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Driving in Vietnam: IDP and foreign-license requirements

The Ha Giang loop and the coast road from Hoi An are two of the best rides in Asia, and Vietnam is also one of the few countries where a translation of your license genuinely does not solve the problem.

Not valid — official IDP only

Do you need an IDP for driving in Vietnam?

Vietnam recognises only the 1968-convention international permit issued by a government-authorised body in your home country, and only alongside a license class that matches your vehicle. Private translations: ours included; have no standing at Vietnamese checkpoints or with insurers.

That's why we don't sell for Vietnam. If your country issues the 1968 IDP (most of Europe does), get it from your automobile association before flying. If you hold a US, Canadian or Australian license (1949-only countries), there is no fully legal scooter path in Vietnam short of a Vietnamese license conversion.

Renting a car in {country}

Shops in Hanoi, Hue and Ho Chi Minh City will rent you a scooter with no questions; that has no bearing on legality. Travel insurance is the trap: after an accident, insurers routinely deny claims from riders without the official 1968 permit and a motorcycle class.

If you're stopped

Checkpoints on the Ha Giang loop specifically screen foreign riders in high season. Without the official permit, expect the bike held and a fine; with it, stops are quick. There is no document we could sell you that changes this, so we won't.

Top drives in Vietnam

  • Ha Giang Loop — the north's karst canyon circuit (official 1968 IDP + A class required)
  • Hai Van Pass — the ocean-cloud pass between Hue and Da Nang
  • Da Lat pine highlands — French-era switchbacks and waterfall spurs

Vietnam questions, straight answers

Why do other sites sell 'IDPs for Vietnam'?

Because the checkout doesn't check the law. A private translation has no legal standing in Vietnam regardless of who sells it or what stamp is printed on it. We'd rather lose the sale than sell you a fine.

Does the 1968 IDP make scooter riding legal for me?

Only if your home license includes a motorcycle class. A car license plus a 1968 permit still doesn't cover a Honda Win. That combination: motorcycle class + official permit; is the legal minimum.

What about the 'blue card' Vietnamese license conversion?

For stays over 3 months with the right visa, converting to a Vietnamese license is the robust option; agencies in Hanoi and HCMC handle it in about a week. For a two-week trip it's not realistic.

Is a car with driver a sensible alternative?

For most itineraries, yes; inter-city driver hire in Vietnam is inexpensive by Western standards, and it moves the legal and traffic risk entirely off you.

Guidance reviewed August 2026. Rules change: confirm current requirements with local authorities or your rental company before you drive.

Do you need an IDP for driving in Vietnam?

We don't sell what doesn't work. For Vietnam, authorities accept only the official permit issued in your home country. Get that instead; here's how:

Get the official 1968-convention permit from the automobile association in your license country (usually same-day at a counter, roughly $15–30). EU/UK licenses: your national AA/ADAC/ACL equivalent. US/CA/AU licenses: your countries issue only the 1949 permit, which Vietnam does not recognise, consider a car with driver, or a Vietnamese license conversion for long stays.

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