Why has the online issuance of international driving permits been temporarily suspended?
Online issuance of International Driving Permits (IDPs) is temporarily suspended until June 2025 due to the transfer of management from the Ministry of Transport to the Ministry of Public Security. Citizens need to submit applications in person at the relevant authorities.
Previously, citizens could easily register for an International Driving Permit (IDP) online through the Ministry of Transport's public service portal. However, since March 2025, after the Ministry of Public Security took over management, the old service portal has ceased operation.
Meanwhile, the new system at dvc4.gplx.gov.vn, operated by the Traffic Police Department, currently only supports exchanging domestic driver's licenses and does not yet integrate the function of issuing International Driving Permits (IDPs).
Therefore, the Ministry of Public Security is developing an online IDP issuance platform and expects it to be operational by June 2025. During this time, citizens can directly submit their applications to agencies such as the Traffic Police Department and the Traffic Police Divisions of the Public Security Departments in major provinces and cities.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by Vietnam under the 1968 Vienna Convention is valid in 86 countries, mainly in Asia and Europe. It is an important document for those who need to legally drive when traveling, working, or studying abroad.
The maximum validity period for an IDP is 3 years, but it cannot exceed the remaining validity period of the domestic driving license. If the domestic driving license is only valid for 2 years, the IDP will also only be valid for 2 years. When renewal is needed, citizens must exchange their domestic driving license for a new one first.
Although IDPs are valid in many countries, some countries, such as Japan, do not recognize them. In such cases, people can opt for an international driving license issued by the International Automobile Association (IAA).
The IAA license has a wider scope of use and is recognized in 192 countries. However, this is not a license issued by a government agency; individuals need to register themselves through the IAA website or intermediary services, at a cost ranging from 1.5 to 3 million VND, depending on the validity period from 1 to 20 years.
The temporary suspension of online IDP issuance may cause inconvenience, but people can still apply in person at the relevant authorities. While waiting for the online system to be fully implemented, those who need to drive abroad should proactively complete the procedures or find suitable alternative options to ensure a smooth journey.
