The shortage of printing materials for driver’s licenses has now been resolved, allowing Ho Chi Minh City to focus on issuing 150,000 pending licenses. The Transport Department has increased staff and extended working hours to ensure all pending licenses are delivered by the end of March.

Speaking with VietNamNet, Bui Hoa An, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport (DOT), confirmed that obstacles related to printing supplies - such as ink and intermediate films - have been largely overcome. Currently, the city has a backlog of 150,000 driver’s licenses awaiting issuance.

To meet demand, workers are now operating 12-hour shifts daily, processing approximately 4,000 licenses per day. Based on this pace, the city expects to issue all outstanding licenses by the end of March.

Overcrowding at licensing centers due to public rush

In recent weeks, large crowds have flocked to driver’s license centers, causing long wait times and overwhelming the system. The DOT has had to extend operating hours and increase staffing to handle the surge in applications.

Moving forward, licensing centers will prioritize applications for licenses that are set to expire within ten days. Residents with licenses that remain valid for a longer period are encouraged to delay their renewal process to reduce congestion.

The DOT advises the public not to panic over false information and to avoid unnecessary rushes to licensing centers. Instead, residents are encouraged to utilize online services for a more convenient and efficient application process.

When will the DOT stop handling driver’s license renewals?

Regarding the transition of licensing responsibilities to the Ministry of Public Security, the DOT confirmed that it is closely coordinating with relevant agencies to ensure a smooth handover. All necessary preparations for driver’s license testing and issuance have been completed, and the department is ready to transfer responsibilities whenever instructed.

“We will ensure that the transition does not disrupt or inconvenience residents and businesses. Until an official decision is made, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport will continue processing driver’s license applications as usual,” An emphasized.

Changes in driver’s license issuance process

Currently, the Directorate for Roads of Vietnam oversees driver testing and license issuance nationwide, while the DOT manages these processes at the provincial and municipal levels.

Under the new plan, applications submitted to DOT offices before February 19 will still be processed by the transport sector. However, for applications received from February 19 onward, responsibility for processing will shift to the Ministry of Public Security.

Ho Chi Minh City currently operates three driver’s license service centers:

252 Ly Chinh Thang, Ward 9, District 3

8 Nguyen Anh Thu, Trung My Tay Ward, District 12

111 Tan Son Nhi, Tan Son Nhi Ward, Tan Phu District (Tien Bo Traffic Vocational School)

Tuan Kiet