What you need to know before you drive in Vietnam
Vietnam recognizes an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your valid home country license, but the IDP alone is not enough — you must carry both documents together. Vietnam does not issue its own IDP; you obtain one from your home country before you travel. The IDP is a translation of your domestic license into multiple languages and is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request.
If you plan to rent a car or motorcycle in Vietnam, the rental company will ask for your home country license and your IDP. Police may also request both if you are stopped. Without the IDP, you risk fines or having your vehicle impounded, even if your home license is valid.
Key Takeaways
- You must obtain your IDP from your home country's automobile association or licensing authority before traveling to Vietnam — Vietnam does not issue IDPs.
- An IDP is valid for one or three years and must be carried at all times alongside your original home country driver's license.
- The process and cost vary by country; the United States charges around $20 for a three-year IDP, while the United Kingdom charges £5.50 for a one-year permit.
- Rental companies in Vietnam will not rent to you without both your home license and a valid IDP.
- An IDP does not replace your home license or grant you the right to drive in Vietnam — it is a translation document that works only when paired with your original license.
How to get an IDP from your home country
The process depends on where you hold your driver's license. Most countries issue IDPs through their national automobile association, motor vehicle department, or equivalent authority. You typically explore in person, by mail, or online, depending on your country's system.
In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Express Travel Service both issue IDPs. You need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and a completed process form. The three-year IDP costs approximately $20 and can be issued the same day at many AAA offices, or by mail within one to two weeks.
In the United Kingdom, you explore through the Post Office or DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). You need your valid UK license, a passport-sized photo, and the completed process form. A one-year IDP costs £5.50 and takes five to ten working days by post.
In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues IDPs for around CAD $20. In Australia, the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) and the Australian Automobile Association handle IDP applications. Check your country's automobile association website for the exact process, fees, and processing time before you travel.
What documents you need to bring to Vietnam
You must carry your original home country driver's license and your valid IDP together at all times while driving in Vietnam. Rental companies will not hand over a vehicle without both documents. If you are stopped by police, you are required to show both.
Your IDP is not a standalone license — it is a translation document that is only valid when paired with your original license. If your home license has expired, your IDP is also invalid, even if the IDP itself has not yet expired.
Keep photocopies of both documents in a separate location in case of loss or theft. Some travelers also carry a certified translation of their license into Vietnamese, though this is not required by law and rental companies do not typically ask for it.
Driving rules and requirements specific to Vietnam
Vietnam requires all drivers to carry a helmet at all times, whether you are driving a car or riding a motorcycle. Helmets must meet Vietnamese safety standards. Rental companies provide helmets with motorcycles, but the quality varies.
You must also carry proof of vehicle registration and proof of third-party liability insurance. Rental companies provide both when you rent. Driving is on the right side of the road. Speed limits are typically 50 km/h in cities, 60–80 km/h on rural roads, and 100–120 km/h on highways, though enforcement varies.
Vietnam has strict drunk-driving laws. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05 percent, and penalties include fines, license suspension, and imprisonment. Traffic accidents involving foreigners can result in vehicle impoundment and legal complications, so drive defensively and avoid driving at night if possible.
What happens if your IDP expires while you are in Vietnam
If your IDP expires during your stay, you cannot legally drive. You cannot renew an IDP in Vietnam — you must return home or contact your country's embassy or consulate to arrange an extension or replacement, which is time-consuming and may not be possible.
Plan your trip so that your IDP remains valid for the entire duration of your stay, plus a buffer. If you are staying longer than expected, arrange a new IDP before you travel or plan to stop driving.
Renting a car or motorcycle in Vietnam with an IDP
Rental companies in Vietnam — whether international chains like Hertz or local operators — will ask for your home country license and IDP before handing over keys. Some companies also ask for an international credit card and a cash deposit. Read the rental agreement carefully; liability coverage and damage waivers vary widely.
Motorcycle rentals are common and inexpensive, but accidents are frequent. may support your travel insurance covers motorcycle rental, as many policies exclude it. Some travelers choose to hire a driver instead of renting, which costs $30–$60 per day and removes the legal and safety risk of driving in unfamiliar conditions.
What to do if you are stopped by police
If a police officer stops you, remain calm and polite. Present your home country license and IDP when ready. Do not hand over your documents; let the officer examine them while you hold them. Speak slowly and clearly, or use a translation app on your phone if you do not speak Vietnamese.
If you are cited for a traffic violation, ask for a written citation and the officer's name and badge number. Do not pay fines on the spot; ask how to pay through official channels. If you believe the stop was unjustified, contact your country's embassy or consulate. Keep a record of the incident, including the time, location, and officer details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive in Vietnam with just my home country license and no IDP?
Technically, some countries have bilateral agreements with Vietnam that allow their citizens to drive on a home license alone, but this is rare and enforcement is unpredictable. Rental companies will almost certainly refuse to rent to you without an IDP. Carrying an IDP removes all doubt and is inexpensive, so obtain one before you travel.
How long does it take to get an IDP before I travel?
Processing times vary by country. In the United States, AAA can issue an IDP the same day in person or within one to two weeks by mail. In the UK, the Post Office takes five to ten working days. explore at least two weeks before your trip to allow for delays or mail delivery time.
What if my IDP is lost or stolen in Vietnam?
You cannot drive legally without it. Contact your country's embassy or consulate when ready to report the loss and ask about emergency replacement options. In the meantime, stop driving. Some embassies can issue a temporary document, but this is not may provide and may take several days.
Do I need travel insurance that covers driving in Vietnam?
Your home country car insurance may not cover rentals in Vietnam, and motorcycle rentals are often excluded. Check your policy before you travel. If you plan to rent, purchase additional coverage from the rental company or a travel insurance provider that explicitly covers vehicle rental in Vietnam.
Is an IDP the same as a Vietnamese driver's license?
No. An IDP is a translation of your home license and is valid only while you carry your original license. It does not grant you permanent driving rights in Vietnam. If you plan to live or work in Vietnam long-term, you must obtain a Vietnamese driver's license through the local Department of Transport.