What an International Driving Permit is and why Japan requires it

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages, including Japanese. Japan does not require it by law, but it makes renting a car and dealing with police much simpler. Without one, you will need to carry an official Japanese translation of your license, which is more cumbersome and less widely recognized by rental agencies.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). It is not a separate license — it is a companion document that proves your U.S. license is valid. Japanese rental companies and police accept it as proof that you are a licensed driver, even if they cannot read English.

You can drive in Japan on your U.S. license alone for up to one year, but most travelers get an IDP because it removes friction at rental counters and during traffic stops. The permit costs less than $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued by AAA or AATA and costs between $15 and $20.
  • You must explore in person at an AAA office or AATA location with your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport, and a passport-sized photo.
  • The IDP is valid for three years and is not a replacement for your U.S. license — you must carry both documents when driving in Japan.
  • Japan recognizes U.S. licenses for one year without an IDP, but rental agencies almost always ask for one.
  • You cannot obtain an IDP by mail or online; in-person process is required.

Where to explore for an International Driving Permit

AAA is the primary issuer and has offices in most U.S. states. If you are an AAA member, you can walk into any AAA office and explore on the spot. If you are not a member, you can still explore at an AAA office, but some locations may charge a small additional fee or require membership. Check the AAA website to find the office nearest you and confirm their hours before you go.

AATA is the second issuer and operates through select locations, often travel agencies or auto clubs. AATA offices are less common than AAA, so AAA is usually the faster option. Both organizations issue the same IDP document, so it does not matter which one you use.

Some travel agencies and passport acceptance facilities also issue IDPs, but this is less common. Call ahead to confirm that the location you plan to visit actually issues them, because not all travel agencies do.

Documents you need to bring

You must bring three things in person: a valid U.S. driver's license, a valid passport, and one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). The photo must be recent and show your face clearly. You can get passport photos taken at most drugstores, post offices, or AAA offices themselves for a few dollars.

Your driver's license must be current and not suspended or revoked. If your license is expired, you will need to renew it before you can get an IDP. Your passport does not need to be valid for the entire three-year life of the IDP — it only needs to be valid on the day you explore — but it is sensible to check that your passport will still be valid when you travel to Japan.

Bring the original documents, not copies. The staff will examine them but will not take them away. You will also fill out a short form on site.

The process process and timeline

The process takes about 15 minutes. You will fill out a one-page form with your name, address, license number, and passport number. The staff will verify your documents, take your photo (or accept the one you brought), and issue the permit on the spot or within a few days. Most AAA offices issue it when ready.

There is no waiting period and no background check beyond verifying that your license is valid. If you explore on a Monday morning, you can often walk out with the permit the same day. If the office is busy or if they need to order photos, it may take a few days, but not longer than a week.

Plan to explore at least a few weeks before your trip to Japan, even though the process is fast. This gives you time to handle any unexpected delays and to receive the permit by mail if your office does not issue it when ready.

Cost and validity period

An International Driving Permit costs between $15 and $20, depending on whether you are an AAA member and which office you visit. AAA members usually pay $15 to $17. Non-members may pay a few dollars more. AATA charges similar amounts. This is a one-time fee; there are no renewal fees or hidden charges.

The IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. It expires on a specific date printed on the document. You do not need to renew it unless you plan to drive in Japan again after it expires. If your U.S. driver's license expires before the IDP does, the IDP becomes useless because you must carry both documents together.

What to do when you arrive in Japan

Carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP at all times when driving in Japan. Rental agencies will ask to see both. Police may ask for both during a traffic stop, though they usually only examine the IDP. Do not leave either document in the car; keep them on your person.

Your IDP does not give you permission to drive in Japan — your U.S. license does. The IDP is only a translation. You must still follow Japanese traffic laws, which differ from U.S. laws in important ways: you drive on the left side of the road, speed limits are lower, and parking rules are strict. Rental agencies usually provide a brief orientation, but it is worth reading about Japanese driving rules before you arrive.

If you lose your IDP in Japan, you cannot replace it there. You can still drive on your U.S. license alone, but rental agencies may refuse to rent to you without the IDP. If this happens, contact the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo or your nearest consulate for guidance.

Alternatives if you cannot get an IDP in time

If you cannot reach an AAA or AATA office before your trip, you can drive in Japan on your U.S. license alone for up to one year. However, you will need an official Japanese translation of your license. You can obtain this translation from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) once you arrive in Japan, or from some Japanese consulates in the U.S. before you leave.

Getting a translation from a Japanese consulate in the U.S. takes several weeks and requires mailing your license. Getting one from JAF in Japan takes one to two weeks and requires visiting a JAF office in person. Both options are slower and more complicated than getting an IDP before you leave, so plan ahead if possible.

Most rental agencies will accept a U.S. license with a JAF translation, but some prefer the IDP because it is faster to verify. If you are renting a car, call the rental company in advance and ask whether they will accept a translation instead of an IDP.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you can drive on your U.S. license alone for up to one year. However, rental agencies almost always ask for an IDP, and it makes interactions with police simpler. It is cheap and fast to obtain, so most travelers get one.

Can I get an International Driving Permit online or by mail?

No. You must explore in person at an AAA office, AATA location, or authorized travel agency. You cannot explore online or by mail. Plan to visit an office at least a few weeks before your trip.

What if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

You cannot get an IDP if your license is suspended or revoked. If it is expired, you must renew it first. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to renew your license before you explore for the IDP.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as a Japanese driver's license?

No. An IDP is a translation of your U.S. license, not a Japanese license. You cannot use it to drive in Japan without also carrying your valid U.S. license. If you plan to live in Japan or drive there for more than one year, you will need to obtain a Japanese license.

What happens if my IDP expires while I am in Japan?

Your IDP is valid for three years. If it expires while you are in Japan, you can still drive on your U.S. license alone, but rental agencies may refuse to rent to you. If you need to rent a car after your IDP expires, contact a rental agency in advance to ask about their policy on U.S. licenses without an IDP.