Do You Need an International Driving Permit in Japan?

Most visitors who want to drive in Japan need a Geneva Convention permit or an official translation, plus their original license.

Published October 20, 2026 at 2:03 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: In most cases, yes. Visitors can drive in Japan with their home license plus an International Driving Permit issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. Licenses from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco and Taiwan can instead be paired with an official Japanese translation from JAF. Either option is valid for one year from entry. Permits from other conventions, such as the 1968 Vienna Convention, are not valid.

A road trip through Japan can be one of the most rewarding ways to see the countryside, from coastal drives in Shikoku to alpine passes and quiet onsen towns. Before turning the key, though, visitors need the right paperwork, and the rules are more specific than many people expect. The most common surprise is that not every International Driving Permit counts. This guide explains which documents Japan accepts, how long they are valid, where to get a translation, and how to prepare so the rental counter experience goes smoothly.

What an International Driving Permit actually is

An International Driving Permit, or IDP, is a booklet that translates the information on your home driver's license into several languages. It is not a license on its own, so you always carry it together with your original license. In Japan, officials and rental staff check both documents.

IDPs are issued under international road traffic conventions, and different countries joined different conventions over the years. That detail matters in Japan, because only one convention is recognized for visitors who use an IDP.

Japan accepts the 1949 Geneva Convention permit

According to the Japan Automobile Federation, usually called JAF, only IDPs issued under the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic of September 19, 1949 are valid in Japan. Permits issued under other treaties, such as the 1968 Vienna Convention, are not valid.

This is why it is worth reading the wording on your permit and the description given by the issuing organization. Before you travel, confirm that the permit you apply for is of the 1949 Geneva type, since a different version could leave you unable to rent a car.

Where to get your permit

IDPs are normally arranged in the country that issued your driver's license, through its licensing authority or an authorized motoring organization. Processing times vary, so apply well ahead of your trip. Plan to have it in hand before you fly, since it is an overseas document you present on arrival at the rental counter.

Check the start date and the validity shown on your permit as well, since an IDP issued under the 1949 convention has its own validity period set by the issuing country. When you travel, keep the original license valid for the entire trip.

Licenses that use a Japanese translation instead

Drivers from certain countries use a different route. JAF explains that licenses from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco and Taiwan can be used with an official Japanese translation carried alongside the original license. Drivers from other countries use the IDP route.

JAF accepts translation applications online. Its page indicates typical processing of about two to three business days for the six countries and longer for others, but timing can vary, so allow plenty of time before departure. A translation is meant to be carried with the original license, just as an IDP is.

How long you can drive

Driving with an IDP or a translation is valid for one year from the day you enter Japan, according to JAF. For people who leave and re-enter, the period runs one year from re-entry. After a year, foreign licenses are no longer valid for driving in Japan, even with a translation.

For ordinary tourists, this is rarely a concern, since most trips are much shorter than a year. Long-term residents have different arrangements, and JAF advises them to contact their local Driver's License Center and consider switching to a Japanese license.

Switching to a Japanese license

Residents can apply to exchange a foreign license for a Japanese one, a process known as gaimen kirikae. JAF notes that the foreign license must be valid and that applicants must prove they spent at least three months in the issuing country after the license was granted. An IDP alone is not accepted for the transfer, and a JAF translation is one of the documents needed rather than a guarantee of approval.

Wikipedia's overview of Japan's driving licenses adds that exemptions from the practical and written tests exist for some countries and a few US states. Since exemptions change, check with the Driver's License Center for the latest conditions.

At the rental counter

Rental companies usually ask for your passport, your original license and your IDP or translation. Policies and conditions, such as minimum age or experience, vary by company, so read the booking terms carefully.

Japan's rules for the road are explained by JAF. Drivers keep to the left, seat belts are required for everyone, and children under six must be secured in a child seat. Drinking and driving is prohibited, and phone use while driving is also not allowed. Related guides on this site cover car rental and expressways, including practical tips on ETC cards and tolls.

Do you actually need to drive?

Japan's trains, buses and taxis reach most major sights, and many visitors never drive at all. Driving can be a joy in places like Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku and the Izu Peninsula, where public transport is less frequent. In big cities, parking is limited and trains are often quicker.

A balanced plan is to use trains for city-to-city travel and rent a car only for the regions where it adds value. Luggage forwarding and regional passes also help you travel without driving. Whichever option you choose, confirm the documents requirements with your rental company before you book.

A short preparation routine

A little preparation makes the whole process feel easy. Start by checking which category your license falls into, since that tells you whether you need a Geneva Convention IDP or a JAF translation. Next, confirm that your original license will remain valid until after your trip ends, and look at the name and spelling on your documents, which should match your passport.

Then book your car with a company that explains its document requirements clearly, and keep digital and paper copies of your reservation. On pickup day, bring everything together in one folder: passport, license, IDP or translation, and the credit card used for the booking. Having the documents ready lets the rental staff finish the paperwork quickly so you can start the adventure sooner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which International Driving Permit does Japan accept?

Japan accepts IDPs issued under the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic of September 19, 1949. According to JAF, permits issued under other treaties, such as the 1968 Vienna Convention, are not valid. Always carry your original license with the permit, since the IDP is not a license on its own.

Is a translation needed instead of an IDP?

Only if your license comes from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco or Taiwan. Those licenses can be used with an official Japanese translation, available from JAF. Drivers from other countries use a 1949 Geneva Convention IDP, or switch to a Japanese license if they live in Japan.

How long can a visitor drive in Japan with an IDP?

For one year from the day of entry into Japan, as long as the permit and your original license remain valid. If you leave and come back, the period restarts from your re-entry. Long-term residents should check with their local Driver's License Center about switching to a Japanese license.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Renting a Car in Japan: What Visitors Should Know, Driving in Japan: Expressways and ETC and Why Does Japan Drive on the Left? History and Tips for Visitors.