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Be cautious when applying for a Chinese "International Driving Permit"

 

It is impossible to obtain a so-called "International Driving Permit" with a Chinese driver's license. For Chinese citizens holding a Chinese driver's license, any "International Driving Permit" obtained is not recognized. Driving abroad with a Chinese driver's license is generally considered driving without a valid license, except in some countries that explicitly allow temporary use of a Chinese driver's license, such as for first-time entry into the UK within 12 months. However, this requires the corresponding certified translation from an authorized translation agency, and the translation must be notarized by a government notary office (please refer to the previous guide on driving in the UK with a Chinese driver's license for more details). The Chinese "International Driving Permit" holds no legal validity outside of China.

 

This is because China is not a contracting party to the United Nations' "Convention on Road Traffic," and therefore, Chinese government agencies are temporarily unable to issue "International Driving Permits" to their citizens. Genuine "International Driving Permits" with legal effect must be issued by the citizen's home country government; other organizations do not have the authority to issue such permits.

 

As shown in the image below, the Consular Protection Center of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a reminder in 2018:

如下图，今年2月份，南京出入境办证中心的提醒：

Can you drive abroad with a translated Chinese driver's license?

 

It depends on the specific regulations of each country. Some countries allow the temporary use of a Chinese driver's license with the original license, a certified translation, and a notarized document. However, this may not be the case for all countries.

 

For example, in the Canadian province of Ontario, Chinese citizens aged 16 and above can legally drive within 90 days of entry. However, they must possess the original Chinese driver's license and a translation document issued by a translation agency certified by the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO).

 

In the case of California, USA, a Chinese driver's license can be used. However, when using it in California, in addition to carrying the original Chinese driver's license, you also need to have a notarized translation of the license, your passport, and the credit card of the person renting the vehicle.

 

But if you become a resident of California, you must obtain a California driver's license within 10 days. If you have a green card or any other US identification, you cannot use a Chinese driver's license, and if caught, you may face charges for driving without a license. The state of California does not recognize international driving permits. In fact, the acceptability of Chinese driver's licenses in various states of the US may vary, so it's best to inquire with the official authorities before traveling.

 

As shown in the image below, information published by the official tourism bureau of California, USA:

If the translated driver's license and notarized documents are not recognized, you may be charged with driving without a license, and in case of any issues, the insurance company may not provide coverage.

 

Therefore, before traveling to a specific country, it is advisable to confirm with the embassy or consulate of that country whether you can drive with a Chinese driver's license or if there are any other requirements. Keep in mind that China follows left-hand driving, while many countries follow right-hand driving, so it is essential to familiarize yourself with the traffic rules of the destination country. Additionally, purchasing insurance is a necessary step. For long-term international students, it may be advantageous to obtain a local driver's license.