China licence San Marino

Driving in San Marino with a China license

Short answer: to drive in San Marino with a China license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna format, carried together with your China license.

Bring an IDP

Yes — to drive in San Marino on an China licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your China licence. San Marino accepts foreign licences, but an IDP is needed because China licences are not in the local alphabet.

Convention basisSan Marino uses the format of the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

At the rental deskCars are typically rented in Italy; an IDP helps non-EU drivers.

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: Geneva 1949 / Vienna 1968

Get my IDP for San Marino Full San Marino 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 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in San Marino

Drive on the right.
Headlights on motorways and in tunnels.
0.05% alcohol limit.
Reflective vest and triangle required.

Common questions

Can I drive in San Marino with a China license?

to drive in San Marino with a China license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna format, carried together with your China license. San Marino uses the format of the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

Is my China driver's license valid in San Marino?

Do I need an International Driving Permit for San Marino?

Can I rent a car in San Marino with a China license?

Cars are typically rented in Italy; an IDP helps non-EU drivers.

What IDP format does San Marino accept?

San Marino uses the format of the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

How do I get an International Driving Permit for San Marino?

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 1949 Geneva / 1968 Vienna format San Marino 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.