Temporary Driver’s License at Beijing Airport: Same-Day Service 2026

Yes, you can get a temporary Chinese driver’s license near Beijing Capital Airport – the process takes 2-4 hours at the Shunyi PSB office if you have all documents ready. A temporary license is valid for 3 months, costs ¥300-500 total, and doesn’t require any driving test. This guide explains exactly what you need, where to go, and how to complete the application efficiently.

This guide provides complete DIY instructions for the entire process. If you prefer assistance with document preparation and guaranteed same-day service, we also offer expedited application support.

Requirements: What You’ll Need

To apply for a temporary driver’s license in Beijing, you must provide six categories of documents. All documents must be originals (copies will be made at the PSB office):

1. Valid Passport and Chinese Visa

• Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay
• Visa: Any valid visa type works (tourist L, business M, work Z, student X, etc.)
• Entry stamp: Must show recent entry to China (within visa validity period)

Note: Visa-free entries (144-hour transit, Hainan 30-day, etc.) can also apply for temporary licenses.

2. Valid Home Country Driver’s License

• Must be currently valid (not expired)
• Must show your photo and license class
• Digital/paper format both acceptable
• Must be from your passport nationality (typically)

Important: International Driving Permits (IDP) alone are NOT accepted – you must bring your actual home country license.

3. Certified Chinese Translation

Your driver’s license must be translated into Chinese by a PSB-approved translation agency. The translation must include:

• Official translation agency seal/stamp
• Translator’s signature and credentials
• All information from your original license
• Agency’s business license number

Where to get translation: Near Beijing Airport, several approved agencies offer same-day service:

• Shunyi Translation Center: 15 min from airport, ¥200-250, 2-3 hours
• Airport Area Translation Services: Terminal 3 area, ¥250-300, 1-2 hours express
• PSB-Approved Agencies: List available at Shunyi PSB office

Cost: ¥150-300 depending on language and turnaround time
Timeline: Express service 1-3 hours, standard service next day

4. Medical Examination Certificate

You need a basic medical examination from a designated hospital. The exam includes:

• Vision test (with or without glasses/contacts)
• Color blindness test
• Hearing test
• Basic physical assessment

Designated hospitals near Beijing Airport:

• Shunyi District Hospital: 10 min from airport, driver’s license medical dept, ¥80-100
• Beijing Airport Hospital: Near Terminal 2, ¥100-120

What to bring: Passport, one passport photo, payment in cash
Cost: ¥50-120
Timeline: 30-45 minutes
Validity: Medical certificate is valid for 6 months

5. Passport Photos

Specifications:

• Size: 33mm × 48mm (larger than standard passport photo)
• Background: Pure white
• Recent: Taken within last 6 months
• Quantity: Bring 4-6 photos (PSB needs 2-3, medical exam needs 1-2)
• Appearance: Face forward, neutral expression, no glasses (recommended)

Where to get photos: Photo shops near Shunyi PSB office, or any professional photo studio. Cost: ¥30-50 for 6 photos.

Tip: Get photos taken after arriving in Beijing – this ensures they meet current specifications and are recent enough.

6. Proof of Accommodation in Beijing

You must provide evidence of where you’re staying in Beijing:

• Hotel guests: Hotel registration form (ask reception for “temporary residence registration” / 临时住宿登记表)
• Apartment renters: Lease agreement + landlord’s ID copy
• Staying with friends/family: Host’s residence permit + invitation letter

Note: Some PSB offices are stricter than others about accommodation proof. Shunyi PSB typically accepts hotel registration without additional documentation.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Here’s the complete process broken down into manageable steps. The entire process typically takes one full day if you start early.

Step 1: Complete Medical Examination (Morning, 30-45 min)

When to do this: First thing in the morning (8:00-9:00 AM) at a designated hospital.

1. Arrive at hospital driver’s license medical department (驾驶证体检科)
2. Register at front desk with passport
3. Pay examination fee (¥50-120, cash or WeChat/Alipay)
4. Complete vision test, color test, hearing test
5. Brief physical exam with doctor
6. Collect medical certificate (usually ready within 15-30 minutes)

Typical timeline: 30-45 minutes total

What if I wear glasses? You can take the vision test with corrective lenses. Your license will note “corrective lenses required” (this is standard and legal).

