Your foreign driver’s license is useless in mainland China. Full stop. Doesn’t matter if it’s from the US, UK, Germany, or anywhere else. You can’t drive legally with it. An International Driving Permit won’t save you either – Chinese traffic police don’t recognize it on its own.
You need a Chinese temporary driver’s license. It’s the only way to legally drive here as a short-term visitor without sitting through the full license exam hell that locals endure.
I’ve been the guy helping foreigners sort this out for over a decade. You wouldn’t believe how many people show up at rental counters waving their home license, genuinely shocked when they’re turned away. Or worse – they drive anyway, get stopped, and suddenly they’re dealing with fines, impounded vehicles, and visa problems.
This guide tells you exactly what you need, where to go, and how to avoid the usual screw-ups.
What This Permit Actually Is
The temporary driving permit is a short-term authorization issued by local traffic police. It bridges your existing foreign license to China’s road system for visitors staying under three months (sometimes extendable to a year, depending on your visa).
It’s not an International Driving Permit. Those translation booklets mean nothing here. It’s not a learner’s permit. It’s a real, valid Chinese driving authorization – temporary, but official.
The permit is nationally valid across mainland China. You can drive from Shanghai to Chengdu if your permit and visa allow it. Hong Kong and Macau are excluded; they have separate systems.
Why You Can’t Skip This
Driving without a Chinese-issued permit is illegal. Period.
If you’re in an accident without proper authorization, your insurance is void. You’re personally liable for all damages. I’ve seen foreigners face five-figure bills after minor fender-benders because they thought their home license was “good enough.”
Traffic police do random checks. They will ask for your Chinese permit, your original foreign license, and the certified translation. Missing any of those? Same penalty as driving without a license.
Who Qualifies
You need:
A valid foreign driver’s license (not a learner’s permit, not an IDP alone – your actual government-issued license)
A passport with a valid Chinese visa or entry stamp
To be at least 18 years old
If you’re 70 or older, you’ll need a health capacity certificate from a designated medical facility. This isn’t some marathon exam – it’s a basic check confirming you’re fit to drive. The certificate has an expiration date; make sure it’s current when you apply.
Who’s Automatically Disqualified
You’re out of luck if:
You have unresolved traffic violations or accident records in China
Your 12-point driving record has been zeroed out (yes, China uses a points system like many countries)
You have a history of hit-and-run incidents
Your foreign license is suspended or expired
Clean up any outstanding issues before you apply. Traffic police check records.
Permit Validity and Duration
Official policy states the permit cannot exceed your permitted stay and is typically capped at three months initially.
In practice, some local authorities issue permits matching your visa duration, potentially up to one year. Shanghai, Beijing, and other major cities sometimes offer longer validity for business visa holders or longer-term visitors. You need to confirm with the specific Vehicle Management Office when you apply.
A Beijing municipal report noted that over 150 foreign tourists obtained temporary permits in a recent period, suggesting the system is active and accessible, though usage numbers remain modest compared to China’s overall driver population.
Critical: Your permit validity is tied to your visa. If your visa expires in 30 days, your permit is only valid for 30 days, even if the physical permit says 90 days. When your legal stay ends, your driving authorization ends.
Vehicle Categories You Can Drive
Your temporary permit is restricted to the vehicle category on your foreign license. Most foreigners get authorization for small passenger vehicles – Chinese categories C1 (manual transmission) or C2 (automatic transmission).
This covers:
Sedans
SUVs
Minivans
Typical rental cars
This does not cover:
Motorcycles
Buses
Trucks
Commercial vehicles
If your foreign license is for motorcycles only, you won’t get a C1/C2 permit. If you have a commercial vehicle license back home, you might qualify for broader categories, but confirm with the issuing office. Most car rental and chauffeur services only rent category C vehicles anyway.
Required Documents – Get These Right
This is where most applications fail. Missing or incorrect documents mean wasted trips.
The Non-Negotiable List
1. Passport and visa Your passport must be valid. Your Chinese visa or entry stamp must be current. Photocopy the relevant pages.
2. Original foreign driver’s license Must be valid and in your name. Expired licenses are rejected.
3. Certified Chinese translation of your foreign license This is the killer. Your license must be translated by an officially recognized Chinese translation agency. Random online translations don’t work. Your embassy’s translation might work, but agency translations are the safest bet.
How to get the translation: In Shanghai, the Foreign Affairs Translation Workers Association handles these. In Beijing, check the Beijing Translation Association’s certified members. Alternatively, you may also work with a professional service provider to ensure the translation is accurate and compliant, so your application won’t be rejected. If you prefer a more hassle-free option, you can use our Chinese Temporary Driver’s License Translation & Application Service, where we take care of the translation and submission for you to ensure smooth approval.
What to bring to the translator:
Original foreign license
Passport
Visa or entry stamp (sometimes requested)
Cost:80 USD
Pro tip: Get this done before you go to the Vehicle Management Office. Don’t assume the VMO will help you translate on the spot. They won’t.
4. Recent ID photos Two passport-style photos. White or light blue background, no smiling, ears visible. Most VMOs have photo booths if you forget, but it’s faster to bring your own.
