China licence Hong Kong

Driving in Hong Kong with a China license

Short answer: to drive in Hong Kong with a China license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna format, carried together with your China license.

Bring an IDP

Yes — to drive in Hong Kong on an China licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your China licence. Hong Kong expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Convention basisHong Kong uses the format of the 1968 Vienna Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

At the rental deskSelf-drive rental is limited; an IDP is expected where available.

CarryCarry BOTH your China national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.

Minimum age18+ to drive; rental typically 21+ with a young-driver surcharge under 25

Validity1–3 years (you choose at checkout)

FormatDigital PDF you print yourself, plus a QR-verifiable ID card — accepted alongside printed permits

Last verified June 2026Source: 1968 Vienna Convention

Get my IDP for Hong Kong Full Hong Kong guide

Mainland China is not party to the IDP conventions, so Chinese drivers typically obtain a temporary local licence in the destination country. Your International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing licence, prepared in the 1968 Vienna format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in Hong Kong

Drive on the left.
Seatbelts mandatory front and rear.
0.05% alcohol limit.
Tunnels and bridges carry tolls.

Common questions

Can I drive in Hong Kong with a China license?

to drive in Hong Kong with a China license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna format, carried together with your China license. Hong Kong uses the format of the 1968 Vienna Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

Is my China driver's license valid in Hong Kong?

Yes — to drive in Hong Kong on an China licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your China licence. Hong Kong expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Hong Kong?

Yes — to drive in Hong Kong on an China licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your China licence. Hong Kong expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Can I rent a car in Hong Kong with a China license?

Self-drive rental is limited; an IDP is expected where available.

What IDP format does Hong Kong accept?

Hong Kong uses the format of the 1968 Vienna Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

How do I get an International Driving Permit for Hong Kong?

An International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing China license. You apply online, and it is issued as a printable PDF booklet with a QR-verifiable ID card in the 1968 Vienna format Hong Kong uses — carried alongside your China license.

Do I still carry my China license?

Carry BOTH your China national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.