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World Driving Permit

Do I need an IDP to drive in Japan with a US license?

🇺🇸 United Statesの免許証 · 🇯🇵 Japan · 更新日 17 Jun 2026

直接の回答

Yes. Japan requires US license holders to carry a 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Permit alongside their original US license. The official-translation substitute Japan allows applies only to a few listed countries, and the US is not one of them, so US drivers need the IDP itself. Get it from AAA before you travel.

一目でわかる

IDP required?
Yes — 1949 Geneva Convention IDP
Translation accepted instead?
No — the US is not on Japan's translation-substitute list
Where to get the IDP
AAA or AATA in the US, before departure
Rental desks
Strict — physical IDP checked at pickup
Max driving period
Up to 1 year from entry, with IDP
旅行の判断手順

このガイドを明確な旅行計画に変える

ガイドを参考にした上で、何かを購入する前に正確な免許、渡航先、日程、車両を確認してください。

4件の公的情報源

1 · ルールを確認

United Statesの免許証とJapanの渡航先が事前入力済み.

2 · 正規のIDP取得ルートを利用

チェッカーがIDPが必要と示した場合は、免許発行国の正規発行機関から取得してください。私たちはIDPを販売しません。

3 · 翻訳の補助文書を追加

レンタルデスク、保険会社、検問所であなたの免許証を読む必要があるときに翻訳パックを使用します。これは許可証ではありません。

Why US drivers need the IDP specifically

Japan only recognizes International Driving Permits issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. A short list of countries — Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, Estonia, Taiwan — can instead use an official Japanese translation of their license. The US is not on that list, so US visitors must carry the IDP itself. Permits issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention are not valid in Japan.

Get your IDP before you fly

Only AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance issue valid US IDPs. Apply before departure with your US license, two passport photos, and a small fee — Japan does not issue IDPs to visiting foreign drivers, so you cannot obtain one after you land. Third-party websites selling international driver's licenses are not recognized in Japan and have been flagged by US authorities as scams.

Where a WDP translation companion helps

The IDP is what makes you legal to drive in Japan. A World Driving Permit translation companion can still smooth interactions — parking, a police check where an officer wants to confirm your license categories, or insurance paperwork after an incident. Carry it alongside your IDP and original license as a comprehension aid, never as a replacement for the required IDP.

準備するもの

  • Original US driving license (physical card)
  • 1949 Geneva Convention IDP from AAA or AATA
  • Passport with landing stamp
  • Rental booking confirmation matching your license name
  • Optional WDP translation companion for non-English readers

正確なルートを確認

このガイドの渡航先があらかじめ入力された状態で始まります。

免許証の翻訳が必要ですか？

明確に表示された翻訳の補助文書 — 決して偽の許可証ではありません。

よくある質問

Can I use an official translation instead of an IDP in Japan?
Not as a US license holder. Japan's translation substitute applies only to a few listed countries, and the US is not among them. US drivers must carry a 1949 Geneva Convention IDP alongside their original license.
Will a rental company in Japan accept just my US license?
No. Rental companies in Japan are required to verify a 1949-convention IDP before releasing a vehicle. A US license alone will be refused at the counter.
Does the WDP translation count as the IDP in Japan?
No. The WDP is a translation companion, not an IDP and not an accepted official translation under Japan's rules for US drivers. You still need the IDP from AAA or AATA.

政府および公的機関の情報源

こちらもご覧ください 正規発行機関の案内 旅行で必要な場合に本物のIDPをどこで取得できるかについて。

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