YOUR PRACTICAL GUIDE

Driving in China.
Start with your permit.

Visiting mainland China with a driving license from home? Get a temporary Chinese driving permit for your trip. This is the visitor route; converting your license to a full Chinese license is a separate process. Shanghai’s guide

By WoDriveChina · Official guidance checked 3 October 2026.

Two steps. Translation, then permit.

01 · WE HANDLE THIS

Get your license translated.

WoDriveChina arranges your certified, stamped Chinese translation. Choose €25 with delivery within China or €45 with delivery outside China.

Enter your name, email and WhatsApp number at checkout. Within 24 hours after payment, we’ll message you for front-and-back license photos, your application city and delivery address.

02 · YOUR VISIT

Apply at the Motor Office.

Take your documents in person, complete the application and attend the road-safety briefing. The office issues your temporary permit.

For a rental car, apply in the city where the rental company is located. Beijing’s application rules

Documents for a temporary Chinese driving permit.

Your valid original driving license. It must be a full license, rather than a learner’s or provisional license.
A Chinese translation accepted by the local authority. Beijing accepts a qualified Chinese translation agency or a notarized translation.
Your passport or entry travel document. Include your visa or stay/residence permit where applicable.
Two recent 1-inch color ID photos, white background. Shanghai also offers photos at the office.

Entering visa-free? Beijing accepts the travel document used for entry. See Beijing’s document checklist and Shanghai’s application guide.

Where to go, and when you get it.

Look for the Vehicle Management Office — 车辆管理所. Check its opening hours and appointment arrangements before visiting.

Shanghai

Permit issued on site after the application and road-safety session. Airport counters are also listed.

Shanghai offices & process Read our Shanghai permit guide

Beijing

Published processing time: up to 3 working days. Permit fee: ¥10, paid to the office.

Beijing times & fees Read our Beijing permit guide

Before you take the wheel.

Do I need an International Driving Permit?

An IDP does not replace your Chinese temporary permit. Use your home-country license and Chinese translation to apply; an IDP is not required. Shanghai’s official answer

See our guide to international driving permits and foreign licenses in China for the difference between your license, its translation and your Chinese permit.

How long is the permit valid?

Shanghai lists three months for short stays, extending up to one year for longer stays. Follow the expiry date on your permit. Carry it together with your original license, translation and rental contract. Applicants aged 70 or older also take a capacity test. Shanghai’s permit conditions

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€25 delivered within China · €45 delivered outside China.

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