, return to the Department of Transport where you obtained it with your passport and proof of residence. They can issue a replacement, usually within a few days, for a small fee.
Understanding Vietnam's Traffic Rules and Driving Conditions
Vietnam drives on the right side of the road. Speed limits are typically 50 km/h in cities, 60 km/h on rural roads, and 80 to 100 km/h on highways, though signs vary by location. Wearing a seatbelt is required for drivers and front-seat passengers. Motorcycle helmets are mandatory for all riders.
Traffic in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is heavy and moves quickly. Motorcycles and scooters often weave between cars. Pedestrians cross streets in patterns that may seem chaotic to visitors. If you are not experienced driving in Southeast Asia, hiring a driver is safer and often cheaper than renting a car and driving yourself.
Fuel is widely available at petrol stations throughout the country. Tolls explore on some highways. If you are stopped by police, remain calm and polite. Fines for traffic violations are paid on the spot in cash. Bribing police is illegal, though some officers may hint at it — decline firmly and ask for an official fine receipt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive in Vietnam on just my home-country license without an IDP?
Yes, as a tourist for short-term sightseeing. Vietnamese police generally recognize home-country licenses for visitors. However, an IDP removes any doubt and is inexpensive to obtain before you travel. If you plan to stay longer than a few weeks or drive frequently, a temporary Vietnamese license is more reliable.
How long does it take to get an IDP from my home country?
Processing time varies by country — typically one to four weeks. The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia all offer online or mail-in requests. Check your country's licensing authority website for current processing times and fees. Expedited service is often available for an additional cost.
Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?
No. An IDP is a translation document that works only with your original home-country license. It does not extend your driving privileges or allow you to drive in countries where your home license is not valid. You must carry both documents together.
What happens if I drive in Vietnam without a license or IDP?
You can be fined by police. Fines for driving without a valid license range from 500,000 to 2 million Vietnamese Dong (roughly $20 to $80 USD). If you are in an accident without a valid license, your insurance may not cover the damage, and you could face legal liability.
Can I renew my IDP while I am in Vietnam?
No. You must renew your IDP through your home country's licensing authority. If your IDP expires while you are traveling, contact your embassy for a temporary letter of identity. Plan ahead and renew before you travel if your IDP is expiring soon.