Landing at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and wondering how to get behind the wheel legally? China does not recognize the International Driving Permit (IDP), so you'll need a Temporary Driving Permit to drive in the Chinese mainland. The good news? You can apply directly at Pudong Airport—and with the right preparation, you can be on the road within 2–3 hours of landing.
This complete guide covers everything: notarization/translation, where to apply, required documents, critical warnings, and a realistic timeline.
Step 1: Getting Your Foreign License Translated (Before You Arrive)
If your foreign driver's license is not in Chinese, you must obtain a certified Chinese translation before applying.
Important Clarification: In the context of this application, "notarization" isn't strictly required—what you need is a certified translation from an officially recognized translation agency. A notary public (公证处) can provide notarized translations, but using a designated translation agency is faster and cheaper.
Option A: Do It Before Arriving (Recommended)
You can email clear photos/scans of both sides of your license to one of Shanghai's official translation agencies. They'll email you a PDF translation, typically within 1 business day:
Option B: At the Vehicle Management Office
You can also ask the DMV staff to assist with translation on-site. However, this may add delay if they're busy.
Option C: Notary Public Translation
If you prefer notarization, Shanghai has many notary offices. The Pudong Notary Public Office (浦东公证处) is centrally located at:
- Address: 1F, Unit 9, Building 20, 91 Ershan Road, Pudong (峨山路91弄20号9号楼1楼南塔)
- Phone: 021-58396060
- Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30am–5pm, Sat 9am–4:30pm, Sun 9am–3pm
Pro Tip: Pre-arrange your translation before flying. Most services process English translations within 1 business day, and having the PDF ready saves precious time at the airport.
Step 2: Where to Apply at Shanghai Pudong Airport
The Fastest Option: Airport DMV Counter
Shanghai Pudong International Airport has a dedicated service counter operated by the Traffic Police Division of the International Airport Public Security Bureau:
- Location No. 805 Huhang Road, Pudong International Airport (浦东机场护航路805号)
- Phone 021-6834-3234
- Hours Mon–Thu: 9am–11am, 1pm–4pm / Fri: 9am–11am
Note: There's also a Terminal Police Station service counter on the connecting bridge between T1 and T2 (Middle Wuzhou Road), open Mon–Fri 9am–11am and 1pm–4pm.
Fallback Options (If Airport Office Is Closed)
If you arrive outside the airport office's limited hours, head to one of these Vehicle Management Offices:
Step 3: Required Documents Checklist
Bring these original documents to the counter:
Additional Requirements:
• Rental car drivers: Only C1 (manual) or C2 (automatic) small vehicles are allowed.
• Age: Minimum 18 years old for C1/C2.
• Age 70+: Must pass a cognitive capacity test at a theory test center first.
⚠️ Important: You do not need a temporary residence registration (although some regions outside Shanghai may ask for it—the airport counter typically doesn't require it).
Step 4: Critical Warnings & Disqualifiers
You cannot get a Temporary Driving Permit if:
☝️ Always carry: The Temporary Driving Permit, your foreign license, and the Chinese translation together while driving. Police may ask to see all three. Also carry your rental contract if driving a rental car.
Step 5: Estimated Timeline from Landing to Driving
Here's a realistic timeframe if you land during office hours and have your translation prepared in advance:
If You DON'T Have a Translation Ready:
- Add 1 business day for the translation to be processed (if emailing).
- Or add travel time to a notary office + waiting time if doing it in person.
- If You Land on a Weekend or After Hours:
- The airport office has very limited hours (Mon–Thu 9am–11am & 1pm–4pm; Fri 9am–11am).
- You'll need to wait until the next working day or visit a Vehicle Management Office (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm).
After You Get Your Permit
• Validity:
o Stay ≤ 3 months → 3-month permit.
o Stay > 3 months → Valid up to 1 year (matches your allowed stay).
• Multiple entries: The permit is valid for multiple entries during its validity period.
• What you can drive: Only the vehicle class matching your foreign license. For rentals, only C1 or C2 (small passenger cars).
Final Checklist
- Get Chinese translation of license (email agency before arrival) ☐
- Pack: Passport + Visa/Entry Stamp ☐
- Pack: Original foreign license ☐
- Pack: 2 white-background 1-inch photos (or take on-site) ☐
- Check Pudong Airport DMV hours ☐
- Allow 2–3 hours after landing ☐
- Save airport DMV phone: 021-6834-3234 ☐
Bottom line:
Getting a Temporary Driving Permit at Shanghai Pudong Airport is fast and straightforward if you prepare your translation in advance. The airport office is right there, the process takes about an hour once you arrive at the counter, and you'll be driving legally in China within hours of touching down.
Drive safely and enjoy the freedom of exploring China's incredible landscapes at your own pace!
Looking for stunning places to drive? Check out our guide to "20 Otherworldly Landscapes in China That Don't Look Real"—your temporary permit makes them all accessible!
