--- title: Convert a Foreign Driving Licence to a Malaysian CDL country: malaysia service: "driving-license-conversion" category: transportation difficulty: complex estimated_time: "3-8 weeks (embassy letter turnaround dominates the calendar)" cost_range: "MYR 2-120 per year of validity (CDL issuance fee, varies by class and citizenship)" last_verified: 2026-05-06 canonical: https://publicservices.guide/malaysia/driving-license-conversion/ status: current confidence: low tags: - driving - jpj - cdl - mm2h - conversion sources: - https://www.jpj.gov.my/en/conversion-checklist/ - https://www.jpj.gov.my/en/driver-licensing-division/ - https://www.jpj.gov.my/en/jpj-service-information/ - https://www.jpj.gov.my/en/forms/ - https://www.jpj.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Borang-Permohonan-Lesen-Memandu-JPJ-L1.pdf - https://www.jpj.gov.my/en/competent-driver-license-cdl-application/ - https://www.jpj.gov.my/en/competent-drivers-license-cdl-renewal/ - https://www.jpj.gov.my/en/driving-license-transaction-fee-rate/ - https://www.jpj.gov.my/en/directory/ - https://www.jpj.gov.my/en/faq-driving/ --- # Convert a Foreign Driving Licence to a Malaysian CDL **Country:** 🇲🇾 Malaysia **Last verified:** 2026-05-06 **Estimated time:** 3-8 weeks (embassy letter turnaround dominates the calendar) **Cost:** MYR 2-120 per year of validity (CDL issuance fee, varies by class and citizenship) ## Required documents - **Driving License Application Form (JPJL1)** *(Borang Permohonan Lesen Memandu JPJL1)* - Where to get: Download from the JPJ forms page at jpj.gov.my/en/forms/ - Required: One form per transaction. Applicant-category code 9 (Bukan Warganegara Malaysia / Non-Malaysian Citizen) for foreigners; transaction-type code 05 (TUKAR LESEN / Conversion); issuing-country code LLN for foreign country other than Singapore - _Note:_ JPJL1 instructions specify 'Use ONE form per transaction type only' (Gunakan SATU borang untuk satu jenis transaksi sahaja) — combining transactions on a single form is rejected at the counter. - **Application Form Exemption Application Method 5 (Appendix B-2)** *(Borang Permohonan Pengecualian Pemakaian Kaedah 5(3) Lampiran B-2)* - Where to get: Download from the JPJ forms page at jpj.gov.my/en/forms/ - Required: Required by every conversion category — Malaysian citizen, Singapore-licence holder, Diplomatic, MM2H. Same form is the published path for Employment Pass / Spouse Pass / Student Pass / Long-Term Social Visit Pass holders not enumerated in the per-category checklist - _Note:_ This form is itself the exemption application under Rule 5 of the Road Transport Act 1987 subsidiary regulations. Theory-test (UPP) and practical-test exemption is sought via this form — it is not automatic. JPJ does not publish a per-country reciprocity list governing automatic exemption. - **Foreign driving licence (valid on the day of application)** *(Lesen Memandu Negara Luar yang masih sah dan berkuatkuasa pada hari permohonan)* - Where to get: Issuing country's licensing authority - Required: Original and copy. Must still be valid on the day of submission — not expired, suspended, or cancelled - _Note:_ If the licence is not from your country of origin (e.g. you held a UK licence while resident in another third country), JPJ also requires proof of presence in the licence-issuing country during the licence's validity period. - **Confirmation Letter of Driving Licence from embassy or transport authority** *(Surat Pengesahan Lesen Memandu Negara Luar daripada Kedutaan / Rekod Lesen Memandu daripada Pihak Berkuasa Pengeluar Lesen)* - Where to get: Either (a) your home country's embassy in Malaysia, or (b) your home country's transport / licensing authority directly - Required: Original document. Either an embassy-issued confirmation letter OR a Driving License Record / Extract issued by the foreign transport authority is acceptable - _Note:_ Embassy turnaround times vary widely by country — some issue within a week, others take a month or more. The Singapore Police Force extract is valid 6 months from issuance; other countries' equivalent validity periods are not published by JPJ. All conversion documents in turn fall under the JPJ checklist's 1-year overall validity footer. - **Identity document (varies by category)** *(Kad Pengenalan / MyKad (Malaysian) or Passport (foreigner))* - Where to get: Malaysian citizens: National Registration Department (JPN). Foreigners: home-country passport authority - Required: Malaysian citizen categories submit MyKad (original and copy). Diplomatic and MM2H categories submit passport (original and copy) plus a pass / visa with at least 90 days remaining validity on the day of application - **Category-specific supporting document** - Where to get: Varies by applicant category — see notes - Required: MM2H category: MM2H Confirmation Letter from the Immigration Department of Malaysia. Diplomatic