Step 2: Get License Translation (Morning/Early Afternoon, 1-3 hours)

When to do this: Immediately after medical exam, or same morning if using express service.

1. Visit a PSB-approved translation agency (preferably near Shunyi PSB)
2. Provide your home country driver’s license (original)
3. Provide passport for translator reference
4. Pay translation fee (¥150-300)
5. Request express service if available (usually +¥50-100)
6. Return to pick up translated document with official seal

Typical timeline: Express 1-2 hours, standard 3-4 hours or next day

Tip: Call ahead to confirm the agency is open and can provide same-day service. Some agencies close for lunch (12:00-1:30 PM).

Step 3: Prepare All Documents (15 minutes)

Before heading to the PSB office, organize all documents in this order:

1. Passport (original + copy of photo page and visa page)
2. Home country driver’s license (original + photocopy)
3. Certified translation with official seal (original)
4. Medical examination certificate (original)
5. Passport photos (4-6 copies ready)
6. Accommodation proof (hotel registration or lease)

Photocopies: Make copies at shops near the PSB office if you don’t have them. Cost: ¥1-2 per page.

Step 4: Submit Application at Shunyi PSB (Afternoon, 2-4 hours)

Location: Shunyi Public Security Bureau Traffic Police Brigade
Address: 顺义区交通队, 顺义区府前街 (Shunyi District, Fuqian Street)
Distance from airport: 15 minutes by taxi (¥30-50)
Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (lunch break 12:00-1:30 PM)
Closed: Weekends and Chinese public holidays

Application process at PSB:

1. Enter building and take queue number at kiosk (look for “外国人驾驶证” – Foreign Driver’s License counter)
2. Wait for your number to be called (typical wait: 30-60 minutes depending on time of day)
3. Submit all documents to the officer at the counter
4. Document review: Officer will check each document (5-10 minutes)
5. Possible issues: If anything is missing or incorrect, officer will explain what’s needed (this is where language barriers occur)
6. Pay application fee: ¥10 (cash or mobile payment)
7. Confirm pickup time: Usually same day (4:00-5:00 PM) if submitted before 2:00 PM, or next business day
8. Receive receipt: Keep this – you’ll need it to collect your license

Processing time: 2-4 hours from submission to pickup

Step 5: Collect Your Temporary License (Same Day or Next Day)

1. Return to Shunyi PSB at the confirmed pickup time
2. Bring your receipt and passport
3. Collect your temporary license from the same counter
4. Check all information carefully: Name spelling, license class, dates, photo
5. Ask officer to correct any errors immediately

Your temporary license will show:

• Your photo and name (in Chinese and English)
• Passport number
• Vehicle class permitted (usually C1 – manual transmission cars, C2 – automatic only)
• Issue date and expiration date (3 months from issue)

Important: The license is a physical card (similar in size to a credit card). Keep it with you at all times when driving.

Timeline and Cost Breakdown

Best case scenario: Complete everything in 6-7 hours (one day) if you start at 8:00 AM and have no document issues.

Realistic scenario: Most applicants need 1-2 days – Day 1 for medical exam and translation, Day 2 for PSB submission and pickup.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Based on experiences from hundreds of applicants, these are the most common issues and how to resolve them:

❌ Challenge: Translation Agency Not Approved

Problem: You paid for translation, but PSB rejects it because agency isn’t on their approved list.

Solution: Ask PSB office for their approved agency list BEFORE getting translation. Or use agencies located near the PSB office (these are usually approved).

❌ Challenge: Medical Certificate Expired

Problem: Your medical exam certificate is older than 6 months.

Solution: Medical exams are valid for 6 months. If you’re planning ahead, get your medical exam done closer to your PSB appointment date. If expired, you must retake the exam (¥50-120, 30 minutes).

