Driver's licence in Cambodia

In 3 bullets

• No automatic recognition of the French licence — beyond a few weeks, you need a Cambodian licence.
• Direct exchange possible for FR licence holders (category B): 120,000 KHR (≈ 30 USD), no exam, in 1 to 2 weeks.
• The international driving permit (IDP) is tolerated in practice for short stays, but not officially recognised by Cambodian authorities.

Eligibility

To drive legally in Cambodia, you must hold one of the following:

• Cambodian licence issued by the MPWT (Ministry of Public Works and Transport), of the category matching the vehicle.
• International driving permit (IDP) issued in your home country — accepted in practice for short stays (under 30 days), provided it is accompanied by the national licence.
• Cambodian licence obtained by exchange of a foreign licence (FR, BE, CH, CA, etc.).

Minimum age is:

• 16 for motorbike (category A1, ≤ 125 cc).
• 18 for car (category B).

Cost and duration

Official MPWT rates (to confirm at counter, subject to change):

KH licence validity: 10 years for residents, to renew before expiry via the same portal.

How to get the licence

Case 1 — You already have a French licence (direct exchange)

The simplest route, no exam required. Procedure:

1. Prepare the file (see “Required documents” section below).
2. Go to an MPWT service centre (see addresses) or register on the driverlicense.mpwt.gov.kh portal.
3. Get the French licence translated into English (or certified French) via the French Embassy or an accredited translator. The embassy issues a paid licence attestation (to confirm with kh.diplomatie.gouv.fr).
4. Take the medical visit on site (“certificate of fitness”).
5. Pay the fee (40,000 or 120,000 KHR depending on category).
6. Hand over your original FR licence to the Cambodian administration — it is retained.
7. Receive the KH licence within 5 to 14 days.

Case 2 — No foreign licence (full training)

Longer procedure:

1. Registration at an accredited driving school.
2. Theory and driving hours (free volume, many expats do the minimum).
3. Theory exam (highway code) — questions in Khmer or English depending on centre.
4. Practical exam (driving).
5. Issuance of the licence in the weeks following success.

For the motorbike (≤ 125 cc), the licence was long not required in practice for expats — but since the 2015 law was strengthened (effective 2016), checks have hardened. If you plan to use the motorbike regularly, take the A1 licence.

Case 3 — International permit (IDP) alone

The IDP issued by your home country is tolerated at checks but does not protect you in case of a serious accident or insurance dispute. To use for the first weeks only, while waiting for the exchange.

Required documents

• Original licence from home country, translated into English or French (the French Embassy issues a licence attestation equivalent to translation).
• Passport and visa with residual validity of at least 15 days.
• Proof of Cambodia address: Sangkat letter (letter from the Sangkat chief) — see the dedicated guide.
• Medical fitness certificate (“certificate of fitness”) — issued on site by the MPWT branch.
• 3 ID photos 4×6 cm, white background.
• Fee (40,000 or 120,000 KHR).

MPWT service centres

Other branches exist in the Provincial Departments of Public Works and Transport (one per Khaet ) and at the Heavy Vehicle Training Center in Phnom Penh.

Extension / Renewal

The KH licence is valid for 10 years for residents. Renewal:

1. Prepare a copy of current licence + passport + current visa + up-to-date Sangkat letter.
2. Medical visit.
3. Pay the fee (same amounts as initial exchange).
4. Issuance of the new licence within 1 to 2 weeks.

To do before expiry: an expired licence requires redoing the full procedure.

Common pitfalls

FAQ

Can I drive on my French licence on arrival?

Yes for the first days / weeks of a stay, ideally accompanied by an IDP. Beyond that, you’re in a grey zone — do the exchange as soon as you obtain a long-stay visa.

How long does the exchange take?

5 to 14 business days at an Aeon Mall centre, sometimes more in the provinces. Count 1 to 2 visits to the centre + time to get the translation at the FR embassy.

And the motorbike licence? Do I really need a licence for 110-125 cc?

Officially yes since 2016 (revised traffic law). In practice, checks on small engines are rare but exist — and helmet use is strictly enforced. If you ride every day, take the A1 licence (40,000 KHR).

Is my Cambodian licence valid abroad?

No, except converted to a Cambodian international permit (KH IDP) at the MPWT (250,000 KHR). This KH IDP is recognised by Vienna Convention signatory countries, but few expats use it in practice: most keep their FR licence + FR IDP for their travels outside Cambodia.

I’ve lost my Cambodian licence — what to do?

Loss declaration at the police station (report), then duplicate request at the MPWT centre with photo + 1 ID + small fee. Lead time 5 to 10 days.