Temporary Driving Permit for Foreigners in China
Legal basis, documents, validity and fast handling — the complete guide to the Chinese temporary driving permit for foreign drivers, with a real issued case.
Do you need it?
Yes — under the Public Security Ministry Regulations on Temporary Entry Vehicles and Drivers (Order No. 90), any foreigner holding an overseas driving licence must obtain a Chinese Temporary Driving Permit before driving in China. An IDP from your home country is not valid on its own.
Key points
- The permit must be used together with your overseas licence and its certified Chinese translation.
- Validity is up to 3 months, matching your entry period (Order No. 90, Art. 14); stays over 3 months can be extended to 1 year (Order No. 172, Art. 21).
Documents required (Order No. 90, Art. 13)
- Passport / entry-exit ID document
- Overseas driving licence + certified Chinese translation (we prepare)
- Proof of age and physical fitness for Chinese driving
- Two recent 1-inch white-background photos
- Vehicle class on the permit matches your licence and your vehicle
With your file complete, the traffic police can issue the permit quickly — most of our clients collect it the same day or next day.
Real case: Vietnam driver, issued in Kunming
A Temporary Driving Permit we recently arranged — issued by Kunming traffic police to a Vietnam national (class C1), valid 3 months. Identity details are masked for privacy; this is the exact document your driver receives.
How we handle it fast
- Check your licence and vehicle class before you travel
- Prepare the certified Chinese translation of your licence
- Complete the application and follow up for same-day issue
- Bundle with vehicle temporary import permit and customs guarantee
Licensed travel agency (Yunnan Province International Travel Agency (Group) Co., Ltd). Vehicle entry and customs declaration must be filed through a qualified agency.
Need a Temporary Driving Permit?
Send us your licence details and travel dates — we prepare everything before you cross.
- 15368857639
- tj718100
- [email protected]