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World Driving Permit

🇯🇵 Do you need an IDP to drive in Japan?

IDP required· the 1949 Geneva Convention· Last reviewed 1 May 2026

Key facts

IDP validity
1 year from issue
Driving side
Left-hand
Minimum driving age
18+ years
Driving without the right documents
Driving without the required IDP in Japan is a criminal offence and can lead to fines, arrest, or deportation.

Short answer

Yes — to drive in Japan you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. Japan recognises IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, so yours must come from your own country's authorised issuer under that convention. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required.

Driving in Japan: the rule explained

Japan generally requires a 1949 Geneva Convention IDP alongside your original license. Licenses from a small set of countries (e.g. Switzerland, Germany, France, Taiwan) can instead use an authorized Japanese translation (JAF). Most other licenses — including UAE and US — need the IDP itself.

Renting a car in Japan

Japanese rental companies check the physical IDP at the counter and will refuse hire without it. Booking online does not waive the requirement.

Motorcycles & scooters: Your IDP and underlying license must both cover the motorcycle category; scooters over 50cc count as motorcycles.

What to carry when driving in Japan

  • Original driving license (physical card)
  • Passport with valid visa/entry stamp
  • Translation companion or certified translation of your license
  • Proof of insurance covering the destination
  • 1949-convention IDP from your license country's authorized issuer
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Translation companion

A certified, multi-language translation of your licence to carry alongside it. It is not an IDP and does not replace one.

Japan: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Japan?
Yes — to drive in Japan you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. Japan recognises IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, so yours must come from your own country's authorised issuer under that convention. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required. Japan generally requires a 1949 Geneva Convention IDP alongside your original license. Licenses from a small set of countries (e.g. Switzerland, Germany, France, Taiwan) can instead use an authorized Japanese translation (JAF). Most other licenses — including UAE and US — need the IDP itself.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Japan?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Japan read your licence, but where Japan requires an IDP it must be one issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Always carry your original national licence with it.
What do I need to rent a car in Japan?
Japanese rental companies check the physical IDP at the counter and will refuse hire without it. Booking online does not waive the requirement.
Which IDP convention does Japan use?
Japan recognises IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Make sure your IDP is issued by your own country's authorised issuer under the matching convention.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Japan?
Because Japan follows the 1949 Geneva Convention, an IDP is valid for one year from its date of issue. The permit is only valid alongside your original national licence, and it cannot be renewed — you apply for a new one from your home country's authorised issuer when it lapses.
What is the minimum age to drive in Japan?
Visitors generally need to be at least 18 to drive in Japan; car-rental companies often set a higher minimum age and add a young-driver surcharge. Always confirm the age terms with your specific rental provider.

Official sources

Need a real, government-recognised IDP? How to get an IDP from an authorised issuer.

Driving to Japan from your country

In-depth driving guides

Real-world driving and IDP guides for popular trips:

Requirements for other countries