How to Get an International Driving Permit for Japan

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Japan?

Foreigners who plan to drive in Japan but do not have a Japanese driving license must have an IDP instead. This permit lets you drive in Japan for up to one year, provided your home country-issued driving license is valid. If you’re on a digital nomad visa, you can only drive in Japan for the duration of your visa.

Driving in Japan while using only your foreign driver’s license without an IDP is illegal and can result in fines and other penalties. Therefore, always carry your IDP and a valid driver’s license from your home country when driving, as local law enforcement may ask to see them if you are stopped or involved in a traffic incident.

Understanding the International Driving Permit

An International Driving Permit (IDP) serves as an official translation of your national driver’s license. Most countries require foreigners to have an IDP if they want to drive while visiting or staying permanently. It contains essential information such as your name, photo, address, and the types of vehicles you are allowed to drive, all translated into several languages. The IDP translates and validates various types of licenses for use in foreign countries.

An IDP also records its country of issue, date of issuance, and issuing authority. These details help to verify that you can legally drive in foreign countries, including Japan.

Validity

An IDP is valid for a maximum of one year from the day it is issued, as long as your driver’s license is still valid. If your driver’s license expires before your IDP, then the permit’s validity automatically ends on the same day your driver’s license expires.

Exceptions

While most foreign drivers in Japan need an IDP, there are exceptions. Drivers from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, and Taiwan do not need an IDP. Instead, they must get a Japanese translation of their national driver’s license from accredited organisations such as the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) or their home country’s embassy or consulate in Japan.

Also, U.S. military or civilian personnel and their family members in Japan can get a special driver’s license known as the US Forces Japan Operator’s Permit (USFJ Form 4EJ), allowing them to drive without an IDP.

Where can I get an International Driving Permit (IDP) for Japan?

You must apply for the IDP in your home country. Generally, you’ll need to submit a valid national driver’s license, recent passport-sized photos, and a permit fee. Below are the approved places to apply for an IDP by country. (Note that this list is not exhaustive. If your country is not listed, please contact the nearest Japanese Embassy for more information)

• The U.S.: The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the only organisation authorised to issue IDPs in the U.S. The processing fee is typically $20, but some AAA offices may charge an additional sales tax, so be prepared for that.
• The U.K.: If you have a full UK driving license you can get an IDP at any PayPoint location that offers the service. The processing fee is £5.50.
• Australia: Australians can apply for an IDP through the Australian Automobile Association (AAA). The processing fee is AU$51.
• Canada: Canadians can get their IDP from any Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) office. In addition to meeting other requirements for getting an IDP in Canada, applicants must pay a processing fee of CA$ 31.
• Philippines: Filipinos can obtain an IDP by applying to the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP). The processing fee is ₱ 4200.
• Singapore: IDPs in Singapore are issued by the Automobile Association of Singapore (AAS). You’ll need to pay a fee of S$20.

For the most up-to-date information and to access application forms, applicants should visit the official website or site of their local automobile association.

IDP processing time 

The time it takes to process an IDP can vary by country. For instance, the AAA in the United States typically issues an IDP on the same day if you apply in person. However, the processing time may take a few weeks if you apply by mail, depending on the postal service.

If you have a paper UK driving license, you can get the IDP at a Paypoint location almost immediately after you submit your application. In other countries, processing times can vary from a few days to several weeks. As such, consider applying for your IDP at least one month before your planned departure date. This ensures you have enough buffer time for any potential delays in processing. 

How to get a translated driver’s license for driving in Japan

Citizens of certain countries can use a translated version of their foreign country paper driving license instead of an IDP to drive legally in Japan. The authorised bodies where you can get these translations include:

• Japan Automobile Federation (JAF): This is Japan’s primary authority for driver’s license translations. The translation service costs ¥4,000 and typically takes about two weeks. Once processed, you’ll receive a reference number which you can use to print the translated document. When applying for a translation, you may also need to provide proof of holding your license for a certain period, depending on your situation.
• Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association: Since Taiwan does not have an official embassy in Japan, the Japan-Taiwan Relations Association handles matters concerning driver’s license translations. If you’re a Taiwanese who wants to translate your driver’s license, please contact them for the necessary procedures and fees.
• German Automobile Federation (ADAC): German nationals can obtain their license translations through the ADAC, a service recognised by some local authorities in Japan. However, always verify with the local Japanese driving authorities or the JAF if an ADAC translation will be accepted.

Converting to a Japanese driver's license for long-term stays

If you plan on staying in Japan for an extended period and wish to drive, you may need to convert your international driving license to a Japanese one, as an International Driving Permit (IDP) is only valid for a limited time. This ensures that you are fully compliant with local driving regulations in Japan. This process varies based on your nationality and the length of your stay.

