Vietnam issues Circular 12/2025/TT-BCA on exams, issuance of driving licenses: How much is the fee for issuing and renewing a motorcycle driving license in Vietnam?
Vietnam issues Circular 12/2025/TT-BCA on exams, issuance of driving licenses
Recently, the Ministry of Public Security issued Circular 12/2025/TT-BCA on February 28, 2025, effective from March 1, 2025, regulating the examination, issuance of driving licenses; issuance and use of international driving licenses. Compared to the Circular 35/2024/TT-BGTVT of the Ministry of Transport, Circular 12/2025/TT-BCA of the Ministry of Public Security has several new regulations.
View the full text of Circular 12/2025/TT-BCA... DOWNLOAD
From March 2025, the exams for issuing driving licenses will be conducted by the Traffic Police Department of the provincial police with the following changes:
- According to Circular 12/2025/TT-BCA, the examination content for categories A1, A, B1 driving licenses includes both a theoretical and practical test section. If a candidate does not pass the theoretical test, they can still proceed with the practical test. In cases where candidates pass one of the two sections (theoretical or practical), these results will be retained for one year.
For vehicle driving license categories, candidates must complete all four exams sections: theory, traffic situation simulation, practical test within a structured environment, and road driving. Achieved sections will be retained for one year, while failed sections can be retaken. Particularly, if candidates bring phones, communication devices into the theory, simulation exam room, or test vehicle, or engage in any fraudulent activities that could alter results, they will be disqualified and their examination results annulled.
- Exemption from the theory exam for holders of a car driving license:
+ According to new regulations, holders of a valid car driving license will be exempt from the theoretical test when obtaining a motorcycle driving license category A1 (for vehicles up to 125cm³ or electric vehicles up to 11kW) and category A (for vehicles over 125cm³ or electric vehicles over 11kW).
Previously, only candidates for an A1 license (under 175cm³) were exempt from the theoretical test if they already had a car license; candidates for an A2 license (over 175cm³) had to complete the full exam. However, with the new Circular, the exemption policy now applies to category A as well.
- Circular 12/2025/TT-BCA of the Ministry of Public Security stipulates that the Traffic Police Department will issue driving licenses to individuals who pass the examination within 7 working days from the examination's conclusion.
The electronic driving license will be integrated into the electronic data system and electronic identification accounts within 3 working days from the examination's conclusion.
If a driving license is less than one month expired and the holder cannot complete the exchange formalities due to illness, natural disaster, fire, or epidemic, the holder is not required to retake the theory exam.
If a driving license is less than one year expired (even if just over one day), a theoretical exam is required to issue a new driving license according to the regulations.
If a driving license is expired for one year or more, both the theoretical and practical tests within a structured environment and on-road driving are required for issuing a new driving license, with no need for simulation exams.
Vietnam issues Circular 12/2025/TT-BCA on exams, issuance of driving licenses (Image from the Internet)
How much is the fee for issuing and renewing a motorcycle driving license in Vietnam?
Based on Clause 2, Article 3 of Circular 37/2023/TT-BTC (amended by Article 8 Circular 63/2023/TT-BTC), the fee rates for driving licenses are prescribed as follows:
Fee Rates
- The fee for driving tests; the fee for issuing operational licenses and certificates for vehicles; and the registration fee for specialized motorcycles are prescribed in the Schedule of Fees issued with this Circular.
- For organizations and individuals submitting applications for new, re-issuance, or exchange of licenses (national and international) via online methods:
a) From December 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025, the fee is 115,000 VND per issuance.
b) From January 1, 2026, onwards, the fee rates are as prescribed in the Schedule of Fees issued with this Circular.
Thus, the fee for issuing and renewing a motorcycle driving license is:
- From December 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025: the fee for issuance and renewal is 115,000 VND per issuance;
- From January 1, 2026, onwards, the fee for issuance and renewal is as prescribed in the Schedule of Fees issued with Circular 37/2023/TT-BTC. To be specific:
| No. | Fee/Levy Name | Unit | Fee Amount (VND) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Registration fee, specialized construction vehicle license plate issuance fee | ||
| a | Initial issuance, temporary issuance, re-issuance, exchange of registration certificate with license plate | Per unit/vehicle | 200,000 |
| b | Re-issuance, exchange of registration certificate without license plate | Per unit/vehicle | 50,000 |
| c | Issuance of registration certificate with temporary license plate | Per unit/vehicle | 70,000 |
| d | Re-engraving of chassis number, engine number | Per unit/vehicle | 50,000 |
| 2 | Fee for issuance of operational licenses and certificates for vehicles | ||
| New, re-issuance, exchange of driving licenses (national and international) | Per issuance | 135,000 |
Who pays the fees for motorcycle driving licenses in Vietnam?
Based on Clause 1, Article 2 of Circular 37/2023/TT-BTC, the person responsible for paying the fees for motorcycle driving licenses is prescribed as follows:
The fee payer is the organization or individual submitting an application to the authorities specified in Clause 2, Article 2 of Circular 37/2023/TT-BTC for the following fee-related activities:
+ Issuance of registration certificate, specialized motorcycle license plate.
+ Issuance of operational licenses and certificates for vehicles.
+ exams for issuance of a motor vehicle driving license.
