Chengdu Foreign Driver License Conversion (Xipu DMV)
Gateway to Western Sichuan G318 and Southwest China: long-term expats in Chengdu convert their foreign driving licenses to a 6-year C1/C2 license at the Chengdu Vehicle Management Office Headquarters in Xipu (犀浦车管所总所), accessible directly via Metro Line 2 & High-Speed Rail.
Done directly inside the Xipu DMV Physical Examination Building (车管所内设体检站) in 10 minutes for ¥30 RMB.
Chengdu Xipu DMV requires your translation to be stamped by a recognized Sichuan translation company (with business license copy attached) or the Chengdu Notary Office.
Booking lead time: Same-day walk-in audit + 1 to 3 days for exam via Traffic Management 12123 App.
成都市公安局交通管理局车辆管理所（犀浦总所）
No. 455 Guoning West Road, Xipu Subdistrict, Pidu District, Chengdu
成都市郫都区犀浦镇国宁西路455号（成都市车管所总所）
¥140 RMB Total (¥30 On-site Medical + ¥100 Exam + ¥10 Card)
⚡ Card Issuance: Yes — Morning arrivals before 10:00 often finish exam & card print by 15:30
4-Step Hall Procedure at Chengdu (Xipu HQ)
Prepare Your Stamped Chinese Translation & Electronic Residence Form
Unlike Beijing where self-translations are accepted, Chengdu Xipu DMV requires the Chinese translation of your foreign license to bear the official red seal of a licensed translation agency (plus a stamped copy of the agency’s business license, 营业执照副本复印件加盖公章).
Print your Chengdu Electronic Accommodation Registration Form (电子住宿登记表) via the "成都公安微户政" WeChat account before heading to Xipu.
Chengdu Vehicle Management Branches & Foreign Service Windows
| DMV Branch Name | Address | Foreign Exam & Services | Medical Check | Expat Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Xipu Main DMV Headquarters (Pidu) 成都市车管所总所（郫都区犀浦） | No. 455 Guoning West Road, Xipu, Pidu District | Yes — Sole Foreign Subject 1 Exam Center in Chengdu | Yes — Dedicated On-Site Medical Hall | All foreign license conversions requiring the English Subject 1 exam are processed here. |
Baishou Road Traffic Police Service Station (Jinniu) 白马寺/白寿路车管服务站 | No. 11 Baishou Road, Jinniu District | 6-Year Renewal & Domestic Services Only | Yes — Self-Service Kiosk | Convenient downtown spot when your 6-year Chinese license is due for its 10-year renewal. |
Chengdu High-Tech Zone / Tianfu New Area Window 高新区/天府新区政务中心车管窗口 | Tianfu Avenue Citizen Center, High-Tech South Zone | Consultation & HK/Macau/Treaty Direct Swap | Yes — Smart Booth | Serves expats working in Tianfu Software Park for renewals and treaty swaps. |
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) T1 GTC 成都天府国际机场 T1 交通中心交管服务站 | Tianfu Airport Terminal 1 GTC Ground Level | 15-Min Temporary Driving Permit (Zero Exam) | Exempt for Temporary Permit | For short-term international tourists landing at TFU to rent a car for Western Sichuan. |
Driving in Chengdu & Western Sichuan: Ring Road Tail-Numbers & Mountain Safety
Chengdu combines mega-city ring road commuting with immediate access to the 4,000m+ Tibetan plateau highways along G318 and G317.
Chengdu Weekday Tail-Number Restriction (尾号限行) Inside 4th Ring (绕城高速)
All blue-plate gasoline vehicles (`川A`/`川G` and out-of-town plates) are restricted one day per week from 07:30 to 20:00 on all roads inside the Chengdu Ring Expressway (G4202 绕城高速, inclusive): Mon (1 & 6), Tue (2 & 7), Wed (3 & 8), Thu (4 & 9), Fri (5 & 0). Green-plate EVs (`川A·D/F`) are 100% EXEMPT!
Western Sichuan G318 Mountain Pass Downhill Braking Rules
When driving west from Chengdu past Kangding and Zheduo Pass (4,298m), never ride the foot brake continuously on 30km downhill descents. Shift into low gear (L/M mode) or set high regenerative braking on PHEVs/EVs to prevent brake fade.
No Tibet Entry Permit (入藏函) Needed for Western Sichuan (Ganzi / Aba)
With your new Chengdu C1/C2 license and passport, you can legally self-drive all of Western Sichuan (Kangding, Xinduqiao, Litang, Daocheng Yading, Siguniangshan, Jiuzhaigou). You only need a Tibet permit if you cross the Jinsha River Bridge west of Batang into Tibet Autonomous Region.
5 High-Frequency Subject 1 Questions Tested at Chengdu (Xipu HQ)
When descending a long, steep mountain pass on National Highway G318 in Western Sichuan, how should you control your vehicle’s speed?
Ready to practice the full 100-question computer exam before your appointment at Chengdu (Xipu HQ)?
Launch Full 100-Q Mock ExamFrequently Asked Questions — Chengdu DMV
Why did Chengdu Xipu DMV reject my self-printed translation when Beijing accepted it?
Each provincial DMV sets its own translation authentication rule. Chengdu Xipu requires the translation to be stamped with the red chop of a registered translation company plus a stamped copy of that company’s business license (营业执照副本复印件). Several translation shops right outside Xipu DMV Gate 1 can stamp and print this in 10 minutes for ¥80–¥120.
Can I take the Metro to Chengdu Xipu DMV?
Yes! Take Chengdu Metro Line 2 (orange) or Line 6 to the terminal Xipu Station (犀浦站). From Exit A1, a 6-minute taxi ride (¥10 RMB) takes you straight to No. 455 Guoning West Road.
If I convert my license in Chengdu, can I use it in Shanghai, Beijing, or Hainan?
Yes, 100%. A Chinese C1/C2 driving license issued by Chengdu Xipu DMV is a national Ministry of Public Security license valid in every province and city across Mainland China for 6 years.
How many questions are on the English Subject 1 exam at Xipu?
Exactly 100 questions (40 True/False and 60 Multiple-Choice) drawn from the national English question bank. You have 45 minutes and need 90/100 to pass.