China

What type of document can youth seek which will allow them to move around the country?

If you are 16 years old or above, you should apply for a Resident Identity Card of People's Republic of China. The valid period is 10 years for the first issuance of the Resident Identity Card.

If you are under 16 years old, you may either (i) voluntarily apply for a Resident Identity Card, the application of which must be done by your guardian on your behalf. The valid period is 5 years; or (ii) rely on other identity documents, typically including the household registration book (Hukou), or the birth medical certificate for a newborn.

Source, Articles 2, 5, 7 of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Resident Identity Card; https://app.www.gov.cn/govdata/gov/202303/01/497378/article.html

What is the process for getting a National ID card?

A. Preliminary Note

The Resident Identity Card will include the information of your permanent residence. There is no concept of local Resident Identity Card in China. You can use the Resident Identity Card to move around the country.

B. Application process

B1. Citizens aged 16 and above

1. Applicants should go to the local public security bureau to apply for the Resident Identity Card within three months after they reach 16 years old. (Article 7 the Law of the People's Republic of China on Resident Identity Cards)
2. Applicant needs to fill out the Registration Form of Application for Resident Identity Card and present his resident household registration book for examination. (Article 10 of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Resident Identity Cards)

B2. Citizens under 16 (Article 7 of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Resident Identity Cards):

1. The applicant's guardian shall apply for the Resident Identity Card on the behalf of the applicant.

The Law of the People's Republic of China on Resident Identity Cards applies throughout China. More detailed instructions on the process of obtaining the Resident Identity Card can be found on the government websites of specific localities. Specific information processes and procedures may differ among different regions of the country.

source: https://webarchive.archive.unhcr.org/20230601205040/https://www.refworld.org/docid/4e2fbf462.html

B3. After submission of the Resident Identity Card Application Registration Form:

1. The public security organ shall, in accordance with relevant regulations, handle the application without delay.
2. The public security organ shall issue the resident identity card within 60 days from the date the citizen submits the Registration Form of Application for Resident Identity Card; for areas where transport facilities are inconvenient, the time limit for handling such matter may be appropriately extended, but the extension may not exceed 30 days.
3. If the applicant requires a resident identity card urgently in the interim period, he may apply for a temporary resident identity card.

Source: Article 12 of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Resident Identity Cards

B4. Competent Public Security Organ

In principle, the competent public security organ shall be the public security organ at a county level of your residence registered in your household registration book ("permanent residence" or "Hukou"). The permanent residence is usually the place where your parents are residing in, unless you apply for change of your permanent residence due to study, employment, marriage or other legitimate reasons, and such application shall be approved by the relevant public security organ.

Source: Article 8 of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Resident Identity Cards

Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Household Registration

Nowadays, some public security organs accept application from an applicant whose permanent residence is in another region, provided that the applicant can provide sufficient supporting documents proving his/her stable and legitimate residency and study/employment in the region where such public security organ is located.

Source (For example): https://zwdt.sh.gov.cn/govPortals/bsfw/item/2ba216ae-9c55-4233-a6c5-2289eeeb8e04#spzj

Where can I find information online about getting a National ID?

You may go to the website (Bendibao, https://www.bendibao.com/index.htm), select your location, and then click "身份证", then you will be able to locate the guidelines to apply for a Resident Identity Card, including the address of the competent public security organ.

In some regions, the application process can be handled online. See https://ywtb.mps.gov.cn/newhome/portal/fw/grfw?Pattern=normalPattern.

However, to sign up for a user account, you will need to have a valid identity number first. If such online service is for any reason unavailable to you, you must go to the local office of the competent public security organ to apply for the Resident Identity Card.

Source: https://ywtb.mps.gov.cn/newhome/portal/fw/grfw?Pattern=normalPattern

What documents do I have to have to get a National ID? Is there any document that I must have to get an ID?

You need to:

1. provide your Household Registration Book (Hukou) which identifies your permanent residence; and
2. fill out a Resident Identity Card Application Registration Form.

You may need to bring your recent photograph or take the photo at the public security organ physically, subject to the practice of different public security organs.

