Reader Truong Doan Manh sent in a question regarding the International Driving Permit: I often travel abroad for work and need to move around quite a bit, but since I don’t have a local driver’s license, I’m not allowed to drive. Now that I’ve learned about international driving permits, I’d like to ask: What is an international driving permit? Where can I apply for one? And how do I exchange my current license for an international one?
Here’s our response to Mr. Manh’s inquiry:
What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
An IDP is an official document issued by the International Automobile Association that authorizes an individual to drive a motor vehicle in various countries.
The IDP is designed in a booklet format, similar to a passport, with text in English, French, Russian, Spanish, and the native language of the issuing country. It is recognized in 73 countries that are signatories to the 1968 Convention on Road Traffic (also known as the Vienna Convention).
Sample of an International Driving Permit issued in Vietnam
In Vietnam, there are two commonly issued types of IDPs: the IAA (issued by the International Automobile Association of the USA) and the IDP (issued by the Vietnam Road Administration). The IAA permit is accepted in 192 countries and territories, except for some cities in Japan and South Korea.
International Driving Permit issued by the International Automobile Association (IAA)
Regulations Regarding IDPs
An IDP issued by the Vietnamese government cannot be used within Vietnam as a substitute for a national driver’s license. When traveling abroad, individuals must carry both their IDP and their valid national driver’s license for verification. The IDP is only valid abroad when presented alongside the corresponding national license.
For foreign nationals residing in Vietnam, driving in the country requires a valid driver’s license from their home country along with an IDP (if they originate from a country that is a signatory to the Vienna Convention). Alternatively, they must undergo the process of exchanging their license for a Vietnamese driver’s license.
How to Exchange Your License for an IDP
In Vietnam, the Road Administration has implemented an online system for issuing IDPs, with the highest level of convenience allowing applicants to register and receive their permits at home.
The steps to obtain an IDP are as follows:
- Fill out the online application form and provide the address for delivery of the IDP.
- Make the necessary payments through the online payment gateway.
- Receive confirmation of your application via the registered email address.
- If the application is approved, the IDP will be delivered to the provided address.
The online application for an IDP can be accessed through the Vietnam Road Administration’s public services website.
Vietnamese citizens can exchange their national driver’s license for an International Driving Permit online.
To apply for an IDP, individuals must provide the following documents and information:
- A valid national driver’s license that is registered in the national driver’s license database.
- Photos of the front of the national driver’s license, passport (page with personal information and photo), and a passport-style photo with a blue or white background.
- Bank account details for online payment.
Lan Chau
