If your Cambodian driving licence is about to expire or has already expired, the renewal process depends on how long it has been expired.
1. Before Expiry
Status: Valid licence
Recommendation:
- Renew before the expiry date to avoid any penalties or complications.
Required Documents
- Original Cambodian driving licence
- Cambodian National ID (for Cambodian citizens) or passport and valid visa/residency documents (for foreigners)
- Physical fitness/medical certificate (available at many service centers)
- Passport-size photos (if required by the service center)
- Renewal fee
2. Expired for 30 Days or Less
Status: Standard renewal
According to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT):
- No late penalty if renewed within 30 days after the licence expires.
Required Documents
- Original expired licence
- Identification document
- Medical/fitness certificate
- Photos (if requested)
- Renewal fee
Renewal Fees
| Licence Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| A (Motorcycle) | 20,000 KHR |
| B, C, D, E | 30,000 KHR |
3. Expired for More Than 30 Days
If your licence has been expired for more than 30 days:
- A late renewal penalty may apply according to MPWT regulations.
- Additional administrative procedures may be required depending on the length of expiry and your circumstances.
- Contact your local MPWT office before visiting, as requirements can vary slightly.
1 Year Vs. 10 Year Validation & Document Require
There are two different types of Cambodian driving licences, depending on how you obtain them:
| Feature | 1-Year Licence | 10-Year Licence |
|---|---|---|
| How obtained | Exchange (convert) a valid foreign driving licence | Pass the Cambodian theory and practical driving tests |
| Validity | 1 year | 10 years (same as Cambodian citizens; shorter validity may apply for older drivers) |
| Driving test required | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Theory test | ❌ No | ✅ Required |
| Practical test | ❌ No | ✅ Required |
| Foreign licence required | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (can apply even without one) |
| Renewal | Every year | Every 10 years |
| Eligible for International Driving Permit (IDP) | ❌ Generally not | ✅ Yes, if other eligibility requirements are met. |
1-Year Licence (Licence Exchange)
This is the most common option for expatriates.
Requirements:
- Valid passport
- Valid Cambodian visa
- Valid foreign driving licence
- Residence certificate from the Sangkat/Commune
- Medical certificate
- Passport photos
- Certified translation if the foreign licence is not in English or French
Best for:
- Tourists staying long-term
- Expats who already hold a valid licence from their home country
- People who do not want to take the Cambodian driving test
10-Year Licence (Driving Test)
This licence is issued after successfully passing the official Cambodian driving examination.
Requirements:
- Passport
- Valid Cambodian visa
- Residence certificate
- Medical certificate
- Passport photos
- Pass both:
- Theory (written) test
- Practical driving test
Benefits:
- Valid for 10 years (subject to age-related rules)
- No annual renewal
- Can be used to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP), if eligible
Which should you choose?
- Choose the 1-year licence if you already have a valid foreign driving licence and want the quickest, simplest option.
- Choose the 10-year licence if you plan to live in Cambodia long-term, want to avoid yearly renewals, or need eligibility for an International Driving Permit.
Where to Renew
You can renew at:
- MPWT Headquarters
- AEON Mall Phnom Penh
- AEON Mall Sen Sok
- AEON Mall Mean Chey
- Olympia Mall
- Heritage Walk (Siem Reap)
- Provincial Departments of Public Works and Transport
Digital Driving Licence
Cambodia now also offers a digital driving licence through the DG SuperApp. It can be used alongside your physical licence and remains valid until the same expiry date as the physical card.
Tips
- ✔ Renew before your licence expires whenever possible.
- ✔ Bring both the original licence and your identification documents.
- ✔ Some service centers can issue the medical certificate on-site.
- ✔ Processing is often completed on the same day if all documents are in order.
Disclaimer
Requirements, fees, and renewal procedures may change. Always verify the latest information with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) before visiting.
Official Government Resources:
