What you need to know before you drive in Japan

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into multiple languages. Japan recognizes IDPs, but you do not need one to drive there if your license is from certain countries — and even when you do have an IDP, you still need your original license with you at all times. The IDP itself is not a license; it is a translation document that some rental car companies and police may ask to see.

Whether you need an IDP depends on your home country. Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most European countries can drive in Japan for up to one year using only their valid home license, provided it is in English or has an English translation. Citizens of other countries, or those planning to stay longer than one year, should obtain an IDP before traveling.

The IDP is issued in your home country, not in Japan. You cannot get one once you arrive. If you think you might need one, you should request it before your trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most European countries can drive in Japan with only their home license for up to one year.
  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document issued by your home country's automobile association or licensing authority, not by Japan.
  • You must carry both your original home license and your IDP together; the IDP alone is not valid for driving.
  • The process to obtain an IDP takes one to two weeks in most countries and costs between $15 and $30 USD equivalent.
  • If you plan to stay in Japan longer than one year or your home country is not on the recognized list, you will need to convert your license through Japan's licensing system instead.

How to get an International Driving Permit in the United States

In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the two organizations authorized to issue IDPs. You do not need to be a AAA member to request one from AAA, though members may receive a discount.

Visit a local AAA office or go to the AAA website and request an IDP by mail. You will need to bring or mail your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form (the AAA IDP process), one passport-sized photograph (2 by 2 inches), and a fee of $20 for AAA or $15 for AATA. Processing takes five to ten business days if you explore in person at an office, or two to three weeks if you mail your process. The IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue.

How to get an International Driving Permit in Canada

In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues IDPs. You can request one online, by mail, or in person at a CAA office. You will need your valid Canadian driver's license, a completed process form, one passport-sized photograph, and a fee of $20 CAD. Processing takes five to ten business days in person or two to three weeks by mail. The IDP is valid for three years.

If you are not a CAA member, you can still request an IDP, but the fee may be slightly higher. Check your provincial CAA website for the exact fee and processing time in your province, as these vary by location.

How to get an International Driving Permit in the United Kingdom and Europe

In the United Kingdom, the Automobile Association (AA) and the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) both issue IDPs. You can request one online or by post. You will need your valid UK driving license, a completed process form, one passport-sized photograph, and a fee of £5.50 to £6. Processing takes five to ten business days. The IDP is valid for three years.

In other European countries, the process is similar but the issuing body varies. In France, contact the Fédération Française de l'Automobile (FFA). In Germany, contact the Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC). In Australia, contact the Australian Automobile Association (AAA). Each country's automobile association can issue an IDP; search for "[your country] international driving permit" to find the correct organization. The fee, processing time, and validity period are similar across most countries — typically $15 to $30 USD equivalent, five to ten business days in person, and three years of validity.

What to do if your home country is not on Japan's recognized list

If you are a citizen of a country not on Japan's recognized list — such as China, India, Russia, or most African and South American nations — you cannot drive in Japan with only your home license and an IDP. Instead, you must convert your license through Japan's licensing system.

To convert your license, you will need to visit a local driving license center (運転免許センター, unten menkyo senta) in the prefecture where you plan to live. Bring your original home license, a certified Japanese translation of that license (obtained from a notary or the embassy of your home country in Japan), your passport, proof of residence in Japan, and a completed process form. You will also need to pass a written test in Japanese and a practical driving test. The process takes several weeks and costs between ¥2,500 and ¥3,000 (roughly $17 to $20 USD). Contact the driving license center in your prefecture before you arrive to confirm current requirements, as these can change.

What happens when you rent a car in Japan

When you rent a car in Japan, the rental company will ask to see your original home license and your IDP (if you have one). Some companies may refuse to rent to you if you do not have an IDP, even if you are from a country where one is not legally required. This is a company policy, not a legal requirement. If you are from the United States, Canada, or another recognized country and do not have an IDP, call the rental company ahead of time to confirm they will accept your home license alone.

Keep both your home license and your IDP with you at all times while driving. If you are stopped by police, you must produce both documents. Driving without your home license is illegal, even if you have an IDP.

What to do if you lose your IDP in Japan

If you lose your IDP while in Japan, you cannot get a replacement there. You will need to contact your home country's automobile association or licensing authority and request a replacement to be mailed to you, or wait until you return home to request one. In the meantime, you can still drive using only your original home license, provided you are from a country on Japan's recognized list and have been in Japan for less than one year.

If you are unsure whether you can drive without the IDP, contact the local police or your country's embassy in Japan for guidance. Many embassies have staff who can answer questions about driving regulations for your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am from the United States?

No, you do not need an IDP to drive in Japan if you are a U.S. citizen with a valid U.S. driver's license. You can drive for up to one year using only your home license. However, some rental car companies may ask for an IDP anyway, so it is worth getting one before you travel to avoid delays at the rental counter.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. It does not extend your driving privileges in Japan beyond one year; it is straightforward a translation document. If you plan to stay in Japan longer than one year, you will need to convert your license through Japan's system, regardless of whether your IDP is still valid.

Can I get an International Driving Permit in Japan?

No. IDPs are issued only in your home country by that country's automobile association or licensing authority. You must request one before you travel. If you arrive in Japan without an IDP and later decide you need one, you will have to wait for it to be mailed to you from your home country, which can take several weeks.

What if my home license is not in English?

If your home license is not in English, you should get an IDP. Some rental companies may also accept an official English translation of your license, obtained from a notary or your country's embassy, but an IDP is the safest option and is recognized by all rental companies and police.

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only visiting Japan for a few days?

If you are from a recognized country (United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or most of Europe) and are staying for less than one year, you do not legally need an IDP. However, getting one before you travel takes only one to two weeks and costs $15 to $30, so it is worth doing to avoid any issues with rental companies or police.