Source: https://www.gov.cn/fuwu/2016-11/24/content_5136864.htm

What if my documents do not have my correct name/address?

You must go back to the competent public security organ and get the document corrected and apply for a new card.

Source: Article 11 of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Resident Identity Cards

What if I only have foreign documents?

If you are a person who:

• is from Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan who have moved to resettle in China or
• is an overseas Chinese who return to reside in China, or
• is a foreign national or stateless person who resides in China and who are naturalized or whose nationality is restored by approval of the government,

You can apply for a Resident Identity Card.

Source: Article 9 of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Resident Identity Cards

A foreign national or stateless person can apply for naturalization if they are willing to abide by China's Constitution and other laws and if they are either (a) near relatives of Chinese nationals; (b) have settled in China; or (c) have other legitimate reasons. Please refer to A.9 for more details for the naturalization.

Source: Article 7 of the Nationality Law of the People's Republic of China

http://www.npc.gov.cn/zgrdw/englishnpc/Law/2007-12/13/content_1384056.htm

You need to have your documents in foreign language translated into Chinese.

What happens if my documents are not accepted to get a National ID card?

It depends on the reasons of objection. We advise you to discuss with the competent public security organ to find alternative documents that are acceptable to them.

Do I have to be a resident of the country to get a National ID card?

One of the application documents for the Resident Identity Card is the Household Registration Book (Hukou) which identifies your permanent residence. In this sense, yes, you have to be a resident of China.

It is worth noting that the permanent residence is the residence registered in the Household Registration Book (Hukou), which is usually the residence of your parents. It is unnecessarily that you are currently residing in or occupying such place.

But if you are applying for the Resident Identity Card with a public security organ located in a region other than your permanent residence, you should provide sufficient supporting documents proving your stable and legitimate residency and study/employment at such region.

Source: https://www.gov.cn/fuwu/2016-11/24/content_5136864.htm

For example: https://zwdt.sh.gov.cn/govPortals/bsfw/item/2ba216ae-9c55-4233-a6c5-2289eeeb8e04#spzj

What does it mean to be a resident of this country? How do I prove residency?

Who can apply for the Resident Identity Card

You should fall into the categories as set out in Question A.6 or as set out below:

• Article 4: (i) you were born in China; and (ii) either one or both of your parents are Chinese citizens;
• Article 5: (i) you were born outside China; and (ii) either one or both of your parents are Chinese citizens, unless that either one or both of your parents are residing in a foreign country and you obtain a foreign nationality automatically when you were born;
• Article 6: (i) you were born in China; and (ii) your parents are stateless or have uncertain nationality and they are now residing in China.
• Article 7: foreigners or stateless persons who are willing to abide by China's Constitution and laws and who meet any of the following conditions may be naturalized upon approval of their applications: (i) they are near relatives of Chinese citizens; (ii) they have settled in China; or (iii) they have other legitimate reasons.

Source: Articles 4 – 7 of the Nationality Law of the People's Republic of China

For the category under Article 7, you need to:

1. fill out the Application Form for Naturalization as a National of People's Republic of China;
2. submit a written declaration on voluntarily applying for naturalization as a Chinese national; and
3. submit corresponding supporting materials including a duplicate of foreign passport; a duplicate of a foreigner permanent resident certificate, supporting documents proving that you obtained the foreign nationality automatically when you were born if one or both of your parents are Chinese citizens, and other materials deemed by the authorities that are responsible for accepting the application to be relevant to the application for naturalization as a Chinese national.

Source: https://www.gov.cn/fuwu/2015-11/17/content_5013456.htm

Do I have to have a residency in China and how do you provide residency?

If you are a Chinese citizen in the first place, for the purpose of obtaining a Resident Identity Card, you are only required to provide the Household Registration Book (Hukou) which identifies your permanent residence. You are not required to provide any further document to prove your residency. But if you are applying for the Resident Identity Card with a public security organ located in a region other than your permanent residence, you should provide sufficient supporting documents proving your stable and legitimate residency and study/employment at such region.

