Where and how to get Temparary vehicle licence

Hi all,

Two of my friends are looking to drive through Asia, and into China.
They plan on arriving via Tourgart pass, in Xingjiang Pr.

How does one apply for temporary licence plates for their bikes?
How do they apply for temporary driving(riding0 licence.
I know they will need a guide for the duration in China, however, forgoing that requirement at the moment.
I just want to know to start to go about getting a licence plates for them.

Sure they could do it the easy way, and shell out mega bucks for a tour company, but this isn't what they are wanting.

Gra.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Graham

Sure they could do it the easy way, and shell out mega bucks for a tour company, but this isn't what they are wanting.

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Sorry to tell you that all the other people that brought their bikes into China didn't want to shell out mega bucks either, but it's the only way it's going to happen for your friends. Prove I'm wrong... PLEASE!!!

Cheers!
ChinaV

Plus if there coming now I think that the Tourgart pass will be closed for the winter.Sure wouldn't want to be riding there now for a few months.Heard they had some good snow falls in the past few weeks.

Hi Guys,
Thanks for the replies.
They plan to ride next July, (July 2013)
What I want to know is what is the forms required to temporary ride a bike in China.
Again, forget for now the tour guide.

Step by step.
Just concentrate on where to get the correct form to temporary ride a bike in China. (Forget the driving licence for now even - one step as a time)
The tour company's know, they keep it a closed shop secret, but they know.
Then next where to give the completed form, and how much to pay.
I am not talking guide company, I am talking government, traffic, customs.
Who needs the payments, of which I am sure there will be more than a couple.
Again, the tour company's know, they keep it a closed shop secret, but they know.

We have recently hooked into a few "interesting government" people here in Shandong.
They are not the "right" people yet, but I am sure they may know some one else in the right circles.

Gra.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ChinaV

Sorry to tell you that all the other people that brought their bikes into China didn't want to shell out mega bucks either, but it's the only way it's going to happen for your friends. Prove I'm wrong... PLEASE!!!

Cheers!
ChinaV

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NO, I disagree, it is not the only way.

Gra.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bigdamo

Plus if there coming now I think that the Tourgart pass will be closed for the winter.Sure wouldn't want to be riding there now for a few months.Heard they had some good snow falls in the past few weeks.

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Hi Damo,

There is no chance they will even set off before the middle of May 2013 from UK.

It all revolves around Xinjiang, as Xinjiang province is in my opinion the province where more than ever these forms, are handled.

You must know some government people in that direction?

Gra.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Graham

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NO, I disagree, it is not the only way.

Gra.

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As I said, please prove me wrong. The tour companies have guanxi and laws to deal with. You will not be able to get around the laws, which clearly state that overlanders entering China must be accompanied by a registered guide. The tour companies use their guanxi to get the plates, licenses, insurance, visa's and relevant permits to do this.

It goes like this...

Example: You want a residence visa.
Step 1. Acquire a work permit or mary a local
Step 2. You can't get here until you show the documents from step 1.

To get plates:
Step 1. Provide the company registration license for the tour agency.
Step 2. Provide more documents.
Step 3. Submit license plate application

You can't get to step 3 until you achieve step 1

There are lots of procedures in place to ensure your friends do not achieve their goals without spending the money.

I will gladly buy all you guys a nice meal and lots of beers if you figure out how to legally import vehicles into China without going through, or having to pay the fees associated with a tour agency. You might be able to find an agency with really low fees that lets you wander off on your own, but I doubt they're going to risk losing their license. Some people here have started their own tour companies and are able to get the permits, but I think they still rely on a few "favours" to keep their business rolling.

I hate to be negative, but the chances of the Chinese gvt. letting people into Xinjiang, in private vehicles, unaccompanied, is pretty much zero.

Cheers!
ChinaV

As of early 2012, there was no LEGAL way for a foreigner to get temporary plates, temporary motorcycle DL, and temporary insurance for bikes coming into the PRC - unless it was through a licensed tour agency, specializing in motorcycle tours, and using the Class 2 Chinese tour guides (licensed to guide foreigners - yes, they are a separate group). The guide has to remain with the foreign riders (on foreign bikes) at all times. The paperwork, permits, etc. is overwhelming.

Easy, independent, recreational motorcycle touring will not be possible until the largely negative view of motorcyclists changes in China. As noted in other threads, you're either a peasant or a criminal if you ride in China.

Of course, if you have the right connections ... maybe, but still highly unlikely. But I think the cost of establishing those connections is probably much more than hiring the tour guide.

Maybe things have changed this year, but I doubt it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ChinaV

As I said, please prove me wrong. The tour companies have guanxi and laws to deal with. You will not be able to get around the laws, which clearly state that overlanders entering China must be accompanied by a registered guide. The tour companies use their guanxi to get the plates, licenses, insurance, visa's and relevant permits to do this.

It goes like this...

Example: You want a residence visa.
Step 1. Acquire a work permit or mary a local
Step 2. You can't get here until you show the documents from step 1.

To get plates:
Step 1. Provide the company registration license for the tour agency.
Step 2. Provide more documents.
Step 3. Submit license plate application

You can't get to step 3 until you achieve step 1

There are lots of procedures in place to ensure your friends do not achieve their goals without spending the money.

I will gladly buy all you guys a nice meal and lots of beers if you figure out how to legally import vehicles into China without going through, or having to pay the fees associated with a tour agency. You might be able to find an agency with really low fees that lets you wander off on your own, but I doubt they're going to risk losing their license. Some people here have started their own tour companies and are able to get the permits, but I think they still rely on a few "favours" to keep their business rolling.

I hate to be negative, but the chances of the Chinese gvt. letting people into Xinjiang, in private vehicles, unaccompanied, is pretty much zero.

Cheers!
ChinaV

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Hi ChinaV,
Thanks for the reply.
The tour guide, and the tour guide company will be sorted, I really don't want to dwell on these at the moment.
I know they are separate tour guides, and I know how to set up a company in China, so "nobody will be wondering off on their own"
What I want, is to see the official form, if one exists, which it must do, that needs completion for temporary licence plates.
I don't want to take a trip up to Xinjiang province, so this is why I was asking on this forum.
If no one knows, or if it is "too hard to find out" then fine.
Just let it be.

I am resident, I am married to a Chinese, we will have a tour guide company, but I am asking just about the forms, and where to get them, where to give them, what government bodies to pay.

I may be completely wrong, and this is indeed IMPOSSIBLE !!

But the tour company's are able to do it, albeit with their connections, just need to find their connections, or other connections.

It can be done !!!
There just needs to be found a way, without shelling out lots of money to tour company's.

Be positive, don't just say it can't be done, where is the spirit ???????

Gra.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lao Jia Hou

As of early 2012, there was no LEGAL way for a foreigner to get temporary plates, temporary motorcycle DL, and temporary insurance for bikes coming into the PRC - unless it was through a licensed tour agency, specializing in motorcycle tours, and using the Class 2 Chinese tour guides (licensed to guide foreigners - yes, they are a separate group). The guide has to remain with the foreign riders (on foreign bikes) at all times. The paperwork, permits, etc. is overwhelming.

Easy, independent, recreational motorcycle touring will not be possible until the largely negative view of motorcyclists changes in China. As noted in other threads, you're either a peasant or a criminal if you ride in China.

Of course, if you have the right connections ... maybe, but still highly unlikely. But I think the cost of establishing those connections is probably much more than hiring the tour guide.

Maybe things have changed this year, but I doubt it.

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Hello LJH,

Your points are taken into notice.

If you can find a copy of the forms, that the tour company complete, and issue to the government department.
And which government department also needs to be discovered.

Gra.

Ok Graham you have finally said it you are/want to set up a tour company.First ChinaV is not being negative he has been in China living and working for a long,long time so he knows what he is talking about and he is correct in what he says.

I have been in and out of China for a long time and Xinjiang for many many years.Xinjiang and the big T are a whole new ball game compared to the rest of China and the way they do things in Xinjiang sometimes well most times does my head in good luck in finding those forms I don't know about them but a expensive dinner and a carton of American cigarettes ain't going to get you those forms.These days guanxi takes along time to establish well in Xinjiang it does one quick trip to Xinjiang ain't going to do it.

