If you plan to drive in China during a short visit, your foreign driver's license alone is not sufficient. You need a Temporary Driving Permit issued by the local vehicle management office.
Who Needs a Temporary Driving Permit
Every foreigner who plans to drive in China needs one of the following:
- A Chinese driver's license (requires passing a written exam, even for license holders from most countries)
- A Temporary Driving Permit (for short-term visitors)
The temporary permit is the practical option for tourists and short-term business visitors. It is valid for driving the same vehicle categories as your home license.
Mutual Recognition Agreements
China has driver's license mutual recognition agreements with a limited number of countries. If your country is on this list, the process is simpler:
- France, Belgium, Serbia, UAE: Holders of valid licenses from these countries can obtain a Chinese license without taking the written exam. This applies to both full licenses and temporary permits.
- Most other countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, etc.): You must apply for the temporary permit through the standard process described below. Your home license is valid as the basis for the application, but not on its own.
If your country is not covered by a mutual recognition agreement, you may still apply for a temporary permit — the process is the same. The difference is whether you can also get a full Chinese license without the exam.
Required Documents
Gather these before going to the vehicle management office:
- Your original foreign driver's license — must be currently valid
- A certified Chinese translation of your driver's license — this is the most frequently missed item. The translation must be done by a certified translation agency in China. Hotels and friends cannot produce a valid translation. Translation booths are often located near vehicle management offices — expect to pay 100-200 RMB.
- Your passport with a valid entry stamp
- Temporary Accommodation Registration slip — obtained from your hotel or the police station
- A medical check certificate — some cities require this. The medical check is a basic vision test and general health screening, typically available at a designated hospital or clinic near the vehicle management office. Cost is approximately 50-100 RMB.
- 2-4 passport-sized photos — white background, recent, similar to passport photo specifications
Where to Apply
Take all documents to the Vehicle Management Office (车辆管理所 / cheliang guanlisuo) in the city where you are staying. Major cities have a dedicated foreign affairs window at their main branch.
Beijing: Beijing Vehicle Management Administration, Foreign Affairs Section Shanghai: Shanghai Vehicle Management Office, No. 1790 Hami Road Guangzhou: Guangzhou Vehicle Management Office, Tianhe District
Arrive in the morning — these offices process applications faster earlier in the day, and some stop accepting applications by mid-afternoon.
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Get your license translated. Find a certified translation service. Search WeChat for translation agencies in your city, or visit a translation booth near the vehicle management office. Confirm they can produce a certified translation specifically for driver's license conversion.
-
Complete the medical check if required in your city. Ask the vehicle management office in advance — check their website or call. If required, visit the designated hospital before your appointment.
-
Go to the vehicle management office. Bring all seven items listed above. Visit the foreign affairs or international service window.
-
Submit your application. The officer reviews your documents, verifies your license type, and enters your information into the system.
-
Pay the application fee. The fee is approximately 50-100 RMB, payable in cash or via mobile payment.
-
Receive your temporary driving permit. Processing time at the office is typically 30 minutes to 1 hour. You walk out with the permit in hand — no waiting period.
Validity and Limitations
- Standard validity: 3 months from the date of issue
- Extension: If your stay exceeds 3 months, you can apply for an extension up to a maximum of 1 year
- Vehicle category limitation: You may only drive vehicle categories covered by your home license
- Geographic limitation: The permit is valid throughout mainland China
When the permit expires, you must stop driving immediately. There is no grace period.
Renting a Car
With a temporary driving permit and a valid foreign license, you can rent a car from:
- International rental chains: Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise have limited presence in major cities
- **Chinese rental platforms:**神州租车 (Shenzhou Car Rental), 一嗨租车 (eHi Car Rental) are the two largest
Car rental companies will want to see both your foreign license and your temporary driving permit. Some require a deposit of 5,000-10,000 RMB, placed as a hold on a credit card (debit cards are often not accepted for deposits). Check that your credit card has sufficient available balance before arriving.
