China licence North Korea

Driving in North Korea with a China license

Short answer: you cannot drive in North Korea on a China license or an International Driving Permit alone — North Korea requires a local or temporary licence.

Not accepted

An International Driving Permit is not sufficient to drive in North Korea. North Korea does not accept the IDP for foreign visitors — a local or temporary licence is required. Always confirm the current rule before you travel.

Convention basisNorth Korea relies on local licensing rules rather than the UN IDP conventions.

At the rental deskNo tourist car rental exists; transport is state-controlled.

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 2026Convention: Local rules

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 Local rules format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in North Korea

Drive on the right (not applicable to tourists).
Independent driving is prohibited.
All movement is guided.
Roads outside Pyongyang are sparse.

Common questions

Can I drive in North Korea with a China license?

you cannot drive in North Korea on a China license or an International Driving Permit alone — North Korea requires a local or temporary licence. North Korea relies on local licensing rules rather than the UN IDP conventions.

Is my China driver's license valid in North Korea?

Do I need an International Driving Permit for North Korea?

Can I rent a car in North Korea with a China license?

No tourist car rental exists; transport is state-controlled.

What IDP format does North Korea accept?

North Korea relies on local licensing rules rather than the UN IDP conventions.

How do I get an International Driving Permit for North Korea?

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 Local rules format North Korea 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.