I am sorry but what you want to do is probably going to take you many years to establish and you will have to do it from Xinjiang there ain't no quick fix on this one.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bigdamo

Ok Graham you have finally said it you are/want to set up a tour company.

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We are certainly considering setting up a tour company.
However, it would be tours by "invite only"
To a selected small group of people that I already know, who all live in UK.
Not a general "open to every one" type of tour company.
It may be that we engage a Xinjiang tour company to do the paperwork, and we will use our own registered guide, sticking to our planned route, which would be submitted by the Xianjiang tour company, - just an another option we considered.
I am thinking that we would run the company for two trips, then close it.

Gra.

I read some time ago, that since beginning October until spring next year, you cannot even get a tourist visa for this region. China has beautiful landscapes, why must it be always there, where it is the most difficult?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Graham

Be positive, don't just say it can't be done, where is the spirit ???????

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My spirit was beaten out of me by the bureaucrats you're going to deal with. From what I've come to understand, this is what is needed.

Temporary Drivers License:
1, Driver's Passport information with copy.
2, Original Foreign Driver License Chinese translation.
3, Age 18 and over.
4, Health Certificate for driving in China.
5, 5 Photos (1-inch size)
6, Certificate from Chinese Tour Organisation.
7, Temporary Driver Permit (License) Application Form


Temporary Vehicle Import Form:
1, Vehicle Owner Certificate with Chinese version translation.
2, Vehicle Immigration Certificate issued by China Customs.
3, Certificate from Chinese tour Organization.
4, Automobile Safety & Technical Inspection Certificates, Chinese translation if issued in foreign country.
5, China "Automobile Liability Insurance" (Covered) Certificate.
6, Temporary Import Entry China Vehicle Plate & Driving Permit Application Form
7, Photograph of Vehicle from each direction.


Other:
Complete itinerary of the towns and time in China.
Complete list of all items being carried.

Apparently all of this can be done without a tour agency, but you do need the Certificate from a Chinese Tour Organisation.

Maybe you should contact NAVO and ask them for the actual Temporary Import Entry China Vehicle Plate & Driving Permit Application Form & the Application for Vehicle Immigration Certificate issued by China Customs.
E-mail:en@navo-tour.com

The forms may be self generated at the border crossing areas and maybe that's why you can't get one.

Cheers!
ChinaV

Hi Graham

I appreciate your ambitions - I was in the same boat 3 years ago. In the end, China won (it always does) - the rules beat me to a pulp, and took a few hundred thousand rmb in the process.

Forms? First, you need a WFOE. No small task, in terms of time, money and effort. Binders of forms.

Government departments? For Beijing, it was 16 different ones, if I recall correctly. My lawyer & agent took care of it. I was constantly signing documents, forms, and credit card slips. This time, it isn't binders of forms, it is boxes.

Shortcut - get your Chinese wife to purchase an existing, registered motorcycle company (or tour company) with broad and ambiguous definitions in its scope of business activities. Then cross your fingers that no one figures out what you are planning. However, this is very unlikely as soon as the word "motorcycle" comes up. No one is joking that the word motorcycle means "peasant" or "criminal" to the vast majority of Chinese people, including the counter people at the various government departments.

Once you have a company, you can start the arduous process of trying to get foreign bikes brought in.

Good luck!

My spirit was beaten out of me by the bureaucrats you're going to deal with. From what I've come to understand, this is what is needed.
I am sorry to hear that but I do understand, we do know some good people, “helpful” people, but this is only in Weifang, and they can only tell me the outline procedure, which is not the rule every where :(

Temporary Drivers License:
1, Driver's Passport information with copy. Yes, understand this
2, Original Foreign Driver License Chinese translation. Yes, understand this
3, Age 18 and over. Yes, understand this
4, Health Certificate for driving in China. Yes, understand this
5, 5 Photos (1-inch size) Yes, understand this
6, Certificate from Chinese Tour Organisation. Yes, understand this
7, Temporary Driver Permit (License) Application Form – I have seen that form, but don’t have a copy of it yet.


