China

International Driving Permit for China license holders

In short

China drivers need an IDP in any country that requires one for foreign licences, and — because China licences are not in the Roman alphabet — in most countries that recognise the IDP. It is a translation of your China licence, carried together with it. Mainland China is not party to the IDP conventions, so Chinese drivers typically obtain a temporary local licence in the destination country.

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 the recognised multilingual translation of your existing licence, issued in the official UN-convention format and carried alongside your national licence.

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Last reviewed June 2026

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Driving abroad on a China license

Tap a country for the exact verdict for China drivers — required or recommended, the convention basis, and what to carry.

China drivers — common questions

01

Do China license holders need an International Driving Permit?

China drivers need an IDP in any country that requires one for foreign licences, and — because China licences are not in the Roman alphabet — in most countries that recognise the IDP. It is a translation of your China licence, carried together with it. Mainland China is not party to the IDP conventions, so Chinese drivers typically obtain a temporary local licence in the destination country.

02

Is China part of the driving conventions?

China is party to local arrangements on road traffic, which govern which IDP format applies abroad.

03

How fast can a China driver get an IDP?

As fast as 8 minutes — enter your details and licence, pay, and your digital permit is emailed to you.