Quick answer: China does not recognise the International Driving Permit (IDP) or any foreign driving licence. To drive legally in China you must apply for a Chinese temporary driving permit. We arrange it for you: you do not need to visit the DMV, cost is 1500 RMB, takes 1-3 working days, valid for 3 months.
Why IDP is not valid in China
China has not signed the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna conventions on road traffic. An IDP attached to your home licence carries no legal weight in China. This applies to US, UK, Australian, Singaporean and all other foreign licences equally.
What you need
- Passport with valid Chinese visa or visa-free entry stamp
- Your home country driving licence (must be valid)
- Certified Chinese translation of your licence (we provide this)
- One passport-sized photo on white background
- Hotel registration proof
How it works
Normally you would go to the local Vehicle Management Office (Jiaoguan), submit your documents, pass a basic eyesight test, and get the card the same day. But offices are far from city centres, paperwork is all in Chinese, and many staff are not familiar with foreign licences. We handle the whole process for you - you send us photos of your documents, we do the rest.
What you can drive
The temporary permit covers the same vehicle categories as your home licence. Our rental cars (VW Lavida, Tank 300) are within the C1 category. You cannot drive motorcycles or commercial vehicles.
Common questions
Can I just use my home licence? No. Driving without a Chinese temporary permit is treated as unlicensed driving: fine 1000-2000 RMB, possible detention, and your rental contract is void.
Is it valid nationwide? Yes. You may need additional permits (like the Tibet Travel Permit) for border regions, but the driving permit itself works everywhere in China.
Our service
We bundle the car and the temporary driving permit: you tell us your dates and airport, we arrange the vehicle and the permit, you land and drive away. WeChat qxzj7557 (WhatsApp +86 13759155671).