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World Driving Permit

🇨🇳 Do you need an IDP to drive in China?

IDP usually not required· no UN road-traffic convention· Last reviewed 13 Jun 2026

Key facts

Driving side
Right-hand
Minimum driving age
18+ years

Short answer

Usually not — most visitors can drive in China on a valid national driving licence during a short tourist stay. A certified translation still makes police and rental checks smoother, especially for non-Latin-script licences.

Driving in China: the rule explained

Mainland China does not recognize IDPs at all. Tourists must obtain a temporary Chinese driving permit (obtainable at some airports/Vehicle Management Offices with a certified Chinese translation) or a full local licence. Conversely, Chinese mainland licence holders driving abroad cannot obtain a standard IDP — a certified translation is the internationally recognized solution.

Renting a car in China

Self-drive rental requires the temporary Chinese permit; chauffeured rental is the common alternative for visitors. International rental companies in China require a valid Chinese driving licence.

What to carry when driving in China

  • Original driving license
  • Passport with valid visa
  • Certified Chinese translation of your license (needed for the temporary permit)
  • Temporary driving permit application (airport service points or local Vehicle Management Office)
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Translation companion

A certified, multi-language translation of your licence to carry alongside it. It is not an IDP and does not replace one.

China: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in China?
Usually not — most visitors can drive in China on a valid national driving licence during a short tourist stay. A certified translation still makes police and rental checks smoother, especially for non-Latin-script licences. Mainland China does not recognize IDPs at all. Tourists must obtain a temporary Chinese driving permit (obtainable at some airports/Vehicle Management Offices with a certified Chinese translation) or a full local licence. Conversely, Chinese mainland licence holders driving abroad cannot obtain a standard IDP — a certified translation is the internationally recognized solution.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in China?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in China read your licence, but where China requires an IDP it must be one issued under the no specific convention. Always carry your original national licence with it.
What do I need to rent a car in China?
Self-drive rental requires the temporary Chinese permit; chauffeured rental is the common alternative for visitors. International rental companies in China require a valid Chinese driving licence.
What is the minimum age to drive in China?
Visitors generally need to be at least 18 to drive in China; car-rental companies often set a higher minimum age and add a young-driver surcharge. Always confirm the age terms with your specific rental provider.

Official sources

Need a real, government-recognised IDP? How to get an IDP from an authorised issuer.

Driving to China from your country

Requirements for other countries