category: Confirmation Letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia (Wisma Putra) plus Diplomatic Identification Card. Singapore-licence Malaysian: Singapore licence original-and-copy plus an Extract Driving License from the Singapore Police Force valid within 6 months of its issue date - _Note:_ For Singapore-licence holders specifically: if the Singapore licence was surrendered under revocation, an additional letter from the Singapore Police Force must be presented. If the conversion to a Singapore licence was not successful and the applicant wants to recover their original Malaysian licence, an Extract of Malaysia Driving License must be presented to uplift the blacklist status. ## Costs - **CDL issuance fee — non-citizen, all classes B2 / B / C / D / DA / F / G / H / I (per year):** 120 MYR — This is the published Competent Driver's License issuance fee for non-citizens, charged per year of validity. Verbatim from the JPJ CDL application page: 'Fee RM120.00 for all classes B2, B, C, D, DA, F, G, H, I'. - **CDL issuance fee — Malaysian citizen, Class A / A1 (per year):** 2 MYR — Verbatim from JPJ's transaction-fee schedule: 'Class A/A1 RM2.00'. Applies to Malaysian-citizen converters whose licence falls in this lower vehicle class. - **CDL issuance fee — Malaysian citizen, Class B2 / B / C (per year):** 20 MYR — Verbatim from JPJ's CDL application page: 'RM20.00 for class B2, B & C'. Applies to Malaysian-citizen converters in these classes. - **CDL issuance fee — Malaysian citizen, Class D and above (per year):** 30 MYR — Verbatim from JPJ's CDL application page: 'Fee RM30.00 for class D & above'. Applies to Malaysian-citizen converters from Class D upwards. ## Steps ### 1. Confirm Your Eligibility Category and the Applicable Document Path - Open the JPJ conversion-checklist page at jpj.gov.my/en/conversion-checklist/ and identify which of the four published categories applies: (a) Malaysian citizen with a non-Singapore foreign licence, (b) Malaysian citizen converting from a Singapore licence, (c) Diplomatic / non-diplomatic staff / consular / international organisation, (d) Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) pass holder. - If you hold an Employment Pass / Spouse Pass / Student Pass / Long-Term Social Visit Pass — none of these are enumerated in the per-category checklist. The published path for unenumerated categories is the Exemption Application via the Appendix B-2 form ('Method 5'), granted at JPJ discretion. Verify your category with your state JPJ office (directory at jpj.gov.my/en/directory/) before assembling documents. - Confirm whether your purpose is short-stay driving or full conversion. An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by your home country lets you drive while you sort out other priorities; full CDL conversion is the long-stay path for residents. JPJ does not publish a Malaysia-side validity figure for foreign-issued IDPs on its English-mirror pages — verify the duration with your IDP issuing authority. > **Tip:** JPJ does not publish a public reciprocity list. Whether your origin country qualifies for theory-test (UPP) exemption is decided at the JPJ counter via the Appendix B-2 submission, not in advance from a public list. Do not bank on internet folklore naming specific countries — confirm at the counter. > **If this fails:** If your category is not on the published list and the state JPJ office cannot confirm convertibility, JPJ may direct you to the new-licence pathway (LDL → PDL → CDL with theory and practical tests). The conversion-checklist document does not pre-commit JPJ to accept any non-listed category. _Links:_ - [JPJ — Foreign Licence Conversion Checklist](https://www.jpj.gov.my/en/conversion-checklist/) - [JPJ — State Office Directory](https://www.jpj.gov.my/en/directory/) ### 2. Download JPJL1 and Appendix B-2 from JPJ - Open the JPJ forms page at jpj.gov.my/en/forms/ and download two forms: 'Driving License Application Form (JPJL1)' (Borang Permohonan Lesen Memandu) and 'Application Form Exemption Application Method 5 (Appendix B-2)' (Borang Permohonan Pengecualian Pemakaian Kaedah 5 Lampiran B-2). - Both forms are required by every conversion category — the JPJL1 records the licence transaction itself; the Appendix B-2 records the exemption application that any foreign-licence conversion implies. - On JPJL1, foreigners use applicant-category code 9 (Bukan Warganegara Malaysia / Non-Malaysian Citizen), transaction-type code 05 (TUKAR LESEN / Conversion), and issuing-country code LLN for foreign country other than Singapore. Use ONE form per transaction type only — combining transactions on a single form is rejected at the counter. _Links:_ - [JPJ — Forms (JPJL1 and Appendix B-2)](https://www.jpj.gov.my/en/forms/) - [JPJL1 form (PDF)](https://www.jpj.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Borang-Permohonan-Lesen-Memandu-JPJ-L1.pdf) - [Appendix B-2 exemption form (PDF)](https://www.jpj.