Do You Need a License to Rent a Motorbike in Da Nang?
Short answer: under 50cc, no license at all. Over 50cc, you need either a Vietnamese license or a 1968 Vienna-format International Driving Permit (IDP) from a member country. Here's exactly how the rules work in 2026 — including the two cases travelers get wrong most often: Russia and South Korea.
50cc = No License
Anything up to 50cc (or electric up to 4kW) is a moped under Vietnamese law. No license, no IDP, no paperwork — riders just need to be 16 or older (Luật 36/2024, effective 1 January 2025).
Over 50cc = License or Vienna IDP
Vietnam recognizes only 1968 Vienna-format IDPs from member states (Thông tư 35/2024/TT-BGTVT, Article 45). Non-Vienna "permit" booklets don't count.
Fines Are Real
Riding 125cc+ without a license costs 2,000,000–4,000,000 VND (up to 125cc) or 6,000,000–8,000,000 VND (over 125cc) — Decree 168/2024/NĐ-CP, Article 18.
The rule, clearly
- • Up to 50cc (or electric up to 4kW) — moped. No license, no IDP, rider must be 16 or older (Luật 36/2024, effective 1 January 2025).
- • Over 50cc — a valid Vietnamese license, or a 1968 Vienna-format IDP plus your home license. No exceptions for tourists.
Which IDPs does Vietnam recognize?
Vietnam joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 20 August 2014 and recognizes Vienna-format IDPs issued by member states (Thông tư 35/2024/TT-BGTVT, Điều 45 — csgt.bocongan.gov.vn). There's one important exception: Vietnam and South Korea signed a bilateral mutual recognition agreement for international driving permits (effective 23 July 2023) that bridges Korea's Geneva-1949 IDP system with Vietnam's Vienna-1968 system. Under it, Korean IDPs are valid in Vietnam with conditions (see below).
Russia — your IDP works ✓
Russia is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention (as successor to the USSR's ratification), so Russian IDPs are Vienna-format and valid in Vietnam. Bring your home license plus your IDP and you can legally ride our 125cc+ scooters.
South Korea — your IDP works ✓ (since 23 July 2023)
This is the one that surprises people. South Korea signed the Vienna Convention on 29 December 1969 but never ratified it, so Korean IDPs are Geneva-1949 format. But Vietnam and South Korea signed a bilateral mutual recognition agreement for international driving permits (effective 23 July 2023 — baochinhphu.vn, Decision 163/QĐ-TTg) that bridges the two systems. Your Korean IDP (Class A = two-wheeled vehicles) is valid for motorcycles and scooters in Vietnam. Conditions: bring your valid Korean national driver's license together with the IDP, valid up to one year from entry, non-commercial driving only.
What happens if you're caught without a license?
Fines under Decree 168/2024/NĐ-CP (Nghị định 168/2024/NĐ-CP), Article 18 — thuvienphapluat.vn:
- • Bikes up to 125cc (or electric up to 11kW): 2,000,000–4,000,000 VND
- • Bikes over 125cc: 6,000,000–8,000,000 VND
On top of the fine, rental and travel insurance usually refuse to pay out if you were riding without a valid license. Not worth it — a 50cc costs about 150,000 VND/day.
Visa — a quick note
Citizens of 12 countries — including Russia and South Korea — get a 45-day visa exemption, in effect 15 March 2025 to 14 March 2028 (Resolution 44/NQ-CP of 7 March 2025 — vanban.chinhphu.vn). Visa rules and license rules are separate; both apply to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to ride a 50cc scooter in Da Nang?
No. Up to 50cc is a moped under Vietnamese law — no license, no IDP, no paperwork. Riders must be 16 or older (Luật 36/2024, effective 1 January 2025).
Is my Korean international driving permit valid in Vietnam?
Yes — since 23 July 2023. Vietnam and South Korea signed a mutual recognition agreement for international driving permits that bridges Korea's Geneva-1949 system and Vietnam's Vienna-1968 system (baochinhphu.vn, Decision 163/QĐ-TTg). Your Korean Class A IDP (two-wheeled vehicles) is valid for motorcycles and scooters in Vietnam. Bring your valid Korean national driver's license together with the IDP, valid up to one year from entry, non-commercial driving only. No IDP? Ride a 50cc moped (no license needed).
Is my Russian international driving permit valid in Vietnam?
Yes. Russia is a Vienna Convention party, so Russian IDPs are Vienna-format and valid in Vietnam for 125cc+ bikes.
What is the fine for riding without a license in Vietnam?
Decree 168/2024/NĐ-CP, Article 18 (thuvienphapluat.vn): 2,000,000–4,000,000 VND for up to 125cc, and 6,000,000–8,000,000 VND for over 125cc.
* License and IDP rules change. This page is information, not legal advice — check current rules with official sources before you travel. Full model list and prices: Da Nang motorbike rental prices.
No license? Ride legal on a 50cc
Free hotel & airport delivery, helmets included, no passport deposit.