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Expired documents abroad: what to do?

Many overseas Vietnamese wonder whether they can renew their driver’s license or identity papers once expired.

Driver’s license
Under the 2008 Road Traffic Law and the 2024 Road Traffic Safety Law, class C driver’s licenses are valid for a fixed term. When expired, renewal is mandatory. The requirements depend on how long the license has lapsed:

  • Less than 1 month overdue: if due to force majeure (illness, natural disaster, fire, epidemic), no theory test is required, but supporting documents are needed.

  • Less than 1 year overdue: theory test is required.

  • 1 year or more overdue: both theory and practical driving tests (on track and on road) are required.

All testing and renewal procedures follow Circular 12/2025/TT-BCA. If testing is required, the license holder must return to Vietnam in person.

Citizen ID card
Since July 1, 2024, under the 2023 Citizen Identification Law, expired ID cards (CMND) are no longer renewed. Holders must apply for a new Citizen ID card. This process requires biometric data collection (facial image, fingerprints, iris scan), which can only be done in person at a competent police office.

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Applications can be filed at the commune-level police where the applicant has permanent or temporary residence, or at the provincial-level administrative police office. If the national population database has missing or incorrect records, officers will update the data before issuing the new card. Applicants should bring passports or old ID cards for verification.

Conclusion
Vietnamese citizens abroad can obtain a new driver’s license and a Citizen ID card, but both procedures require physical presence in Vietnam.

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