Can you drive in China with an international driving permit?
By WoDriveChina · Updated
No. An International Driving Permit (IDP) does not authorize you to drive in mainland China. Beijing’s official guidance confirms this. For a short visit, use your valid home-country license to apply for a temporary Chinese driving permit. Official IDP guidance
Foreign license, translation, IDP: what is each document for?
“International driving licence” is often used to mean an IDP. It is a different document from the temporary permit issued in China.
| Document | Its role |
|---|---|
| Your original driving license | The valid home-country license you bring to the application. |
| Chinese license translation | A supporting document for a license that is not in Chinese. |
| International Driving Permit | Does not authorize driving in mainland China. |
| Temporary Chinese driving permit | The permit issued locally for eligible visitors and vehicle categories. |
Shanghai’s guidance explains the temporary permit and supporting documents. Its FAQ also confirms that an IDP is not required for the application. Shanghai’s IDP answer
Can tourists drive in China with a foreign driving licence?
Prepare the Chinese temporary permit before driving your rental car. Your original foreign licence forms part of that application, together with its Chinese translation and entry documents. Use our step-by-step permit guide to prepare.
Have a British, US, Italian, German or another foreign license? Send us photos of both sides and your intended application city when we contact you on WhatsApp. These details help us arrange your Chinese translation.
Do I need a temporary permit or a full Chinese driving license?
The temporary route is intended for eligible short-term visitors. Converting an overseas license to a full Chinese driving license follows its own application process. Beijing’s full-license application guide
For a holiday road trip, read the Beijing temporary permit guide or Shanghai temporary permit guide for your arrival city. This page covers mainland China; Hong Kong and Macao have separate licensing rules.
Get the Chinese translation ready for your application
Order a certified, stamped translation for €25 with delivery within China or €45 with delivery outside China. We contact you on WhatsApp within 24 hours after payment. The Motor Office handles your permit application in person.
You can arrange the translation before your trip and confirm your hotel address on WhatsApp. Preparation and dispatch take at most 3 days once we have all required information and your go-ahead; courier delivery follows.