If you are foreigner and need to apply for the naturalization as a national of PRC first, then you need to provide your residency address, and specify the property owner, and your relationship to the property owner according to the Application Form for Naturalization as a National of People's Republic of China which is accessible at https://s.nia.gov.cn/mps/bszy/gmcrg/gjyw/202107/t20210729_1467.html. The competent authority accepting such application might ask you to provide further supporting documents in respect of your residency.

Source: https://s.nia.gov.cn/mps/bszy/gmcrg/gjyw/202107/t20210729_1467.html.

What can I do if I do not have residency in this country?

If you are a Chinese citizen in the first place, as mentioned above, only Household Registration Book (Hukou) is required to prove your residency. You are not required to provide other supporting documents to prove that you are actually occupying a place.

If you are a foreigner, it will be rather difficult to be naturalized as a national of PRC and obtain a Resident Identity Card, if you do not have a residency in China. In theory, you can apply for a foreigner permanent resident certificate which entitles you to stay in the territory in China. However, the requirements to obtain such certificate are quite strict. For a child, you have to be unmarried and under 18 years old, and your parents should have made great contributions to China, such as making direct investment in China above a certain amount, serving office of an important position for a certain period, etc., or either or both of your parents are Chinese citizens or are holding foreigner permanent resident certificates.

Source: Article 6 of Administrative Measures for the Examination and Approval of Permanent Residence of Foreigners in China

Will I need a mailing address? What can I do if I am homeless?

A. Will I need a mailing address?

The process to apply for a Resident Identity Card varies from different public security organs. In general, you should be able to pick up the Resident Identity Card on site. In other words, you do not need to provide a mailing address to receive the Resident Identity Card. You can confirm it with the official(s) handling your application.

Source (for example): https://zwdt.sh.gov.cn/govPortals/bsfw/item/2ba216ae-9c55-4233-a6c5-2289eeeb8e04#spzj

However, as mentioned above, you still need to present your resident household registration book to apply for the Resident Identity Card.

Source: Article 10 of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Resident Identity Cards

B. What can I do if I am homeless?

If you are homeless and do not have a household registration book, you should apply for a household registration book first.

If you are adopted, then your adopter (individual or institution) shall apply for the household registration book for you by presenting the adoption registration certificate and his/her own household registration book.

If a Chinese citizen and a foreigner or a stateless person give birth to you out of wedlock in China and you do not acquire the nationality of a foreign country, you or your guardian with Chinese nationality may apply for your household registration book by presenting the birth medical certificate, the explanation of giving birth out of wedlock, and the household registration book of the Chinese citizen. If the birth medical certificate is not available, the paternity test certificate issued by a qualified appraisal institution shall be provided.

If you are homeless and not adopted, you or your guardian can try to contact the relevant public security organ (for example, the place where you were born or where you are residing in), describe your situation and state your willingness to obtain a household registration book. The public security organ may verify your situation and decide whether they can issue you a household registration book.

Article 2.3 of Opinions of the General Office of the State Council on Addressing the Issue of Household Registration for Persons without Household Registration https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/content/2016-01/14/content_10595.htm

What is the application process? Can I complete it online?

To apply for a Resident Identity Card, you need to fill in the "Resident Identity Card Application Registration Form" and submit your resident household registration book for examination.

For online application, please refer to our response to Question A.2.

Source: Article 10 of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Resident Identity Cards

Is there an application fee? Is there a waiver option if I cannot afford to pay it?

RMB 20 for first issuance or replacement of the Resident Identity Card upon expiration; RMB 40 for issuance due to loss and damage of the Resident Identity Card; RMB 10 for issuance of a temporary Resident Identity Card.

Source: https://www.ndrc.gov.cn/xxgk/zcfb/tz/200905/t20090512_965756.html?state=123

You can apply for a waiver of the production cost of the Resident Identity Card if you belong to the following groups: rural five-guarantee households, poor households, extremely poor households, households enjoying subsistence allowances and special allowance and you should hold valid certificates to prove that you belong to any of the foregoing groups.

You can apply for reduction of a half of the production cost if you can provide supporting documents proving that you have difficulties in living.

