Licences in Vietnam: which documents actually work

The licence question comes up in every conversation about renting or buying a motorcycle in Vietnam, and the answer given is usually wrong. Between "international permits work" and "international permits do not work" sits one detail that decides everything: which convention issued it.

Two conventions, only one of which counts

Vietnam recognises International Driving Permits issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention (Article 57 of Law No. 36/2024/QH15, in force since 1 January 2025). Permits issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention are not recognised unless Vietnam has a separate agreement with the issuing country.

In practice that means riders from countries that are party to the 1968 convention, such as Russia, Ukraine, Germany, France and the United Kingdom (which ratified it in 2018), hold a document that works. British riders need to ask for the 1968 version of the permit before they travel. Visitors from the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, where permits follow the 1949 convention, cannot ride on them in Vietnam.

South Korea is the exception. It is not a party to the 1968 convention, but a mutual recognition agreement has applied since 23 July 2023: a Korean international permit is valid in Vietnam for one year from the date it was issued.

The category matters too

Holding an international permit is not enough on its own: it has to carry the right motorcycle category. Since 1 January 2025 Vietnam has two motorcycle classes: A1 for bikes up to 125 cc or electric motors up to 11 kW, and A for anything more powerful. On a 1968 permit the A1 subcategory has the same 125 cc limit, so a 150 or 155 cc scooter needs the full A category.

The old split into A1 (50 to under 175 cc) and A2 survives only on Vietnamese licences issued before 2025. That is why older guides still quote 175 cc, but the figure does not apply to new licences or to foreign riders.

• A 1968-convention international permit plus your valid national licence
• A motorcycle category on the licence, not just the car category
• A category matching the engine capacity of the bike you are riding
• Both documents carried with you: the international permit alone is not valid

If you are staying long term

If you live, work or study in Vietnam, a valid national licence can be exchanged for the matching Vietnamese class. Under Circular 108/2026/TT-BCA (in force since 1 July 2026) you need a visa or temporary residence card with at least 90 days left and a notarised Vietnamese translation of your licence. You apply at a provincial Traffic Police Division or online through the National Public Service Portal. An international permit cannot be exchanged.

Rules and enforcement practice change, so confirm the current requirements before you travel. If you are unsure whether your documents cover a specific motorcycle, ask us before you book. It is cheaper than finding out at a roadside check.

For the article numbers, the fines in force and the exchange procedure step by step, read our full guide to the Vietnam driving license for foreigners.