Skip to content
World Driving Permit

🇻🇳 Do you need an IDP to drive in Vietnam?

IDP required· the 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 1 May 2026

Key facts

IDP validity
Up to 3 years, or until your licence expires
Driving side
Right-hand
Minimum driving age
18+ years

Short answer

Yes — to drive in Vietnam you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. Vietnam recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, so yours must come from your own country's authorised issuer under that convention. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required.

Driving in Vietnam: the rule explained

Vietnam only recognizes 1968-convention IDPs — and only from countries that are also 1968 signatories. US license holders (1949-only country) cannot legally drive on an IDP and need a local conversion.

Renting a car in Vietnam

Scooter rentals are informal, but driving without recognized licensing voids insurance and can be a serious problem in accidents.

Motorcycles & scooters: Motorbikes over 50cc require an A-category endorsement on a 1968 IDP.

What to carry when driving in Vietnam

  • Original driving license (physical card)
  • Passport with valid visa/entry stamp
  • Translation companion or certified translation of your license
  • Proof of insurance covering the destination
  • 1968-convention IDP (check your country is a 1968 signatory)
Print / save this checklist (PDF)

Check your exact trip

Get a tailored answer for your licence country, dates and vehicle.

Translation companion

A certified, multi-language translation of your licence to carry alongside it. It is not an IDP and does not replace one.

Vietnam: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Vietnam?
Yes — to drive in Vietnam you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. Vietnam recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, so yours must come from your own country's authorised issuer under that convention. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required. Vietnam only recognizes 1968-convention IDPs — and only from countries that are also 1968 signatories. US license holders (1949-only country) cannot legally drive on an IDP and need a local conversion.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Vietnam?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Vietnam read your licence, but where Vietnam requires an IDP it must be one issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Always carry your original national licence with it.
What do I need to rent a car in Vietnam?
Scooter rentals are informal, but driving without recognized licensing voids insurance and can be a serious problem in accidents.
Which IDP convention does Vietnam use?
Vietnam recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Make sure your IDP is issued by your own country's authorised issuer under the matching convention.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Vietnam?
Because Vietnam follows the 1968 Vienna Convention, an IDP is valid for up to three years, or until your national licence expires — whichever comes first. The permit is only valid alongside your original national licence, and it cannot be renewed — you apply for a new one from your home country's authorised issuer when it lapses.
What is the minimum age to drive in Vietnam?
Visitors generally need to be at least 18 to drive in Vietnam; car-rental companies often set a higher minimum age and add a young-driver surcharge. Always confirm the age terms with your specific rental provider.

Official sources

Need a real, government-recognised IDP? How to get an IDP from an authorised issuer.

Driving to Vietnam from your country

In-depth driving guides

Real-world driving and IDP guides for popular trips:

Requirements for other countries