Safety + Legality
How to Get or Convert a Vietnamese Motorcycle Licence
For many short-stay visitors, using the correct recognised foreign-licence route is simpler than applying for a Vietnamese driving licence. For longer-stay foreigners who qualify, however, converting an existing foreign licence can be a useful way to establish a local driving entitlement.
The rules and responsible authorities have changed in recent years, so older advice that sends applicants to former Department of Transport offices or relies on pre-2025 A1/A2 categories may now be out of date.
This guide explains the current practical routes and the documents you should expect to prepare. Requirements can change, so confirm the final checklist with the competent traffic-police licensing authority before submitting an application.
Who May be Able to Convert a Foreign Licence
Current Ministry of Public Security rules provide a conversion route for qualifying foreigners who live, work or study in Vietnam, hold a valid foreign national driving licence, and have the required qualifying residence or official-status documents.
The current rule lists diplomatic or official identity documents, or a temporary or permanent residence card valid for at least three months. Do not describe a simple tourist visa as automatically sufficient for conversion.
The key point is that licence conversion is not a tourist shortcut for everyone. A short visit does not automatically make you eligible, and holding a foreign licence does not guarantee that every category will transfer.
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What Documents Should you Expect to Prepare
The current procedure requires the application under the Ministry of Public Security process, the valid foreign national licence, supporting identity/residence documents, and a certified Vietnamese translation of the foreign licence. A health certificate may be required depending on the conversion route; check the current procedure before filing.
Your foreign licence must be valid. Authorities may also require a Vietnamese translation or other supporting documentation depending on the licence and the current procedure.
Applications are now handled through the Ministry of Public Security system, including Traffic Police intake points, designated commune-level police intake points and the National Public Service Portal. The current published processing time is five working days once a valid file is accepted, with a licence-issue fee of 135,000 VND.
Which Motorcycle Category will you Receive
Vietnam’s current motorcycle categories are A1 and A.
A1 covers two-wheeled motorcycles up to 125cc or electric motorcycles up to 11kW. Category A covers motorcycles above those thresholds and also covers A1 motorcycles.
Conversion should reflect the entitlement that can lawfully be recognised from the licence you already hold. A car-only foreign licence should not be expected to produce a motorcycle entitlement.
If you need a motorcycle category that your home licence does not contain, you may need to follow the applicable Vietnamese testing route rather than a simple conversion.
Conversion Vs Taking a Vietnamese Test
Conversion
This is the logical route when you already hold a valid foreign licence and meet the current conversion requirements.
Testing
Where conversion does not provide the required motorcycle entitlement, a Vietnamese test may be relevant if you are eligible to apply.
The exact testing process, health requirements, language arrangements and fees can change. Treat any fixed fee or test-format figure online as something to verify before relying on it.
For most short-term travellers, conversion or testing should not be presented as the obvious route if their existing documents already support legal riding.
Practical Steps Before you Apply
First, decide whether you actually need a Vietnamese licence. If a recognised IDP or ASEAN route already covers your trip, conversion may add unnecessary administration.
Second, check that your foreign licence is valid and that the motorcycle entitlement is clear.
Third, check your current immigration/residence status against the current conversion rules.
Fourth, confirm the competent office or public-service process before preparing translations, health documents or photographs.
Finally, keep copies of everything submitted and check the validity period printed on the Vietnamese licence when it is issued.
FAQ
Can a tourist convert a foreign licence in Vietnam?
Do not assume so. The current conversion rule is framed around foreigners living, working or studying in Vietnam with a valid foreign national licence and qualifying residence or official-status documents.
Do I need a Temporary Residence Card?
A temporary or permanent residence card valid for at least three months is one of the main qualifying routes for ordinary foreign applicants. Diplomatic and official identity documents are also recognised. A short tourist stay should not be presented as automatically qualifying.
Can I convert a car licence into a motorcycle licence?
You should not expect conversion to create a motorcycle entitlement that your existing licence does not contain.
Are Vietnamese motorcycle licences still A1 and A2?
The current system uses A1 and A. Older pre-2025 licences continue under transitional rules.
Does having a Vietnamese licence guarantee my travel insurance covers motorcycle riding?
No. A valid licence can satisfy one important policy condition, but insurance still depends on the specific policy terms, motorcycle, activity and circumstances.
Choose the Legal Route that Fits your Stay
A Vietnamese motorcycle licence can be useful for qualifying long-term foreign residents, but it is not the only legal route for riding in Vietnam.
Start by checking whether your existing licence can be used through a recognised IDP or ASEAN route. If you need a local licence, confirm the current Ministry of Public Security procedure and prepare the documents for the route that applies to you.