Can foreigners drive in China?
Foreigners can drive in China. However, unlike in countries such as the US, UK, and Greece, China doesn’t follow international driving conventions. This means that you cannot drive with your foreign driver's license or use an IDP. To drive legally in China, you must apply for a temporary or permanent license, depending on how long you stay in China.
Do you need a Chinese driving license?
As a foreigner, you need a Chinese driving license to drive in China. However, since there are two types, the one you need depends on the duration of your stay.
You can obtain a temporary driver’s license if you’re staying for a short period of time, typically less than a year. This license allows you to rent a car in the province where it was issued.
If you’re staying for more than one year, you’ll need to get a permanent driver’s license. This license allows you to rent, buy, and own a car. It also has more application steps and requirements, such as passing a driving test, obtaining a driver’s license translation, and providing your residence permit.
Are you eligible to apply for a Chinese driver's license?
Foreigners can apply to convert a valid foreign driver’s license into a Chinese driver's license through the local Vehicle Management Office (车管所), in accordance with regulations issued by Chinese authorities.
To apply, you must
Hold a valid foreign driver’s license
Be legally residing in China (with a visa or residence permit)
Provide a certified Chinese translation of your license
Pass a written theory test on Chinese traffic laws
Conversion is typically limited to standard car licenses (C1), while higher vehicle categories may require additional experience and are rarely granted to foreign applicants.
Where to apply, based on Your Status
If you hold a permanent residence permit, you can apply in the city where you reside
Short-term visa holders can apply in the location where they are registered with the police
If you don’t have a valid foreign license, you must enrol in a local driving school and obtain a license through the standard process.
Types of Chinese driver’s licenses available to foreigners
There are different types of Chinese licenses for foreigners depending on whether you plan to drive a car, ride a motorcycle, or need a temporary permit for short‑term visits. Here’s a breakdown
License Type | Valid for | Typical use for foreigners | Notes |
Temporary (临时机动车驾驶许可) | Up to 90 days (extendable to 1 year) | Short-stay visa holders, tourists | Rental cars only — no ownership |
C1 | Small cars, SUVs, light trucks (<4,500 kg) | Most common license for daily driving | Covers standard sedans and small passenger cars |
E | Two‑wheeled motorcycles | For foreigners who want to ride motorbikes | Motorcycle use may be restricted in some city centres |
D | Ordinary three-wheel motorcycles (over 50cc / 50 km/h) | Less common, used in smaller cities or rural areas | Typically, for tricycles |
Getting a temporary Chinese driver’s license
To get a temporary Chinese driver's license, you'll need to visit a local Motor Vehicle Administration Office (车管所 - Chēguǎnsuǒ). The driver’s license (临时机动车驾驶许可) is valid for up to 90 days and can be extended to a year, depending on your Chinese visa validity. Unlike the permanent permit, this version allows you to drive rental cars only. This means you won't be able to drive a friend or family member's car or buy a vehicle in China.
Note: You must keep your overseas driving license and its Chinese translation, your Chinese temporary driving permit, and the car rental contract with you in the car while driving.
What do I need to apply for a temporary Chinese driver’s license?
Passport
Visa
A valid foreign driver’s license
A notarised Chinese translation of that license,
Recent one-inch passport photos
Proof of temporary residence, such as a hotel booking.
Medical certificate (Optional for some driver's license categories)
Where do I need to go to get a temporary Chinese driver’s license?
You can get a temporary driving license in different Chinese districts from these locations.
District | Location |
Shanghai | No. 1 Branch of Vehicle Administrative Office Address: 2999 West Huaxia Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai |
Beijing | Address: Gate No.7, 1F, Zone C, Terminal 3, Beijing Capital International Airport
Address: 100m (w) from the West Exit of Domestic Arrivals, Beijing Daxing International Airport |
Hainan | Temporary Entry Motor Vehicle Driver Management Service System (http://hnslsjs.cn/) |
Shenzhen | Shenzhen Motor Vehicle Administration Office (appointment required in advance, see the part of“Application Process ”for appointment methods) Address: No. 128 Longjing Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen |
Hangzhou | Hangzhou Traffic Police Brigade Vehicle Management Office (No. 699 Gudun Road, Sandun Town, Xihu District, Hangzhou), Service Window in Hall 1. |
How much will obtaining a temporary Chinese driver’s license cost
It will cost about 300-400 RMB ($43–$57) to obtain a temporary Chinese driver's license. The total cost includes application, translation, notarisation, passport photo, and other miscellaneous fees. Here's a breakdown
Application fee: 10 RMB ($1.50)
Translation and notarisation costs: 250-300 RMB ($35–$43), depending on the language, number of documents, and delivery timeline.
