Vietnam suspends online international driving permit issuance to overhaul system

By Ho Tan April 2, 2025 | 02:51 pm PT

An international driving permit (IDP) issued in Vietnam. Photo by VnExpress/Minh Hy

Vietnam will stop issuing international driving permits online until June amid a system overhaul.

Previously, drivers in Vietnam could obtain IDPs through an online portal managed by the Ministry of Transport by paying a fee of VND135,000 (US$5.26).

The administrative revamp in March saw the service being transferred to the Ministry of Public Security and the closure of the old portal.

The new online portal, operated by the traffic police department, only issues domestic driving licenses yet.

The Ministry of Public Security said it is working to restore online IDP services by June.

Until then people needing an international driving permit must apply directly at traffic police offices in Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang, Tay Ninh, Nghe An, Dong Nai, Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Thanh Hoa.

International driving permits allow holders to drive legally in 86 countries under the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, primarily across Asia and Europe, making them crucial for those traveling abroad by car.