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Borang-Permohonan-Pengecualian-Pemakaian-Kaedah-5-Lampiran-B-2.pdf) ### 3. Assemble Documents — Sequence the Embassy Letter Last - Pull together originals and copies per your applicant category: identity document (MyKad for Malaysian citizens, passport plus pass / visa for foreigners), foreign driving licence (original and copy), proof of presence in the licence-issuing country during the licence's validity period (passport stamps, residence permit, employment letter, or tenancy records), and any category-specific letter (MM2H Confirmation Letter from Imigresen for Category D; Confirmation Letter from Wisma Putra plus Diplomatic Identification Card for Category C; Singapore Police Force Extract within 6 months of issue for Singapore-licence Malaysians). - Request the Confirmation Letter of Driving Licence from your home-country embassy in Malaysia OR the Driving License Record / Extract from your home-country transport authority. Either is acceptable — pick whichever is faster for your nationality. - Photocopy every original before queuing — JPJ's per-category checklist marks several documents 'Original & Copy', and the counter does not photocopy on the day of submission. > **Tip:** All conversion documents are valid for only 1 year per JPJ's checklist footer. Embassy letters often take weeks to obtain — get the embassy letter LAST so the 1-year clock starts after everything else is in place. Sequencing the embassy letter as one of the first moves during initial relocation paperwork — and then delaying submission for a year while work-pass, housing, and banking consume your calendar — is the most common way to find your confirmation letter has expired by the time you reach the JPJ counter. > **If this fails:** If a document expires while you assemble the rest of the set, you must re-source it. The 1-year window resets nothing — re-issue only the document that has lapsed. _Links:_ - [JPJ — Foreign Licence Conversion Checklist](https://www.jpj.gov.my/en/conversion-checklist/) ### 4. Submit Forms and Documents at a JPJ Office - Bring the assembled set to a JPJ office. The state office directory at jpj.gov.my/en/directory/ lists Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak offices under the same federal organisational structure — there is no published East Malaysia procedural distinction for foreign-licence conversion. - Submit JPJL1 (the licence-transaction form) and Appendix B-2 (the exemption-application form) together with all category-specific supporting documents. - JPJ does not publish a counter-day SLA for conversion — same-day decisions are common but not guaranteed. The Driver Licensing Division 'Handles matters related to the conversion of foreign driving licenses and appeal processes', so any disputed ruling routes through the same division. > **If this fails:** If a document is rejected as missing, expired, or insufficient, the counter will tell you which item is at fault. Re-source that item and re-queue. JPJ does not publish a counter-side rejection-code list — the on-the-day counter feedback is the source of truth. _Useful phrases:_ - "Saya nak tukar lesen memandu negara luar kepada lesen Malaysia." — I want to convert my foreign driving licence to a Malaysian licence. — use when Opening line at the JPJ counter when stating the purpose of your visit - "Borang Pengecualian Lampiran B-2" — Exemption Application form (Appendix B-2) — use when Naming the second of the two forms when the counter staff asks which forms you have brought _Links:_ - [JPJ — State Office Directory](https://www.jpj.gov.my/en/directory/) - [JPJ — Driver Licensing Division](https://www.jpj.gov.my/en/driver-licensing-division/) ### 5. Sit Theory or Practical Tests if JPJ Directs You To - JPJ reviews your Appendix B-2 submission and decides whether to grant exemption from the theory test (Ujian Pra-Pemandu, UPP) and / or the practical test, OR to require either or both. - If a test is required, book it through a registered Driving Institute. Theory-test and practical-test fees at Driving Institutes are operator-set, not JPJ-set — confirm pricing with the institute. Per JPJ's FAQ: 'Road Transport Department (JPJ) do not set the price to learn to drive at any Driving Institute'. - If exemption is granted, skip directly to the CDL issuance step. > **Tip:** Whether a foreign-licence converter is exempted from the UPP / practical tests is determined at JPJ's discretion, not by your country of origin. JPJ does not publish a public per-country list. If your application is unusual (e.g. licence from a third country, motorcycle licence, commercial-vehicle classes), brace for the possibility of a test requirement and budget time accordingly. > **If this fails:** If you fail a required test, you may re-sit at the same Driving Institute or