Passport photo: 30–50 RMB ($4–$7)
Miscellaneous costs (copies, transport): 10–30 RMB ($1.50–$4)
The application process for a temporary license is generally straightforward for foreigners, and often doesn’t require a driving test.
Documents required for a Chinese driver’s license application
Valid passport: Original and photocopy of the ID page and Chinese visa page.
Temporary residence registration form: Issued by the local police station or hotel where you are registered.
Foreigner’s residence permit or long‑term visa
Health check certificate: A medical examination from an authorised hospital in China (usually vision and reflex tests).
Existing driver’s license (if converting): Original permit from your home country plus a certified Chinese translation.
Application form for motor vehicle driving license: Completed at the local Vehicle Management Office (车管所).
Recent passport‑sized photos: Typically 1‑inch
Foreign license translation: Must be done by an officially recognised translation company in China.
Documents required — temporary vs permanent License
Document | Temporary License | Permanent License |
Valid passport (original + photocopy) | Required | Required |
Valid Chinese visa | Required | Required |
Foreign driver's license (original) | Required | Required |
Certified Chinese translation of your license | Required | Required |
Residence registration certificate | Required (hotel or police-issued) | Required (police-issued) |
Foreigner's residence permit | Not required | Required (1+ year stay) |
Medical / health check certificate | Optional (some categories) | Required |
Recent 1-inch passport photos (white background) | Required (4 photos) | Required (4 photos) |
Application form (completed at 车管所) | Required | Required |
Certified translation of your driver's license for China
If you are converting an existing foreign driver’s license to a Chinese license, you will need an official Chinese translation of your license. This certified driver’s license translation must be completed by a professional translator in China working with
The translator must provide a certification seal or statement verifying the accuracy of the translation. This step ensures local authorities can accurately verify your driving credentials.
What the translation must include:
Full name as it appears on your foreign license
Date of birth
License category/vehicle class
Issue date and expiry date
Issuing country and authority
Any restrictions or endorsements on your license
In some provinces, a notary's signature from a Chinese notary office (公证处) is required, in addition to the certified translation. Check with your local Vehicle Administration Office (车管所 ) before submitting.
Translayte provides certified translations of driver's licenses, passports, and other documents that meet the requirements of the Chinese authorities. Our certified translations in China are easy to order, of high quality, and delivered on time. Here's how you can get a certified driver's license translation from Translayte.
Navigate to “ORDER YOUR TRANSLATION” on the Translayte home page.
Select “Certified Translation”.
Select the source and target languages, respectively.
Upload the document(s) you need to be translated.
Select the type of certification you require (if applicable).
If you want expedited services, select that option. Provide any extra instructions after this.
Click "PROCEED TO ORDER"
Make the payment securely online. Once your order is placed, our team will assign it to a suitable certified/sworn translator, and you'll receive the translated document within the specified timeframe.
You can request a free quote to get an estimate of translation costs.
Step-by-step: how to convert your foreign driver's license to a Chinese one
To convert your foreign driver’s license in China, you must be a resident staying in China for more than three months and hold a valid residence permit. Here are the steps to follow:
Verify eligibility
Confirm that you meet the basic requirements for driving in China. Each city has some unique requirements; however, the standard includes
Being within the age range (typically 18-60) for the vehicle category
Holding a valid passport and visa
Having a valid foreign driver's license.
Being medically fit
Being a permanent resident of China
You can find the requirements on the City Vehicle Management Office (VMO) website.
Gather documents
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, gather all the required documents for that city. These usually include a valid passport with a visa or residence permit, proof of residence in China, your original foreign driver’s license, and passport photos.
You must also obtain a certified Chinese translation of your foreign driver’s license from an officially recognised translation agency or notary's office. Some cities may also require notarisation of the translated license.
Get a medical examination
In some provinces, you will have to provide a medical certificate to drive heavy-duty vehicles. The test usually includes a simple eyesight test, a colour blindness test, and a basic health check. It’s done at the VMO or an approved hospital in the province.
