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Malaysian citizens holding valid foreign driving licences will soon be able to convert them into Malaysian Driving Licences under updated procedures announced by the Ministry of Transport (MOT)
In a media statement issued today, 7 May, the ministry said the improved procedures are aimed at making the conversion process easier for Malaysians who live, work, or frequently travel abroad, while still ensuring applicants meet driving competency and regulatory requirements.
Under the updated policy, any Malaysian citizen with a valid foreign driving licence that remains active and carries no restrictions may now be considered for conversion to a Malaysian licence, subject to record checks and compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the Road Transport Department (JPJ).
Here are the key requirements for converting a foreign driving licence to a Malaysian licence:
- Eligibility: Must be a Malaysian citizen.
- License Status: The foreign driving licence must be valid and currently in force.
- No Restrictions: The licence must be held without any existing restrictions or sanctions.
- Background Check: Applicants are subject to a record check by the authorities.
- Procedural Compliance: Applicants must comply with SOPs established by JPJ.
When will the new JPJ licence conversion process start?
The new procedures will officially take effect from 1 June 2026.
Applications can be made at all state JPJ offices nationwide, while details on conditions, procedures, and fee rates will be published on the official JPJ website from the implementation date onwards.
The ministry said the move was introduced in response to the evolving needs and mobility of Malaysians abroad, especially amid current global and domestic economic challenges.
Previously, conversion of foreign driving licences to Malaysian licences was only allowed for three categories:
- Malaysians who possessed a foreign licence before obtaining a Malaysian Driving Licence
- Participants under the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme
- Applicants under the diplomatic corps category
The latest update effectively broadens access for Malaysians residing or working overseas who may not have previously qualified under the older requirements.
Who still cannot apply for a foreign licence conversion in Malaysia?
The ministry’s statement also clarified that the expanded procedure specifically applies to Malaysian citizens.
For non-citizens, the existing categories, including MM2H participants and diplomatic corps applicants, remain unchanged under current policy.
The announcement comes as more Malaysians pursue long-term work, study, and migration opportunities overseas, increasing demand for smoother administrative processes when returning home or maintaining mobility across countries.
The updated procedure is also expected to reduce complications faced by Malaysians who legally obtained driving licences abroad but were previously unable to convert them under existing rules.
