Can a Mainland China Driver's License Be Used in Taiwan?
2 Answers
Mainland China driver's licenses cannot be used in Taiwan. Here are the specific reasons: 1. Primarily because Mainland China is not a signatory to the Geneva Convention, and neither side of the strait recognizes each other's driver's licenses, hence Mainland licenses are invalid in Taiwan. 2. Many so-called international driving permits obtained through agencies are merely translations of the Mainland China license, and Taiwan does not recognize such translated versions either. 3. According to current Taiwanese regulations, even if a Mainland license is converted into a so-called international permit, if caught, it will be treated as driving without a license and subject to fines; in cases of drunk driving or accidents, not only will there be no insurance coverage, but legal liabilities must also be borne, potentially affecting the emergency contact's future entry to Taiwan. 4. Unless one first obtains a driver's license from a third region (such as Hong Kong, the USA, or many other countries and regions worldwide), and then obtains an international driving permit issued by that third region (e.g., the USA), only then can one rent or drive a car in Taiwan.
When I went on a self-driving trip to Taiwan two years ago, I specifically researched this matter. Mainland China driver's licenses cannot be used directly in Taiwan, as they are not recognized there. Driving there without a valid license is considered unlicensed driving and subject to fines. At that time, I obtained a notarized translation of my driver's license through a notary office and then paid 900 Taiwan dollars at the Motor Vehicles Office to get a temporary driver's license, which is only valid for 3 months. For long-term stays, you need to retake the local written test in Taiwan and also prepare a medical examination form and residence certificate, which is quite a hassle. For friends planning to travel there, I recommend using car rental services directly to avoid dealing with these procedures. Taiwan's MRT and public transportation systems are very convenient.