Source: https://www.gov.cn/fuwu/2016-11/24/content_5136864.htm

How old do I have to be to apply for a National ID card by myself?

You need to be 16 or above to apply for a Resident Identity Card on your own. If you are below 16, you'll need your guardian to apply for the Resident Identity Card on your behalf.

Source: Article 7 of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Resident Identity Cards

What can I do if I do not have a parent or guardian who can go with me (and the application says I have to have one)?

If you are 16 and above, you do not need a parent or guardian to apply for the Resident Identity Card.

If you are below 16, you will need your guardian to apply for the Resident Identity Card on your behalf.

Note that in any event, you will need your household registration book, which is generally held by your parents/guardian.

Source: Article 7 of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Resident Identity Cards

At what age can I get a National ID card by myself?

16 years old.

Source: Article 7 of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Resident Identity Cards

Are there any special provisions for foster youth (children in custody of the government)?

There are no special provisions for foster youth or children in custody of the government in the Law of the People's Republic of China on Resident Identity Cards, provided that if you are adopted, it is your adopter not your parents who shall be responsible for obtaining the household registration book for you.

Source: The Law of the People's Republic of China on Resident Identity Cards

Article 2.3 of Opinions of the General Office of the State Council on Addressing the Issue of Household Registration for Persons without Household Registration

Are there any special provisions for homeless youth?

There are no separate special law for homeless youth in the Law of the People's Republic of China on Resident Identity Cards. However, if you are a homeless youth and do not have a household registration book, please refer to our responses to Question A.11.

Source: The Law of the People's Republic of China on Resident Identity Cards

Will I have to take a test?

No test required. You just need to apply to the competent public security organ for the Resident Identity Card presenting your household registration book for examination and fill out the application form.

Source: Article 7 of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Resident Identity Cards

If applicable, do I have to make an appointment to take the test?

What organization issues a driver's license in this country?

The local vehicle management office of the traffic administrative department of the public security organ.

Source: See Article 2 of the Provisions on the Application for and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses (2024 Revision). https://www.mps.gov.cn/n6557558/c9900238/content.html

What is the process for getting a driver's license?

You should make application in that original locality or in the temporary locality you currently reside in. You should:

1. submit the application with required documents.
2. attend driving training lessons;
3. book and pass required exams; and
4. obtain the driver's license.

Please note that in general, you need to attend a driver training school to take the relevant lessons to pass the exam.

Source: See the Provisions on the Application for and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses

Where can I find information online about getting a driver's license?

You can go to Bendibao (www.bendibao.com), which collects relevant useful information, such as guidelines to get a driver's license. Bendibao is not authenticated by government. But it is quite helpful and commonly used in China.

You can also go to the official website of Traffic Security Comprehensive Service and Management Platform held by Ministry of Public Security at https://gab.122.gov.cn/m/index/ or download the "交管12123" App to check relevant information.

You can access Law of the People's Republic of China on Road Traffic Safety at https://flk.npc.gov.cn/detail2.html?ZmY4MDgxODE3YWIyMzFlYjAxN2FiZDYxN2VmNzA1MTk%3D and Provisions on the Application for and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses https://www.mps.gov.cn/n6557558/c9900238/content.html.

What documents do I have to have to get a driver's license? Is there any document that I must have to get a driver's license?

Above all, you cannot get a driver's license before you turn 18 years old.

You need and must have the following documents to get a driver's license.

• a Resident Identity Card (and a temporary residence certificate, if applicable); and
• a medical certificate certifying that you are suitable and do not have conditions that are unsuitable to drive a motor vehicle.

You also need to provide your photographs and fill out a Driver's License Application Form.

Source (for example): 深圳初次申请驾驶证须知（申请条件+所需材料+费用）- 深圳本地宝

What if my documents do not have my correct name/address?

You should check if the details on your driver's license are accurate when it is first issued to you. If you notice any details being incorrect, you should let the issuing authority know immediately to have the incorrect details corrected.

What if I only have foreign documents?

