Driving License Requirements in Japan
To drive a car in Japan, you must have one of the following:
1) International Driving Permit (IDP)
Only an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention is valid in Japan.
Approximately 90 countries/regions are eligible, including the United States, Canada, Australia, South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and India.
2) Foreign Driver’s License + Japanese Translation
Licenses issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, and Taiwan may be used in Japan
when accompanied by an official Japanese translation issued by JAF or the relevant embassy/consulate.
Countries/Regions Not Eligible to Drive in Japan
The following licenses and/or IDPs are not valid in Japan:
- Mainland China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau)
- Brazil
- Indonesia
There may be other countries that are not parties to the Geneva Convention.
Please check the official JAF website for the latest information.
Validity Period
Driving eligibility is valid until the earlier of:
- 1 year from the date of entry into Japan, or
- the expiration date of the license/permit.
