Japan licence Kazakhstan

Driving in Kazakhstan with a Japan license

Short answer: to drive in Kazakhstan with a Japan license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna format, carried together with your Japan license.

Bring an IDP

Yes — to drive in Kazakhstan on an Japan licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your Japan licence. Kazakhstan expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Convention basisKazakhstan uses the format of the 1968 Vienna Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

At the rental deskAlmaty and Astana desks ask for an IDP with non-Cyrillic licences.

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 age18+ 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: 1968 Vienna Convention

Get my IDP for Kazakhstan Full Kazakhstan guide

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 1968 Vienna format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in Kazakhstan

Drive on the right.
Zero-tolerance alcohol limit (0.0%).
Headlights on outside cities.
Long, remote highways between cities.

Common questions

Can I drive in Kazakhstan with a Japan license?

to drive in Kazakhstan with a Japan license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna format, carried together with your Japan license. Kazakhstan uses the format of the 1968 Vienna Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

Is my Japan driver's license valid in Kazakhstan?

Yes — to drive in Kazakhstan on an Japan licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your Japan licence. Kazakhstan expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Kazakhstan?

Yes — to drive in Kazakhstan on an Japan licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your Japan licence. Kazakhstan expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Can I rent a car in Kazakhstan with a Japan license?

Almaty and Astana desks ask for an IDP with non-Cyrillic licences.

What IDP format does Kazakhstan accept?

Kazakhstan uses the format of the 1968 Vienna Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

How do I get an International Driving Permit for Kazakhstan?

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 1968 Vienna format Kazakhstan uses — carried alongside your Japan license.

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.