Japan
JapanDriving in Japan on a foreign licence
Choose your country of licence
Whether you need an International Driving Permit in Japan depends on where your licence was issued. Pick your country of licence below for the exact verdict, the 1949 Geneva Convention format Japan accepts, and what to carry. An IDP is a certified translation of your national licence carried alongside the original, not a government-issued permit.
By country of licence
Where is your licence from?
Tap your country of licence for the verdict for Japan.
With a Australia licenceDriving in JapanWith a Canada licenceDriving in JapanWith a China licenceDriving in JapanWith a France licenceDriving in JapanWith a Germany licenceDriving in JapanWith a India licenceDriving in JapanWith a Ireland licenceDriving in JapanWith a NZ licenceDriving in JapanWith a Nigeria licenceDriving in JapanWith a Singapore licenceDriving in JapanWith a South Africa licenceDriving in JapanWith a Philippines licenceDriving in JapanWith a UAE licenceDriving in JapanWith a UK licenceDriving in JapanWith a US licenceDriving in Japan
Common questions
01
Can I drive in Japan on a foreign licence?
Japan commonly asks foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence. An IDP is a certified translation of your licence carried together with the original, not a government-issued permit. Japan recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention format. Choose your country of licence for the exact verdict.
02
Which country of licence does this cover?
We answer driving in Japan for 15 different countries of licence: Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Ireland, NZ, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, Philippines, UAE, UK, US. Each page gives the verdict, the convention basis, the rental-desk rule, and what to carry.
03
How fast can I get an IDP for Japan?
International Driver Licence issues your digital IDP in as fast as 8 minutes, so you can have it ready before you travel to Japan.
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