If you have a foreign driver's license, you can apply for the driver' license in China with respect to the same type of vehicles. You should provide the following documents for the application:

• your identity proof, such as your passport
• a medical certificate certifying that you do not have conditions that make you unsuitable to drive a motor vehicle; and
• your valid foreign driver's license (the Chinese translation shall be translated by a certified translator or notarized).

You might need to take and pass certain exam (but not as comprehensive as the required exams for the first issuance to a Chinese person).

Source: Article 25 of Provisions on the Application for and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses

For example: 持境外机动车驾驶证申请机动车驾驶证

What happens if my documents are not accepted to get a driver's license?

It depends on the reasons of objection. We advise you to discuss with the competent traffic administration department to find alternative documents that are acceptable to them, if possible.

Do I have to be a resident of the country to get a driver's license?

No, but the documents required for a Chinese national and a foreigner are different. Please refer to the responses to Questions B.4 and B.6.

What does it mean to be a resident of this country? How do I prove residency?

If you are Chinese national, you should have a Resident Identity Card to prove your residency.

What can I do if I do not have residency in this State? Or country?

If you do not have a Resident Identity Card, unless the scenario described under Question B.6 suits you, then you should get a Resident Identity Card first.

Will I need a mailing address? What can I do if I am homeless?

Yes, to fill out the Driver's License Application Form, you need to provide your mailing address.

However, in practice, the relevant authority seldomly verifies your mailing address in the Driver's License Application Form. Besides, in general, you will get the driver license physically on the same day when you pass all the required exams.

What is the application process? Can I complete it online?

In general, the application process will be as follows:

1. you find a reliable driver training school;
2. you fill out the application form and provide relevant documents (such as your Resident Identity Card, the medical certificate);
3. you pay the training fees and attend all required lessons in the driver training school;
4. you take and pass the required exams; and
5. finally, you get your driver's license.

Some cities launch pilot projects according to which you do not have to attend a driver training school as long as that you get sufficient trainings and are able to pass the exams. However, the process and requirements are less clear and there may be difficulties in practice. The cost may be higher or lower compared to the training fees charged by the driver training school.

You can book driving tests online at https://gab.122.gov.cn/m/login#/pcView/exam/apply.

Is there an application fee? Is there a waiver option if I cannot afford to pay it?

In general, the production cost for the driver's license is RMB 10 Yuan.

However, as mentioned in Question B.12, in general, you need to attend a driver training school which will charge training fees. It is common in China that the training fees are thousands of RMB.

Source: https://zfxxgk.ndrc.gov.cn/web/iteminfo.jsp?id=19922

北京海淀驾校报名中心官方网站|北京海淀驾校, 海驾, 海淀驾校报名点

How old do I have to be to apply for a state driver's license by myself? 

1. Age of 18 or above for permitted type of small vehicle, small automatic transmission vehicle, small special passenger vehicle with automatic transmission for disabled persons or light motorcycle.
2. Age of not less than 18 nor more than 70 for permitted type of ordinary three-wheeled motorcycle, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycle.
3. Age of not less than 20 nor more than 70 for permitted type of light tractor-trailer.
4. Age of not less than18 nor more than 63 for permitted type of low-speed truck, three-wheeled vehicle, wheeled special mechanical vehicle.
5. Age of not less than 20 nor more than 63 for permitted type of city bus, medium-sized bus, large truck, trolley bus or tram.
6. Age of not less than 22 nor more than 63 for permitted type of large bus or heavy tractor trailer.

For students who receive full-time driving vocational education: age of not less than 19 nor more than 63 for permitted type of large bus and heavy tractor trailer.

Source: Article 14 of Provisions on the Application for and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses

What can I do if I do not have a parent or guardian who can go with me (and the application says I have to have one)?

Not applicable as you need to be over 18 years old to be able to apply for a driver's license.

At what age can I get a driver's license card by myself?

Please refer to Question B.14.

Are there any special provisions for foster youth (children in custody of the government)?

To our knowledge, there are no such special provisions for foster youth to apply for driver's license in China as long as you have a Resident Identity Card.

