International Driving Permit (IDP) Guide for Japan

If you want to drive in Japan as a visitor — a rental car, a scooter, or a street-legal go-kart — you almost always need an International Driving Permit (IDP), arranged in your home country before you travel. Here's how it works, who needs a Japanese translation instead, and how to get yours.

What is an International Driving Permit?

An IDP is an official, multi-language translation of your national driving licence that Japan recognises for short-term visitors. It does not replace your home licence — you carry both together, and the IDP is only valid alongside your original licence.

• For Japan, the IDP must be issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. This covers most countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and many more.
• An IDP is generally valid for up to one year from its issue date (or until your national licence expires, whichever comes first).

Get it before you travel

This is the part visitors most often get wrong: Japan does not issue IDPs to tourists. You must obtain it in the country that issued your driving licence, before you fly. If you arrive without one (and your country isn't in the translation group below), you won't be able to drive here.

How to get an IDP

The process varies by country, but it's usually quick and inexpensive:

1. Find your country's authorised issuing body. In many countries this is a national automobile association or auto club; in some it's a post office or a government office.
2. Apply with your valid national driving licence, a passport-style photo (or two), and the fee.
3. Receive your IDP. Many issuers provide it same-day over the counter, or by post within a week or two. Apply a few weeks before departure to be safe.

Countries that need a Japanese translation instead

A few countries are not party to the 1949 Geneva Convention but are still recognised by Japan under a separate arrangement. If your licence is from one of these, an IDP will not be accepted — instead you need an official Japanese translation of your national licence, carried together with the licence itself:

• Germany
• France
• Switzerland
• Belgium
• Monaco
• Taiwan
• Slovenia

These translations are typically issued by JAF (the Japan Automobile Federation) or by your country's embassy/consulate in Japan. Because this can take a little time, arrange it ahead where possible.

What to carry when you drive

• ✅ Your original national driving licence
• ✅ Your IDP (1949 Geneva Convention) — or the official Japanese translation if you're from one of the countries above
• ✅ Your passport

This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. IDP and licence-translation requirements are set by the relevant authorities and can change — always confirm the current rules for your country before travelling.