Certified Translation of Driver's Licence (Vietnamese)
A Vietnamese driver's licence is translated for licence conversion or exchange abroad and is sometimes used as supporting ID. I translate it into English and sign a certificate of accuracy confirming the rendering is complete and correct. As the translator I certify the translation; I am not a notary, and USCIS does not require notarization.
Drivers moving abroad who want to convert or exchange their Vietnamese licence, and applicants who need an extra piece of identity evidence, often have to submit the licence in English. A certified translation presents the licence class, number and dates clearly, with a note explaining how Vietnamese classes relate to local ones.
What it is
A Vietnamese driver's licence (Giay phep lai xe) is issued by the transport authority and authorizes the holder to drive specific vehicle categories. The classes run from A1, A2 and A3/A4 for motorcycles and small vehicles through B1, B2 and C up to D, E and the F-series (FB2, FC, FD, FE) for larger and combination vehicles. The card shows the holder's name and photo, the licence number, the class or classes held, the date of issue and the validity or expiry date, and the issuing authority. Newer licences are machine-printed plastic cards.
When you need a certified translation
A certified English translation is needed when a foreign licensing authority asks for the Vietnamese licence as part of a conversion or exchange, or when an institution accepts it as supplementary identity evidence. Where USCIS or another body accepts the licence as supporting ID, a certified translation with a signed certificate of accuracy is sufficient and notarization is not required. Foreign driver-licensing agencies set their own conversion rules, so the translation supports, but does not replace, their assessment of your licence class.
Key fields, and how each is handled
| Field | How it is handled |
|---|---|
| Full name and date of birth | The holder's name is transcribed with diacritics and spelled to match the passport and other documents. |
| Licence number | The licence number is transcribed exactly, character for character, because licensing agencies verify it against the original. |
| Class / category (e.g. A1, B2, C, FC) | I keep the original Vietnamese class code and add a translator's note explaining what it covers, because Vietnamese classes do not map one to one to foreign categories. |
| Date of issue | The issue date is rendered unambiguously to avoid any day-month confusion. |
| Validity / expiry date | The expiry date is written clearly so the licensing authority can confirm the licence is current. |
| Issuing authority | The issuing transport authority is named as printed on the licence. |
Common pitfalls on this document
Classes do not map one to one
Vietnamese licence classes such as A1, B2 or FC do not correspond exactly to foreign categories. I keep the original code and add a translator's note describing what it authorizes, leaving the equivalency decision to the local authority.
Licence number transcribed exactly
The licence number must match the card precisely, since agencies cross-check it. I transcribe it character for character without altering format.
Dates rendered unambiguously
Issue and expiry dates can be misread under different date conventions. I write them so the validity period is unmistakable.
🏛 Who accepts it
A certified English translation of a Vietnamese driver's licence is used by foreign driver-licensing agencies for conversion or exchange, and is accepted as supporting identity evidence by various institutions and, where it serves as supplementary ID, by USCIS. These bodies rely on the translator's signed certificate of accuracy; for USCIS, notarization is not required, and the local licensing authority makes the final class-equivalency decision.
Send a scan of your driver's licence for an exact price and turnaround, usually within 10 minutes.
✉ Request a quoteFAQ
Will my Vietnamese licence class convert directly to a foreign one?
Not automatically. Vietnamese classes do not map one to one to foreign categories. I keep your original class code and add a translator's note explaining it; the local licensing authority decides the equivalent category.
Does the translation need to be notarized?
No. A certified translation with a signed certificate of accuracy is what authorities look for. For USCIS, where the licence is used as supporting ID, notarization is not required.
Can I use my translated licence as identity evidence?
Yes, it is often accepted as supplementary ID. The certified translation presents your name, licence number and dates clearly so the reviewer can rely on it.
How are the dates and licence number handled?
The licence number is transcribed exactly, character for character, and the issue and expiry dates are written unambiguously so the validity period is clear.
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⏱ Typical response within 10 minutes