Vietnam Public Security Ministry proposes halving driver’s license processing time

The Ministry of Public Security in Vietnam is consulting on a draft circular that would cut the time required to issue driver’s licences. The proposal reduces the standard issuance period from seven days to 3.5 days and shortens electronic data integration from three days to two hours. Renewal procedures would drop from five days to 2.5 days, with data integration cut to one day. Issuance of international licences would also be reduced from five days to 2.5 days.

The draft adds that licences may be issued electronically, with physical PET‑material licences provided only on request. It reorders the “address” field after “date of birth,” allows citizens with Level‑2 digital identity and health data to renew licences via the national e‑service portal or police apps, and sets photo requirements. Foreign nationals holding visas of 90 days or more could exchange their foreign licences for Vietnamese ones under specified document conditions. The ministry also plans to eliminate the separate application forms for driving tests and licence exchanges.