Procedures for reissuing driving licenses in Vietnam (latest update)

Procedures for reissuing driving licenses in Vietnam (latest update) (Internet image)

Regarding this matter, LawNet would like to answer as follows: 

On May 10, 2024, the Ministry of Transport issued Decision 545/QD-BGTVT on the announcement of amended and annulled administrative procedures related to road transport under the management of the Ministry of Transport.

Procedures for reissuing driving licenses in Vietnam (latest update)

(1) Procedures:

(1.1) Submitting application:

- Individuals with lost driving licenses or expired driving licenses submit dossiers requesting the reissuance of driving licenses to the Department of Transport.

(1.2) Processing:

* In case of expired driving licenses

- Individuals with driving licenses that expired for more than 3 months but less than 1 year must retake the theoretical test; those with driving licenses that expired for more than 1 year must retake the theoretical test and practical driving test.

- The reissuance of driving licenses should be completed within a maximum of 10 working days from the end of the examination period, and the driving license should be returned after the individual has paid the driving license issuance fee.

* In case of lost driving licenses with remaining validity or expired driving licenses within 3 months

- When applying for the reissuance of driving licenses at the receiving office of the Department of Transport, the driver must provide a direct photograph and present the original documents for verification (except for those already submitted). After a period of 2 months from the date of submitting the complete documents, taking the photograph, and paying the prescribed fee, if no driving license is found to be held by competent authorities or mentioned in the examination management agency's records, the driving license will be reissued.

- Within 5 working days from the date of the reevaluation of the driving license, the Department of Transport will reissue the driving license and return it to the driver after they have fulfilled the obligation to pay the driving license issuance fee. If the driving license is not reissued, a clear reason must be provided.

* In case of lost driving licenses with an expired validity of more than 3 months, mentioned in the examination management agency's records, they are not held by competent authorities for inspection or processing:

- After a period of 2 months from the date of submitting the complete and valid documents according to regulations, the driver must retake the examination:

+ For driving licenses expired for more than 3 months but less than 1 year, the driver must retake the theoretical test.

+ For driving licenses expired for more than 1 year, the driver must retake the theoretical and practical driving test.

- The reissuance of driving licenses should be completed within a maximum of 10 working days from the end of the examination period, and the driving license should be returned after the individual has paid the driving license issuance fee.

(2) Document composition and quantity:

(2.1) Document composition:

* In case of expired driving licenses

- Application form for renewing (reissuing) driving licenses according to the prescribed form.

- Copy of temporary residence card or permanent residence card or diplomatic identity card, or official identity card for foreigners.

- Health examination certificate for drivers issued by authorized medical establishments according to regulations.

* In case of lost driving licenses with remaining validity or expired driving licenses within 3 months

- Application form for changing (reissuing) driving licenses according to the prescribed form.

- Original documents corresponding to the driving license (if available).

- Health examination certificate for drivers issued by authorized medical establishments according to regulations, except for the reissuance of driving licenses without time limits for grades A1, A2, A3.

* In case of lost driving licenses with expired validity of more than 3 months, mentioned in the examination management agency's records, they are not held by competent authorities for inspection or processing:

- Application form for renewing (reissuing) driving licenses according to the prescribed form.

- Original copy of the lost driving license (if available).

- Copy of temporary residence card or permanent residence card or diplomatic identity card, or official identity card for foreigners.

- Health examination certificate for drivers issued by authorized medical establishments according to regulations.

(2.2) Quantity of documents: 01 set.

(3) Processing time:

- In case of reissuing lost driving licenses with remaining validity or expired driving licenses within 3 months:

+ After a period of 2 months from the date of submitting the complete documents, taking the photograph, and paying the prescribed fee, if no driving license is found to be held by competent authorities or mentioned in the examination management agency's records, the driving license will be reissued.

+ Within 5 working days from the date of the reevaluation of the driving license, the Department of Transport will reissue the license and return it to the driver after they have fulfilled the obligation to pay the driving license issuance fee. If the driving license is not reissued, a clear reason must be provided.

- In case of reissuing expired or lost driving licenses with an expired validity of more than 3 months, the reissuance of driving licenses should be completed within a maximum of 10 working days from the end of the examination period, and the driving license should be returned after the individual has paid the driving license issuance fee.

More details can be found in Decision 545/QD-BGTVT, which comes into force from May 10, 2024.

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