Shanghai's efficient and affordable public transportation system offers a convenient way to get around the city. However, for those who prefer the flexibility of driving their own vehicle, converting an overseas driving license to a Chinese one is a practical option.

This guide outlines the process to help applicants complete the conversion smoothly.

Who can apply

Foreigners who have stayed or resided in China for more than three months.

What you'll need to prepare

To convert your foreign driving license, please prepare the following documents:

1. Passport or other international travel document, or Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card:

- Original and a photocopy.

2. Visa, stay permit or residence permit, and accommodation registration:

- Valid visa, stay permit or residence permit allowing a stay or residence of more than three months.

- Accommodation registration form for visitors from overseas.

 Note: If you hold a Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card, a visa, stay permit, residence permit, and accommodation registration form are not required.

3. Overseas driving license:

- Original and a photocopy.

4. Chinese translation of your driving license:

- If your overseas driving license is not in Chinese, you must provide an official translation. This translation must be either:

• Issued by a translation company and bearing its official seal, along with a photocopy of the company's business license bearing its official seal;
• Notarized by a notary office.

- Translations issued by an embassy or consulate in China of the license-issuing country or region, or Chinese translations notarized by a Shanghai notary office, are also accepted.

5. Driver's physical examination report:

A physical examination report for drivers issued by a designated local hospital. This examination typically includes basic checks such as vision, hearing, and color blindness.

Recommended translation services

To assist with the translation of your driving license, the following service providers are recommended:

• Shanghai Interpreters' Association

- Address: Room 1607, No 1277, West Beijing Road, Jing'an district

- Contact: 021-6321-8568, 021-6323-9910

- Email: fyxh@shwsfy.com

 - Working hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm

• Shanghai SISU Translation Service Co

- Address: No 573, Chifeng Road, Hongkou district

- Contact: 021-6536-2032

- Email: sisutsdl@163.com

- Working hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm

Where to apply

Once you have gathered all the required documents, you can submit your application at one of the following vehicle management office branches:

• Vehicle Management Office First Branch

- Address: No 2999 West Huaxia Road, Pudong New Area

- Working hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, excluding public holidays; open during lunch hours.

• Vehicle Management Office Second Branch

- Address: Gate 3, No 179 Qinchun Road, Minhang district; testing venue: No 100 Miaojing Road.

- Working hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, excluding public holidays; open during lunch hours.

• Vehicle Management Office Third Branch

- Address: No 2638 Hunan Highway, Pudong New Area

- Working hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, excluding public holidays; open during lunch hours.

• Vehicle Management Office Fourth Branch

- Address: No 299 Anfen Road, Baoshan district; testing venue: No 969 Boyuan Road, Jiading district.

- Working hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, excluding public holidays; open during lunch hours.

 

The application process and theory test

For most applicants, once the submitted documents have been reviewed and approved, a theory test is required.

Test requirement: In general, applicants converting an overseas driving license must take Subject 1, the driver's theory test. Those applying for licenses for large buses, heavy tractor-trailers, city buses, medium buses, or large trucks must also take Subjects 2 and 3.

License issuance: For applicants who only need to take Subject 1, the Chinese driving license is typically issued on the spot after they pass the test.

About the theory test:

• Languages: The test is available in 15 languages.
• Time limit: You will have 45 minutes to complete the test.
• Passing score: A minimum score of 90 points is required to pass.
• Attempts: You are allowed two attempts during a single appointment. If you fail both, you will need to pay again to schedule a new appointment.

 

Exemption from theory test: mutual recognition agreements

Currently, China has driving license mutual recognition agreements with a few countries. If you hold a valid driving license from one of these countries, you may be eligible to convert your license to a Chinese one without taking the theory test.

Countries covered by mutual recognition agreements: Belgium, the United Arab Emirates, France, and Serbia.

 

Short-term driving option: temporary driving permit

For visitors who only need to drive temporarily in China, a temporary driving permit may be an option:

• Up to 3 months: For stays of three months or less.
• Up to 1 year: For stays or residence periods of more than three months, with the validity period capped at one year.

Learn more about how to apply for a temporary driving permit here: Click to apply for a temporary driving permit

 

Updated June 22, 2026

Sources: National Immigration Administration, Traffic Police Corps of Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Public Security