❌ Challenge: Photos Wrong Size or Background

Problem: You brought standard passport photos (33mm × 48mm required), or background is blue instead of white.

Solution: Photo shops near PSB office can take compliant photos in 10-15 minutes (¥30-50). Don’t rely on passport photos from your home country.

❌ Challenge: Hotel Didn’t Provide Registration Form

Problem: Your hotel says they “already registered you” but didn’t give you a physical form.

Solution: Request the “temporary residence registration form” (临时住宿登记表) specifically. Hotels are required to provide this. If they refuse, some PSB offices accept hotel booking confirmation + passport entry stamp as alternative.

❌ Challenge: Home License Expired

Problem: Your home country driver’s license expired while you’re in China.

Solution: You cannot apply with an expired license. Options: (1) Renew your home license through your embassy/consulate if they offer this service, or (2) Return home to renew, then apply for Chinese license.

❌ Challenge: Language Barrier at PSB Office

Problem: PSB staff speak limited or no English, and you don’t speak Chinese.

Solutions:

• Download translation app (Google Translate, Pleco, Baidu Translate) before visiting
• Bring a Chinese-speaking friend or colleague
• Hire a local guide service (¥200-300 for half-day assistance)
• Write down common phrases in Chinese: “I need temporary license” (我需要临时驾照), “What document is missing?” (少什么文件?)

❌ Challenge: Same-Day Service Not Available

Problem: You arrived late (after 2:00 PM) and PSB says license will be ready next business day.

Solution: Plan to arrive at PSB before 1:00 PM for best chance of same-day service. If next-day pickup is required, coordinate with your schedule. Some applicants use expedited services to guarantee same-day processing.

Tips for Success

Here are insider tips from experienced applicants that significantly improve your success rate:

• ✅ Start early: Begin at 8:00 AM to complete medical exam, translation, and PSB submission in one day
• ✅ Bring extra cash: Carry ¥500-800 in small bills. Some facilities don’t accept cards or mobile payment
• ✅ Make extra photocopies: Bring 2-3 copies of every document. PSB staff may request copies you didn’t expect
• ✅ Download Didi app: Transportation between locations is much easier with ride-hailing apps. Set up before arriving
• ✅ Save PSB location in phone: Download offline map or save location pin in Baidu Maps/Google Maps before going
• ✅ Verify translation seal: Before leaving translation agency, check that document has official red seal/stamp. PSB will reject documents without it
• ✅ Ask for English-speaking staff: At PSB counter, politely ask “Do you have English-speaking staff?” Some offices have designated bilingual officers for foreign applicants
• ✅ Avoid Mondays and Fridays: PSB offices are busiest on Mondays (weekend backlog) and Fridays (people rushing before weekend). Tuesday-Thursday are optimal
• ✅ Check Chinese holiday calendar: PSB offices close for Chinese National Day, Spring Festival, and other public holidays. Verify office is open before visiting
• ✅ Bring your home license everywhere: You’ll need it at medical exam, translation agency, and PSB. Don’t leave it at hotel

What Happens After You Get Your License

License Validity and Use

• Validity period: Exactly 3 months from date of issue
• Cannot be extended: Temporary licenses cannot be renewed. After 3 months, you must apply for permanent license (requires theory exam)
• Use anywhere in China: Valid for driving throughout mainland China, not just Beijing
• Vehicle types permitted: Usually C1 (manual transmission cars under 9 seats) or C2 (automatic only), depending on your home license class

Renting a Car with Your Temporary License

Your temporary license allows you to rent cars in China. However, be aware:

• Some rental companies don’t recognize temporary licenses (prefer 6-year permanent licenses)
• Deposit requirements may be higher for temporary license holders
• You’ll need the physical license card when picking up rental vehicle
• Insurance coverage is the same as for permanent license holders

For detailed information on car rental with your new license, see our complete car rental guide for foreigners.

