Do I need an International Driving Permit in Japan?
For visitors on a short trip. The rules depend on where your license was issued. Last reviewed November 3, 2026.
Short answer: Yes, for most visitors. You need an official International Driving Permit under the 1949 Geneva Convention, issued in the country that issued your license. Drivers with licenses from some countries, including Germany, France, Switzerland and Belgium, need an official Japanese translation from JAF instead. Private translations, including instantEDP, are not accepted in Japan.
Does it depend on my license?
| Your license | What you need in Japan |
|---|---|
| Most licenses, including UK, US, Indian, Dutch and Australian | Official 1949 Geneva Convention IDP required |
| Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Monaco or Taiwan | Official Japanese translation from JAF required instead of an IDP |
At a glance
| IDP for most visitors | Required |
|---|---|
| Does a translation help? | No |
| Main language | Japanese |
| Drives on the | Left |
What to carry
- Your valid driver's license
- Your passport
- An official International Driving Permit. Where to get one
Our advice: Get an official IDP before you go from the official issuer in the country that issued your license.
Tips for driving in Japan
- Traffic drives on the left.
- Get your IDP before you leave. It can't be issued in Japan.
Questions about driving in Japan
Can I drive in Japan with a foreign driver's license?
Most foreign licenses are only valid together with an official International Driving Permit. Carry both, plus your passport.
Does a license translation help in Japan?
No. Japan needs an official IDP, and a private translation won't be accepted instead.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Japan?
The left.
Helpful guides
- License translation vs. International Driving Permit
- Driving abroad by license country (UK, Dutch, Indian, French, German)
- What documents you need to rent a car abroad
- Is an online "international driver's license" legit?
Other country guides
- Driving in Thailand
- Driving in South Korea
- Driving in Australia
- Driving in New Zealand
- Driving in Indonesia (Bali)
- Driving in Philippines
- Driving in Malaysia
- Driving in Singapore
Rules change, and acceptance is up to local authorities and rental companies. Check before you travel: EU: driving license recognition (Your Europe) · UK government: driving abroad · US State Department country information. instantEDP is a private translation service, not an IDP issuer. Questions? hello@instantedp.com