License Translation & Notarization: What You Need in China 2026

To use your foreign driver’s license in China, you need an official Chinese translation from a government-approved agency or certified translator. The translation must follow strict formatting requirements set by China’s Ministry of Public Security. Costs range from ¥200-500 depending on method, processing takes 1-5 business days, and not all translations are accepted – rejection rates for unofficial translations reach 30-40%. This guide covers everything you need to know: approved translation methods, requirements, costs, where to get it done, and how to ensure your translation won’t be rejected.

This guide provides complete DIY information. We also offer certified translation services with guaranteed acceptance by all Vehicle Management Offices nationwide, starting at ¥280 with 24-hour processing.

Why Translation is Required

Legal Requirement

China’s Road Traffic Safety Law requires all foreign documents used for official purposes (including driver’s licenses) to be translated into Chinese by certified translators. This applies to:

• ✅ Temporary license applications – at airports or Vehicle Management Offices
• ✅ Permanent license conversion – for long-term residents
• ✅ Car rental – some rental companies require translation on file even if you have Chinese license
• ✅ Traffic violations – police may request translation during stops

Important: International Driving Permit (IDP) is NOT accepted as a translation in China. IDPs are not recognized by Chinese authorities. You must get a China-specific translation.

What Happens Without Proper Translation?

Immediate issues:

• ❌ License application rejected at Vehicle Management Office
• ❌ Airport temporary license service refuses application
• ❌ Car rental companies won’t rent to you
• ❌ Police may issue fines for driving without proper documentation

Rejection scenarios:

Types of Translation: What’s Accepted?

Method 1: Approved Translation Agency (Most Reliable)

What it is:

• Translation by agency with 翻译资质 (translation qualification) issued by Chinese government
• Must be member of Translators Association of China (TAC) or equivalent provincial body
• Agency provides official seal/stamp (公章) on translation

Requirements:

• ✅ Agency must have translation business license
• ✅ Translator must be certified (usually Level 2+ CATTI certification or equivalent)
• ✅ Translation must include agency seal/stamp
• ✅ Must include translator’s signature and certification number

Acceptance rate: 95-100% (highest acceptance nationwide)

Cost: ¥200-400 depending on language and agency

Processing time: 1-3 business days (rush service available for +¥100-200)

Where to get:

• Major cities: Search “驾照翻译公司” (driver license translation company) + city name
• Online services: National agencies with digital submission (recommended for foreigners)
• Vehicle Management Office recommendations: Ask staff for approved agency list

Best for: Anyone wanting guaranteed acceptance, applying for permanent license, long-term residents

Method 2: On-Site Translation at Airport/Vehicle Management Office

What it is:

• Translation service available directly at license application locations
• Provided by contracted translation agencies on-site
• Immediate processing (20-45 minutes)

Acceptance rate: 100% (since translation is done by approved on-site provider)

Cost: ¥200-350 depending on location and language

Processing time: 20-45 minutes while you wait

Available at:

• Shanghai Pudong/Hongqiao airports: ¥200-300
• Beijing Capital/Daxing airports: ¥250-350
• Major city Vehicle Management Offices: ¥200-300

Pros:

• ✅ Guaranteed acceptance (done by approved provider)
• ✅ Fast (same-day)
• ✅ No advance planning needed
• ✅ Handles uncommon languages

Cons:

• ❌ More expensive than pre-arranging translation
• ❌ Adds 20-45 min to application time
• ❌ Not available at all locations

Best for: Short-notice applications, travelers without pre-arranged translation, temporary license applicants

Method 3: Notarized Translation (Required for Some Provinces)

What it is:

• Standard translation from approved agency + notarization by Chinese notary office (公证处)
• Notary verifies translation authenticity and certifies it
• Provides highest level of official recognition

When required:

Acceptance rate: 100% (highest official recognition)

Cost: ¥400-600 total (translation ¥200-300 + notarization ¥200-300)

Processing time: 3-5 business days total (translation 1-2 days + notarization 2-3 days)

Process:

1. Get translation from approved agency
2. Take translation + original license + passport to Chinese notary office (公证处)
3. Notary verifies documents and translation
4. Notary issues certification document with official seal
5. Use notarized translation for license application

Best for: Beijing permanent license applications, provinces requiring notarization, anyone wanting maximum acceptance assurance

Method 4: Embassy Certification (Limited Acceptance)

What it is:

• Translation done by your home country embassy in China
• Embassy certifies translation is accurate

Acceptance rate: 40-70% (varies significantly by province and office)

Cost: $50-150 USD (varies by embassy)

Processing time: 3-10 business days

Issues:

• ❌ Many Vehicle Management Offices don’t accept embassy translations (not Chinese-certified)
• ❌ Expensive compared to local agencies
• ❌ Slow processing
• ❌ Requires in-person visit to embassy

When to use: Only if your embassy explicitly states their translation is accepted by Chinese Vehicle Management Offices (verify first). Otherwise, use approved Chinese agency.

