Translation Guide
China Driving Licence Translation Requirements for Foreigners
If your foreign driving licence is not already in Chinese, you must provide a Chinese translation for both a temporary permit and a full licence conversion. The catch most guides miss is that a translation is not automatically accepted just because it is accurate — many offices care about who certified it as much as the wording. Accepted standards vary by city, which is why a city-matched translation matters.
Is a translation always required?
Yes, whenever your licence is not issued in Chinese. It applies to both lawful routes, but it never replaces the application itself.
| Route | Translation needed? |
|---|---|
| Temporary driving permit (short stay) | Yes, if your licence is not in Chinese |
| Full Chinese licence conversion (long stay) | Yes, if your licence is not in Chinese |
| Driving school from zero (no foreign licence) | Not for conversion — you take the full Chinese test series |
A translation supports your application. It does not by itself authorize you to drive — you still need the permit or the Chinese licence.
What the translation must clearly show
Vehicle Administration Office staff compare your original licence, the translation, and the Chinese class you request. The translation should make that mapping easy to verify.
- Your full name, spelled exactly as in your passport.
- Licence number.
- Issue date and expiry date.
- Issuing authority and country.
- Vehicle class, plus any automatic-only, motorcycle, trailer, or other restriction.
Do not hide a restriction to request a broader Chinese class. If the office finds a mismatch, the application can be rejected and you may need a corrected translation.
Who is allowed to certify the translation
The accepted certifier is the part that varies most between cities. Confirm the route your application city recognizes before ordering.
| City | What official guidance commonly accepts |
|---|---|
| Beijing | A Chinese version from a translation agency or notary agency. Applications using only an IDP are not accepted. |
| Shanghai | Names accepted translation providers, allows e-mail arrangements for temporary permits, and also recognizes embassy/consulate or notarial translations. |
| Shenzhen | Translation agency or notary; extra proof may be needed if the licence class or restrictions are unclear. |
| Other cities | Usually a translation agency or notary, but the exact accepted provider, stamp, or notarization style can differ — verify locally. |
Some counters want a physically stamped copy rather than a PDF printout. If a provider seals the pages or gives you a sealed envelope, do not open it before the counter review.
Why a correct translation can still be rejected
- The office only accepts a specific named local provider or notarization style.
- It expects a company stamp or dedicated translation seal that your document lacks.
- It wants the translator business licence or qualification certificate alongside the translation.
- It requires a physical stamped copy and will not accept a plain printout.
- The name order or spelling does not match the passport and application form.
The safest translation is not the cheapest or fastest one — it is the one your application city already recognizes. This is exactly why we ask which city you will apply in.
Keep every document consistent
Local offices can interpret the rules differently, so treat your paperwork as a consistency exercise. Keep your passport spelling, license spelling, translation wording, and application forms aligned before you reach the counter.
Frequently asked questions
Can I translate my own driving licence for China?
No. The Chinese version generally has to be certified by a translation agency or notary. A self-made translation is normally not accepted.
Does every city accept the same translation?
Not always. The wording is similar, but the accepted certifier, stamp, and whether a physical copy is required can differ. Confirm the rule in the city where you will apply.
Is a notarized translation always required?
Not always. Some cities accept a translation-agency version; others accept notarial or embassy/consulate translations. Shanghai, for example, publishes named providers and accepts several forms.
Do I still need the original licence at the counter?
Yes. Bring the original foreign licence together with the certified translation — the translation supports it but does not replace it.
Need a certified translation?
Submit the front and back of your driver's license. We review your documents and send payment instructions before preparing the certified PDF.
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