Vietnam is one of the most compelling countries in Southeast Asia to drive through — the Ha Giang loop, the mountain pass between Da Nang and Hoi An, the red sand dune roads near Mui Ne. Vietnam's traffic law does not recognize the standard international IDP for motorbikes above 50cc. To legally ride above 50cc in Vietnam, you technically need a Vietnamese driving licence or a foreign licence specifically recognized by Vietnam. For cars, the standard IDP process applies if your home country has a bilateral agreement with Vietnam. This legal complexity is important to understand clearly before renting anything. An IDP is still a critical document to carry in Vietnam — rental companies, hotels arranging transport, and some documentation points will accept it for lower-powered vehicles and car rentals. The situation varies by province and officer, which is precisely why having a fully valid IDP from a recognized provider matters. Apply online, get your digital IDP on WhatsApp within 2 hours, physical booklet delivered before departure.
Driving International Association (DIA) is a private independent travel documentation support platform providing International Driving Permit (IDP) assistance and multilingual translation support services. DIA is not affiliated with any government authority, RTO, DMV, or licensing agency. Travelers should verify local regulations independently and always carry a valid domestic driving license.
Before renting any motorbike above 50cc in Vietnam, check whether the specific rental shop holds a tourist rental licence. Licensed shops in Ha Giang, Hoi An, and Da Nang are legally permitted to rent to foreign tourists under a different regulatory framework. Riding from an unlicensed shop without proper documentation is where most travelers run into serious documentation point problems.