Converting to Permanent License

If you plan to stay in China longer than 3 months, consider applying for a permanent (6-year) license:

• Requires: Passing theory exam in Chinese or English (100 questions, 90+ to pass)
• No road test: Only theory exam required for license conversion
• Study timeline: Most people study 1-2 weeks using mobile apps
• Validity: 6 years, renewable

If Your License Is Lost or Stolen

If you lose your temporary license before it expires:

• Report loss to local police station (get police report)
• Return to original PSB office where license was issued
• Provide: police report, passport, original application receipt (if available)
• Replacement fee: ¥10-20
• Replacement issued same day or next day

Alternative: Expedited Application Service

The DIY process described above is entirely manageable if you have time, basic Chinese language ability, and patience for bureaucratic processes. However, many business travelers and tourists find the multi-step process challenging due to:

• Limited time in Beijing (1-2 day visit)
• Language barriers at medical facilities and PSB office
• Uncertainty about document requirements
• Risk of rejection due to incorrect translations or missing documents

For those who prefer guaranteed results, our expedited service handles all steps: medical exam scheduling, approved translation coordination, PSB submission, and same-day pickup. You meet us once for 30 minutes to provide documents, and we deliver your finished license to your hotel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary driver’s license at Beijing Airport?

Not directly at the airport terminals, but yes at the nearby Shunyi PSB office located 15 minutes away. The Shunyi PSB specifically handles foreign temporary license applications for the airport area. You can take a taxi from any terminal to the PSB office (¥30-50, 15 minutes).

How long does it take to get a temporary license in Beijing?

If you have all documents prepared (medical certificate, translation), the PSB application takes 2-4 hours. Most applicants complete the entire process (including medical exam and translation) in one full day if starting at 8:00 AM. Some may need two days if translation requires overnight processing.

What documents do I need for a temporary license in Beijing?

Required: (1) Valid passport with Chinese visa, (2) Valid home country driver’s license, (3) Certified Chinese translation from approved agency, (4) Medical examination certificate from designated hospital, (5) Passport photos (33mm×48mm, white background), (6) Proof of accommodation in Beijing. All documents must be originals.

How much does a temporary license cost in Beijing?

Total cost: ¥345-690. Breakdown: Medical exam ¥50-120, license translation ¥150-300, photos ¥30-50, application fee ¥10, photocopies ¥5-10, transportation ¥100-200. Express translation services cost extra (¥50-100 additional).

How long is a temporary driver’s license valid?

Temporary licenses are valid for exactly 3 months from the date of issue. They cannot be renewed or extended. If you need to drive longer, you must apply for a 6-year permanent license, which requires passing a theory exam (100 questions, available in English).

Do I need to take a driving test for a temporary license?

No. Temporary licenses require no driving test, road test, or theory exam. You only need valid documentation from your home country. This is why temporary licenses are popular with tourists and short-term business travelers. Permanent licenses do require a theory exam.

Can I convert my temporary license to a permanent license?

No direct conversion. When your temporary license expires, if you want a permanent license, you must apply separately with all documents and pass the theory exam. However, you can use your experience from the temporary license process – same medical certificate (if still valid within 6 months), same translation, and similar documentation.

What if my home country license is in a language other than English?

Not a problem. Translation agencies in Beijing handle licenses in all major languages: Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Russian, Portuguese, etc. Translation costs may be slightly higher (¥250-350) for less common languages due to needing specialized translators.

Ready to Get Your Temporary License?

You now have complete instructions for obtaining a temporary driver’s license near Beijing Airport. The process is straightforward if you prepare documents carefully and follow the steps in order. Most people successfully complete the application within one full day.

Your next steps:

1. Review the requirements checklist above
2. Check that your passport and home license are valid
3. Schedule your medical exam for 8:00-9:00 AM
4. Locate approved translation agencies near Shunyi PSB
5. Plan to arrive at PSB before 2:00 PM for same-day service

Need assistance? Whether you’re short on time, concerned about language barriers, or simply want guaranteed same-day service, our expedited application service handles everything from medical exam to license pickup. You invest 30 minutes of your time; we handle the rest.

Questions about the process? Contact us for personalized guidance.

Once you have your license, learn how to drive safely in China with our complete driving guide, or explore car rental options for your trip.