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Converting a foreign driving licence to a Malaysian one

By Covered Abroad Research Desk · Last verified July 2026

Malaysia's Road Transport Department (JPJ) converts foreign driving licences into a Malaysian driving licence (LMM) for three groups: Malaysian citizens, participants in Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H), and the diplomatic corps. For MM2H participants, JPJ's checklist asks for your passport, a pass valid for at least 90 days, your MM2H approval letter and your foreign licence with official confirmation.

Who can convert

The Ministry of Transport set out the policy in a media statement on 7 May 2026: converting a foreign licence to a Malaysian one is allowed for three categories only —

  • Malaysian citizens who held a foreign licence before holding a Malaysian one
  • participants in the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme
  • applicants in the diplomatic corps category

The same statement announced an improved procedure for Malaysian citizens with a valid, unrestricted foreign licence, available at all state JPJ offices from 1 June 2026.

If you're moving to Malaysia on another pass — an employment pass, for example — conversion isn't one of the listed routes, so ask JPJ directly about your options for driving.

Sources: JPJ — Checklist of documents for conversion of a foreign driving licence to a Malaysian driving licence, effective 19 May 2025; Ministry of Transport Malaysia — media statement, 7 May 2026; both read 8 October 2026.

Documents for MM2H participants

JPJ's checklist for the MM2H category lists:

  1. the driving licence application form JPJL1
  2. the exemption application form, Appendix B2
  3. your passport (original and copy)
  4. a pass or visa valid for at least 90 days on the day you apply
  5. your MM2H approval letter from the Immigration Department
  6. proof you lived in the country that issued your licence while it was valid — if the licence isn't from your country of origin
  7. your foreign driving licence, valid on the day you apply (original and copy)
  8. a confirmation letter from your embassy, or a driving licence record from the authority that issued it (original)

JPJ notes that all supporting documents are valid for one year unless stated otherwise.

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Making it straightforward

Some documents come from abroad — in particular the confirmation of your licence, a letter from your embassy or a driving record from the authority back home. Request it before you move, so it's ready when your pass is issued.

The diplomatic category has its own checklist, including a confirmation letter from Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. JPJ's website carries the current checklists and fees.

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Common questions

Can foreigners convert a driving licence in Malaysia?

Only in two foreign categories: MM2H participants and the diplomatic corps. The Ministry of Transport lists Malaysian citizens as the third category.

What documents do MM2H participants need to convert a licence?

JPJ lists forms JPJL1 and Appendix B2, your passport, a pass valid for at least 90 days, your MM2H approval letter, your foreign licence, and an embassy confirmation letter or official licence record.

How long are the supporting documents valid?

JPJ says all supporting documents are valid for one year unless stated otherwise.

What changed for Malaysian citizens in 2026?

From 1 June 2026, the Ministry of Transport says Malaysians with a valid, unrestricted foreign licence can apply under an improved procedure at all state JPJ offices.

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