Visit the Vehicle Management Office (VMO)
Visit the local VMO with your documents. Some provinces will require you to book an appointment before showing up. So, it's advised that you check the local requirements. At the VMO, officials will review your documents and verify the information they contain. You will also have to complete the application form and pay the fees.
Take a driving test
In China, you must take theory and practical tests to obtain a permanent driver's license if you don’t have a valid foreign driving permit. However, if you hold a driver's license from France, Serbia, Belgium, or the United Arab Emirates, you are exempt from the test due to China's reciprocal recognition agreement. If you have an existing foreign license, you are exempt from the practical driving test.
Receive your permanent Chinese driver’s license
If you pass all the tests and your documents meet the requirements, you will receive a Chinese driver's license. You can pick up the permit in person or choose delivery options if available in your province.
Taking the written theory test in China
Here’s what you should know if you need to take the theory test for a full Chinese driver’s license:
The test is computer-based, with 100 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes.
You must score 90/100 to pass.
It covers traffic laws, road signs, penalties, safe driving practices, and emergency procedures.
The exam is offered in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Arabic, and, in major cities, Korean or Japanese. Check availability with your local Vehicle Management Office (VMO).
You’re usually allowed two attempts per day if you fail.
How much does a Chinese driver's license cost for foreigners?
The total cost for obtaining a Chinese driver’s license typically ranges from 300 to 6,000 RMB ($43–$860), depending on your visa status and the type of license.
Obtaining a temporary or full driver’s license if you already have a foreign driving permit: 300–400 RMB ($43–$57 ). This includes the application fee, certified translation, notarisation, and other requirements.
Converting a foreign driver’s license: 600–700 RMB
Obtaining a full driving license without a previous driving permit: 3,000–6,000 RMB. This covers driving school fees, tests, application fees, and any other miscellaneous fees.
Cost breakdown
Fee Item | Temporary license | Permanent license (Conversion) |
Application fee (车管所) | 10 RMB ($1.50) | 100 RMB ($14) |
Certified translation of a foreign license | 250–300 RMB ($35–$43) | 250–300 RMB ($35–$43) |
Notarisation (required in some provinces) | 75–200 RMB (if required) | 75–200 RMB (if required) |
Medical / health examination (on-site) | Optional: ~50 RMB ($7) | Required: ~50 RMB ($7) |
Passport photos (4 white-background) | 30–50 RMB ($4–$7) | 30–50 RMB ($4–$7) |
Written test fee | Not required | 100 RMB ($14) |
Miscellaneous (copies, transport) | 10–30 RMB ($1.50–$4) | 10–30 RMB ($1.50–$4) |
Total | 300 – 400 RMB (~$43–$57) | 600 – 700 RMB (~$85–$100) |
Processing time
Temporary driver’s license: Typically, the same day
Full Chinese driver’s license (foreign license conversion): 5–15 working days
Can you rent or own a car with a Chinese driver’s license?
You can rent or own a car with a Chinese driver’s license, depending on the type you have. If you have a temporary permit, you can only rent cars in the province where it was issued. However, if you want to buy a vehicle or drive outside the provinces, you will require a full driving license.
Using your Chinese driving license
Once you obtain your Chinese driver’s license, you can legally drive across mainland China. Still, it’s important to understand the driving laws, regulations, and validity requirements to avoid fines or penalties.
Driving laws and regulations in China
China has strict traffic rules, and enforcement is rigorous, with cameras and penalty-point systems. Here are the key points you should know:
Drive on the right-hand side of the road, and always wear a seatbelt.
Speed limits vary: 30–40 km/h in city streets, 60 km/h on urban roads, and 100–120 km/h on highways.
Penalty points system: Drivers start with 12 points per year, and violations deduct points; 12 points in a year result in a license suspension.
Drunk driving is illegal; even low blood alcohol levels can result in heavy fines, detention, or deportation.
No international driving permits are recognised; you must carry your Chinese license while driving.
Foreigners must also carry their passport or residence permit as identification when driving.
Renewal and validity
A full Chinese driver’s license is usually valid for 6 years.
After 6 years of a clean driving record, it can be renewed for 10 years
The renewal process involves submitting your license, passport, residence permit, a health check, and a new photo to the Vehicle Management Office (VMO).
A temporary driver’s license is valid for up to 3 months and can be extended to a year, depending on your visa.
Need a certified driver’s license translation? Request a free quote to get started.
