Before you start

A TRC or a valid visa showing lawful residence
Your original, valid foreign licence
A notarized Vietnamese translation of that licence

Step-by-step

1
Check what you're actually allowed to drive on
Vietnam recognizes only 1968 Vienna Convention IDPs. A US/Canada/Australia 1949 'Geneva' IDP is NOT valid here. If yours isn't a 1968 IDP, you need a Vietnamese licence to be legal.
In personWho: You——
2
Get a notarized translation + health certificate
Have your foreign licence translated into Vietnamese and notarized (a plain translation is rejected); get a basic health certificate from an approved clinic.
In personWho: You1–2 daysTranslation + clinic fee
3
Submit the conversion (đổi) application
Apply at the Department of Transport (Sở GTVT) or via the national public-service portal (dichvucong). Converting a valid foreign licence needs NO written or road test.
OnlineWho: You~5 working daysVND 135,000
4
Collect your Vietnamese licence
You receive a Vietnamese licence in the matching class. Confirm it covers the engine size you actually ride.
In personWho: You——

Documents you’ll need

TRC or valid visa
Original foreign licence
Notarized Vietnamese translation of the licence
Health certificate
Passport + photos
Application form

Things most newcomers don’t know

Your home IDP probably isn't valid here (1968 vs 1949).

Vietnam only honours 1968 Vienna Convention IDPs. The US, Canada, Australia and others issue 1949 Geneva IDPs — not recognized. Riding on one means you're unlicensed: fines, and insurance won't pay out after a crash.

Source: Vietnam Law Magazine + US Embassy guidance agree

No test to convert — it's a paperwork swap.

Converting a valid foreign licence needs neither a written nor a practical test, so the only real work is the notarized translation + health check.

Source: provider consensus

Match the licence class to your bike's engine size.

Plenty of expats ride 110–150cc bikes on a car-only or no licence. Make sure your converted licence (class A1/A2 for motorbikes) actually covers what you ride, or insurance is void.

Source: community-reported, verify

The translation must be notarized, not just translated.

A plain translation gets rejected — it must be notarized by a Vietnamese notary office (or a Vietnamese mission abroad) with a seal matching the original licence.

Source: provider

Common mistakes to avoid

Assuming a US / 1949 IDP makes you legal — it doesn't in Vietnam
Riding a motorbike on a car-class (or no) licence — insurance won't cover you
Submitting an un-notarized translation

Make it your personal checklist

Globe Quest turns this into a tracked, AI-personalized plan for Ho Chi Minh City — timed to your move date, with reminders so nothing slips. Free to start.