Hong Kong Driving License Application Guide | Generated by AI
As a Guangzhou citizen with a valid C1/C2 mainland driving license, you can indeed apply for a full Hong Kong driving license through the official “direct issue” process without needing to take a driving test. This is because mainland licenses are treated as overseas qualifications under Hong Kong’s Road Traffic Regulations, and your C1/C2 class aligns with Hong Kong’s private car (class 1) entitlement. However, the process has strict requirements and must be handled directly with the Hong Kong Transport Department—no third-party store in Shenzhen can legitimately process or issue it for you.
Why You Shouldn’t Trust the Small Store in Futian Kouan
- Official process requires in-person submission in Hong Kong: You must go to a Hong Kong Licensing Office (e.g., in Kowloon or Hong Kong Island) yourself or send an authorized representative. Applications can’t be fully outsourced or handled from mainland China. A Shenzhen store claiming to “help” for 1800 CNY (about HK$1,950) is likely offering unofficial assistance like document prep, translations, or appointments—but at that price, it’s probably inflated or a outright scam where they take your money and vanish. There’s no evidence of legitimate agencies in Futian (the checkpoint area) specializing in this for mainland applicants; most services there are for the reverse (HK residents getting mainland licenses).
- No specific mentions of this store or similar services: Searches for driving license help in Futian/Shenzhen turn up nothing credible for mainland-to-HK conversions. Instead, they highlight general scams in the area, like fake document vendors or overpriced “agents” targeting cross-border travelers. Futian Port is a hotspot for touts peddling dubious services, but nothing verified for HK licenses.
- Risks involved: Paying upfront to an unverified small store could lead to fake documents, identity theft, or wasted money. Hong Kong authorities don’t recognize third-party intermediaries for license issuance, and using forged papers could result in fines, license suspension, or legal issues on both sides of the border. Recent reports note a rise in mainlanders applying for HK licenses (possibly for prestige or easier cross-border driving), but this has raised road safety concerns—stick to official channels to avoid complications.
How to Do It Officially (Step-by-Step)
If your goal is a full HK license for longer-term use (beyond visitor driving), follow this. It typically takes 5 working days and costs around HK$900–1,000 (including fees; check current rates).
- Check Eligibility:
- Your mainland license must be full (not learner/probationary), valid or expired <3 years, and obtained via test (standard for C1/C2).
- Prove one of these: (a) You resided in mainland China ≥6 months when the license was issued (easy as a citizen—use your passport/entry records or ID); (b) Held the license ≥5 years; or (c) Mainland-issued passport.
- Age 18–70 (or 70+ with medical exam). No HK residency required, but you’ll need a valid entry document to HK (e.g., your Exit-Entry Permit for Hong Kong/Macau).
- Prepare Documents (Originals + Copies):
- Completed Form TD63A (download from td.gov.hk).
- Mainland driving license.
- Passport or valid mainland travel document (e.g., Home Return Permit—not HK/Macao Residence Permit alone for proof).
- Proof of 6-month residence if needed (e.g., old address docs or work/school records).
- Recent proof of address (e.g., utility bill <3 months old).
- If docs aren’t in English/Chinese, get certified translation (from HK-registered translator or mainland authority).
- Medical exam (Form TD256) if 70+ (done by registered doctor <4 months ago).
- Fee: Payable in HKD.
- Apply:
- Book an appointment online via GovHK (gov.hk) or call 3763 8080 (English/Chinese available). Walk-ins possible but queue early.
- Submit in person at any HK Licensing Office (locations on td.gov.hk).
- You may need to swear an oath on-site.
- After Approval:
- Pick up your HK license (it’ll have a “DI” prefix for direct issue—no probation period).
- If urgent, request a certification letter while waiting.
Alternative: Driving in HK as a Visitor (No License Needed)
If you just need short-term access (e.g., renting a car for a trip), you can drive in HK for up to 12 months from your last entry using your valid mainland license alone—no HK license or IDP required, as mainland is covered under “overseas” rules for visitors. Just carry:
- Your C1/C2 license.
- Mainland passport/Exit-Entry Permit.
- Vehicle rental docs if applicable.
Note: Starting November 2025, a new southbound scheme lets approved mainland vehicles enter HK via HZMB Bridge (apply via Guangdong authorities), but that’s for your own car, not a license.
For more details, visit the HK Transport Department site directly or call their hotline (2804 2600). If the store pressures you, walk away—better safe than scammed.
Driving in Hong Kong for Overseas Licence Holders
Direct Issue of HK Full Driving Licence
Rise in Mainland HK License Applications