Driving licence renewal in Vietnam
Renewing a Vietnamese driving license typically involves submitting an application and required documents to the Department of Transport. The process aims to ensure the driver still meets the necessary health and legal requirements.
It is generally advisable to initiate the renewal process at least a few weeks before the current license's expiry date. This allows sufficient time for appointment scheduling, document processing, and unforeseen delays that may occur at the Department of Transport.
Start 10 days ahead
This accounts for the typical processing time after all documents are submitted, as published by the Vietnamese Department of Transport. It does not include time for preparation or potential appointments.
The process
- 1Prepare all required documents, including the application form, medical certificate, and identification.
- 2Submit the application and documents to the relevant Department of Transport's Public Administration Service Center.
- 3Pay the renewal fee.
- 4If required, attend an interview or verification session.
- 5Receive a hẹn trả (appointment slip) for picking up the new driving license.
- 6Return on the specified date to collect the renewed driving license.
What to bring
- An application form for renewal of driving license (Đơn đề nghị đổi giấy phép lái xe)
- Original and copy of the current Vietnamese driving license (Giấy phép lái xe)
- Original and copy of national identity card or citizen identification card (Chứng minh nhân dân / Căn cước công dân) or passport for foreigners
- A health certificate issued by an authorized medical facility within the last six months (Giấy khám sức khỏe)
- Two 3x4 cm passport-sized photographs (Ảnh 3x4 cm)
Who handles it
Bộ Giao thông Vận tải (Ministry of Transport) / Sở Giao thông Vận tải (Department of Transport) of the relevant province or city
https://gplx.gov.vn/doi-bang-lai-xe.html
The fee for renewing a Vietnamese driving license is typically 135,000 VND. This fee is subject to change and should be confirmed with the Department of Transport at the time of application.
What commonly goes wrong
- Ensure the medical certificate is from an authorized health facility and is recent, usually within six months of the application date.
- Verify the specific requirements and operating hours of the provincial Department of Transport as they can sometimes vary slightly.
- For foreign nationals, additional documents like a valid visa or temporary residence card might be required, and the process for converting an international license may differ from renewing a Vietnamese-issued one.
- Check if an online application portal is available for your specific location, as this can sometimes streamline the initial submission process, though physical submission often remains necessary.
Sources
Other documents in Vietnam
Driving licence renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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