If you plan to apply for a temporary driving permit in Shanghai, this guide covers eligibility, required documents, application steps, office locations, fees, and practical notes before your visit.
Source: Shanghai official
This page helps you quickly understand whether you can apply in Shanghai, what to prepare, and what to expect during the process.
Foreign visitors on a short stay in China can apply in Shanghai if they hold a valid foreign driver’s license and meet the local application requirements.
Prepare these documents before visiting the office to make the application process smoother.
Translation Note
If your license is not in Chinese, you should prepare a Chinese translation before applying. In Shanghai, accepted translations include those issued by Shanghai Foreign Affairs Translation Workers Association and Shanghai SISU Translation Service Co, by foreign embassies or consulates in China, or by local notary offices.
You may also want to prepare a Chinese version of your name in advance so the translated documents are more consistent.
The application usually follows a simple on-site process if your documents are complete.
Bring your identity document, original foreign driver’s license, translation if required, and photos.
Go to one of the designated offices in Shanghai and submit your application materials.
Applicants are required to complete a short traffic-law learning session (~30 mins) organized by the traffic police.
If your documents are accepted and the required steps are completed, the permit is usually issued on site.
Shanghai has several application points for foreign visitors. Check office hours before your visit, especially for airport counters and shorter-hour service points.
The overall cost is usually modest, and the application is often completed quite quickly if your documents are ready.
These reminders can help you avoid delays and unnecessary return visits.
Make sure your identity document, original license, translation, and photos are ready before your visit.
If your license is not in Chinese, confirm the accepted translation format before preparing the final version.
The process is often quick, but waiting time can be longer when the office is busy.
Many offices close on time, so avoid arriving too late in the day.
If you want help checking your documents, understanding the next steps, or planning your application timing in Shanghai, you can submit your request below.
Fill out the form with your preferred city, driving timing, and service needs.
Our team reviews your request and contacts you through your preferred contact method.
We help arrange the process and provide support. If eligible, the application can often be completed in about one week.
Foreign visitors staying in China for a short period can apply if they hold a valid full foreign driver’s license and meet the local requirements.
If your stay is under 3 months, the permit is valid for 3 months. If your stay is over 3 months, it can be extended up to 1 year.
The permit can be used for a vehicle temporarily brought into China or for a rental vehicle in China. For rental vehicles, only C1 and C2 categories are allowed.
You should usually bring your passport or other accepted identity document, your original foreign driver’s license, a Chinese translation if needed, and two one-inch color photos with a white background.
Yes, if your license is not in Chinese. Shanghai accepts translations from the listed agencies, from foreign embassies or consulates in China, and from local notary offices.
Yes. If needed, photos can usually be taken on site. The photo fee is about 30 CNY.
In many cases, the process is completed in 1 to 2 hours if your documents are ready and the office is not too busy.
No, applicants are required to complete a traffic-law learning session (~30 mins). Applicants aged 70 or above must also pass a capacity test before applying.
Yes, but you must first pass a capacity test before applying for the permit.
No. Applicants with unresolved traffic violations, unresolved traffic accidents, or a hit-and-run record in mainland China are not eligible to apply.
Yes. When driving, you should carry the temporary driving permit together with your foreign driver’s license and its Chinese translation. If you are driving a rental vehicle, you should also carry the rental contract.
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