If you’re a foreign visitor or a resident of Hong Kong, Macao, or Taiwan, you’ll need a Chinese Temporary Driving Permit to rent and drive a car in China.

The good news is — it’s a simple process! Major entry cities like Beijing and Shanghai make it especially convenient. You can apply right after landing, either at the airport or at nearby traffic offices, and approvals are granted on the spot.

What Is a Temporary Driving Permit?

A Temporary Driving Permit is a short-term license issued by Chinese traffic authorities that allows foreign drivers to operate motor vehicles on Chinese roads.

  • For stays of up to 3 months (inclusive), a 3-month permit can be issued.

  • For longer stays (over 3 months), the permit may be valid for up to 1 year.

Permitted Use:

  • Driving your own temporarily imported vehicle, or

  • Driving a rental vehicle registered in China.

Not permitted: Driving private vehicles owned by Chinese residents.

Important Restrictions:

  • The permit must not exceed the vehicle class authorized by your original foreign driver’s license.

  • If driving your own imported vehicle, the permit class must match your vehicle type.

  • If driving a rental car in China, the permit is limited to Class C1 (manual small car) or C2 (automatic small car) only.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old (for rental vehicle use).

  • Have no record of hit-and-run traffic offenses in China.

  • Have no unresolved traffic violations or pending penalty points requiring education/exams in China.

  • Provide valid, complete, and consistent documentation, and be willing to complete a brief road safety law orientation before receiving the permit.

Recommended Documents to Prepare in Advance

  • Your original foreign driver’s license

  • A certified Chinese translation of your license (from an accredited translation service)

  • Valid travel documents:
    – Passport (for foreign nationals)
    – Mainland Travel Permit (for HK/Macao/Taiwan residents)

  • Two 1-inch color photos with a white background

Where to Apply

Shanghai

(Note: All offices are outside the city center)

  • Airport Traffic Police Offices
    – Hongqiao Airport: No. 201 Konggang 1st Rd (Mon–Thu: 9:00–11:00, 13:00–16:00; Fri: 9:00–11:00; (excluding public holidays) | Tel: (021) 28952289
    – Pudong Airport: No. 805 Huhang Rd (Mon–Thu: 9:00–11:00, 13:00–16:00; Fri: 9:00–11:00); (excluding public holidays) | Tel: (021) 68343234

  • Pudong Traffic Police Brigade: No. 459 Fute West 1st Rd, Free Trade Zone (Mon–Fri: 9:00–16:30, excluding public holidays) | Tel: (021) 22047395

  • Vehicle Management Offices (VMOs) – Open Mon–Fri, 9:00–17:00 (excluding public holidays):
    – VMO 1: No. 2999 Huaxia West Rd, Pudong
    – VMO 2: No. 179 Qinchun Rd, Minhang (Gate 3)
    – VMO 3: No. 2638 Hunan Hwy, Pudong
    – VMO 4: No. 299 Anfen Rd, Baoshan

(Airport Traffic Police Office in Pudong)

Beijing

(Also outside central districts)

  • Capital Airport (T3): Level 1, Gate 7, Zone C, East Side of Central Plaza (Mon–Fri: 8:30–11:30, 13:30–16:30)

  • Daxing Airport: 100m west of Domestic Arrivals Level 2 (Daily: 9:00–16:00, except public holidays)

  • Beijing Vehicle Management Bureau (Main & Branch Offices):
    Mon–Fri: 8:30–18:00 | Weekends: 9:00–16:00 (excluding public holidays)

Beijing Vehicle Administration Main Office: No. 18 South 4th Ring East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Guangzhou

  • Not available at the airport.

  • Must book an appointment via the “Guangzhou Traffic Police” WeChat Official Account (only accessible after arriving in China).

  • During booking, select “Vehicle Management Service Hall” → “Appointment,” and provide a Chinese name (you may create one).

Other Cities

  • Call 12345 (China’s government service hotline) and ask: “How can a foreigner apply for a temporary driving permit?”

Additional Notes

  • Always carry your Temporary Permit, original foreign license, and its Chinese translation while driving.

  • If renting a car, keep the rental contract in the vehicle for police inspection.

  • Applicants aged 70 or older must pass a driving capability test at an approved theory test center before applying (Up to 5 free attempts within 1 year of the first test).

  • Plan ahead: Check office hours and allow sufficient time in your itinerary for processing.

Driving Your Own Vehicle into China

If you intend to drive your own car into China, you must also apply for:

  • A Temporary Entry License Plate, and

  • A Temporary Entry Vehicle Registration Certificate.

These must be arranged at the port of entry or at the traffic management department of the municipality or prefecture-level city where you first enter China. Prepare all required documents before arrival.

While the details may look extensive, the process is straightforward once you have your documents ready. Just remember to drive safe, obey the local traffic laws, and enjoy the journey. We'll see you on the road!