IDP 1968 Vietnam: Is It Valid for Driving Motorbikes?

If you’re planning to ride a motorbike in Vietnam, one question comes up again and again:

👉 Is IDP 1968 valid in Vietnam?

The short answer is: Yes — but only if it meets specific conditions.

@anhkhoa.hoian

Most tourists get this wrong 😳 Not all international licenses work in Vietnam! ✔ Only IDP 1968 is valid ❌ IDP 1949 = not accepted No IDP? No problem 👇 Ride 50cc or electric bikes — legal & easy 🇻🇳 👉 Rent your ride today at hoianit.com Motorbike | Electric motorbike | E-bike | Bicycle 📍 Anh Khoa Hoi An #idp1968 #motorbikerentalhoian

♬ original sound – Anh Khoa – Hoi An – Anh Khoa – Hoi An

Not all “international driving permits” are accepted here, and this is where many travelers get confused.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how IDP 1968 works in Vietnam, what documents you need, and how to avoid common mistakes when renting a motorbike.

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What Is IDP 1968?

IDP 1968 stands for International Driving Permit under the 1968 Vienna Convention.

It is not a standalone license. Instead, it is a translation of your original driving license, allowing you to drive legally in countries that recognize this convention — including Vietnam.

👉 Important:

You must always carry:

• Your IDP (1968 version)
• Your original driving license

Without both, your IDP is not valid.

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Is IDP 1968 Valid in Vietnam?

Yes, Vietnam officially recognizes IDP issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention.

This means you can legally ride a motorbike in Vietnam if:

• Your IDP is the 1968 version
• It is still valid
• You carry your original license
• Your license matches the vehicle type

👉 For example:

If you want to ride a motorbike over 50cc, your license must allow it.

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Does Vietnam Accept All International Driving Permits?

❌ No. This is a common mistake.

Vietnam does NOT accept all types of international driving permits.

Only the IDP 1968 (Vienna Convention) is officially recognized.

👉 This means:

• IDP 1949 → ❌ Not accepted
• Fake or online “international licenses” → ❌ Not valid
• Documents from unofficial organizations → ❌ Not valid

Many travelers get fined simply because they didn’t check this in advance.

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What Documents Do You Need in Vietnam?

To legally ride a motorbike in Vietnam, you should carry:

• Your passport
• Your IDP 1968 (original)
• Your original driving license
• Rental documents (provided by the rental shop)

👉 Missing any of these can lead to fines or insurance issues.

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Can You Ride Any Motorbike with IDP 1968?

❌ No. Your license must match the vehicle.

Even with a valid IDP, you can only ride:

• Vehicles allowed by your license category

👉 For example:

• If your license doesn’t cover motorbikes, you cannot legally ride one
• If it does, you can ride motorbikes over 50cc

This is another mistake many travelers make.

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What If You Don’t Have IDP 1968?

No worries — you still have options 👇

If you don’t have a valid IDP, you can still legally ride:

• 50cc motorbikes
• Electric motorbikes
• E-bikes and bicycles

These are perfect for:

• Exploring Hoi An Old Town
• Riding to An Bang Beach
• Short and relaxed trips

👉 Easy, safe, and no license required.

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Common Mistakes Tourists Make

Here are the top mistakes travelers make in Vietnam:

1. Using the wrong IDP

Many people have IDP 1949 or unofficial versions.

2. Not carrying the original license

IDP alone is not enough.

3. Choosing the wrong bike type

Your license must match the vehicle.

4. Assuming “no one checks”

Traffic police in Vietnam do check documents.

5. Renting without asking first

Always send your license to the rental shop before booking.

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Final Answer: Can You Use IDP 1968 in Vietnam?

✅ Yes, you can use IDP 1968 in Vietnam

But only if:

• It is issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention
• You carry your original license
• It matches the vehicle type

Otherwise, it is not considered valid.

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🚀 Rent Your Ride in Hoi An

If you’re not sure which bike suits your license, it’s always best to ask first.

👉 Rent your ride today at hoianit.com

Motorbike Rental | Electric motorbike | E-bike | Bicycle

📍 Anh Khoa Hoi An

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❓ FAQ – IDP 1968 Vietnam