Temporary Driving Permit or Full Chinese License: Which Do You Need?
If you hold a foreign license, China gives you two legal routes to drive. One is a temporary driving permit for people who are in the country temporarily. The other is a full Chinese driver’s license for people who live there. This guide helps you choose, based on the official rules.
The short answer
| Your situation | What the rules point to |
|---|---|
| Visiting for up to 3 months | Temporary driving permit (valid 3 months) |
| Staying more than 3 months but still a temporary entrant | Temporary driving permit, with validity up to 1 year |
| Living, working or studying in China long term | Full Chinese license (converted from your foreign license) |
| Holding only a learner’s, temporary or probationary foreign license | Neither route works on its own: a foreign license must be a full license that allows solo driving |
The provisions say foreign license holders who need to drive temporarily should apply for a temporary driving permit, and the permit is designed for drivers who have entered China temporarily. People who live in China and want to keep driving use the conversion route to a full Chinese license. If you are unsure which applies to you, ask the vehicle administration office.
Compare the two options
| Temporary driving permit | Full Chinese license | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it is for | Short-term visitors and temporary entrants | Residents (apply where you live) |
| Validity | 3 months, or up to 1 year if staying longer than 3 months | 6 years first, then 10 years, then long-term |
| Vehicles | Your own car brought into China, or a rented Chinese car (C1 or C2 only) | Any car in the class(es) on your license |
| Exams | A short traffic-law briefing from the traffic police | Subject 1 written test for car classes |
| Documents | Passport, foreign license, Chinese translation, photo | Passport, visa/residence, accommodation registration, medical certificate, foreign license and translation |
| Age 70 and over | Must first pass a capacity test | Ability tests apply |
| Where to apply | A vehicle administration office, certain airport police counters, and an online platform in Shanghai | Vehicle administration office where you live |
How to decide
- How long will you be in China? If it is less than a year and you will not become a resident, the temporary permit is the usual route. If you will live there for more than a year, plan for the full license.
- What will you drive? A rented car is limited to C1 and C2 on a temporary permit. Your own car brought into China must match the class on the permit.
- What does your home license allow? The permit cannot go beyond the classes on your foreign license.
- Do you meet the age condition? At least 18 for C1 and C2.
- Is your foreign license a full license? Learner’s, temporary and probationary licenses do not count.
Switching later
A temporary permit does not turn into a full license. If your stay becomes long-term, apply for a Chinese license at the vehicle administration office where you live, following the steps in how foreigners get a Chinese driver’s license. For the 90-day residence rule and exams, read that guide first.
Common mistakes
- Driving on only your home license or an international permit. The Beijing government FAQ says foreigners must hold a Chinese license to drive in China, and the regulations provide the temporary permit for visitors.
- Not carrying the Chinese translation. The permit must be used together with the foreign license and its Chinese translation.
- Not carrying the rental contract when driving a rented car, which the Shanghai police advise.
- Unpaid violations. An applicant with unresolved violations or accidents cannot get a permit.
Related
- Temporary driving permit in China
- Renting a car and driving in China as a visitor
- Documents foreigners need
Sources
- Provisions on the Application for and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses (机动车驾驶证申领和使用规定), Articles 20, 21, 22, 25, 37
- Shanghai Municipal Government (English): How to apply for a temporary driving permit
- Beijing Municipal Government (English): Can I use my own country's driver's license in Beijing?