International Driving Permit

For clients who frequently travel overseas for business, tourism, family visits or short-term stays, an International Driving Permit may be a useful supporting document when they need to rent and drive a vehicle in the destination country or territory.

However, the use of an International Driving Permit depends on the regulations of each country, the type of permit issued, the permitted vehicle categories and the accompanying national driver’s license. Therefore, before using it, clients should carefully check the rules of the destination country or territory.

What Is an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit, commonly abbreviated as IDP, is an international driving document issued under an international road traffic convention to which Vietnam is a member.

Under Circular No. 12/2025/TT-BCA, an IDP is an A6-sized booklet with security features and a grey cover. It contains the driver’s basic information and permitted vehicle categories in multiple languages. The vehicle categories stated in the IDP correspond to those recorded on the national driver’s license.

An IDP does not replace a passport, visa or national driver’s license. When using an IDP overseas, the driver is generally required to carry a valid national driver’s license together with the IDP for presentation when requested.

Why Should You Have an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit may support clients in the following situations:

• Making it more convenient to rent a self-drive vehicle overseas;
• Helping present permitted vehicle categories in multiple languages;
• Providing greater flexibility when traveling for business, tourism or short-term stays;
• Reducing language-related issues when dealing with car rental companies, insurance providers or local authorities overseas.

Note: An IDP is only valid in countries or territories that recognize the relevant type of permit, and it must be used for the correct purpose, vehicle category and validity period. An IDP issued by Vietnam is not valid for use within the territory of Vietnam.

Is Nhị Gia’s International Driving Permit Support Service Reliable?

Nhị Gia supports clients in checking eligibility, preparing documents and carrying out the International Driving Permit application procedure based on each specific case.

When using Nhị Gia’s service, clients receive support with:

• Reviewing the existing national driver’s license;
• Advising on the appropriate permit type and scope of use based on the intended destination country or territory;
• Guiding the preparation of documents, photos and personal information;
• Monitoring the application progress;
• Advising on key points when using an IDP overseas;
• Providing transparent cost consultation before implementation.

The actual completion timeline will be advised after Nhị Gia reviews the dossier, driver’s license type, intended destination and specific client requirements.

Note: When driving overseas, clients should always carry both the International Driving Permit and their valid national driver’s license.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is an International Driving Permit valid for?

The validity period of an International Driving Permit depends on the type of permit issued, the validity of the national driver’s license and the regulations of the destination country or territory.

For an IDP issued under the 1968 Convention on Road Traffic, the validity generally cannot exceed the validity of the national driver’s license. Before using it, clients should check the regulations of the destination country or territory to avoid situations where the IDP is not accepted or is only accepted under certain conditions.

In which countries can an International Driving Permit be used?

An International Driving Permit may be used in countries or territories that recognize the relevant type of permit under the applicable international convention. It should not be assumed that one type of International Driving Permit is automatically valid in all countries.

Before traveling overseas, clients should check whether the destination country or territory recognizes the IDP, whether the national driver’s license must be carried together with it, and whether there are any usage limits for short-term visitors.

What documents should I prepare for Nhị Gia to support an International Driving Permit application?

In general, clients should prepare:

• A valid national driver’s license;
• Passport-sized photos as required;
• Specimen signature;
• Necessary personal information such as address, phone number and email;
• Passport or residence documents if required for information verification;
• Other documents depending on the type of International Driving Permit and the specific case.

Nhị Gia will review the dossier and advise on the exact list of required documents before proceeding.

Please contact Nhị Gia via Hotline 1900 6654 for consultation and support.