Losing or misplacing important documents, such as your driver’s license, is an all-too-common occurrence. However, not everyone knows how to handle this situation promptly and effectively.
Many people feel confused and unsure about what to do when they lose their driver’s license and are unsure of how and where to get a replacement. That’s why we’re here to help clear all your doubts!
1 Validity Period of Different Types of Driver’s Licenses
Validity periods for different licenses
According to Circular No. 12/2017/TT-BGTVT, the validity periods for different types of driver’s licenses are as follows:
For motorcycles:
- Class A1 (valid indefinitely): This is the most basic driver’s license category, allowing holders to drive motorcycles with cylinder capacities ranging from 50cc to under 175cc.
- Class A2 (valid indefinitely): This license permits the holder to drive motorcycles with cylinder capacities of 175cc and above, in addition to the vehicles covered by the Class A1 license.
For automobiles:
- Class B1 (valid until retirement age): Authorizes the driving of cars with up to 9 seats and trucks or tractors with a trailer, provided their total weight is under 3.5 tons.
- Class B2 (valid for 10 years): Covers the same vehicles as Class B1 and allows for commercial transportation, provided the total weight is under 3.5 tons.
- Class C (valid for 5 years): In addition to the vehicles covered by Class B1 and B2 licenses, this license authorizes the driving of vehicles with a total weight of 3.5 tons or more.
- Class D (valid for 5 years): Allows for the driving of passenger cars with 10-32 seats, as well as the vehicles covered by Class C.
- Class E (valid for 5 years): This license is for driving passenger cars with more than 30 seats, in addition to the vehicles covered by Class B1, B2, C, and D.
2 Procedures for Replacing a Lost or Misplaced Driver’s License
Step 1 Prepare the Necessary Documents for a Replacement Driver’s License
There are different procedures depending on the validity of your license:
If your driver’s license is still valid and has expired for no more than 2 months (less than 3 months):
- Refer to Clause 2, Article 36 of Circular No. 12/2017/TT-BGTVT.
- Submit a standard request form for a new driver’s license.
- Provide a health examination report.
- Submit a copy of your ID card (Citizenship Identification Card).
- Provide photographs and pay the prescribed fees.
If your driver’s license has expired for more than 3 months:
- For licenses expired between 3 months and 1 year: Retake the theoretical exam.
- For licenses expired for more than 1 year: Retake both the theoretical and practical exams.
- Prepare the exam application as per the prescribed standard form or sample.
- According to Clause 6, Article 36 of Circular No. 12/2017/TT-BGTVT, the time limit for issuing a new driver’s license is a maximum of 10 working days from the date of completion of the exam.
Procedures for obtaining a replacement driver’s license
Step 2 Submit the Application and Required Documents
Submit your application and documents either online or in person at the Vietnam Road Administration or the Provincial Department of Transport.
The receiving officer will process your application and guide you through the necessary steps. You may be required to present additional documents for verification.
Step 3 Pay the Prescribed Fees
As per Circular No. 188/2016/TT-BTC, the fees for obtaining a replacement driver’s license are as follows:
- Replacement fee: VND 135,000 per license.
- Driver’s license exam fee:
- For motorcycle licenses (Class A1-A4): VND 90,000, including both theoretical and practical exams.
- For automobile licenses (Class B1, B2, C, D, E, F): VND 450,000, including theoretical, practical, and on-road driving tests.
Step 4 Receive Your Replacement Driver’s License
- Collect your new driver’s license from the Vietnam Road Administration or the Provincial Department of Transport.
3 Guide to Online Driver’s License Renewal
Step 1 Register on the Website of the Vietnam Road Administration
Website registration page
- Locate the “Public Service for Driver’s License Renewal” on the website.
- Choose your preferred handling agency: the Provincial Department of Transport of your residence or the Vietnam Road Administration.
- Provide complete and accurate information as required.
Step 2 Submit Your Application for Driver’s License Renewal Online
Guidance for filling out the online form
- Complete the online application for driver’s license renewal.
- Provide details of your current driver’s license.
- If all the required information is provided, you can proceed with the renewal. Otherwise, you will need to follow the traditional offline process.
- You can apply for both motorcycle and automobile licenses simultaneously.
Further guidance for completing the online form
Step 3 Check the Status of Your Application
- You can check the status of your application on the website where you registered.
- If your application status shows “Confirmed,” it means your application has been approved.
- If you cannot find any information about your application, it means your application has been rejected. In this case, you will need to correct any errors and resubmit your application.
Additional guidance for completing the online form
Step 4 Receive Your Renewed Driver’s License
- Once your application has been processed, you will be notified to confirm an appointment and bring your ID card for verification when collecting your renewed driver’s license.
Make sure to bring the following documents as requested by the licensing authority:
- A standard request form for driver’s license renewal or replacement.
- A copy of your current driver’s license.
Receiving the new driver’s license and paying the fee
We have provided you with detailed information about the different types of driver’s licenses, as well as the procedures for replacing and renewing your license online. Be sure to bookmark this article for future reference! Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more informative articles on our website.