To convert your foreign driver’s license to a Japanese one, you must meet the following criteria:

• Your foreign driver’s license must be valid.
• You must prove that they lived in the country that issued their driver’s license for at least three months after obtaining it. This is to demonstrate that you have adequate driving experience in your home country.

Note: If you are a resident of Japan and have left the country for less than three consecutive months, you are not permitted to drive with an IDP upon re-entry, even if it’s newly issued. This rule ensures that residents cannot continuously renew their IDP without spending a significant period abroad

Required documents for Japanese license

To apply for a Japanese driver’s license, you will need to gather several documents, including:

• Application form
• Your passport
• The original copy and one photocopy of your valid foreign driver’s license
• A Japanese translation of your driver’s license obtained from the JAF or your country’s embassy or consulate in Japan
• Your residence certificate (Juminhyo)
• A recent passport-sized photograph measuring 3 cm x 2.4 cm

Note: In some cases, you may be required to have your International Driving Permit (IDP) permit certified by local authorities for official recognition.

Tests you must take

• A written test that covers the road rules, traffic signs, and driving customs in Japan.
• A practical driving exam that demonstrates your ability to operate a vehicle safely according to Japanese driving practices.
• A health assessment, including vision, auditory and motor reaction tests to ensure your driving fitness.

Fees

The costs associated with converting your driver’s license include:

• An application processing fee of about ¥2,550.
• A license issuance fee of ¥2,050 (provided you pass all the tests).

The process may vary slightly depending on the Japanese prefecture or region. Some countries have agreements with Japan that might exempt their citizens from some driving knowledge and skill tests, such as Italy, while others like Brazil may require additional procedures or exams. Always verify specific requirements with the local driver’s license centre.

How to rent a vehicle in Japan using an IDP or a translated driver’s license 

The process of renting a vehicle in Japan is quite straightforward. Here’s what you must do:

1. Choose a Reliable Rental Company: Japan offers several well-known car hire agencies like Nippon Rent-A-Car, Toyota Rent a Car, and Times Car Rental, which provide services in English to assist international visitors.
2. Reserve Your Vehicle in Advance: Book your rental car in advance to get the best rates and availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Have the Necessary Documents: When renting a vehicle, ensure you present your passport, original driver’s license, and a valid IDP issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. Rental companies may refuse service if your IDP does not meet these criteria.
4. Understand Rental Policies:  Before finalising your rental, understand the terms and conditions related to the rental duration, insurance options, fuel policies, and return procedures. In the event of an accident, you should contact the insurance company immediately and provide all necessary documentation.
5. Inspect the Vehicle: Before leaving the rental lot, inspect the vehicle for any existing damage and ensure all features function correctly. It’s important to report any damage to the agency immediately to avoid any disputes when returning the car. If you are involved in an accident, you may need to show your IDP and other documents to the insurance company.
6. Familiarise Yourself with Local Driving Laws: In Japan, unless otherwise indicated by road signs, the default speed limits are 60 km/h on ordinary roads and 100 km/h on expressways. Always adhere to posted speed limits and be vigilant, as speed cameras are commonly used to enforce these regulations.
7. Return the Vehicle: Make sure to return the vehicle on time and in the same condition as when it was rented. Fill up the fuel tank to the level it was when you picked up the car unless your rental agreement states otherwise. You may also have the option to purchase additional services, such as insurance or fuel packages.

When paying for gas in Japan, cash is commonly accepted at most stations, especially at self-service pumps where you may need to use a separate change machine. If you have trouble at a self-service station, an attendant is usually available to assist.

Parking in rural areas, small towns, or at certain attractions is often free, unlike the paid parking typically found in city centers.

Mandatory use of child safety seats

When renting a vehicle, ensure you request a suitable child seat in advance if you have children under six years. This is because the Japanese law Article 71-3, Paragraph 3 of the Road Traffic Act mandates the use of appropriate child safety seats for children under six years old. Non-compliance can result in fines and compromise the safety of young passengers

How can Translayte help you drive legally in Japan?

When travelling to Japan, having an IDP is just one requirement for those who wish to drive. Having the correct documents and translations is essential for driving abroad, not just in Japan, as many countries require proper documentation and certified translations for legal driving. Depending on the purpose of your visit, you will also need several essential documents like your visa, legal records, passport, medical records, financial statements, etc. If these documents are not in Japanese, you must get certified Japanese translations for them.

The safest option is to use a reliable translation service like Translayte which provides expert certified translations in Japanese that meet government standards. We prioritise speed, accuracy, and customer satisfaction, so you can focus on your trip without worrying about your paperwork.

Need certified translation services for your driving permits for Japan documents? Request a free quote to get started.

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