Exchanging a Driving Licence

Find out how to exchange your foreign driving licence for a Malaysian one...

There are different procedures for converting a foreign driving licence, depending on where it was issued.

Automatic Conversion of a Foreign Driving Licence

This is for applicants whose driving licence was issued from a country which has a bilateral agreement with Malaysia.

  • For a list of these countries: Click here, the complete list of countries is available under Appendix A.

How to apply

Applications for an automatic conversion can be made at any Road Transport Department State Office (RTD).

The completed application must be submitted with the following:

  • The original and a copy of the current, valid driving licence
  • A coloured photograph (25mm X 32mm)
  • An English translation of the driving licence by the Embassy of the issuing country if necessary. The translation may also be done by the Malaysian Translation Institute
  • The original and a copy of the licence holder's passport
  • An administration fee
  • A licencing fee

Non-automatic Conversions of a Foreign Driving Licence

Non-automatic conversion is for applicants whose driving licence was issued from countries listed under Appendix B.

Drivers can apply for a Malaysian Driving Licence through any Road Transport Department Office or directly to the Road Transport Departments Headquarters in Putrajaya.

The relevant application form (JPJL1) must be completed and submitted with the following:

  • The original and a copy of the current, valid driving licence
  • An English translation of the driving licence if necessary
  • The original and a copy of the driver's passport
  • An authorised letter from the Embassy if the original driving licence is not computer printed
  • For applicants with an Indonesian driving licence, an approval letter from the Indonesian Ambassador

Approval of an application can take up to one month. Once an application has been approved by the Director General, it must then be submitted again to the Road Transport Department State Office, where the driving licence is converted into a Malaysian Driver's Licence. The Approval Form, issued by the RTD Headquarters office is only valid for one year from the date of issue, and should be submitted along with the following:

  • The completed JPJL1 application form
  • The original and a copy of the applicant's driving licence
  • The original and a copy of the applicant's passport
  • A coloured photograph (25mm X 32 mm)
  • A processing fee
  • A licensing fee

Exchanging a Singapore Licence

A Singapore driving licence can be converted to a Malaysian Driving Licence. The application forms (JPJL1) must be completed and submitted with the following documents to a Road Transport Department State Office:

  • The original Singapore Competent or Probationary Driving Licence, with a photocopy
  • The original and a photocopy of the driver's passport
  • A coloured photograph (25mm X 32mm)
  • A processing fee
  • A licencing fee