Japan

International Driving Permit for Japan license holders

In short

Japan drivers need an IDP in any country that requires one for foreign licences, and — because Japan licences are not in the Roman alphabet — in most countries that recognise the IDP. It is a translation of your Japan licence, carried together with it. Japanese drivers should carry an International Driving Permit (1949 Convention) with their licence when driving abroad.

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 official UN-convention format and carried alongside your national licence.

Get my IDP View pricing

Last reviewed June 2026

Popular destinations

Driving abroad on a Japan license

Tap a country for the exact verdict for Japan drivers — required or recommended, the convention basis, and what to carry.

Japan drivers — common questions

01

Do Japan license holders need an International Driving Permit?

Japan drivers need an IDP in any country that requires one for foreign licences, and — because Japan licences are not in the Roman alphabet — in most countries that recognise the IDP. It is a translation of your Japan licence, carried together with it. Japanese drivers should carry an International Driving Permit (1949 Convention) with their licence when driving abroad.

02

Is Japan part of the driving conventions?

Japan is party to 1949 Geneva Convention on road traffic, which govern which IDP format applies abroad.

03

How fast can a Japan driver get an IDP?

As fast as 8 minutes — enter your details and licence, pay, and your digital permit is emailed to you.