How to Renew Your Vietnamese Driver’s License: A Comprehensive Guide

“Safe driving is your responsibility.” You’ve probably heard this saying many times. And one of the key factors to ensure safety when participating in traffic is having a valid driver’s license. So, when do you need to renew your Vietnamese driver’s license? What is the renewal process? This article will answer all your questions about the car driver’s license renewal procedure in detail and in the easiest way to understand.

When Do You Need to Renew Your Vietnamese Driver’s License?

According to current regulations, you need to renew your car driver’s license in the following cases:

• Expired Driver’s License: A car driver’s license is valid for 5 years for cars carrying up to 9 people, trucks, tractors of all kinds with a tonnage of under 3,500 kg, and specialized vehicles with a tonnage of under 3,500 kg; 3 years for cars carrying 10 or more people, trucks, tractors of all kinds with a tonnage of 3,500 kg or more, and specialized vehicles with a tonnage of 3,500 kg or more; 2 years for people aged 70 or older.
• Damaged or Lost Driver’s License: A driver’s license is torn, blurred, unreadable, lost, etc.
• Change of Personal Information: Change of name, address, need to upgrade driver’s license class, etc.

Detailed Car Driver’s License Renewal Process

1. Prepare Your Documents

You need to prepare the following documents:

• Application for driver’s license renewal (using the standard form). You can download the form online or obtain it directly from the driver’s license issuing authority.
• Original driver’s license (if available).
• Valid Citizen Identity Card/Passport (certified copy).
• Health certificate as prescribed. You can have a medical check-up at hospitals or clinics licensed by the Ministry of Transport.
• Two 3×4 photos (taken within the last 6 months).
• Other documents (if any): Confirmation of personal information change, documents proving exemption or reduction of fees, etc.

2. Submit Your Application

You can submit your car driver’s license renewal application at the following locations:

• In Hanoi: Hanoi Department of Transport (No. 16 Cao Ba Quat, Ba Dinh) or authorized driving training centers.
• In other provinces/cities: Department of Transport of the province/city where you reside.

3. Fees and Processing Time

• The fee for renewing a car driver’s license ranges from 135,000 to 235,000 VND depending on the license type.
• The processing time for a driver’s license renewal is within 5 working days (excluding holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays), from the date of receipt of a complete and valid application.

Expired Vietnamese Driver's License

Frequently Asked Questions about Driver’s License Renewal

1. Where can I renew my car driver’s license in Hanoi?

You can renew your car driver’s license at the Hanoi Department of Transport (No. 16 Cao Ba Quat, Ba Dinh) or authorized driving training centers such as Thai Phong Driving Training Center in Cau Giay, Tien Bo Driving Training Center in Long Bien, etc.

2. My driver’s license has been expired for 1 year, can I renew it?

Absolutely. However, you may be subject to an administrative penalty for driving with an expired license.

3. I want to upgrade my driver’s license from class B1 to class C, what is the procedure?

You need to participate in a driver’s license upgrade course at an authorized driving training center, then follow the driver’s license renewal procedure as regulated.