5. Completed application form Usually available at the VMO. Some cities allow you to download it from the local traffic police website beforehand. It’s in Chinese; bring a friend or use a translation app.
6. Proof of temporary residence or accommodation Some offices ask for a hotel booking confirmation or temporary residence registration (if you’re staying with friends or in an apartment). Not always enforced, but have it ready.
Special Cases
Age 70+: Bring your health capacity certificate.
Non-standard licenses: If your license is from a small country or issued by a regional authority, confirm with the VMO beforehand that they’ll accept it.
The Application Process
Want to skip the lines and paperwork? We can handle the entire process for you.
Our team can prepare everything in advance so that when you land in China, you simply go to the airport VMO counter and get your Temporary Driver’s License within minutes.
Submit your passport information and a clear scan of your foreign driver’s license through our Chinese Temporary Driver’s License service page. Once your order is placed, we immediately start processing and reserve your application slot with the local authorities.
Step 2: Document Review
Our team reviews your passport and foreign license to confirm your eligibility. We then prepare all required documents for you — including the certified Chinese translation handled by our professional translation team. You don’t need to translate or fill out any forms yourself.
Step 3: Airport Reception
Upon your arrival in China, our staff will meet you at the airport and escort you to the traffic administration office (usually located inside the airport). You won’t need to speak Chinese at any point — we handle all communication for you.
Step 4: Submission & Photo
We complete all submissions, on-site verification, photo process, and the simple medical check on your behalf. You only need to be present and sign your name when required — there is no written or theory exam.
Step 5: Receive Your Temporary License
After submission, your temporary driver’s license is issued on the spot at the airport office. In most cases, the whole in-person process takes only a short time, and your permit — valid from 3 months up to 1 year depending on your case — allows you to drive legally throughout mainland China.
Critical Rules Once You Have the Permit
What You Must Carry While Driving
Always carry:
Your temporary driving permit
Your original foreign driver’s license
The certified Chinese translation of your foreign license
Your passport
If driving a rental: the rental contract and vehicle registration documents
Missing any of these during a traffic stop is treated the same as driving without a license. Fines, impoundment, possible detention.
Understanding the 12-Point System
China uses a points-based penalty system. You start with 12 points. Violations deduct points:
Running a red light: -6 points
Speeding 50%+ over the limit: -12 points (immediate suspension)
Illegal lane changes: -3 points
Using a phone while driving: -2 points
If you hit zero points, your permit is suspended. Foreigners on temporary permits face the same rules.
Payment Methods for Parking and Tolls
Parking: Most urban parking lots and street parking use WeChat Pay or Alipay. Cash is increasingly useless. Some garages take Visa/Mastercard, but don’t count on it. Download and set up WeChat Pay before you drive.
Highway tolls: Many toll booths now use ETC (electronic toll collection) or mobile payment. Some still take cash. Have small bills (10, 20, 50 RMB notes) ready.
Navigation Apps
Google Maps is useless in China. It’s blocked and inaccurate even with a VPN.
Download Amap (高德地图 Gaode Ditu) or Baidu Maps. Both have English interfaces (sort of). Amap is slightly better for foreigners. Input your destination in Chinese characters (copy from a website or have someone write it down). Follow the map icons even if you can’t read the text.
Common Driving Hazards
E-bikes and scooters: They ignore traffic laws. They’ll cut across lanes, run red lights, and merge without warning. Always check your blind spots.
Aggressive lane changes: Chinese drivers don’t signal much. They’ll squeeze into gaps you didn’t know existed. Leave extra space.
Speed cameras: Hidden everywhere – in trees, on overpasses, in unmarked vans. Stick to speed limits. Locals use apps to detect cameras; Amap has this feature.
Parking enforcement: Cities like Shanghai and Beijing use cameras to ticket illegal parking automatically. Don’t park in no-stopping zones, bus lanes, or fire lanes. Tickets are mailed to the rental company, who will charge your card with a hefty processing fee.
What to Do If Stopped by Police
Stay calm. Be polite.
They’ll ask for:
Your driving permit
Your original foreign license
The translation
Your passport
Hand them over without argument.
If you don’t speak Chinese, point to your documents and say “我不会说中文” (wǒ bù huì shuō zhōngwén – “I don’t speak Chinese”). Most traffic police in major cities have translation apps or can call an English-speaking colleague.
If you’re fined: Pay it. Don’t argue unless you’re 100% sure you’re in the right and have a Chinese speaker to help. Unpaid fines complicate future visa applications.
Extending or Renewing the Permit
If your initial permit is expiring but your visa allows a longer stay, you can often extend or renew.
Process: Return to the same VMO or a local branch with:
Your current temporary permit
Passport and visa showing extended stay
Possibly a new health certificate if you’re over 70
Extensions are not automatic. Some cities cap total validity at one year regardless of visa length. Confirm local rules.
An expat in Xiamen renews his temporary permit annually instead of using the China driver’s license exam service for foreigners to get a full license, finding the yearly renewal process convenient and straightforward.