Temporary Vehicle Import Form:
1, Vehicle Owner Certificate with Chinese version translation. Yes, understand this
2, Vehicle Immigration Certificate issued by China Customs. Don’t know this part yet
3, Certificate from Chinese tour Organization. Yes, understand this
4, Automobile Safety & Technical Inspection Certificates, Chinese translation if issued in foreign country. Yes, I know about these, these are issued by the motor vehicle manufacturer, general cost is £81
5, China "Automobile Liability Insurance" (Covered) Certificate. Yes, PingAn on VIN number
6, Temporary Import Entry China Vehicle Plate & Driving Permit Application Form – I have seen what the tour company’s use, ie, what you and me fill in for them, but I am sure sure they transcribe this information to a Chinese form
7, Photograph of Vehicle from each direction. – I was told 8 photos, with number plate clearly visible both back and front.
1 photo from each side, 1 photo from front, 1 photo from rear, 1 photo from each corner = totally 8.


Other:
Complete itinerary of the towns and time in China. – yes, understand this
Complete list of all items being carried. yes, understand this

Apparently all of this can be done without a tour agency, but you do need the Certificate from a Chinese Tour Organisation. This is the issue at hand, so by setting a small tour company, which needs 300,000 RNB holding account, setting up., with an English speaking guide, who has passed the tour guide exams in BOTH Chinese AND ENGLISH

Maybe you should contact NAVO and ask them for the actual Temporary Import Entry China Vehicle Plate & Driving Permit Application Form & the Application for Vehicle Immigration Certificate issued by China Customs.
E-mail:en@navo-tour.com

The forms may be self generated at the border crossing areas and maybe that's why you can't get one. yes, understand this, that at the end of the search, there might not be a single standardised form.
.
I also question if each province needs this information, if traveling "inter-provincial", or is just one submission acceptable, at first province of entry

Cheers!
ChinaV

Gra.

Quote:

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This is the issue at hand, so by setting a small tour company, which needs 300,000 RNB holding account, setting up., with an English speaking guide, who has passed the tour guide exams in BOTH Chinese AND ENGLISH

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I see, you are a man on a mission! Lucky UK-Guys to have a friend like you. please keep posting your progress.

You should be able to enter china on your own bikes. Cars can do it but they do need a full time local to accompany them. You need Carnets, insurance and probably international driving licenses. The best thing to do before next summer is to go to a Chinese Embassy and tell them your plans and ask them what you need. Do not ask if you can do it because they will say no.. . Good luck!!!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jonsims

You should be able to enter china on your own bikes. Cars can do it but they do need a full time local to accompany them. You need Carnets, insurance and probably international driving licenses. The best thing to do before next summer is to go to a Chinese Embassy and tell them your plans and ask them what you need. Do not ask if you can do it because they will say no.. . Good luck!!!!

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If only it was so simple, , , , , , ,

Gra.

I have a question: why dont you take the 300 K you are willing to spend, buy some chinese bikes, plate them in a convenient province. fly your friends in and apply for a temporary driving licence at the airport. there is a way to do it. I dont now how to do it but Chinabiker/Andy does. send him a PM. (here are rental car services also, they will know also) avoid critical parts of this big country, go out on a ride with your friends and enjoy!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SabineHartmann

I have a question: why dont you take the 300 K you are willing to spend, buy some chinese bikes, plate them in a convenient province. fly your friends in and apply for a temporary driving licence at the airport. there is a way to do it. I dont now how to do it but Chinabiker/Andy does. send him a PM. (here are rental car services also, they will know also) avoid critical parts of this big country, go out on a ride with your friends and enjoy!

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Hi Sabine,

It's not 300k willing to spend, it is simply in a holding account. This is used by the tour company to leave a "monetary deposit" for each vehicle. This is collected in full on departure from Chinese soil.
The other 6 persons that will be doing the trip will be in 3 prepared, well kitted out Toyota Land Cruisers.
They sort their own individual tourist visa's out prior.
The temporary driving licence "at the airport" I believe limits you to Beijing metropolis, so not really a benefit.

The other options were mentioned earlier in the thread.

Option 1/
Buy a travel company, do the trip, then sell it again,,,,possible, but how do you buy guanxi.


