Japan licence Ireland
Japan licence 
IrelandDriving in Ireland with a Japan license
Short answer: to drive in Ireland with a Japan license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna format, carried together with your Japan license.
Bring an IDP
Yes — to drive in Ireland on an Japan licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your Japan licence. Ireland accepts foreign licences, but an IDP is needed because Japan licences are not in the local alphabet.
Convention basisIreland uses the format of the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.
At the rental deskRecommended for non-EU licences and requested for some non-Latin scripts.
CarryCarry BOTH your Japan national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.
Minimum age17+ to drive; rental typically 21+ with a young-driver surcharge under 25
Validity1–3 years (you choose at checkout)
FormatDigital PDF you print yourself, plus a QR-verifiable ID card — accepted alongside printed permits
Last verified June 2026Source: Geneva 1949 / Vienna 1968
Japanese drivers should carry an International Driving Permit (1949 Convention) with their licence when driving abroad. Your International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing licence, prepared in the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna format and carried alongside your national licence.
Driving rules in Ireland
- Drive on the left.
- Speed limits posted in km/h.
- Seatbelts mandatory.
- 0.05% alcohol limit; 0.02% for learner/novice drivers.
Common questions
01
Can I drive in Ireland with a Japan license?
to drive in Ireland with a Japan license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna format, carried together with your Japan license. Ireland uses the format of the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.
02
Is my Japan driver's license valid in Ireland?
Yes — to drive in Ireland on an Japan licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your Japan licence. Ireland accepts foreign licences, but an IDP is needed because Japan licences are not in the local alphabet.
03
Do I need an International Driving Permit for Ireland?
Yes — to drive in Ireland on an Japan licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your Japan licence. Ireland accepts foreign licences, but an IDP is needed because Japan licences are not in the local alphabet.
04
Can I rent a car in Ireland with a Japan license?
Recommended for non-EU licences and requested for some non-Latin scripts.
05
What IDP format does Ireland accept?
Ireland uses the format of the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.
06
How do I get an International Driving Permit for Ireland?
An International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing Japan license. You apply online, and it is issued as a printable PDF booklet with a QR-verifiable ID card in the 1949 Geneva / 1968 Vienna format Ireland uses — carried alongside your Japan license.
07
Do I still carry my Japan license?
Carry BOTH your Japan national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.
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