Are there any special provisions for homeless youth?

To our knowledge, there are no such special provisions for homeless youth to apply for driver's license in China as long as you have a Resident Identity Card.

Will I have to take a test?

Yes, both written and road tests.

If applicable, do I have to make an appointment to take the test?

Yes, you can book driving tests online at https://gab.122.gov.cn/m/login#/pcView/exam/applyort or through交管 12123 APP.

Where can I take the driving test? What can I do if I cannot get to a testing location?

The driver training school will direct you to the places of test. More often the test center is located near or in the driver training school. Some driver training schools offer free commuting buses to and from campus.

Do I need to get a permit or authorization to practice driving before I get my driver's license?

Except in cities where the pilot projects are launched, it is illegal to practice driving outside a driver training school. Driver training shall be administered by the driver training school, a permit or authorization is not needed.

In the cities where the pilot projects are launched, you can only practice driving on the designated roads under the supervision of an experienced driver. You should obtain a driving practice certificate, subject to the detailed rules enacted by the competent authority of such pilot cities.

Source (for example): 16城4月1日起试点驾照自学直考

What is the document detailing a person's birth called in this country?

It is called a birth medical certificate (Chu Sheng Yi Xue Zheng Ming). The template of the birth medical certificate is accessible at https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2023-03/21/content_5747642.htm.

The National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China is in charge of the administration of issuance of birth medical certificates.

The birth medical certificate shall be issued by the relevant hospital where the newborn was born. If the newborn was born outside of a hospital, then the birth medical certificate shall be issued by the institution designated by the local health administration authority (usually the maternal and child health care hospital (Fu You Bao Jian Yuan).

Source: Article 23 of Law of the People's Republic of China on Maternal and Infant Health Carehttps://www.gov.cn/guoqing/2021-10/29/content_5647619.htm

Responses to questions relating to birth certificate http://www.nhc.gov.cn/wjw/hygq/201812/1ec3f912b5c34ef19e0a19f969a175c2.shtml

I'm not sure I have a birth certificate, what can I do to find out if I have one and where to get it?

You can try to reach out the local health administration authority, the hospital where you were born or the local archive office.

How do I get a copy of my birth certificate?

Applying for the issuance of the birth medical certificate: it is hard if not impossible for you to apply for a birth medical certificate for yourself. Though practice varies in different regions. The relevant hospital/authority usually requires the Resident Identity Card and the household registration book of the new born's parents, and the applicant should in principle the new born's mother who should fill out an application form.

Retrieving the birth medical certificate that has been issued: Practice varies in different regions. For example, in Shanghai, if you were born between 2008 and 2022 and had your birth medical certified issued by Shanghai hospital/Shanghai authority, you can go to the local archive office, or you can log in https://zwdt.sh.gov.cn/govPortals/index to retrieve your birth medical certificate online. For detailed guidelines, please refer to https://www.shanghai.gov.cn/xbhygq/20230407/b1da4c437f034a02bfdd4373ec47e0e3.html.

Can I order my birth certificate online?

Practice varies in different regions. For example, in Shanghai, if you were born between 2008 and 2022, and your birth medical certificate is in record, you can order your birth certificate online.

You can also log in Zhi Fu Bao (Ali Pay) App, type in "出生医学证明" (Chu Sheng Yi Xue Zheng Ming) to check if you can retrieve your birth medical certificate online.

What documents will I need to get my birth certificate?

To be clear, it is usually a new born's mother to apply for the new born's birth medical certificate. Practice varies in different regions. The relevant hospital/authority usually requires the Resident Identity Card and the household registration book of the new born's parents, and the applicant should in principle the new born's mother, and she should fill out an application form.

As for how a person can retrieve his/her own birth medical certificate, taking Shanghai as an example, if you go to the local archive office, you only need to provide your Resident Identity Card. If you want to retrieve your birth medical certificate online, you need to provide your name, your identity number (recorded in your Resident Identity Card), birth date, gender, ethnicity group, mobile number, permanent residence address (recorded in your household registration book), and current residence address, and upload a copy of your Resident Identity Card.

