Step-by-Step Guide to Convert Your Foreign Driver's License

The Pudong Justice Bureau recently released a detailed guide outlining how foreign nationals can convert their overseas driver’s licenses into valid Chinese driving permits.

Rande, a German citizen holding a valid German driver’s license, is among those affected by the new guidance. Following a work assignment, he will be residing in China for an extended period. To ease his daily commute, he plans to purchase a car and hopes to continue driving while in the country. However, he is unsure whether his German license can be used directly in China.

According to the new guidelines, foreign driver’s licenses cannot be used directly in China. Individuals who wish to drive legally must apply for a Chinese motor vehicle driving permit.

Foreign nationals with residence permits must apply at the vehicle administration office in the locality where their residence permit was issued. Those without residence permits but holding valid visas or stay permits should apply at the vehicle administration office in the jurisdiction of the public security authority that issued their accommodation registration form.

Applicants are required to submit the following documents:

1.Motor Vehicle Driver’s License Application Form

2.Physical condition certificate issued by:

(1)A district- or county-level hospital recognized by the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission,

(2)The Shanghai Center for Disease Control and Prevention or its affiliated health examination stations, or

(3)A military medical institution at or above regimental level stationed in Shanghai

3.Applicant’s identification documents and photocopies

4.Original foreign driver’s license and photocopies; if the license is not in Chinese, a Chinese translation must also be provided