Driving eligibility and required documents in Japan

Find out which driving documents are accepted in Japan, including a 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Permit and a Taiwan licence with a Japanese translation, and how long they remain valid.

Last checked:

  • Before you go
  • Driving and car rental

This information changes often. Please check the official website again before you travel.

This page summarises official guidance from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF). Rental companies may have additional requirements, so check with the rental company and JAF before booking. This page is not legal advice.

Key points

According to JAF, there are two ways to drive in Japan with a foreign driver’s licence:

  1. Hold an International Driving Permit (IDP): Only an IDP issued under the Geneva Convention of 19 September 1949 is accepted.
  2. Convert to a Japanese driver’s licence (gaimen kirikae): This is an option for long-term residents and generally does not apply to ordinary visitors.

In addition, licences issued in Taiwan, Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium and Monaco can be used in Japan with a Japanese translation (see below).

International Driving Permit (IDP)

Item Official JAF guidance
Accepted IDP An IDP issued outside Japan under the 1949 Geneva Convention allows driving in Japan under Japanese law
Not accepted IDPs issued under other conventions, such as the 1968 Vienna Convention, are not valid in Japan
Validity Up to one year from the date of entry (for those leaving and re-entering, one year from the date of re-entry)
Foreign residents Different conditions apply; contact the driver’s licence centre in your area

IDP format and issuance (official JNTO guidance):

  • You must obtain the IDP in your home country or region before departure, from the relevant issuing authority (usually a national automobile association).
  • Japan accepts only a paper booklet; card-format and mobile IDPs are not valid in Japan.
  • The validity period is no longer than one year from the issue date and is also limited to one year from entry into Japan.
  • Your date of entry is determined by the entry stamp in your passport. Automated immigration gates do not provide this stamp. If you intend to rent a car, use a non-automated immigration lane to obtain a stamp, or ask staff at the customs counter for a stamp after passing through immigration.

JAF also states in its guidance on converting to a Japanese licence that an IDP alone is not sufficient for conversion; a foreign driver’s licence is required.

Taiwan licence with a Japanese translation

According to JAF, holders of licences issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco or Taiwan may drive in Japan under Japanese traffic laws when carrying their licence and its Japanese translation.

  • Carry both the original licence and the Japanese translation (JNTO also states that both are required).
  • The validity period is one year from entry (or one year from re-entry for those who leave and return).
  • For how to apply for a translation, see the official JAF page.

Hong Kong driving licence

The JAF page lists only Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco and Taiwan as places whose licences can be used with a Japanese translation. Hong Kong licences are not included. Visitors from Hong Kong may consider JAF’s first option: an IDP under the 1949 Geneva Convention. The official page does not state whether IDPs issued in Hong Kong comply with that convention. Confirm this with the issuing authority and check with the car rental company before booking.

Before-departure checklist

  • Check that your IDP is issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention (or prepare a Japanese translation if you hold a Taiwan licence).
  • Check that your IDP is a paper booklet, not a card or mobile version.
  • Check that you receive an entry stamp on arrival.
  • Check the validity period: up to one year from entry.
  • Confirm the rental company’s requirements.

Information not listed on the official pages

  • Age restrictions and additional requirements of individual rental companies: not listed on the official JAF page; check with the rental company.
  • IDP issuing locations and fees: not listed on the official page; contact the issuing authority.

Frequently asked questions

Do visitors from Taiwan have to obtain an IDP?

According to JAF, a Taiwan licence may be used with a Japanese translation, so an IDP is not necessarily required.

Can a digital IDP on a phone be used?

JNTO states that card-format and mobile IDPs are not valid in Japan. Only paper booklets are accepted.

Further reading

Sources