日本人がベトナムで合法的に運転するには何が必要ですか？

Everyone riding a motorbike in Vietnam needs two things: a domestic motorbike license and a 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP). For Japanese riders, getting the first one sorted is straightforward — it’s the second one that trips people up, in exactly the same way it does for Americans, Canadians or New Zealanders.

The 1949 and 1968 International Driving Permit

There are two IDP conventions in use internationally — the 1949 Geneva Convention and the 1968 Vienna Convention — and Vietnam only recognises the 1968 version.

Japan is party to the 1949 convention, not the 1968 one, and is explicit about this in both directions: Japan’s own guidance states that IDPs “issued in accordance with other treaties (such as the 1968 Vienna Convention) are not valid in Japan,” and correspondingly, the IDP Japan issues to its own residents is a 1949 Geneva permit. That means the standard IDP a Japanese rider gets before travelling is not valid in Vietnam.

Should You Still Get the 1949 IDP?

Yes — it’s still worth getting, even though it’s not technically valid in Vietnam. Most local police outside of specific hotspots won’t know the difference between a 1949 and a 1968 IDP, and it’s useful to have for other countries on a longer trip.

You can apply for it in person at your prefecture’s Driver’s License Center (renewals can be done at a local police station). You’ll need your valid Japanese driving license, photo ID, a passport-style photo, and proof of upcoming travel. It costs around ¥2,350 plus a small fee if you need a photo taken there, is usually issued the same day, and is valid for 1 year from the date of issue.

For the version Vietnam actually requires, a digital 1968 IDP is the practical option, since Japan doesn’t issue an official one. These typically cost under $50 online, but you’ll need the physical booklet shipped to you — a phone-only copy won’t satisfy a police check, though it may be enough for some insurers. Best practice is to travel with both: your official Japanese 1949 IDP and a digital 1968 IDP.

Domestic License & Japan’s Motorcycle Classes

Japan’s motorcycle licensing is split into more tiers than most countries, based on engine displacement:

•         Gentsuki (原付) — up to 50cc, minimum age 16. A standard Japanese car license automatically covers this class too.
•         Small standard (小型限定普通二輪) — over 50cc up to 125cc, minimum age 16
•         Standard (普通二輪) — over 125cc up to 400cc, minimum age 16
•         Large (大型二輪) — 400cc and up, unlimited, minimum age 18

Vietnam’s system is simpler — just A1 (50–125cc) and full A (anything over 125cc). The small standard class maps to Vietnam’s A1. Both the standard and large classes map to Vietnam’s full A, since Vietnam doesn’t split anything above 125cc into further tiers the way Japan does.

Worth knowing if you only hold a car license or a Gentsuki-only endorsement: Vietnam doesn’t require any license at all for a 50cc bike, so that combination effectively translates to “no license needed” here rather than mapping onto A1. It’s a solid option if you don’t hold a motorcycle license above Gentsuki — just not suited to a long cross-country trip.

Where You’re Likely to Be Checked

The Ha Giang Loop is where document checks actually happen, and police there specifically know the difference between a 1949 and a 1968 IDP. Elsewhere in Vietnam, checks are far less common. Riding without valid documents typically results in a fine of 2–3 million VND (roughly $80–120 USD), though we’ve heard of fines as high as 7 million VND.

Travel Insurance

Check directly with your travel insurance provider on what they actually require — some only ask for a valid domestic motorbike license regardless of your IDP situation, while others are stricter. Don’t assume; confirm before you travel.

Summary: What Japanese Riders Need

•         A Japanese motorbike license matching your engine size (standard or large class for anything over 125cc)
•         Your standard Japanese 1949 IDP (worth getting, even if not officially valid in Vietnam)
•         A digital 1968 IDP as the practical way to cover Vietnam’s actual requirement
•         Confirmation from your travel insurer on what they require

Need a Motorbike for Your Vietnam Trip?

Not sure exactly what your license covers, or what you’ll need to rent with us? Get in touch — WhatsApp, email, or through our website — and we’ll help you sort it out before you arrive. Style Motorbikes — your adventure starts here.