In other regions, they may require further documents, such as the new born's parents' Resident Identity Card and the household registration book.

What happens if I don't have some or all of the documents that are required?

We advise you to consult with the local archive office, local health administration authority, the hospital where you were born or the local public security organ.

How old do I have to be to get a copy of my birth certificate by myself? 

There is no unified and specific requirement on your age. It should be subject to local practice. However, the general rule is that you should have full capacity for civil conduct, which is 18 years old in principle. If you are between 16 and 18 and self-reliant, you are deemed as having full capacity for civil conduct.

Source: Article 17 of Civil Code of the People's Republic of China

What can I do if I do not have a parent or guardian who can go with me to get a birth certificate (and the application says I have to have one)?

Please refer to the responses to Question C.7. If you are too young, your application on your own might be rejected by the relevant authority.

What is the cost to get a birth certificate?

It should be free.

Source: http://www.nhc.gov.cn/fys/zcwj2/202101/5a36e260be4347e18e92831a01379b67.shtml

Is there a waiver if I cannot afford the fee?

Not applicable.

Are there any special laws or provisions that can help get a birth certificate if I have been in the foster care system (children in custody of the government)?

Unclear and the practice may vary in different regions. For example, in Shenzhen, if a child is in custody of the government, then no birth medical certificate will be issued for such child.

In general, regardless of whether you have a birth medical certificate or not, the fostering institution is responsible to make the birth registration/household registration for you.

Are there any special laws or provisions that can help get a birth certificate if I am homeless?

Unclear and the practice may vary in different regions. We suggest you consulting with the local archive office, local health administration authority, the hospital where you were born or the local public security organ.

If you have been adopted, regardless of whether you have a birth medical certificate or not, your adopter is responsible to make the birth registration/household registration for you.

Source: 弃婴收养（合法手续收养、社会福利机构收养、事实收养）户口如何办理？ _公安局 _将乐县人民政府

Where do I get my birth certificate if I was born in another country?

For the birth certificate to be issued by the country where you were born, it depends on the practice of that country.

Your birth certificate from another country shall be notarized and legalized to be used in China.

Source: 境外的出生证能在国内使用吗

Is there a way to get my birth certificate without going somewhere in person?

If your birth certificate has been issued and you only want to retrieve your birth medical certificate, it is possible to retrieve such birth medical certificate online in some regions such as Shanghai. Please refer to Question C.3 and C.4.

Where can I find information online about getting a birth certificate?

• You can go to the website (Bendibao, https://www.bendibao.com/index.htm), select your location, and then use key word search with "出生医学证明", then you should be able to find some useful information.
• You can also log in Zhi Fu Bao (Ali Pay app) and use key word search with "出生医学证明" to see if you can find anything helpful.

What vital doc should I start with to change my name? Is the process easier for one of the IDs?

Where the contents of the household registration book need to be changed or corrected, the head of the household or the person himself/herself shall report to the household registration authority (i.e. local public security organ). Changes or corrections will be made after the relevant review by the public security organ.

Source: Article 17 of Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Household Registration

How do I change my name on my Birth Certificate?

First of all, it should be noted that if you have already got your name registered in the household registration book or obtained your Resident Identity Card, you should change your name in the household registration book and Resident Identity Card directly.

Only if your parents cannot complete your birth registration with your name on the birth medical certificate (in China, there are some formality requirements as to name of citizens), your parents can apply for change of the name on the birth medical certificate with the statement issued by the relevant public security organ and their Resident Identity Cards.

Source: Notice of the Ministry of Health on further strengthening the administration of medical birth certificates 卫生部关于进一步加强出生医学证明管理的通知 - 中华人民共和国国家卫生和计划生育委员会

How do I change my name on my National ID?

It should be noted that each state or province may have its own procedures for amending / updating information on vital documents, therefore it is advisable to consult the relevant state / provincial authorities for the specific process.

The applicant will need to go to the competent public security organ. Required documents, typically include, among others:

• the household registration book before the change;
• copy of the Resident Identity Card of the applicant;
• the relevant application forms; and
• ·other supporting documents such as the birth medical certificate, the statement made by the parents as to the name change, which varies in different regions.

