Core Point 

International Driving Permit (IDP) is not recognized in Chinese Mainland. Foreign visitors must apply for a Temporary Driving Permit first before renting a car for self-driving travel.

1. Required Original Documents for Car Pick-up

- Original passport with valid visa or residence permit

- Original home country driver’s license + officially certified Chinese notarized translation (sealed by a notary public or qualified translation institution)

- Temporary Motor Vehicle Driving Permit (handled at local vehicle administration office; valid for 3 months, maximum 1 year; eligible for C1/C2 vehicles only)

- Primary international credit card (credit limit ≥ RMB 5,000 for deposit pre-authorization)

- 2–3 pieces of 1-inch white-background bare-head ID photos (for applying for the temporary driving permit)

2. Application for Temporary Driving Permit (Mandatory before Rental)

1. Venue: Local Vehicle Administration Office / Traffic Management Service Hall in the car rental city

2. Required Materials: Passport & visa, home driver’s license with Chinese notarized translation, ID photos, accommodation registration form (issued by hotel)

3. Procedure: Fill in application form → Submit documents → Official review → Payment (about RMB 10) → Permit issued on the spot within 1–2 hours

4. Notice: Only allowed to drive C1/C2 passenger cars; not valid for buses or trucks. The permit is nationwide valid across China.

3. Car Reservation & Pick-up

Booking Channels

- International platforms: Hertz, Avis (China outlets)

- Domestic platforms: Shouqi, Yihai, Ctrip (English version available)

- Lanzhou Exclusive Rental Service

WeChat: 18919815130

Email: 18919815130@qq.com

Provides self-driving car rental service in Lanzhou and surrounding areas.

- Booking Suggestion: Reserve 3–7 days in advance; submit documents for pre-review at least 1 working day in advance for first-time renters.

Car Pick-up Steps

1. Present all original documents at the store

2. Complete credit card pre-authorization deposit (RMB 10,000)

3. Sign rental contract → Inspect the car (take photos of scratches) → Pick up the vehicle

4. Cost & Insurance

- Daily rental rate: RMB 400–700 for economy SUV

- Mandatory insurance: Compulsory Traffic Insurance + Vehicle Damage Insurance + Third-Party Liability Insurance (about RMB 50–100 per day)

- Deposit refund: Deposit will be unfrozen via original payment channel 30 days after car return if no traffic violations.

5. Important Traffic Rules

- Keep to the right side of the road; speed limits are strictly enforced (Max 120km/h on highways, 60km/h in urban areas; strictly follow navigation speed reminders)

- Zero tolerance for drunk driving (BAC ≥ 20mg/100ml is illegal)

- Highways are free during statutory holidays such as Spring Festival and National Day

- Violation handling: Temporary Driving Permit is deductible for points; fines will be deducted from the deposit.

6. FAQ

- Q: Is IDP acceptable in China?

A: Not acceptable. A Temporary Driving Permit is mandatory.

- Q: Is one-way car return available?

A: Most rental companies support it with about 30% extra fee. Our platform supports one-way return in selected cities; please consult customer service for details.

- Q: Age restriction?

A: Normally minimum 21 years old; some car models require at least 25 years old.

7. Quick Application Checklist

1. Prepare documents: Passport & visa, home driver’s license with Chinese notarized translation, ID photos, international credit card

2. Apply for Temporary Driving Permit: Available in coastal cities, processed within 1–2 hours

3. Book service: Choose platform & vehicle, submit documents for pre-review

4. Pick up car: Document verification at store → Credit card pre-authorization → Vehicle inspection → Start self-driving tour