HOW A CHINESE CITIZEN CAN LEGALLY DRIVE IN KAZAKHSTAN
Official requirements, document legalization, and an extended IDP package for PRC (China) citizens by i-d-a.kz.
■ Guide Contents
The Problem with Legalizing Chinese Drivers in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan and China are actively developing business and tourism ties (with a visa-free regime in place, growing investments, and tourist flows). Many expats, businessmen, and tourists from the PRC want to move freely in their own or rented cars around Almaty, Astana, and other cities in Kazakhstan.
However, there is a major legal hurdle here: China has not signed the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. This means that a domestic Chinese driver’s license is absolutely not recognized by the Kazakhstan Traffic Police (Zholpol), insurance companies, or car rental agencies.
Important: Driving without a translation is illegal!
Driving a car in Kazakhstan with a regular Chinese license (without an official translation and IDP) is an administrative offense. It is equated to driving without a license and entails a heavy fine, as well as vehicle impoundment and document seizure.
Turnkey Solution
Extended Document Package for Legal Driving in Kazakhstan by Chinese Citizens
Everything in one package — an International Driving Permit (IDP), a plastic Driver ID card, and the mandatory notarized translation of your Chinese license.
What is included in the 70,000 KZT package?
Notarized Translation
An officially certified translation of your Chinese driver’s license into Russian. Without it, driving on the roads of Kazakhstan is illegal. This is the document that makes you a full participant in road traffic before the local police.
IDP — Booklet
An international standard document. It is the official translation of your National DL for driving abroad. It is an A6-sized booklet that complies with the standards of the Vienna Convention, containing translations in 11 languages.
Plastic ID Card
An identification card from the International Drivers Association. It confirms the existence of your IDP and your registration in the IDA Central Database. Convenient to carry in your wallet and present at car rental companies.
Digital PDF Format
A digital copy of your document package arrives at your email even before you receive the physical package. This allows you to register in advance with a car rental company and save time upon arrival in Kazakhstan.
IDA Database Registration
Each issued IDP is assigned a unique identification number. It is entered into the global digital registry of the IDA Central Database. The police or rental agent can verify the legitimacy of your documents via QR code 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions: Driving, Car Rental, and Fines for PRC Citizens
Will I be able to rent a car in Kazakhstan with this package of documents?
Yes, absolutely. The main problem for Chinese citizens renting a car in Kazakhstan (for example, at Almaty or Astana airports) is the refusal of insurance companies to cover the risks of drivers without clear and legalized documents.
By presenting our extended package (which includes a notarized translation for the local police and an IDP booklet for international standards), you remove all questions from the managers of rental companies (Avis, Hertz, Anytime) and get the car keys without delay.
Does a Chinese citizen need to take exams at a Specialized Public Service Center (SpecTSON) in Kazakhstan?
No, you do not need to retake traffic rules or driving exams. Our service provides official legal legalization of your already existing Chinese driving experience.
We process the international permit and notarized translation based on your valid PRC driver’s license. The main requirement is that your Chinese license must be valid (not expired) at the time of application.
What happens if I show the Kazakhstan police only my Chinese license and passport?
The traffic police of Kazakhstan act strictly according to the law. If an inspector stops you and you present a license that does not have duplication of data in Latin and Cyrillic in accordance with the Vienna Convention, they will consider it as driving a vehicle without a license.
According to the Administrative Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, you will be issued a large fine (about 20 MCI), the car may be seized and taken to a specialized impound lot, and you will not be able to continue driving until the violation is resolved. Our notarized translation and IDP package completely eliminates this scenario.
How to apply and how does delivery work?
The process is maximally adapted for busy expats and businessmen:
- You (or your translator/assistant) leave a request on the i-d-a.kz website, attaching a photo of your PRC passport and Chinese license on both sides, as well as a photo of your face (selfie).
- We launch the process. Within 1 hour, the documents are ready. The PDF version is sent to your email.
- The originals (the IDP booklet, plastic ID card, and sealed notarized translation) are sent by courier to your door (to your office, hotel, or apartment) in Almaty, Astana, Shymkent, or any other city in Kazakhstan.