Applicants will fill and submit the required documents online and the new license will arrive within two hours. Photo: baodautu.vn

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — It will take drivers only two hours to renew their licenses using the online service portal of the Directorate of Roads for Viet Nam (DRVN), chinhphu.vn reports today.

But a DRVN official clarified that the new service would not apply to foreign drivers in Viet Nam.

According to Nguyen Van Quyen, DRVN deputy director, at the beginning, his office will pilot the online applications for license renewal using public administration service registration level 3, with which the applicant can fill and submit forms online.

Applicants will fill and submit the required documents online at gplx.gov.vn and bring their current drivers' licenses, personal health records and original drivers' license applications to the office at a set date and time. Their photos will be taken at the DRVN office and the new license will arrive within two hours.

"Applicants will be notified of their appointment by email. However, we are considering texting drivers about their appointments for their convenience, which will cost between VND2,000 to VND3,000 (US$0.09)," Quyen said.

He noted that there was no change in license renewal fees if done online, and would remain at VND135,000 ($6.5).

Quyen also expressed hopes that the DRVN would be able to transfer the online license renewal technology to local transportation departments nationwide by the second quarter of next year.

Quyen said the new service would allow the public and DRVN to save on time and reduce paperwork, thereby making the process more convenient for both the public and the directorate. — VNS