You need a permit from your home country before you arrive in Japan

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not issued by Japan. You obtain it from your own country's automobile association or licensing authority before you travel. Japan recognizes IDPs issued by countries that are signatories to the 1926 Convention on Motor Traffic, which includes the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and most European nations.

The IDP is a translation document that works alongside your valid domestic license — it does not replace it. Japanese police and rental car companies will ask to see both your home country license and your IDP together. Without the IDP, you cannot legally rent a car or drive in Japan, even if your domestic license is current.

The process takes different amounts of time depending on which country issues your license. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) issues IDPs and can complete the process in one visit. In the United Kingdom, the process through the Post Office takes about two weeks. Plan to obtain your IDP at least three weeks before your departure date.

Key Takeaways

  • Your home country's automobile association or licensing body issues the IDP — not Japan — so you must obtain it before you travel.
  • You must carry both your valid domestic driver's license and your IDP together; Japan will not accept the IDP alone.
  • The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, so timing your process matters if you plan multiple trips to Japan.
  • Rental car companies in Japan require the IDP; without it, they will refuse to rent to you even if your domestic license is valid.
  • The cost and processing time vary by country — US residents typically pay $15 to $20 and receive it same-day through AAA, while other countries may take two to four weeks.

How to obtain an IDP in the United States

If you hold a valid US driver's license, visit any American Automobile Association (AAA) office in person. You do not need to be a AAA member, though members may receive a small discount. Bring your valid driver's license, one passport-sized photograph (2 by 2 inches), and cash or a card to pay the fee, which is typically $15 to $20.

The AAA office will complete your IDP on the spot. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. If you do not have a AAA office nearby, you can mail your process to AAA's national processing center, but this takes seven to ten business days. The in-person route is faster and more reliable.

Your IDP will be printed in English and Japanese, making it readable to Japanese police and rental agents. Keep it in a safe place during your trip — if it is lost or stolen, you cannot drive legally in Japan, and obtaining a replacement while abroad is difficult.

How to obtain an IDP in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia

In the UK, explore through the Post Office using the GB/UK International Driving Permit process form. You will need your valid UK photocard license, a passport-sized photograph, and proof of your UK address. The Post Office charges a fixed fee and processes applications within two weeks. Some Post Offices offer a faster service for an additional fee.

In Canada, contact your provincial or territorial motor vehicle licensing authority. Each province handles IDPs differently — some issue them directly, while others direct you to the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). Processing times range from same-day to two weeks depending on the province. Fees typically range from $15 to $25 CAD.

In Australia, explore through your state's transport or roads authority. For example, in New South Wales, you explore through Service NSW; in Victoria, through VicRoads. Processing times are usually five to ten business days. The fee is typically $20 to $30 AUD. You will need your valid Australian license and proof of identity.

What documents you need to bring or submit

The exact documents required depend on your country, but the core set is consistent. You will need a valid, unexpired driver's license from your home country. The license must be in your name and must not be suspended or revoked. Japan will not accept an IDP paired with an expired or invalid license.

You will also need one passport-sized photograph, typically 2 by 2 inches (5 by 5 centimeters). Some countries accept digital photos submitted online; others require a printed photo. Check your country's specific requirements before you visit the issuing office.

Bring proof of identity — usually your passport. Some countries also ask for proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease. Have cash or a payment card ready; not all offices accept both. Call ahead to confirm what your specific office accepts.

Timing and validity of your IDP

An IDP is valid for exactly one year from the date it is issued. If you plan to visit Japan multiple times over two years, you will need to obtain a new IDP before your second trip. This is a common mistake — travelers assume the permit lasts as long as their domestic license does.

Processing times vary. In the United States, AAA issues permits same-day in person. In the UK, the Post Office takes two weeks for standard service. In Canada, it depends on the province — Ontario and British Columbia typically take five to ten business days. Plan to obtain your IDP at least three weeks before your trip to account for delays or office closures.

If you are traveling within a month and have not yet obtained your IDP, contact your issuing authority when ready and ask about expedited service. Some offices offer rush processing for an additional fee. Do not assume you can obtain an IDP after you arrive in Japan — you cannot.

What happens when you arrive in Japan and rent a car

When you pick up a rental car at a Japanese rental agency, the staff will ask for both your domestic driver's license and your IDP. They will examine both documents and make a photocopy for their records. If you do not have the IDP, they will refuse to rent to you, even if your license is valid. This is a strict requirement enforced by all major rental companies, including Toyota Rent a Car, Nippon Rent-a-Car, and Orix.

The rental agent will also ask for an international credit card to hold as a deposit. They will explain Japanese traffic rules and provide a navigation device or map. Keep your IDP and license together in your vehicle at all times — Japanese police conduct traffic stops and will ask to see both documents.

If you are stopped by police and cannot produce your IDP, you may be fined or have your rental car impounded, even if your domestic license is valid. The IDP is not optional; it is a legal requirement for driving in Japan.

What to do if your country does not issue an IDP

A small number of countries do not issue IDPs or are not signatories to the 1926 Convention. If your home country does not issue an IDP, you have two options: obtain a certified translation of your domestic license from a Japanese embassy or consulate, or use a translation service that specializes in driver's licenses.

A certified translation is an official document that translates your license into Japanese and is stamped by the embassy or consulate. This process takes two to four weeks and costs $50 to $150 depending on the embassy. You must submit your original license and a completed process form.

Alternatively, some private translation services in Japan will translate your license for a fee of $30 to $80, but this translation must be done in Japan after you arrive. This is less convenient than obtaining an IDP before you travel. Contact your country's embassy in Japan to confirm which route is accepted by Japanese rental companies and police.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Japan with just my domestic license and no IDP?

No. Japanese law requires both a valid domestic license and an IDP to drive legally. Rental car companies will refuse to rent to you without an IDP. Police can fine you or impound your vehicle if you cannot produce both documents during a traffic stop.

How much does an IDP cost?

Costs vary by country. In the United States, the AAA charges $15 to $20. In the UK, the Post Office charges a fixed fee of around £5.50. In Canada, fees range from $15 to $25 CAD depending on the province. In Australia, fees are typically $20 to $30 AUD. Check your country's issuing authority for the exact amount.

What if my IDP expires while I am in Japan?

If your IDP expires during your trip, you cannot legally drive. You cannot renew or replace an IDP while in Japan. Plan your trip so that your IDP remains valid for the entire duration. If you are staying longer than one year, obtain a new IDP before you travel or before your current one expires.

Do I need an IDP if I am not renting a car?

If you are using taxis, public transportation, or hired drivers, you do not need an IDP. However, if you plan to drive at any point — including driving a friend's car or a borrowed vehicle — you must have both your domestic license and your IDP.

Can I obtain an IDP in Japan if I forgot to get one before I arrived?

No. IDPs are issued only by your home country's automobile association or licensing authority. You cannot obtain one in Japan. If you arrive without an IDP, you cannot legally rent a car or drive. Contact your embassy in Japan to ask about certified translation options, which take several weeks to arrange.