For example, you may refer to the local practice of Shanghai at 一网通办, Shenzhen at 变更更正姓名-广东政务服务网, Beijing at 公民姓名变更更正要求-户籍改革-朝阳市公安局

How do I change my name on my Driver's License?

You should apply for the change of the driver's license within 30 days after the change of your name in the Resident Identity Card.

Documents required typically include the new Resident Identity Card, your recent photo, and the certificate issued by public security organ with respect to such name change (such as the household registration book with your previous name).

Source: 机动车驾驶人登记信息变化换证 ; 改了名字，深圳驾驶证信息需要怎么办理变更？

At what age can I change my name by myself?

Although there is no specific age requirement in a national-level law in China. In practice, if you are under 18 years old, the competent authority usually requires your parent's attendance and state that they agree the name change.

Source: 变更更正姓名-广东政务服务网

What can I do if I [do not] have a parent or guardian with to change my name and do not have anyone who can help me?

Subject to the local practice, in general, it will be difficult for you to change your name without your parents or guardian's support before you are 18 years old. We suggest you checking with the competent public security organ.

What vital doc should I start with to change my gender marker? Is the process easier for one of the IDs?

In the event that a citizen who has received a transsexual operation applies for changing the gender under the household registration, the applicant shall present a gender determination certificate issued by a domestic level III hospital which shall be notarized, or a certificate issued by the judicial identification agency in addition to typically required documents.

Source: Reply of the Public Security Administration under the Ministry of Public Security to Issues concerning the Change of Gender under the Household Registration for Transsexuals

How do I change my gender marker on my Birth Certificate?

It is barely possible unless it is due to the wrong operation by the issuing certificate at the time of your birth. If that is the case, we suggest you or your parents checking with the issuing authority/institution.

How do I change my gender marker on my National ID?

In the event that a citizen who has received a gender affirming surgery applies for changing the gender under the household registration, the applicant shall present a gender determination certificate issued by a domestic level III hospital which shall be notarized, or a certificate issued by the judicial identification agency in addition to typically required documents. After such change, the public security organ will issue you an updated Resident Identity Card.

Source: Reply of the Public Security Administration under the Ministry of Public Security to Issues concerning the Change of Gender under the Household Registration for Transsexuals https://gaj.cq.gov.cn/zwgk/jczwgk/zcwj_224735/gabzcwj/202111/t20211112_9968748.html

How do I change my gender marker on my Driver's License?

The procedure is similar to that of name change on the Driver's License.

At what age can I change my gender marker by myself?

For the GAS, you have to be not less than 18 years old according to the latest standard. We advise you to check with the relevant hospital as to the actual standard they apply.

Source:

Opinions Sought on the Administrative Regulations for 17 Medical Technique as Denaturalization Operations

https://cnlgbtdata.com/files/uploads/2022/08/%E6%80%A7%E5%88%AB%E9%87%8D%E7%BD%AE%E6%8A%80%E6%9C%AF%E4%B8%B4%E5%BA%8A%E5%BA%94%E7%94%A8%E7%AE%A1%E7%90%86%E8%A7%84%E8%8C%832022%E5%B9%B4%E7%89%88.pdf

What can I do if I [do not] have a parent or guardian with to change my gender marker and do not have anyone who can help me?

As discussed above, it is mandatory to undergo GAS to formally apply for changing the gender marker on official documentation.

The General Office of the Ministry of Health requires that candidates for GAS be "older than 20 years of age, and [have] complete civic capacity." Now it reduces to 18 years old, but the age requirement is dependent on the practice of relevant hospitals.

The familial consent requirement to proceed with GAS is quite strict in China and applies regardless of the age of the candidate. Even candidates who are not minors may still need to demonstrate some level of proof of familial consent. We suggest you consulting with the relevant hospitals with respect to the requirement on familial consent and other requirements.

Source:

UNDP-CH-Legal-gender-recognition---China-180805.pdf (At paras 4.2, 4.2.1, 4.2.2)