Roaming ASEAN on Two Wheels: The ASEAN License

Updated 03/01/26

Southeast Asia has some of the most scenic locations in the world. It also has some of the most motorcycle dense locations, too. The two are often combined and travelling through ASEAN countries by motorbike can be a dream.

If you hold a motorcycle license from an ASEAN nation, you will be pleased to know that there is an agreement in place to make your two-wheeled adventures much smoother. That is: your license is valid in all 9 other ASEAN member nations.

To see the bigger picture, note that this post is part of our Vietnam Motorcycle Legal Vault, where you can access our full library of legal advice and rider requirements.

The ASEAN Agreement: A Rider's Best Friend

The ten member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

Brunei
Cambodia
Indonesia
Laos
Malaysia
Myanmar
the Philippines
Singapore
Thailand
Vietnam

have a special arrangement. They’ve signed an agreement to honor each other’s driving licenses. This means that if you possess a valid motorcycle license issued by any ASEAN member country, it should, in principle, be recognized in all other ASEAN member countries.

This agreement is a huge boon for regional travelers, simplifying what could otherwise be a complicated process of obtaining multiple local licenses.

Key Details and Important Considerations

While the general rule is acceptance, there are a few crucial points to keep in mind:

1. English as a Lingua Franca:

The primary proviso for your ASEAN license to be easily accepted is that it should have English on it. English serves as a common language throughout the region, and having your license details in English will significantly ease interactions with traffic police or rental agencies.

If your license is solely in your national language, you might encounter difficulties, and an official translation might be required.

2. The Role of the International Driving Permit (IDP):

While technically not always necessary when using an ASEAN license within ASEAN, applying for an IDP to accompany your ASEAN license is highly recommended. Many traffic officers, especially in countries like Vietnam, may still ask for an IDP out of habit or lack of full awareness of the ASEAN agreement.

Having an International Driving Permit (IDP) will almost certainly make your interactions smoother and prevent potential misunderstandings or delays, even if it’s not strictly required by the letter of the ASEAN law. It’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.

3. No Translation Needed (Technically):

Despite what some traffic police might insist, your ASEAN license generally does not need to be translated with a certified copy in Vietnamese (or any other local language) if it’s in English. The agreement is designed to streamline this.

However, getting this point across clearly in a roadside situation might depend on the individual officer and your communication skills. This is another reason why an accompanying IDP can be beneficial.

4. Local Laws and Regulations Still Apply:

While your license is recognized, remember that you must adhere to the local traffic laws, regulations, and road etiquette of the country you are visiting. This includes speed limits, helmet laws, parking rules, and understanding local driving customs.

5. Insurance:

Always ensure you have appropriate travel and vehicle insurance. While the license agreement simplifies legality, it doesn’t cover insurance implications in case of an accident. Double, Triple-check, get it in writing from your insurer that you are covered because you will be driving legally.

6. Obtaining a Vietnamese License

For long-term visitors or residents with a valid visa of at least three months, it’s possible to get a Vietnamese driving license.
For short-term tourists, this process is generally not feasible.

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Your ASEAN Motorcycle License in Vietnam (and other ASEAN countries)

Specifically for Vietnam, as highlighted in the previous text:

Your ASEAN License is honoured
Having English on your license is crucial.
An IDP is highly recommended to avoid hassle with traffic police, even if technically not required for an ASEAN license.
You might encounter officers who incorrectly insist on a Vietnamese translation, but this is not officially necessary if your license is in English.

In other ASEAN countries, similar principles apply. For instance, in Thailand, a valid ASEAN license in English is generally accepted. However, carrying an IDP often makes the process even smoother.

FAQ

1. Do I need to get my ASEAN license translated into the local language of the country I'm visiting?

No, if your ASEAN license has English on it, an official translation is generally not required according to the ASEAN agreement. However, individual officers might sometimes request it; an IDP can help mitigate this.

2. What if my ASEAN license is not in English?

If your license is solely in your national language, you might face difficulties. It’s advisable to obtain an official translation or an IDP if your national licensing body provides IDPs that include translations.

3. What about insurance when riding in another ASEAN country?

The ASEAN license agreement covers the legality of your driving permission, not insurance. Always ensure you have adequate travel and vehicle insurance that covers you for riding a motorbike in the specific country you are visiting.

4. Can I rent a motorbike with just my ASEAN license?

Most reputable rental shops will accept your ASEAN license, especially if it’s in English. However, they might also ask for your passport as a deposit or a cash deposit. It’s always best to choose reputable rental companies.

5. What type of motorbike can I ride with my ASEAN license?

Your ASEAN motorcycle license typically allows you to ride the same class of motorbikes you are licensed for in your home country. For instance, if your license permits you to ride only scooters up to 150cc, you should adhere to that limit in other ASEAN countries.