another. Conversion cannot proceed until the required test result is recorded. ### 6. Pay the CDL Issuance Fee - Pay the Competent Driver's Licence (CDL) issuance fee at the rate published on jpj.gov.my/en/competent-driver-license-cdl-application/. Non-citizens: RM 120.00 per year for all classes B2 / B / C / D / DA / F / G / H / I. Malaysian citizens: RM 2.00 per year for Class A / A1, RM 20.00 per year for Class B2 / B / C, RM 30.00 per year for Class D and above. - JPJ does not publish a separate 'conversion fee' line — the conversion is implemented procedurally as issuance of a Malaysian CDL, billed under the standard CDL issuance schedule. - JPJ does not specify accepted payment channels for the conversion CDL issuance fee — confirm with the counter when you reach the payment step. _Links:_ - [JPJ — Competent Driver License (CDL) Application](https://www.jpj.gov.my/en/competent-driver-license-cdl-application/) - [JPJ — Driving License Transaction Fee Rate](https://www.jpj.gov.my/en/driving-license-transaction-fee-rate/) ### 7. Receive Your Malaysian CDL - On approval and payment, JPJ issues the Malaysian Competent Driver's Licence covering the converted classes. - Subsequent renewal follows the standard CDL renewal pathway: renewal periods are 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 years only. The non-citizen renewal fee is RM 120 for all classes B2, B, C, D, DA, F, G, H, I per year. Plan ahead — your renewal cadence is now tied to your pass / visa validity in Malaysia. _Links:_ - [JPJ — Competent Drivers License (CDL) Renewal](https://www.jpj.gov.my/en/competent-drivers-license-cdl-renewal/) ## FAQ ### Where does JPJ publish the document checklist for foreign-licence conversion? JPJ publishes a single PDF titled 'Checklist Documents Of Conversion Of Foreign Driving License To Malaysia Driving License' (effective 19 May 2025) on the conversion-checklist page at jpj.gov.my/en/conversion-checklist/. The checklist enumerates four applicant categories with the documents required per category. Categories not in the checklist (Employment Pass, Spouse Pass, Student Pass, Long-Term Social Visit Pass) follow the Appendix B-2 'Exemption Application' path at JPJ counter discretion. ### Which forms must I submit? Two forms: JPJL1 (Driving License Application Form / Borang Permohonan Lesen Memandu) and Appendix B-2 (Application Form Exemption Application Method 5 / Borang Permohonan Pengecualian Pemakaian Kaedah 5 Lampiran B-2). Both are downloadable from jpj.gov.my/en/forms/. On JPJL1, foreigners select applicant-category code 9 (Bukan Warganegara Malaysia), transaction-type code 05 (TUKAR LESEN / Conversion), and issuing-country code LLN for foreign country other than Singapore. ### Will I have to take a Malaysian theory or practical test? JPJ does not publish a public reciprocity list governing automatic exemption from the theory test (Ujian Pra-Pemandu, UPP) or the practical test for foreign-licence converters. The Appendix B-2 form required by every conversion category is itself an exemption application under Rule 5 of the Road Transport Act 1987 subsidiary regulations — exemption is sought, not granted automatically. Whether your origin country qualifies is determined at the JPJ counter on review of your specific licence and the Appendix B-2 submission. Do not rely on third-party lists naming specific countries — verify at the counter. ### Is the conversion process different in Sabah and Sarawak? JPJ's state-office directory lists Sabah and Sarawak state offices under the same federal organisational structure as Peninsular Malaysia state offices. JPJ T1 publications do not document East Malaysia procedural distinctions for foreign-licence conversion. Applicants in Sabah and Sarawak should contact their state JPJ office directly to confirm any local administrative variation. ### How long is a Malaysian CDL valid for non-citizens, and at what renewal fee? Once issued, a Malaysian CDL is renewable in periods of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 years only. The non-citizen renewal fee is RM 120 for all classes B2, B, C, D, DA, F, G, H, I per year of validity. Source: JPJ CDL renewal page — 'Fee RM120.00 for all classes B2, B, C, D, DA, F, G, H, I' and 'The renewal period allowed is 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years only'. ### Does JPJ set the price of theory or practical test fees at Driving Institutes? No. Per JPJ's FAQ page: 'Road Transport Department (JPJ) do not set the price to learn to drive at any Driving Institute'. Theory-test (UPP) and practical-test fees are operator-set by each registered Driving Institute. This guide therefore does not quote a theory-test or practical-test fee — confirm with the institute you select. ## Sources - [Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia (JPJ)](https://www.jpj.gov.my/en/conversion-checklist/) — accessed 2026-05-06 — _T1_ — Per-category document checklist for foreign-licence conversion (effective 19 May 2025): four enumerated applicant categories — Malaysian citizen with non-Singapore licence, Malaysian citizen with Singapore licence, Diplomatic / non-diplomatic staff / consular / international organisation, MM2H pass holder. Document set per category includes JPJL1, Appendix B-2, identity document, foreign driving licence (valid on day of application), confirmation letter from embassy or transport authority, proof of presence in licence-issuing country during validity period (Categories A and conditional D), MM2H Confirmation Letter from Imigresen (Category D), Wisma Putra Confirmation Letter and Diplomatic Identification Card (Category C), Singapore Police Force Extract within 6 months of issue (Category B). Pass / visa with at least 90 days remaining validity required for Categories C and D. Document validity footer: 'All Documents are valid for a period of 1 year only, unless stated'. - [Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia (JPJ)](https://www.jpj.gov.my/en/driver-licensing-division/) — accessed 2026-05-06 — _T1_ — JPJ Driver Licensing Division 'Handles matters related to the conversion of foreign driving licenses and appeal processes' — confirms JPJ as the issuing authority for foreign-licence conversion and routes appeals through the same division. - [Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia (JPJ)](https://www.jpj.gov.my/en/jpj-service-information/) — accessed 2026-05-06 — _T1_ — JPJ service catalogue links the conversion-checklist page as the canonical resource for 'Conversion of Foreign Driving License'. - [Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia (JPJ)](https://www.jpj.gov.my/en/forms/) — accessed 2026-05-06 — _T1_ — JPJ forms page lists JPJL1 (Driving License Application Form / Borang Permohonan Lesen Memandu) and 'Application Form Exemption Application Method 5 (Appendix B-2)' (Borang Permohonan Pengecualian Pemakaian Kaedah 5 Lampiran B-2) as the two forms required for licence conversion, with direct PDF download links. - [Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia (JPJ)](https://www.jpj.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Borang-Permohonan-Lesen-Memandu-JPJ-L1.pdf) — accessed 2026-05-06 — _T1_ — JPJL1 form carries: applicant-category code 9 'Bukan Warganegara Malaysia' (Non-Malaysian Citizen), transaction-type code 05 'TUKAR LESEN' (Conversion), issuing-country codes including LLN ('Lain-Lain Negara' — foreign country other than Singapore) and SIN (Singapore). Form instructions: 'Use ONE form per transaction type only' (Gunakan SATU borang untuk satu jenis transaksi sahaja). - [Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia (JPJ)](https://www.jpj.gov.my/en/competent-driver-license-cdl-application/) — accessed 2026-05-06 — _T1_ — Competent Driver's Licence (CDL) issuance fee for non-citizens, per-year: 'Fee RM120.00 for all classes B2, B, C, D, DA, F, G, H, I'. CDL fees for Malaysian citizens by class: 'Class A/A1 RM2.00', 'RM20.00 for class B2, B & C', 'Fee RM30.00 for class D & above'. - [Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia (JPJ)](https://www.jpj.gov.my/en/competent-drivers-license-cdl-renewal/) — accessed 2026-05-06 — _T1_ — Non-citizen CDL renewal fee: 'Fee RM120.00 for all classes B2, B, C, D, DA, F, G, H, I' per year. Renewal-period rule: 'The renewal period allowed is 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years only'. - [Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia (JPJ)](https://www.jpj.gov.my/en/driving-license-transaction-fee-rate/) — accessed 2026-05-06 — _T1_ — JPJ driving-licence transaction fee schedule (PDF) lists CDL Class A/A1 RM 2.00 (per year) and Class B2/B/C and other-class fees. The schedule does not list a separate 'conversion fee' line — confirming that conversion is implemented procedurally as issuance of a CDL with the CDL fee schedule applied. - [Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia (JPJ)](https://www.jpj.gov.my/en/directory/) — accessed 2026-05-06 — _T1_ — JPJ state-office directory lists Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak state offices under the same federal organisational structure. The directory does not document any East Malaysia procedural distinction for foreign-licence conversion — federal-uniform treatment. - [Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia (JPJ)](https://www.jpj.gov.my/en/faq-driving/) — accessed 2026-05-06 — _T1_ — JPJ FAQ on driving — verbatim: 'Road Transport Department (JPJ) do not set the price to learn to drive at any Driving Institute'. Confirms theory-test (UPP) and practical-test fees at registered Driving Institutes are operator-set, not JPJ-set. --- Verification pending — see the canonical page for the latest trust state. Canonical: https://publicservices.guide/malaysia/driving-license-conversion/