Best for: Very limited situations – usually not recommended

Translation Requirements: What Must Be Included

Content Requirements

Mandatory information that must appear in translation:

1. Personal information:
   • Full name (exactly as in passport)
   • Date of birth
   • Place of birth (if on license)
   • License number
   • Nationality
2. License details:
   • Issuing authority/agency
   • Issue date
   • Expiration date
   • License class/category (e.g., Class C, Category B)
   • Restrictions or endorsements (if any)
3. Translation information:
   • Translator name and certification number
   • Translation agency name and license number
   • Translation date
   • Agency official seal/stamp (公章)

Format requirements:

• ✅ Chinese translation on official agency letterhead
• ✅ Original language text + Chinese translation side-by-side (preferred) or separate pages
• ✅ Red official seal/stamp of translation agency (圆形公章)
• ✅ Translator’s signature and certification
• ✅ Date of translation clearly marked

Common Rejection Reasons

Step-by-Step: Getting Your Translation

Option A: Using Approved Translation Agency (Recommended)

Step 1: Find approved agency (1 day before)

• Online search: “驾照翻译 [city name]” or “driver license translation [city]”
• Verify qualifications: Ask agency for their 营业执照 (business license) showing translation services
• Check reviews: Look for recent positive reviews about Vehicle Management Office acceptance
• Confirm turnaround time: Standard 1-3 days, rush available

Recommended agencies (national service):

• Youdao Translation (有道翻译): Online submission, 24-48 hour turnaround, ¥250-350
• LanguageLine Solutions China: Professional service, 2-3 days, ¥300-400
• Our certified translation service: Guaranteed acceptance, 24-hour rush available, ¥280-450 (details here)

Step 2: Submit documents (same day)

What to provide to agency:

1. Clear color scan/photo of driver’s license (front and back if two-sided)
2. Scan of passport photo page
3. Your current address in China (for delivery if mailing)
4. Phone number and email

Submission methods:

• In-person: Visit agency office, submit documents, pay, receive pickup date
• Online: Upload scans via agency website/app, pay online (WeChat/Alipay), receive via courier
• Email: Send scans via email, pay via bank transfer, receive PDF + mailed original

Step 3: Payment (same day)

• Standard service: ¥200-300 (English, major European languages)
• Less common languages: ¥300-450 (Japanese, Korean, Arabic, less common European languages)
• Rush service: +¥100-200 for 24-hour turnaround
• Payment methods: WeChat Pay, Alipay, bank transfer, credit card (some agencies)

Step 4: Receive translation (1-3 days later)

• In-person pickup: Return to agency office with receipt
• Courier delivery: SF Express (顺丰) or similar, 1-2 days (add ¥15-30 for shipping)
• Hotel delivery: Many agencies deliver to hotel in same city (free or small fee)

Verify upon receipt:

• ✅ Name matches passport exactly
• ✅ All license details translated correctly
• ✅ Red official seal/stamp clearly visible
• ✅ Translator signature and certification number present
• ✅ Translation date is recent (within 6 months recommended)

Option B: On-Site Translation at Application Location

Available at:

• Shanghai Pudong/Hongqiao airports
• Beijing Capital/Daxing airports
• Major city Vehicle Management Offices (Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Hangzhou)

Process:

1. Arrive at license application location with original license and passport
2. Tell staff you need translation service: “我需要驾照翻译” (Wǒ xūyào jiàzhào fānyì)
3. Submit license and passport to on-site translation desk
4. Pay translation fee (¥200-350 depending on language)
5. Wait 20-45 minutes for translation
6. Receive translation with official seal
7. Proceed with license application using newly translated document

Cost: ¥200-350 (typically 20-30% more expensive than pre-arranging with agency)

Processing time: 20-45 minutes

Best for: Last-minute applications, temporary license at airport, travelers who didn’t arrange translation in advance

Option C: Notarized Translation (For Provinces Requiring It)

Step 1: Get translation from approved agency (2-3 days)

• Follow Option A steps above
• Inform agency you need notarization afterward (they’ll format appropriately)
• Receive original translation with agency seal

Step 2: Find Chinese notary office (公证处)

• Location: Search “公证处 [city]” or “notary office [city]”
• Major cities: Multiple offices, choose one near you
• Appointment: Some require appointment, others accept walk-ins (call ahead: “我需要翻译公证” – Wǒ xūyào fānyì gōngzhèng)

Step 3: Submit for notarization (1 day)

Bring to notary office:

1. Original foreign driver’s license
2. Passport (original)
3. Translation from approved agency (original with seal)
4. Copies of all above

At notary office:

1. Staff reviews documents and translation
2. Verifies translation agency is qualified
3. Checks your identity against passport
4. You sign notarization application form
5. Pay notarization fee: ¥200-300
6. Receive pickup date (usually 2-3 business days)

Step 4: Pick up notarized translation (2-3 days later)

• Return to notary office with receipt
• Receive notarization certificate (公证书) with official government seal
• This certificate includes your original translation plus notary’s certification

Total timeline: 5-7 days (translation 2-3 days + notarization 2-3 days + 1 day buffer)

Total cost: ¥400-600 (translation ¥200-300 + notarization ¥200-300)

Translation for Different License Types

English-Language Licenses (USA, UK, Australia, Canada, etc.)

Acceptance: Easiest and most commonly translated

Cost: ¥200-300 (lowest pricing)

Processing time: 1-2 days (fastest turnaround)

Common issues:

• US state variations (some states have complex multi-page licenses – ensure all pages translated)
• UK older paper licenses (must include both paper license and photocard if you have dual format)
• Australian state differences (NT, WA, QLD licenses have different formats)

Special notes:

• USA: Temporary paper licenses usually not accepted – must have permanent card
• UK: New photocard licenses easiest; old paper licenses require both documents
• Canada: All provincial licenses accepted; Quebec French licenses slightly more expensive to translate

European Languages (German, French, Spanish, Italian, etc.)

Acceptance: Well-established translation standards

Cost: ¥250-350

Processing time: 1-3 days

Common issues:

• EU licenses have standardized format (makes translation easier)
• Older non-EU format licenses from some countries (may require additional verification)

Special notes:

• Germany: Both old gray licenses and new EU format accepted
• France: Ensure license category clearly translated (B = C1 in China)
• Spain/Italy: EU format standardized, translation straightforward

Asian Languages (Japanese, Korean, etc.)

Acceptance: Common in China, established translation protocols

Cost: ¥250-400

Processing time: 1-3 days

Common issues:

• Character-based languages require careful verification (ensure no character confusion in translation)
• Japanese licenses use different character set than Chinese (careful translation needed)

Special notes:

• Japan: Both old booklet-style and new card licenses accepted; ensure all pages of booklet translated
• Korea: Straightforward translation; both old and new format licenses accepted
• Singapore/Malaysia: English-language licenses, same as UK/USA treatment

Less Common Languages (Arabic, Portuguese, Hebrew, etc.)

Acceptance: Accepted but fewer agencies can handle

Cost: ¥350-500 (premium pricing due to translator scarcity)

Processing time: 3-5 days (longer due to specialized translator availability)

Common issues:

• Fewer agencies have certified translators for these languages
• May require notarization even in provinces that don’t usually require it (to ensure acceptance)
• On-site airport translation may not be available (pre-arrangement essential)

Special notes:

• Arabic: Gulf state licenses (UAE, Saudi, Kuwait) increasingly common; reputable agencies have Arabic translators
• Portuguese: Brazil and Portugal licenses differ in format; ensure agency familiar with your country’s format
• Hebrew: Limited agencies; pre-arrange translation in major cities (Beijing, Shanghai)

Cost Comparison: Translation Options

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Mistake #1: Using IDP as Translation

Problem: Many foreigners assume their International Driving Permit (IDP) serves as translation in China.

Reality: China does not recognize IDP. It must be a China-specific translation from Chinese-certified agency.

Solution: Get proper translation from approved Chinese agency, even if you have valid IDP.

Mistake #2: Self-Translation or Friend Translation

Problem: Creating your own translation or having bilingual friend translate to save money.

Reality: 100% rejection rate. Only certified translator translations accepted.

Solution: Use approved agency with official seal. Cost savings of DIY translation not worth guaranteed rejection.

Mistake #3: Translating Expired License

Problem: Getting translation of license that’s already expired or expires soon.

Reality: Chinese authorities only accept translations of currently valid licenses. If license expires during Chinese license validity period, may cause issues.

Solution: Renew your home country license before getting translation. Ensure validity extends beyond intended China driving period.

Mistake #4: Name Mismatch Between Passport and Translation

Problem: License shows maiden name or middle name variation, translation doesn’t exactly match current passport.

Reality: Name in translation must exactly match passport for identity verification.

Solution: If license name differs from passport (due to marriage, legal name change, etc.), provide marriage certificate or name change document (translated) to explain discrepancy. Or update license to match passport before traveling.

Mistake #5: Missing Agency Seal or Using Scanned Seal

Problem: Translation received via email/PDF with digital/scanned seal instead of original stamped document.

Reality: Must have original document with physical red seal impression. Scanned/printed seals not accepted.

Solution: Insist on receiving original stamped document. If agency sends PDF first, ensure original with physical seal follows by mail.

Mistake #6: Not Verifying Agency Qualifications

Problem: Using random translation service without verifying they have proper government certification.

Reality: Many translation services exist, but only those with specific government qualification (翻译资质) are accepted by Vehicle Management Offices.

Solution: Ask agency for their 营业执照 (business license) showing translation services authorization before paying. Check recent reviews about Vehicle Management Office acceptance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is translation valid?

Technically, translation has no expiration as long as the original license remains valid. However, some Vehicle Management Offices prefer translations done within the past 6-12 months. If your translation is older than 12 months, you may be asked to get new translation (though this is uncommon).

Can I use the same translation for multiple license applications?

Yes. If you get temporary license, then later apply for permanent license conversion, you can use same translation (as long as original license still valid). However, some offices may keep original translation and provide you with stamped copy – ask for copy if you need translation for multiple purposes.

What if my license is in two languages (e.g., French and English in Canada)?

Translation agency will translate from whichever language they’re most qualified for (usually English if available). The presence of multiple languages on license is not a problem – translator will note both languages on license and provide Chinese translation.

Do I need to translate the entire license booklet (for countries with booklet-format licenses)?

Yes. For countries like Japan, Germany (older gray license), or others with multi-page booklet formats, all pages with relevant information must be translated. This includes endorsements, restrictions, issue history, etc. Translation agency will advise which pages are necessary.

Can I get translation in my home country before traveling to China?

Technically possible, but not recommended. Translations done outside China are often not accepted by Chinese Vehicle Management Offices because the translator is not certified by Chinese authorities. It’s safer and often cheaper to get translation in China from approved agency (or use online Chinese agency that mails translation to your home country before your trip).

What if translation has errors (misspelled name, wrong date, etc.)?

Contact translation agency immediately. Reputable agencies correct errors for free if mistake was theirs. If you provided incorrect information, correction may incur small fee (¥50-100). Ensure you review translation carefully before submitting for license application – catching errors early saves time.

Do I need separate translation for motorcycle license?

If your license includes both car and motorcycle categories (common in many countries), single translation covers both. However, in China, you’ll need to take separate tests/applications for motorcycle license conversion (motorcycles are separate license class in China). The translation simply verifies you hold motorcycle category on foreign license.

Can I use translation done for temporary license later for permanent license?

Yes, absolutely. Same translation can be used for both temporary and permanent license applications (as long as original license still valid). Keep original translation safe after receiving temporary license – you’ll need it again if you apply for permanent conversion later.

Summary: Translation Action Plan

3-7 days before applying for Chinese license:

1. Verify your foreign license is valid (not expired) and has at least 3-6 months remaining validity
2. Check if your province requires notarization:
   • Beijing permanent license: Yes, add 3-5 days and ¥200-300
   • Shanghai temporary/permanent: Usually no, but possible
   • Other cities: Ask Vehicle Management Office or use agency that knows local requirements
3. Choose translation method:
   • Best value + reliability: Pre-arrange with approved agency (¥200-350, 1-3 days)
   • Fastest/most convenient: On-site at airport/VMO (¥200-350, 20-45 min, same-day)
   • Maximum assurance: Notarized translation (¥400-600, 5-7 days)
4. Submit documents to chosen agency (scans of license + passport)
5. Pay fee and await translation
6. Receive translation and verify:
   • ✅ Name matches passport
   • ✅ All license details correct
   • ✅ Red official seal present
   • ✅ Translator certification included

On license application day:

1. Bring: Original foreign license + passport + translation (original with seal)
2. If using on-site translation: Arrive 30-45 minutes early to complete translation before application
3. Submit all documents to Vehicle Management Office staff
4. Proceed with license application

Recommended approach for foreigners:

• Planning ahead (3+ days notice): Use approved online agency with English support – saves money, ensures acceptance, reduces language barrier stress
• Last-minute (1-2 days notice): Use on-site airport/VMO translation – convenient, guaranteed acceptance, worth premium cost for convenience
• Maximum assurance needed: Use professional service with guaranteed acceptance and support – our service provides this at ¥280-450 (details here)

Getting proper translation is the single most important step in applying for a Chinese driver’s license. Shortcuts don’t work – unofficial translations have 100% rejection rate. Invest the ¥200-600 and 1-5 days for proper translation to avoid wasting time, money, and facing application denial. Follow this guide to ensure your translation meets all requirements and is accepted on first submission.

For foreigners wanting English-language support and guaranteed acceptance by all Vehicle Management Offices nationwide, our certified translation service provides professionally translated documents with 24-hour rush processing available. We verify all details before submission and provide support if any questions arise during license application.