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How to Obtain Your Driver's License in Vietnam as a Foreigner

If you follow these steps carefully, it should be possible to obtain your driving license in 4 steps, separated over 4 days. 

Conditions:

  1. Temporary Resident Card (TRC)
  2. Valid Driver's License from your home country

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Translate Your Driver's License

  1. Find a certified translation service to translate your driving license. Residents of countries (including The Netherlands) can go this People Committee of District 3 (99-99A Trần Quốc Thảo, Phường 7, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh) or District 1 (45-47 Đ. Lê Duẩn, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 71003).
  2. Submit your driving license for translation at the notary desk (Phòng Công chứng). This typically takes 2-3 days. 
  3. Collect your translated driving license. The cost is minimal, under 100.000 VND.

Step 2: Complete a Medical Check

  1. Go for a medical check to Giao Thong Van Tai Hospital, 136 Cách Mạng Tháng Tám, Phường 12, Quận 10, Hồ Chí Minh
  2. Take a portrait picture with you 
  3. Best is to go at the end of the day (around 3:45 p.m.) to avoid queues. They are open until 4.30 p.m.
  4. The medical check includes a urine test; you will receive your results directly after you take the test

Step 3: Visit the Driving License Office

  1. Bring the following documents:
    • Medical check result
    • Translated driving license
    • Three copies of your TRC (both sides), passport bio page (both sides) and the latest stamp into Vietnam on a short-term visa (even if you have a TRC) 
    • Download and fill out this  necessary form
  2. At the driving license center:
    • Start at counter number one and present all your documents.
    • Ensure all documents are trimmed to size to avoid delays.
    • Make the payment of 135,000 VND.
  3. Wait for your turn to have your picture taken. The waiting time can be long. 
  4. Finalize your submission and receive a form indicating that you can pick up your new driving license in ten days.

Step 4: Pick up your driving license at the driving license office. 

Following these steps will help you navigate the process smoothly and efficiently.