●Issued in as fast as 8 minutesInstant digital delivery to your inboxRecognised in 195+ countries
International Driver LicenceOfficial-format IDP booklet service
Home/United States/Japan license
Japan licence United States

Driving in United States with a Japan license

IDP Required

Yes — to drive in United States on an Japan licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your Japan licence. United States accepts foreign licences, but an IDP is needed because Japan licences are not in the local alphabet.

Convention basisUnited States recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention. We issue the permit in that exact format.
At the rental deskHertz, Enterprise, Alamo, Budget and National recommend an IDP for non-English 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 age16+ 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: 1949 Geneva Convention
Get my IDP for United States Full United States guide

Japanese drivers should carry an International Driving Permit (1949 Convention) with their licence when driving abroad. Your International Driving Permit is the recognised multilingual translation of your existing licence, issued in the 1949 Geneva format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in United States

  • Traffic laws vary by state.
  • Right turn on red generally permitted after stopping.
  • School-bus stop laws strictly enforced.
  • Alcohol limit 0.08% (lower for commercial/under-21).

Common questions

01
Do I need an IDP to drive in United States with a Japan license?
Yes — to drive in United States on an Japan licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your Japan licence. United States accepts foreign licences, but an IDP is needed because Japan licences are not in the local alphabet.
02
What IDP format does United States accept?
United States recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention. We issue the permit in that exact format.
03
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.
100% money-back guarantee
Full refund if your permit is ever declined.
Unlimited replacements
Lost or damaged? Re-download or reprint, free.
24/7 support
Help before and during your trip, any hour.