Procedure for Exchange of Inland Waterway Tourist Transport Signage

The exchange of inland waterway tourist transport signage is a vital step ensuring vehicles continue to operate in accordance with regulations, safety standards, and updated management information. Correct execution of the exchange process facilitates smooth operations for vehicle owners, enhances enterprise reputation, and contributes.

Cases for the exchange of inland waterway tourist transport signage

Pursuant to Clause 1, Article 18 of Decree 168/2017/ND-CP, cases requiring the exchange of inland waterway tourist transport signage include:

• Change of the tourist transport vehicle owner or change of the tourist transport business unit.
• Expiration of the existing inland waterway tourist transport signage.

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The competent authority receives applications for the issuance or replacement of license plates for inland waterway tourist transport vehicles.

According to Point b, Clause 14, Article 4 of Circular 10/2025/TT-BXD, the authority competent to receive dossiers for the exchange of inland waterway tourist transport signage is the Department of Construction of the province or centrally-run city where the business unit establishes its headquarters or branch.

Required Dossier Components for the procedure of renewing license plates for inland waterway tourist transport vehicles.

According to regulations in Clause 1, Article 17 and Clause 2, Article 18 of Decree 168/2017/ND-CP, to perform the signage exchange procedure, clients must prepare the following:

1. Request Form: Application for the exchange of tourist transport signage, using Form No. 02 in the Appendix accompanying Decree 168/2017/ND-CP.
2. Information List: Detailing equipment, service quality, and service staff on the vehicle meeting required conditions.
3. Vehicle Documents: A copy of the Vehicle Registration Certificate (or appointment slip for registration issuance) and a copy of the Certificate of Technical Safety and Environmental Protection inspection.
   • Note: If the vehicle is not owned by the transport business unit, a copy of the vehicle lease contract or the service contract between the member and the cooperative must be presented.

Procedure for issuing/replacing license plates for inland waterway tourist transport vehicles.

The process for the exchange of inland waterway tourist transport signage proceeds as follows:

Step 1: Dossier Submission Enterprises may choose one of two submission methods:

• Online Submission: The business unit declares and submits the dossier via the National Public Service Portal. Procedure Code: 1.014191.
• Direct Submission: If the locality has not implemented online procedures, the business unit submits 01 dossier set directly to the Department of Construction of the province/city where its headquarters or branch is located.

Step 2: Appraisal and Issuance Within 07 working days from the date of receiving a valid dossier, the Department of Construction organizes an appraisal and grants the exchange of signage. In case of refusal, the authority must provide a notification in writing or via the entity’s electronic transaction address, clearly stating the reasons.

Step 3: Internal Verification During appraisal, the Department of Construction verifies information regarding the Technical Safety and Environmental Protection Certificate on the Vietnam Register system and the Transport Business License. The agency also updates information on the itinerary monitoring data system and only grants the signage when the vehicle’s monitoring device (GPS) meets all regulations on installation and data transmission as prescribed by the Ministry of Construction (or the former Ministry of Transport).

Validity: The tourist transport signage is valid for 07 years but shall not exceed the remaining useful life of the vehicle.

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Long Phan Consulting provides consulting services for procedures related to renewing license plates for inland waterway tourist transport vehicles.

Long Phan Consulting provides comprehensive support services for the process of renewing license plates for inland waterway tourist transport vehicles. With a team of experienced experts, we offer optimal solutions, ensuring legal compliance and saving you time. Long Phan Consulting’s services for renewing license plates for inland waterway tourist transport vehicles include:

• Providing consultation and evaluation of applications for the renewal or replacement of vehicle registration plates for inland waterway tourist transport vehicles;
• Assisting in preparing applications for the renewal of license plates for inland waterway tourist transport vehicles;
• Representing customers to submit documents to competent state agencies;
• Monitor the application processing, work directly with agencies to explain the application;
• Receive and process additional requests (if any).

With our service, your business can rest assured of the quality and efficiency in the process of renewing license plates for inland waterway tourist transport vehicles. Customers can contact us directly for detailed advice and support tailored to their specific needs.

Common Inquiries Regarding Signage Exchange

Below, Long Phan Consulting provides some frequently asked questions regarding the procedures for renewing license plates for inland waterway tourist transport vehicles. We invite interested customers to refer to this information:

Long Phan Consulting Company provides clarifications on common issues related to this procedure:

Signage Validity Period The signage is valid for 07 years from the date of issuance

However, if the remaining useful life (expiry date) of the vehicle is less than 07 years, the validity of the signage will match that remaining useful life.

• Legal Basis: Clause 3, Article 17, Decree 168/2017/ND-CP.

Mandatory Exchange Cases The exchange procedure is mandatory when the vehicle falls into one of two cases:

1. Change of vehicle owner or change of transport business unit.
2. The current signage has expired.

• Legal Basis: Clause 1, Article 18, Decree 168/2017/ND-CP.

Distinction from Re-issuance (Lost/Damaged Signage)

If the signage is lost or damaged, the business unit must perform the “Re-issuance” (Cấp lại) procedure, not the “Exchange” (Cấp đổi) procedure.

• Legal Basis: Clause 1, Article 19, Decree 168/2017/ND-CP.

Submission Location for Cross-Provincial Operations Dossiers must be submitted to the Department of Transport/Construction where

the unit’s headquarters or branch is located (e.g., Ho Chi Minh City), regardless of the vehicle’s scope of operation in other provinces.

• Legal Basis: Point a, Clause 2, Article 17, Decree 168/2017/ND-CP.

Change of Legal Representative

No. Regulations only mandate an exchange upon a change of vehicle owner or transport business unit. Changing the legal representative is an internal corporate change and does not alter the legal entity owning/operating the business, so signage exchange is not required.

• Legal Basis: Clause 1, Article 18, Decree 168/2017/ND-CP.

Original Document Requirements

No. The dossier only requires copies (certified copies or true copies) of the Vehicle Registration Certificate or the appointment slip. The Department will verify information against the database system.

• Legal Basis: Clause 2 Article 18, Point c Clause 1 Article 17, Decree 168/2017/ND-CP.

Conclusion

The exchange of inland waterway tourist transport signage is an essential administrative procedure for maintaining business operations. Clients should prioritize complete dossier preparation and compliance with the appraisal process of the Department of Construction.

Please contact Long Phan Consulting Company via hotline 1900.63.63.89 for timely and professional legal support.