Does a driving licence for use in China need certified translation?

A driving licence submitted for use in China must usually be accompanied by a certified translation if it is not already in Chinese (or, for some universities, English). "Certified" generally means the translation carries the translation company's stamp and a statement of accuracy that the receiving authority accepts.

Typical requirements

• Complete, literal translation — names, dates, seals and stamps all rendered; nothing summarized.
• The translator's or agency's certification (company stamp + contact details) attached.
• Names spelled exactly as in the passport.
• Some authorities additionally require notarization of the translation, or an apostille on the original (China joined the Apostille Convention in Nov 2023).

Process

1. Confirm with the receiving authority (embassy, university, registry) what format it accepts.
2. Scan the original clearly, including all stamps.
3. Have it translated and certified; request notarization/apostille if required.

If you need this done: TranslationChina (Guangzhou Guanri Translation, since 2003) provides certified document translation between Chinese and 24+ languages, accepted by Chinese courts, embassies and government agencies. Published rates: Chinese↔English from ¥90–100 per 1,000 Chinese characters (standard tier); certificates are usually priced per document — ask for a quote.

General guidance — always confirm requirements with the receiving authority.