If you’re planning to drive in Vietnam on an International Driving Permit (IDP), there’s a critical trap that catches thousands of expats and tourists every year: not all IDPs are recognized by Vietnamese law. You might have a beautifully printed “International Driver’s License” that you bought online — but if it wasn’t issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, Vietnamese traffic police will treat you as an unlicensed driver. This guide explains exactly which IDPs are valid, how long you can use one, and what your alternatives are if yours doesn’t qualify.
Which IDP Is Actually Valid in Vietnam?
Vietnamese law recognizes only one type of International Driving Permit: the IDP issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic by a competent authority of a contracting party . This is explicitly defined in Circular No. 29/2015/TT-BGTVT (Article 3), which states that the IDP must be issued according to the unified model of the Vienna Convention .
Any other “international driving permit” or “international driving license” — including those issued by private organizations like the IAA (International Automobile Association) — is not valid on Vietnamese territory . Using one is treated as driving without a license, and offenders face administrative penalties .
Can You Drive on a 1949 Geneva Convention IDP in Vietnam?
This is where the legal picture becomes more complicated — and where misinformation is rampant.
Vietnam is a contracting party to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, but Vietnamese traffic law explicitly states that only the 1968 Vienna Convention IDP is accepted . The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) notes that “the local traffic law states that only the 1968 IDP is accepted,” while also noting that “visitors have reported that the 1949 is accepted in practice” .
However, the official position of Vietnam’s Traffic Police Department is clear: only 1968 Vienna Convention IDPs are recognized . The UNECE also notes that Vietnamese authorities require the list of contracting parties to be printed on the IDP and to include Vietnam .
This matters enormously for citizens of countries that issue IDPs under the 1949 Convention, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Japan. These countries issue 1949 Geneva Convention IDPs, which do not meet Vietnam’s legal requirement for the 1968 Vienna Convention IDP .
How Long Can You Use a Valid IDP in Vietnam?
If you hold a valid 1968 Vienna Convention IDP, you must carry it together with your national driving license that corresponds to the vehicle class you are driving . Vietnamese law requires you to comply with Vietnam’s road traffic laws while using the IDP .
For holders of Korean international driving permits, the period of validity is explicitly stated: 1 year from the date of entry into Vietnam . This is a bilateral arrangement under the mutual recognition agreement between Vietnam and South Korea.
For other nationalities holding 1968 Vienna Convention IDPs, the UNECE notes that “validity restrictions apply to IDPs in these countries” and that they may be accepted “for a limited period of time only (30 days, 90 days, 180 days, etc.), even if the IDP is valid for longer” . The specific duration for Vietnam is not explicitly stated in the source data for all nationalities. Verify the current permitted duration with the local traffic police or your embassy before relying on an IDP for an extended stay.
What Are Your Alternatives If Your IDP Is Not Valid?
If your IDP is a 1949 Geneva Convention permit or a commercial document, you have several legal options in Vietnam:
- Ride a vehicle under 50cc: Under Vietnam’s Road Traffic Order and Safety Law 2024 (effective January 1, 2025), no license of any kind is required to operate a motorbike under 50cc or an electric bike under 4 kW. This applies to both foreigners and Vietnamese citizens .
- Use ride-hailing services: Grab bike, private drivers, or guided motorbike tours with licensed riders are all legal and widely available .
- Convert to a Vietnamese driving license: If you hold a visa or residence card valid for more than 3 months, you may be eligible to convert your foreign license to a Vietnamese one . The process requires your home license, a health check, a certified Vietnamese translation of your license, and a valid temporary residence card or visa .
- Hire a licensed driver: For cars, hiring a driver with a Vietnamese license eliminates all IDP concerns.
Can Foreigners Apply for a Vietnamese IDP?
Yes, but with strict conditions. Foreigners with permanent residence or a temporary residence card in Vietnam may apply for a Vietnamese IDP, provided they hold a valid Vietnamese national driving license issued on PET material .
The application fee is 135,000 VND for direct submission. Online submissions were subject to a reduced fee of 115,000 VND from December 1, 2023, through December 31, 2025 .
However, a Vietnamese-issued IDP is explicitly not valid within Vietnam’s territory. It is only valid for use in other Vienna Convention contracting parties when presented alongside the Vietnamese national driving license .
Common Mistakes That Get Expats Fined
- Buying a commercial “International Driving License”: Documents sold by private websites (often called IAA or International Automobile Association permits) are not legal IDPs. Vietnam’s traffic police have issued public notices confirming these are not recognized, and offenders are fined for driving without a license .
- Assuming a 1949 Geneva IDP works: The US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Japan issue 1949 Convention IDPs. Vietnam’s law requires the 1968 Vienna Convention IDP. Carrying a 1949 IDP may be treated as driving unlicensed .
- Not carrying your national license: Vietnamese law requires you to carry both the IDP and the corresponding national driving license. Presenting only the IDP is insufficient .
- Riding over 50cc without a valid license: If your IDP is not the 1968 Vienna type, you are limited to vehicles under 50cc or electric bikes under 4 kW. Riding a larger motorbike can result in fines of 2–4 million VND for bikes up to 125cc and 6–8 million VND above that, plus possible impoundment .
- Assuming validity lasts indefinitely: Even a valid 1968 IDP may be limited to 30, 90, or 180 days depending on the arrangement. The Korean IDP, for example, is valid for 1 year from entry . Verify your specific duration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a US International Driving Permit valid in Vietnam?
No. The United States issues IDPs under the 1949 Geneva Convention, but Vietnamese law requires the 1968 Vienna Convention IDP. US-issued IDPs are not recognized as valid for driving in Vietnam .
What happens if I use an invalid IDP in Vietnam?
You can be fined for driving without a license. Under Decree 168/2024, fines range from 2–4 million VND for bikes up to 125cc and 6–8 million VND above that, with possible vehicle impoundment .
How long can I use a valid 1968 Vienna Convention IDP in Vietnam?
Validity periods vary by nationality and bilateral arrangements. Korean IDP holders can drive for 1 year from entry . For other nationalities, the UNECE notes that validity restrictions may apply (30, 90, or 180 days) even if the IDP itself is valid for longer . Verify with local authorities.
Can I convert my foreign driving license to a Vietnamese license?
Yes, if you have a visa or residence card valid for more than 3 months. You need your home license, a health check, a certified Vietnamese translation of your license, and proof of residence. The process does not typically require a driving test .
Do I need a license to ride a motorbike under 50cc in Vietnam?
No. Under the Road Traffic Order and Safety Law 2024 (effective January 1, 2025), no license is required to operate a motorbike under 50cc or an electric bike under 4 kW, for both foreigners and Vietnamese citizens .