Xinyi Driving Guide

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Documents Foreigners Need for Driving Matters in China

Last verified against sources: . Rules change, so please confirm with your local vehicle administration office.

Whether you are converting a foreign license, taking the tests or renewing, the first thing the office checks is your identity document. The licensing provisions define exactly what counts. Getting this wrong is a common reason for a wasted trip, so this guide goes through each document.

Valid proof of identity for foreign nationals

The provisions (Article 109) and the Beijing government’s English pages agree that a foreigner’s proof of identity is:

  1. A valid passport or other international travel document, plus
  2. A visa valid for three months or longer, or a valid stay or residence permit, plus
  3. An accommodation registration certificate (住宿登记证明) issued by the public security organ.

Or, instead of all three, a Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card (the “Chinese green card”).

Staff of foreign embassies, consulates and international organization offices in China use the valid identity documents issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For them, license applications are handled on the principle of diplomatic reciprocity.

What the accommodation registration certificate is

It is a record, issued by the police, of where you are staying in China. The provisions say an overseas person’s address is the one recorded on this certificate, so it must be current. The Beijing pages say that if the office can verify it electronically, you do not need to bring a paper copy. Ask your hotel, landlord or local police station how to register your address if you do not have the certificate.

Identity documents for other applicant groups

Some applicants who hold foreign licenses are not foreign nationals in the legal sense. For them the provisions list:

ApplicantProof of identity
Residents of Hong Kong and MacaoResidence permit for Hong Kong and Macao residents, or the Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao residents or a PRC travel document, plus accommodation registration
Taiwan residentsResidence permit for Taiwan residents, or a five-year Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan residents or a PRC travel document, plus accommodation registration
Chinese citizens settled abroadPRC passport plus accommodation registration

Mainland residents who hold a foreign license must also present their passport or the relevant travel permit.

The foreign license and its translation

When you convert a foreign license you hand over the original license. If it is not written in Chinese, you also need a Chinese translation produced by a translation agency or notarized by a notary. The Beijing FAQ says the translation must be a notarized Chinese translation.

The license must be a formal license that allows you to drive on your own. Learner’s, temporary and probationary licenses are not accepted.

For a temporary driving permit, a Chinese translation is also required, and the Shanghai traffic police say embassy and consulate translations are accepted too. See temporary driving permit.

The medical certificate

The provisions require a physical condition certificate from an authorized medical institution:

If a hospital issues a false certificate, the police stop recognizing certificates from it.

Photographs

Photo requirements vary by process and city. The Beijing renewal page asks for three photos, 32 mm by 22 mm, in color, bare-headed, front-facing, plain white background, taken within the last six months. The Beijing FAQ for foreigners converting a license mentions four one-inch photos. Ask how many are needed when you book, or check whether the office takes your photo on site.

Application form and authorization

Tips

Checklist

Sources

Our text is an original summary and translation. If it differs from the Chinese original, the original prevails. See the disclaimer.