Report the loss to the issuing VMO immediately. Bring:
A police report (from the local Public Security Bureau)
Your passport and visa
Original foreign license and translation
They’ll issue a replacement. Expect delays and possibly a reissue fee.
Edge Cases and Uncommon Situations
Diplomatic or International Organization Licenses
If you hold a diplomatic passport or work for an international organization, check with your embassy or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Special procedures and exemptions sometimes apply, but you’ll still likely need a Chinese-issued permit.
Family Members or Dependents
If you’re traveling with a spouse or adult children who also want to drive, each person needs their own temporary permit. There’s no “family permit.” Each applicant goes through the full process individually.
Driving a Vehicle Temporarily Imported into China
If you’re on an overland expedition and bringing your own vehicle, the temporary permit is designed for this. You’ll also need:
Customs clearance documents for the vehicle
Temporary import permits (arranged through customs or a specialized agent)
Proof of international insurance or a Chinese insurance policy
Some overland tour companies, like those running Tibet motorcycle tours, handle all permit and document arrangements for clients, allowing foreigners to legally drive their own or rented vehicles on guided routes without navigating the bureaucracy themselves.
If your license is from a small country or issued by a regional authority (e.g., a US state with unusual formatting), call the VMO beforehand to confirm they’ll accept it. Bring any additional documentation proving its legitimacy.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake 1: Assuming your foreign license works It doesn’t. Don’t drive without a Chinese permit. Period.
Mistake 2: Bringing an uncertified translation Your buddy who speaks Chinese can’t translate your license. It must be a certified agency translation.
Mistake 3: Not checking permit validity vs. visa validity Your permit might say 90 days, but if your visa is only 30 days, you can only drive for 30 days.
Mistake 4: Forgetting to carry all documents Permit, original license, translation, passport – all must be with you every time you drive.
Mistake 5: Parking illegally Tickets follow the vehicle registration. Rental companies will charge your card for fines plus processing fees (often 200–300 RMB per ticket). It adds up fast.
Troubleshooting Rejected Application
If your application is rejected:
Reason: Unresolved traffic violations Fix: Pay all outstanding fines before reapplying. Check with the traffic police if you’re unsure.
Reason: Translation not accepted Fix: Go to a different, officially recognized agency. Ask the VMO for their list of approved translators.
Reason: Foreign license category unclear Fix: Get a letter from your home country’s licensing authority clarifying the vehicle categories covered.
Reason: Visa too short Fix: Extend your visa first, then reapply for the permit.
FAQ
Can I drive a motorcycle with a temporary permit? Only if your foreign license covers motorcycles and the permit is issued for motorcycle categories. Most temporary permits are C1/C2 (cars only).
Do I need to take a driving test? No. The temporary permit relies on the validity of your existing foreign license. You watch a traffic rules video, but there’s no written or practical exam.
Can I use my permit in Hong Kong or Macau? No. Hong Kong and Macau are separate systems. You need separate permits there.
What if I get into an accident? Call the police (110) and your insurance company immediately. Do not move the vehicles until police arrive unless they’re blocking traffic and police instruct you to move them. Exchange information with the other driver. Take photos. Your temporary permit and foreign license must be presented.
Can I convert my temporary permit to a full Chinese license later? Not directly. If you later become a long-term resident, you’ll apply for China driver’s license conversion for foreigners separately. However, having a temporary permit previously doesn’t give you credit or exemptions in that process.
What happens if my permit expires while I’m still in China? Stop driving. Renew it before expiration or stop driving until you leave. Driving on an expired permit is illegal.
What This Process Looks Like in Practice
A visitor arriving at Shanghai Pudong Airport with all documents (passport, visa, original foreign license, certified translation, photos) walked to the airport VMO branch, submitted paperwork, watched a 15-minute traffic rules video, paid 10 RMB, and walked out with the temporary permit in hand 40 minutes after arriving at the counter. No test, no hassle.
Another traveler in Xi’an, working with a local friend for translation help, spent about two hours at the city VMO (including waiting time) and left with a 90-day permit despite having a 30-day entry stamp. His legal driving period was still limited to his visa, but the longer permit gave flexibility if he later extended his visa.
A Shenzhen expat chose the temporary permit over a full license specifically because it was “fast and painless” for short-term driving needs, avoiding the multi-step theory and practical tests required for a permanent license.
These examples confirm: if you’re prepared, the process is straightforward. If you wing it, expect delays and frustration.
Is It Worth It?
If you’re doing business trips across multiple cities, exploring rural areas, or staying for a month or more, yes. The freedom to drive yourself is worth the paperwork.
If you’re bringing your own vehicle on an overland trip, you have no choice – you need this permit.
About This Guide
This guide is based on firsthand experience helping foreigners obtain temporary driving permits in multiple Chinese cities, combined with official government sources and verified accounts from other expats and travelers.
Regulations and procedures change. Always confirm current requirements with the local VMO before applying.
Get your translation done first, carry all documents every time you drive, and respect the traffic rules. Do that, and you’ll avoid the headaches I’ve seen too many foreigners go through.
You need:
