What an international driver's license is and whether you need one for Japan
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into multiple languages. It is not a separate license — it is a companion document that sits alongside your original license. Japan recognizes IDPs issued by countries that are signatories to the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic.
Whether you need one depends on how long you plan to stay and what you intend to do. If you are visiting Japan as a tourist and renting a car for a short trip, an IDP is the standard way to drive legally. If you are moving to Japan to live or work, you will eventually need to convert your foreign license to a Japanese license through the local driving center — the IDP is a temporary solution, not a permanent one.
The United States, Canada, Australia, most European countries, and many others issue IDPs. If your country does not participate in the convention, you will need to have your license officially translated by a certified translator in Japan or before you arrive.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is issued by your home country's motor vehicle authority and must accompany your original driver's license at all times in Japan.
- The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and is intended for temporary visitors, not residents.
- You explore for an IDP through your country's motor vehicle department or authorized issuing body, not through Japan.
- If your country does not issue IDPs, you will need a certified Japanese translation of your license before you can legally drive in Japan.
- Residents of Japan who plan to stay longer than one year should plan to convert their foreign license to a Japanese license at a local driving center.
Where to get an International Driving Permit before you leave
You obtain an IDP from your home country's motor vehicle authority or an authorized issuing organization — not from Japan. The process and cost vary by country.
In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs. You can explore in person at an AAA office or by mail. The permit costs around $20 and takes one to two weeks by mail. You will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, and a passport-sized photograph.
In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues IDPs. In the United Kingdom, the Post Office and the AA (Automobile Association) both issue them. In Australia, you explore through your state's motor vehicle registry. Each country has its own fee structure and processing time, so check your country's official motor vehicle website or the equivalent organization before you travel.
Order your IDP at least two to three weeks before your trip to Japan, especially if you are explore by mail. Having it in hand before you arrive means you can rent a car when ready upon landing.
What documents you need to bring to Japan
You must carry both your original driver's license and your International Driving Permit together at all times when driving in Japan. Carrying only the IDP is not sufficient — Japanese police will ask to see both documents. If you are stopped and cannot produce both, you may face a fine or other penalties.
Keep photocopies of both documents in a separate location as backup. If your IDP is lost or damaged while you are in Japan, contact your country's embassy or consulate for guidance on obtaining a replacement or certified translation.
How long an International Driving Permit is valid in Japan
An IDP is valid for one year from the date it was issued, regardless of when you arrive in Japan. If your IDP expires while you are in Japan, you cannot legally drive — you will need either a new IDP from your home country or a certified Japanese translation of your original license.
If you are planning a trip longer than one year, or if you are relocating to Japan, do not rely on the IDP. Instead, contact your country's embassy in Japan or a certified translation service to arrange an official Japanese translation of your license. This translation, paired with your original license, is what you will use if your IDP expires or if you decide to convert to a Japanese license.
Converting to a Japanese driver's license if you are staying long-term
If you plan to live in Japan beyond one year, you should convert your foreign license to a Japanese license at a local driving center (called a Unten Menkyo Shiken Jou or driving test center). This is not required when ready, but it becomes necessary if your IDP expires and you wish to continue driving.
The conversion process typically involves passing a written test in your language (many centers offer tests in English, Chinese, Korean, and other languages) and a practical driving test. You will need your original license, a certified Japanese translation of that license, your passport, proof of residence in Japan, and passport-sized photographs. The process usually takes one to two months from start to finish.
Some countries have reciprocal agreements with Japan that allow you to convert without taking the practical driving test — you may only need to pass the written exam. Check with your local driving center or your country's embassy to see if your country has such an agreement.
What happens if your country does not issue International Driving Permits
If your country is not a signatory to the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic, you cannot obtain an IDP. In this case, you will need a certified Japanese translation of your driver's license to drive legally in Japan.
You can arrange this translation before you leave your home country through a certified translator, or you can have it done in Japan through your country's embassy, consulate, or a professional translation service. The translation must be certified — a casual translation from a friend or online tool will not be accepted by police or car rental companies.
Once you have the certified translation, carry it together with your original license at all times, just as you would with an IDP. The translation serves the same legal purpose.
Renting a car in Japan with an International Driving Permit
Most major car rental companies in Japan — including Toyota Rent-a-Car, Nippon Rent-a-Car, and international chains like Hertz and Avis — will rent to you if you present your original driver's license and a valid IDP. Some smaller local rental agencies may have different requirements, so call ahead to confirm.
You will typically need to be at least 18 years old (some companies require 20 or 21), have a valid credit card, and provide a passport or other identification. Rental rates and insurance options vary by company and location. Driving in Japan requires an International Driving Permit or certified translation — without one, rental companies will refuse to rent to you, and driving without proper documentation is illegal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive in Japan with just my home country's driver's license?
No. Japanese law requires either an International Driving Permit or a certified Japanese translation of your license. Your home country's license alone is not sufficient, even if it is valid in your home country.
What if my International Driving Permit expires while I am in Japan?
You cannot legally drive once your IDP expires. You will need to obtain a new IDP from your home country (which may require mailing it to you) or arrange a certified Japanese translation of your original license. If you are staying long-term, converting to a Japanese license is the most practical option.
Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only taking taxis and public transportation?
No. An IDP is only needed if you plan to drive a car, motorcycle, or other vehicle yourself. Passengers do not need one.
How much does an International Driving Permit cost?
The cost varies by country. In the United States, it is around $20. In Canada, it is typically $30 to $40 CAD. In the UK, it is around £5.50. Check your country's motor vehicle authority or issuing organization for the exact fee.
Can I get an International Driving Permit in Japan if I forgot to get one before I arrived?
No. IDPs are issued only by your home country's motor vehicle authority. If you arrive without one, your only option is to arrange a certified Japanese translation of your license through your country's embassy, consulate, or a professional translation service in Japan.