Option 2/
Let a current travel company do the paperwork, of obtaining the 4 temporary vehicle licence plates, and the temporary also 3 driving licenses for the 3 other vehicle drivers.

My wife will be able to undertake the "tour guide" requirement, this is already confirmed, so no need to pay for a guide for a month or however long the trip is decided and planned to be.

Gra.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Graham

Option 1/
Buy a travel company, do the trip, then sell it again,,,,possible, but how do you buy guanxi.

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If you want to be legal (highly recommended), and you want to do it all on your own, it is easier to buy a company than start one. If, for no other reason, than the initial registered capital requirement is taken care of. If you want a WFOE, you need to add a zero to the end of what a Chinese person's registered capital requirements are. In my case, a WFOE has a 7 figure registered capital requirement, but the business scope also includes product import/export, and also includes multiple locations.

As Bigdano noted earlier in this thread, it takes a long time (and lots of money), to establish guanxi ... and I assume you are a foreigner, so double the time, effort & money. The only shortcut (I know of) for a foreigner is to marry into it, and keep the spouse happy. Well, there is one other - be a professor and help the son/daughter get into a prestigious overseas university for grad studies.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Graham

Option 2/
Let a current travel company do the paperwork, of obtaining the 4 temporary vehicle licence plates, and the temporary also 3 driving licenses for the 3 other vehicle drivers.

My wife will be able to undertake the "tour guide" requirement, this is already confirmed, so no need to pay for a guide for a month or however long the trip is decided and planned to be.

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This makes the most sense.

You are correct about the Beijing TDL - it is only for passenger cars, rented only from approved rental agencies (i.e., no privately owned vehicles), and only valid in certain parts of Beijing. Essentially, in my view, it is useless.

When I was looking into this whole area, I was given a quote for proper PICC insurance that made my head spin. But that included full medical insurance with emergency evacuation to Hong Kong.

Last I checked, carnets are not recognized in China so, as you discovered/noted, a vehicle deposit is required.

I really hope you are successful - it will be another glimmer of hope for the rest of us.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lao Jia Hou

If you want a WFOE, you need to add a zero to the end of what a Chinese person's registered capital requirements are. In my case, a WFOE has a 7 figure registered capital requirement, but the business scope also includes product import/export, and also includes multiple locations.

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:eek2: That's an insane number. There are plenty of other places where the registered capital requirements are far bellow that. Shop around, I was surprised that the difference between Dongguan and Shenzhen was 1.5 million. Believe it or not, Shenzhen was 6 figures and Dongguan was 7. FYI, you don't really need that money. Ask the person processing the license and you will probably find out that their cousin has a "loan business". You put up 2-3% of the capital requirement as a "fee" and they take care of the rest. TIC :mwink:

Cheers!
ChinaV

This is why a a WFOE or a WOFE would only ever be in Fay's name.
She would be "the company"

If it was in my name, it wouldn't even get off the ground.

I think company formation for Chinese national, isn't a big deal at all.

Gra.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Graham

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My wife will be able to undertake the "tour guide" requirement, this is already confirmed, so no need to pay for a guide for a month or however long the trip is decided and planned to be.

Gra.

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Is she registered in Xinjiang as a "tour guide" As I said Xinjiang and the Big T are a whole new ball game to the rest of China.

"I think company formation for Chinese national, isn't a big deal at all."

Umm maybe still depends on what Gaunxi they have.Well it does in Xinjiang.

Don't forget your business license comes up for renewal every three years and the gift giving starts again and is getting harder as every year passes.

Hi Damo,

I have been told by persons in Xinjiang, that even though Xinjiang is autonomous, they still have rules and laws.

A Beijing registered tour guide can tour guide any where in China, that means in Xinjiang.
Xinjiang is still China, even though they would like not to be.
To be honest, I (we) will be scootin' through Xinjiang as fast as possible.

Gra.

edited to add:::::::

There is no need to registered in Xinjiang as a tour guide / travel agency.

From the website "(C) is by training and holds a province, autonomous region, or municipality directly under the people's Governments above qualification certificate issued by the administrative departments of tourism operators; "

So a province qualification certificate, provided it is issued by the tourism dept. will be fine.

Gra.