How Can Americans Drive Legally in Vietnam?

If you’re an American planning to ride or drive in Vietnam, you’ll need to make sure you have the right documents.
Just like every nationality, you must have two things to drive legally in Vietnam:

1. A 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP) with the A stamp for motorbikes

2. A valid domestic motorbike license

However, there’s one big problem for Americans – the U.S. only issues the 1949 IDP, not the 1968 version that Vietnam recognizes.

The 1949 and 1968 International Drivers Permit

There are two international driving conventions – the 1949 and the 1968.
Some countries, like the UK, recognize both. Others, like Vietnam and the U.S., recognize only one:

• Vietnam recognizes only the 1968 IDP

• The United States issues only the 1949 IDP

This means that the official American IDP is not valid in Vietnam.

🚦 Should You Still Get the 1949 IDP?

Yes, you should still get it.
Even though it’s not technically valid in Vietnam, most local police won’t know the difference between the 1949 and 1968 versions. Having one may help you avoid fines and will often be required by your travel insurance provider.

In addition, there are online services that claim to provide a 1968 IDP. While these are not official U.S. government documents, hard copy versions are often accepted in Vietnam.
 

Digital-only versions are not valid.

If you plan ahead, the safest option is to:

• Get your official 1949 IDP in the U.S. before you travel

• Order a 1968 IDP (hard copy) online
  Having both gives you the best chance of being fully covered and accepted on the road.

Domestic Drivers License

In Vietnam, there are two main categories of motorbike licenses:

• A1 License – for bikes up to 125cc

• A License – for any motorbike

In the U.S., licenses are typically marked M or M1, which is equivalent to a full motorbike license.
If you only have a car license, you cannot legally ride a motorbike in Vietnam.

Where are you likely to be checked?

The Ha Giang Loop is the most common place for license checks.
Police here are familiar with the difference between 1949 and 1968 IDPs, so you must have the correct paperwork.

If you ride here without a valid IDP, expect:

• A fine of 2–3 million VND (about $80 – 120 USD)

• Possible confiscation of your bike or being stopped from continuing your trip

Make sure you have both versions (1949 and 1968 hard copy) before riding the Ha Giang Loop.

Travel Insurance

Every insurance company has its own requirements for motorbike coverage abroad.
Many will only cover you if you have the proper license and IDP, even if police accept your documents locally.

Always confirm with your insurer:

• Whether they cover riding in Vietnam

• Whether they require a 1968 IDP

• What engine size or license class your coverage allows

Summary

If you’re an American traveler planning to ride a motorbike or drive in Vietnam, make sure you have all three essential documents:

1. Your domestic U.S. motorbike license (M or M1)

2. A 1949 International Driving Permit (issued officially in the U.S.)

3. A 1968 International Driving Permit (hard copy from a trusted online provider)

Even with these, there are still gray areas – but this combination gives you the best legal protection, insurance coverage, and peace of mind while exploring Vietnam by motorbike.

Need a Motorbike for Your Vietnam Trip?

At Style Motorbikes, we help riders from around the world – including many Americans – navigate the license and IDP requirements for Vietnam.
We can also advise on the best routes, insurance options, and bike rentals for your trip.

[Contact us today] to plan your Vietnam motorbike adventure safely and legally.