International Driving Permit for Japan

Do you need an IDP to drive in Japan?

Japan recognises only the 1949 Geneva Convention IDP. Carry your home licence and passport too. Drivers from a few countries (France, Germany, Switzerland, etc.) need an official Japanese translation instead of an IDP. An International Driving Permit is an official translation of your national driver's licence into multiple languages — it never replaces your home licence, so always carry both, along with your passport.

What to carry when driving in Japan

• Your valid national driver's licence
• Your International Driving Permit (IDP)
• Your passport and rental documents

How to get your IDP for Japan

You don't need to visit an office. Get your International Driving Permit online with International DL in minutes — we translate your licence into the official UN-convention languages and issue your IDP digitally, ready before you fly.

Which permit Japan recognises

Japan is party to the 1949 Geneva Convention. A permit issued under that treaty is the one recognised there; a Vienna-only permit may not be accepted.

Treaty status per the United Nations treaty depositary: 1949 Geneva Convention · 1968 Vienna Convention

Driving on the Left-hand side in Japan

Japan drives on the LEFT. If you normally drive on the right, allow time to adjust — roundabouts, junctions and overtaking all run the opposite way, and most rental cars will have the gear shift on your left.

The legal minimum driving age in Japan is 18. Rental companies routinely set their own, higher minimum and often add a young-driver surcharge below 25.