International Driving Permit for Japan

Japan drives on the left, and foreign visitors generally must carry a 1949 Geneva Convention IDP together with their home licence to drive legally. Drivers from a handful of countries (such as France, Germany, and Switzerland) instead need an official Japanese translation of their licence rather than an IDP. Roads are well-maintained and well-signed, with expressway tolls collected mostly via the electronic ETC system.

Do you need an IDP to drive in Japan?

Required

Most foreign visitors legally need a 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Permit to drive in Japan, as the local licence is issued in Japanese.

Driving side: Left
Minimum driving age: 18 years
Region: Asia
IDP: Required

Local languages: Japanese

Driving in Japan: key facts

Japan enforces a near-zero blood alcohol policy, and even small amounts can lead to severe penalties for the driver and accompanying passengers.
Expressways are extensive but tolled, and an ETC card or cash payment is needed at gates; rural and mountain roads can be narrow.
Seatbelts are required for all occupants, and child seats are mandatory for young children.

How to get your IDP for Japan

Getting your International Driving Permit for Japan takes only a few minutes:

1
Apply online
Complete a short application in about 2 minutes — no paperwork or appointments.
2
Upload your documents
Add a photo of your national driving licence and a passport-style photo.
3
Get your IDP instantly
Receive your digital International Driving Permit by email, ready to use in Japan.

Frequently asked questions about driving in Japan

Do I need an IDP to drive in Japan?

Yes, most visitors need a 1949 Geneva Convention IDP plus their original licence, though drivers from certain countries instead require a certified Japanese translation of their licence.

Can I rent a car in Japan with a foreign licence?

You can rent a car with a foreign licence only if you also present a valid Geneva Convention IDP or an accepted official Japanese translation; the foreign licence alone is not sufficient.

What side of the road does Japan drive on?

Japan drives on the left-hand side of the road, with right-hand-drive vehicles, so visitors from right-driving countries should adjust carefully.

What is the minimum age to rent a car in Japan?

The minimum driving age in Japan is 18, and rental companies generally rent to licensed drivers who meet this age, sometimes with conditions for newer drivers.

Other countries in Asia

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