What do you need to prepare when converting your Japanese driver's license to Vietnam's? 7 important documents

While living and studying in Japan, many Vietnamese people have taken or been granted a legal driver's license. However, when returning to Vietnam, to be able to drive legally, you need to carry out the procedures. Convert Japanese driver's license to Vietnamese. Changing your license not only saves you time (no need to retake the test from the beginning), but also ensures that your driving is recognized by Vietnamese law. Below is all the detailed information from conditions, documents, procedures to important notes.

Conditions and documents required to convert Japanese driver's license to Vietnamese

To carry out the procedure of converting a Japanese driver's license to a Vietnamese one, you need to ensure that you have both sufficient legal qualifications and a complete set of documents according to regulations. If one of these two factors is missing, the process of converting the license will be prolonged or even rejected.

Conditions for Convert Japanese driver's license to Vietnamese

Before submitting your application, you need to make sure you meet the requirements. This is an important step to verify whether your driver's license is valid for exchange or not.

• Valid Japanese driver's license: Only valid, unexpired driver's licenses will be accepted.
• Applicants must be present in person: The procedure is not authorized, because you will be compared and photographed at the Department of Transport.
• Have a valid passport: To verify personal information and immigration procedures.
• Have residence papers in Japan: For example, a Zairyū card or a Juminhyo certificate, which proves that you have been legally licensed.
• Health requirements: Must have valid medical certificate confirming driving ability.

Necessary documents for the procedure of converting Japanese driver's license to Vietnamese one

Once you are qualified, the next step is to prepare your documents. Preparing all the documents from the beginning will help you save time and avoid having to go back and forth multiple times.

• Application for driving license exchange: According to the form issued at the Department of Transport.
• Original Japanese driver's license: Required for legality check.
• Notarized translation of Japanese driver's license into Vietnamese: Must be translated and certified by a competent authority.
• Passport: Attach notarized copy for comparison.
• Residence papers in Japan: Residence Card or Juminhyo.
• Health certificate: Issued by a competent medical facility.
• 3×4 or 4×6 ID photo: At the request of the Department of Transport of each locality.

5-step process to convert Japanese driver's license to Vietnamese

Once you have prepared all the necessary conditions and documents, you will proceed with the procedures at the Department of Transport (DOT). The entire process of converting a Japanese driver's license to a Vietnamese one usually takes place within 5-10 working days, following these steps:

Step 1: Prepare complete documents

First, make sure you have prepared the 7 necessary documents to avoid wasting time traveling.

• Valid Japanese driver's license.
• Notarized translation of driver's license into Vietnamese.
• Passport, Japanese residence card, health certificate, ID photo, license exchange application.

Step 2: Submit application to the Department of Transport

You need to go to the competent authority to submit your application directly.

• Submit to the Department of Transportation where you have a registered residence or temporary residence.
• The receiving officer will conduct a preliminary check and provide additional instructions if necessary.

Step 3: Verify and compare information

The authorities will verify the validity of the Japanese driver's license and related documents.

• Compare original driver's license with notarized translation.
• Check information on passport, residence card and health certificate.
• You may be asked to take a photo on the spot to include on your new driver's license.

Step 4: Pay the required fee

Once your application is approved, you will need to pay the license exchange fee.

• Fees range from 135.000 - 250.000 VND, depending on location.
• Pay the fee at the counter or finance office of the Department of Transport.

Step 5: Get a Vietnamese driver's license

After completing the procedures, you will be granted a Vietnamese driver's license corresponding to the license class in Japan.

• Processing time: About 5 – 10 working days.
• Form of receipt: Directly at the Department of Transport or by appointment.
• Vietnamese driving license is legally valid for you to drive vehicles in the country.

What is the procedure for transferring a driver's license from Vietnam to Japan different from converting a Japanese driver's license to a Vietnamese one?

Many people often confuse these two procedures, but in fact, converting a Japanese driver's license to a Vietnamese one and converting a Vietnamese driver's license to a Japanese one have distinct differences in terms of process, complexity and accompanying requirements:

Criteria	Convert Japanese driver's license to Vietnamese	Transfer Vietnamese driver's license to Japan
Implementing agencies	Department of Transport (DOT) in Vietnam	Japanese Driving Center (運転免許センター – Unten Menkyo Center)
Condition	Valid Japanese driver's license; the person exchanging must be present in Vietnam; have a passport and residence papers in Japan.	Valid Vietnamese driver's license; have a valid visa and residence card in Japan; prove the length of residence in Vietnam when issuing the license
Main profile	Original Japanese driver's license, notarized Vietnamese translation, passport, Japanese residence papers, health certificate, ID photo, application form	Original Vietnamese driver's license, Japanese translation (translated at JAF), passport, residence card, ID photo, health certificate
The Franchising Process	Submit application → Verify information → Pay fee → Receive Vietnamese driver's license	Submit application → Validity check → Theory test (10 multiple choice questions) → Possible practical test → Receive Japanese driver's license
Examination	No need to retake the test	Must take theory test; some places require practical test
Processing Time	5 – 10 working days	Longer, depending on location and exam schedule
Difficulty level	Simple, quick procedure	Complicated, requires Japanese and understanding of Japanese traffic laws
Treatment cost	License exchange fee: ~135.000 – 250.000 VND	JAF translation fee + exam fee + license fee: much higher

Important notes & practical experience when converting Japanese driver's license to Vietnamese

Although the procedure for converting a Japanese driver's license to a Vietnamese one is not too complicated, if you are not prepared or make a small mistake, your application may be returned and you may lose a lot of travel time. Below are some notes and practical experiences from those who have done the procedure:

• Check your license expiration date before renewing: Expired Japanese licenses will not be accepted for exchange to Vietnam. In this case, you will be required to retake the test in Vietnam.
• Notarized driver's license translation at reputable place: The translation must be absolutely accurate. If the information (name, degree number, degree class, etc.) is translated incorrectly, the application will be returned and you will have to start over.
• Prepare spare documents: You should photocopy and notarize at least 2-3 copies of important documents (passport, residence card, driver's license) to have time to supplement when requested by the officer.
• Submit application in the morning: Practical experience shows that going early helps you submit your application faster and avoid the crowded scene in the afternoon.
• Track your payment schedule by: It usually takes 5–10 business days. Some Departments of Transportation have an online application status check service, which you can check before coming to pick up.
• Prepare a photo in the correct format: Each locality may require a 3×4 or 4×6 photo with a blue/white background. Incorrect photos will delay processing.
• Ready to take photos directly at the Department of Transport: Some places will take your photo on the spot to print on your new driver's license, instead of using the photo you submit.

As you can see, the procedure for converting a Japanese driver's license to a Vietnamese one is not too complicated, but requires you to carefully prepare your documents and follow the correct procedures. Just make sure your driver's license is still valid, has an accurate notarized translation, and submits all 7 necessary documents, and you will quickly receive a legal driver's license to drive in Vietnam. If you have just returned from Japan, take the initiative to do this procedure early to feel secure when participating in traffic in Vietnam.