Are you planning to travel to China and drive during your stay?
Good news: Foreign visitors holding a valid overseas driver’s license can apply for a Temporary Driving Permit right after landing at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX).
This is the most convenient way to legally drive in China without taking a written exam or medical check. With the permit in hand, you can rent a car and hit the road immediately.
Why You Need a Temporary Driving Permit
According to China’s Road Traffic Safety Law, foreign driver’s licenses are not valid for direct use in China. To drive legally, you must obtain either:
- • A temporary driving permit (for short-term stays); or
- • A full Chinese driver’s license (for long-term residents).
For most tourists and business travelers, the temporary permit is the best option.
Key Features of the Temporary Driving Permit
- • Issued on the spot at Beijing airports (with all required documents)
- • No written exam, no medical check required
- • Valid nationwide in China
- • Initial validity: up to 3 months (can be extended to 1 year if your visa allows)
- • Car rental only: The permit can only be used to drive rental vehicles (not private cars)
- • Must be carried together with your passport and foreign driver’s license while driving
⚠️ Note: You must provide a Chinese name for the license; foreign names cannot be printed on it.
Required Documents
When applying at the airport service desk, you’ll need:
- 1. Passport with valid visa or entry permit
- 2. Original foreign driver’s license
- 3. Certified Chinese translation of your driver’s license
- • Must be issued by a licensed Chinese translation agency
- • Translations done overseas are not accepted
- • Our agency provides translations with the company seal and business license copy – fully compliant
- 4. Two recent 1-inch color photos (white background)
- 5. Temporary residence information (if you don’t have a registration form, you may provide a local address in China)
💡 The translation requirement is often the biggest hurdle – but with our licensed translation service, we make sure your documents meet the standard.
Where to Apply in Beijing
- • Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) – T3 Terminal, opposite Gate 7 on the first floor
- • Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) – Vehicle management service station, 2nd floor of the terminal
Service hours: Monday to Sunday, 09:00 – 17:00 (closed on national holidays)
Processing fee: RMB 10 (~USD 1.5)
Processing time: Around 10 minutes once documents are approved
Important Notes
- • Permit validity: 3 months, extendable to 1 year (depending on visa)
- • Vehicle type: Small cars only (C1 or C2)
- • Always carry your temporary permit + foreign license + Chinese translation together
- • If you plan to stay longer than 3 months, apply for a full Chinese driver’s license at the Vehicle Administration Office in Beijing
Why Choose Our Translation Service?
✅ Licensed translation agency recognized by Chinese authorities
✅ Certified translation with company seal and business license copy (required for application)
✅ Fast delivery – digital copies available before you land in China
✅ English-speaking support to guide you through the process
Contact Us
If you plan to drive in China and need a certified translation of your foreign driver’s license, contact us before your trip.
We can prepare the translation in advance and ensure you’re ready to apply for your Temporary Driving Permit as soon as you land.
👉 With the right translation, you can get your temporary Chinese driver’s license on arrival in Beijing and start your road trip right away!
