No products in the cart.
A guide on converting your international or foreign driving license to a Laos license.
Who Needs to Convert Their License?
Visitors holding an International Driving Permit (IDP) valid under the 1968 Vienna Convention can drive in Laos for up to 90 days. After this, the law requires license conversion for continued driving privileges. This rule applies to diplomats, workers, students, and long-term expats who want to avoid fines or confiscation during road checks.
The Lao government requires that your foreign driving license be officially verified by the embassy or consulate of your home country in Laos. This authentication confirms that your license is legitimate and valid, preventing fraud or fake documents.
Embassies of major countries such as France, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Australia provide this service. Check with your embassy for processing times and fees.
Once authenticated, you must have your foreign license translated into the Lao language. This must be done through an official translation service recognized by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport or authorized language translation centers in Vientiane.
The translation is crucial because Lao traffic police and licensing offices require documentation in the official language to process your application.
Take the following documents to the Department of Public Works and Transport office in your province or city:
Your original foreign driving license
Embassy verification certificate
Official Lao translation
Valid passport and visa/residence permit
Completed application form (available at DPWT or online where applicable)
Photographs (passport size)
Medical certificate (issued within the last 6 months)
Applications in Vientiane generally take around 5–10 business days for processing. Some provinces may offer faster service depending on staffing and digital capacity.
In some cases, applicants may be required to pass a short written or practical driving test, especially for heavy vehicle licenses or if the foreign license is not from a country with reciprocal agreements with Laos.
However, many countries’ licenses are recognized without further tests, particularly those from ASEAN member states or countries with licensing agreements.
Fees vary depending on the license category but are generally between 100,000 to 200,000 LAK. Pay at the DPWT office when you receive your new license. Licenses are usually valid for 5 years before renewal.
Always carry both your foreign license and converted Laos license while driving until the foreign license expires.
Keep your residency or work permits valid to avoid legal complications in driving and licensing.
The Lao government is actively working to digitize licensing processes, so check for updates on online submissions and renewals.
Converting your foreign driving license to a Laos license is essential for staying compliant with Lao driving laws and enjoying hassle-free mobility. Following steps for embassy verification, translation, and DPWT application ensures a smooth transition to legal driving status in Laos.
Navigating transport regulations as a foreigner can be complex. At CITS Laos, we offer guidance and digital services to simplify government procedures, including driving license conversions and e-government services. Visit cits.la to learn more and get expert assistance.