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World Driving Permit

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

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

Short answer

Yes — to drive in Japan you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. The IDP is a recognised translation of your licence; it never replaces the licence itself.

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

Check your exact trip

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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. The IDP is a recognised translation of your licence; it never replaces the licence itself. 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 it does not replace an IDP where one is legally required. 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.

Official sources

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

Requirements for other countries