Vietnam
International Driver's License for
Vietnam
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Apply online in 2 minutes — Digital copy in 8 minutesApply in 2 minutes — Receive in 8 minutes
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Printed booklet shipped worldwide — Free ID card includedWorldwide shipping — Free ID card included
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Valid in 175+ countries — Translated into 12 languagesValid in 175+ countries — 12 Translations
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Free replacements if lost or damagedFree replacements if lost or damaged
Do You Need an IDP in Vietnam?
Whether you need an International Driving Permit in Vietnam depends on who you are and how long you are staying.
Last updated:
| Driver type | IDP needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist or short-term visitor | Recommended | Strongly recommended for all visitors; often required when your license is not in the local language. |
| Rental car driver | Often required | Many rental agencies ask for an IDP alongside a foreign license at pickup. |
| Long-term resident | Not sufficient | After establishing residency you will usually need a local driver's license. |
| Local license holder traveling abroad | Recommended | Carry an IDL with your national license when driving in most foreign countries. |
Rules vary by region — see the FAQ below for local requirements and traffic laws.
Documents you need
- A valid driver's license from your home country
- A passport-style photo — a phone photo is accepted
- No driving test and no DMV visit required
You do not need to be a citizen or resident to apply.
How it works
- Complete the online application — it takes about 2 minutes
- Upload your driver's license and photo
- Receive your digital IDL in about 8 minutes; the printed booklet ships worldwide
International Driver's License Information & Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driver's License to drive in Vietnam?
Yes. Vietnam recognises the International Driver's License under international road-traffic conventions, and visitors are expected to carry an IDL as an official translation of their home-country license. Local traffic police routinely check documents, so having the IDL alongside your national license is important for both cars and, where permitted, motorcycles. You apply online through E-ITA and receive your document in minutes.
What is an International Driving Permit (IDP/IDL)?
For Vietnam, an IDP (also called an IDL) is a multilingual booklet that translates your existing national license. It is not a licence in its own right and confers no new privileges; it exists so Vietnamese traffic police and rental staff can read the credentials you already hold. You must present both the IDP and your home license.
Which side of the road does Vietnam drive on?
Vietnam drives on the right, overtaking on the left. Traffic in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is dense and fast-moving with heavy motorcycle flow, so keep right, stay alert at junctions, and give way to the constant stream of scooters.
What are the key traffic laws in Vietnam?
* Drive on the right side of the road.
* The minimum age to ride a motorcycle is 16 and to drive a car is 18; rental companies usually require drivers to be at least 21.
* Seat belts are required by law — wear one whenever fitted.
* Handheld mobile-phone use while driving is prohibited; a hands-free device is permitted.
* Helmets are mandatory for motorcycle and scooter riders and passengers.
* The legal blood-alcohol limit is very low, in the 0.00%–0.05% range, so do not drink and drive.
* Typical speed limits are around 60 km/h (37 mph) in urban areas and 90 km/h (56 mph) on rural roads.
Can I ride a motorcycle in Vietnam with an IDL?
Motorcycling is hugely popular in Vietnam, but your International Driver's License only covers the vehicle categories shown on your home license. If your national license includes a motorcycle entitlement, the IDL translates that entitlement; if it does not, the IDL cannot add it. Helmets are compulsory for riders and passengers, and police enforce this actively.
Do rental companies in Vietnam require an IDL?
Car-hire firms in Vietnam generally ask to see an International Driver's License with your home license before releasing a vehicle, especially since your national license may not be in Vietnamese. Rental operators also commonly set a minimum age of around 21, above the legal driving age of 18, so check the terms when booking.
How strict is drink-driving enforcement in Vietnam?
Very strict. Vietnam applies an extremely low blood-alcohol limit and enforces it with frequent checks, so the only safe approach is not to drink at all before driving or riding. Your IDL does not affect this rule, which applies to every driver and rider on Vietnamese roads.
How long can I drive in Vietnam on my foreign license?
For a tourist visit you can generally drive on your valid home license together with an International Driver's License. Longer-term stays or residency would involve dealing with Vietnamese authorities about a local license. For a normal holiday or business trip, your home license plus the IDL is the combination officials expect to see.
Can I get an IDL at the last minute for Vietnam?
Arranging it before you fly is best, but E-ITA's application is entirely online, so you can still apply after arriving in Vietnam and receive your document digitally within minutes. Carrying the printed booklet remains the recommended practice, so apply ahead of time whenever you can.
Who can apply for an International Driver's License for Vietnam?
Any current holder of a valid national driver's license can apply through E-ITA for use in Vietnam. Because the IDL only translates a license you already hold, you must be a licensed driver first. The online process takes a few minutes and issues your documents digitally.
What travelers say
Reviews from verified E-ITA customers.
“The rental agent asked for an IDP with my license. I showed the digital copy from my phone and picked up the car with no issues.”
“The digital version arrived fast and worked at the rental counter. The printed booklet took five days to arrive, which was fine for my trip.”
“Applied from the airport with urgent processing and had the PDF before boarding. Exactly what I needed for my road trip.”
Ready to drive in Vietnam?
Apply in about 2 minutes — digital delivery in 8, printed booklet shipped worldwide.
