As more people from Hong Kong drive to Mainland China for travel or even relocate there, having a Mainland Chinese driver's license offers considerable convenience. Hong Kong residents holding a valid Hong Kong driver's license can exchange it for a Mainland driver's license without taking a test.

This guide explains the details of exchanging a Hong Kong driver's license for a Mainland license, including the application process, physical requirements, required documents, and how to convert a physical Mainland driver's license into an electronic version.

Eligibility for Exchanging a Mainland Driver's License Without a Test

Hold a valid Hong Kong driver's license (Provisional licenses, i.e., P licenses, are not eligible)

Comparison table of replacement models

Category 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21

Small cars (Category C1)

Category A (excluding Category 3 and 22)

Vehicles with automatic transmission systems (Category C2)

Category 3, 22

Motorcycles and tricycles (excluding Category A)

Category E

Two-wheeled motorcycles

Category C1: Small cars

Category C2: Small automatic cars

Category E: Two-wheeled motorcycles

Physical Requirements

C1 Small Cars, C2 Small Automatic Cars: Aged 18-70

E Two-Wheeled Motorcycles: Aged 18-60

Vision: Visual acuity or corrected vision should reach 4.9 or above on the logarithmic visual acuity chart.

Color Vision: No red-green color blindness.

Hearing: Ability to discern sound direction with a tuning fork at 50 cm.

Upper Limbs: Functional thumbs, with at least three fingers on each hand functioning properly; normal limb and finger motor functions.

Lower Limbs: Functional motor functions. If applying for manual transmission cars, the length discrepancy between the legs should not exceed 5 cm. For automatic transmission cars, the right lower limb should be intact.

Torso, Neck: No functional movement impairment.

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Required Documents

• Hong Kong Identity Card
• Valid Hong Kong Driver's License
• Home Return Permit
• Medical Examination Certificate from a Mainland-recognized hospital (can be obtained from self-service machines at the application site)
• 4 Passport-sized Photos (can be taken at self-service photo machines at the application site)

Photo Requirements

• 32mm x 22mm color photo
• Front view
• No hat
• Head should occupy about 2/3 of the photo length
• White background

If applying for C1/C2 and E categories simultaneously, only RMB 480 is required.

Get independent compulsory insurance/commercial insurance through Kwiksure for quick issuance and compliance with Mainland requirements!

Application Process

1. Book an appointment via the Shenzhen Public Security Bureau Traffic Police website or the “Shenzhen Traffic Police” WeChat official account. There are 10 vehicle management offices in Shenzhen that can be booked.

 Tips: Convenient locations for Hong Kong residents include:

Luohu Vehicle Management Office: Shenzhen City, Luohu District, Qingshuihe 3rd Road, Boxing Building Skirt Floor (Shenye Vehicle City)

Futian Vehicle Management Office: Shenzhen City, Nanshan District, Longzhu 3rd Road 18, Shanding Office

Yantian Vehicle Management Office: Shenzhen City, Yantian District, Shenyan Road 1003

Baoan Vehicle Management Office: Shenzhen City, Baoan District, Songgang East Road 45

2. After booking, visit the designated vehicle management office in Guangdong with required documents (Hong Kong Identity Card, Hong Kong Driver's License, Home Return Permit, medical examination report, and 4 passport-sized photos) at the scheduled time (cancel the appointment if you cannot attend to avoid affecting future services).

3. Arrive about 30 minutes early to use the “self-service medical examination machine” and “self-service photo machine.”

4. Submit the photos, medical report, and documents to the counter staff. Fill out the declaration, provide Hong Kong address and Mainland phone number, and wait for the license.

5. Some less crowded vehicle management offices may issue the license immediately; others may take about 3 days. If you cannot collect it in person, someone else can pick it up with the “receipt of acceptance” after paying the fees.

Validity of Mainland Driver's License

The Mainland driver's license is valid for 6 years. Within 90 days before the expiration date, holders can renew it at the vehicle management office with identity documents, temporary or residence registration, and other proof, including filling out a renewal form and undergoing a medical examination.

Electronic Version of Mainland Driver's License

1. Download the “Traffic Management 12123” app on your phone. iPhone users need to switch the region to China in the Apple ID settings to download from the App Store, while Android users can download directly from the official website.

2. Register as a user, entering personal details and Mainland phone number.

3. After registration, you can view driver’s license details such as validity and points record on the “Traffic Management 12123” app.

4. In the “Driver's License” section, select “Electronic Driver’s License,” complete face verification, upload, and wait for about 1 day to view the electronic version of the Mainland driver’s license on the app.

Replacing Mainland Driver's License in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions has set up a Cross-Border Communication Center that provides Mainland driver’s license replacement services, allowing for medical examinations in Hong Kong without traveling to Mainland China. Currently, this center only offers replacement services, with new applications not yet available.

Eligibility for Replacement

License expired within 90 days or within 1 year of expiration

No unresolved violations, including: accumulating 12 points, overdue inspection, seizure, detention, suspension, cancellation, revocation, etc.

Under 70 years old

Required Documents and Notes

• Mainland Driver’s License (original)
• Hong Kong Identity Card (original)
• Home Return Permit (original)
• Medical examination report (if the license is lost or damaged, no medical examination required)
• Passport-sized photo (with a professional photo receipt)
• Wear dark-colored clothing

Fees

License Replacement: HK$1,388 (includes medical examination, Mainland administrative fees, and one-stop service fee)

Federation Members: HK$968 (with valid membership card or electronic proof)

Replacement Process

1. Register for an appointment on the Federation’s Cross-Border Communication Center website.
2. Bring required documents to the service center at the appointment time.
3. Pay the fee.
4. Undergo medical examination.
5. Complete the replacement process and receive a notification for collection.
6. Collect the license at the center based on the collection notice.