Driving in Japan: Required Licenses & Permits
If you plan to drive in Japan, you must carry the correct combination of licenses and documents. Japan has very specific rules, and driving without the proper documents is illegal—even for short-term visitors.
ACCEPTED DRIVING DOCUMENTS IN JAPAN
Japanese driver's license
Anyone who holds a valid Japanese driver’s license may drive without additional documentation.
International Driving Permit (1949 Geneva Convention)
Most visitors drive in Japan using an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. The IDP must be obtained in your home country before arrival in Japan and must be carried together with your original driver’s license and passport.
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The IDP must be from the same country as your driver's license.
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IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention are NOT valid in Japan.
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The IDP is valid for up to 1 year from the date of issue.
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You cannot obtain or renew an IDP once inside Japan.
License + Official Japanese Translation
Drivers from certain countries may use their original driver’s license together with an official Japanese translation. The translation must be issued by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) or an authorized embassy or organization.
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Accepted countries include: Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, and Taiwan.
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The original license and translation and passport must be carried together at all times.
Documents That Are NOT Accepted
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Photocopies or digital images of licenses or IDPs
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Unofficial or self-translated licenses
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IDPs issued under conventions other than the 1949 Geneva Convention
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Expired licenses or permits
Important Notes
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You must carry all required documents while driving.
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Driving without valid documents may result in fines, arrest, or insurance invalidation
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Rental car companies will refuse vehicle pickup if documentation is incorrect.
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Expired licenses or permits
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There are many websites on the internet claiming to offer international driving permits that can be used all around the world. Please be careful as many of them are scams and are not accepted in Japan.
If you are unsure whether your license is accepted, please confirm your eligibility before traveling to Japan. Requirements are strictly enforced.