If you hold a foreign driving licence, identify the China-issued permission that fits your stay before you drive. A rental reservation does not grant that permission. Beijing's official pages describe two different routes: a temporary permit for a qualifying short visit and an application for a Chinese licence based on a valid overseas licence.
Short visit: ask about a temporary permit
A January 2026 Beijing municipal answer explains an in-person temporary-permit application for a visitor holding a German licence. It lists an entry-exit identity document, the foreign licence and a certified Chinese translation, plus photographs, and names Beijing vehicle administration offices and other application locations. Its example is specific to that applicant and city. Before applying, ask Beijing traffic police whether your nationality, licence category, stay and proposed vehicle meet the current temporary-permit conditions. Do not treat an International Driving Permit or translated licence alone as authority to drive.
Longer-term route: apply for a Chinese licence
Beijing's overseas-licence application guide describes a separate Chinese-licence process, including identity, foreign licence, translation and medical materials according to the applicant's case. It says an International Driving Permit is not accepted as the overseas licence for that application. The required exam and accepted vehicle class depend on the case, so have the traffic authority confirm your own route before scheduling or paying for anything.
Check the rental desk as a separate decision
CAR Inc's own rental FAQ lists a passport for foreign customers and a valid domestic driving licence for the driver. It does not clearly state on that page whether a temporary permit is accepted for vehicle handover. Ask the chosen branch to confirm in writing whether it accepts your precise China-issued permit or licence, the document originals it requires, the permitted vehicle class and the identity documents for the reservation. Do this before paying for a non-refundable booking or travelling to the pickup point.
If either the traffic authority or rental provider cannot confirm your case, do not drive or assume that paying for a car resolves the issue. This guide explains the routes to check, not a personal licence eligibility decision.