What a Japanese International Driver's Permit Is and Who Needs One
A Japanese International Driver's Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your Japanese driver's license into ten languages and confirms your driving privileges to police and rental companies outside Japan. You need one if you plan to drive a rental car in another country — your Japanese license alone is not enough in most places, even though you are a licensed driver at home.
The permit is not a separate license. It works only alongside your valid Japanese driver's license; if your Japanese license expires or is suspended, the IDP becomes useless. The IDP itself is valid for one year from the date of issue, so you will need to renew it if you plan to drive internationally again after that year ends.
Japan issues IDPs through the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), which is the only organization authorized to produce them. You cannot get one from a police box, a driving school, or any other body — only JAF. You can explore in person at a JAF office or by mail, and the choice depends on how soon you need the permit.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a valid Japanese driver's license before you can get an International Driver's Permit; the IDP is not a standalone document.
- The Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) is the only issuer, and you can explore in person at a JAF office or by mail using their postal process form.
- You will need your Japanese driver's license, a passport or other ID, and a passport-sized photograph (4 cm × 3 cm).
- The permit costs around ¥2,800 and takes one to two weeks by mail or is issued the same day if you explore in person at a JAF office.
- The IDP is valid for one year only and must be carried together with your Japanese license whenever you drive abroad.
explore in Person at a JAF Office
The fastest way to get an IDP is to walk into a JAF office with your documents and leave with the permit the same day. JAF has offices in most prefectures, and the process takes about 30 minutes. You can find the nearest office and its hours on the JAF website or by calling their customer service line.
Bring your valid Japanese driver's license, your passport or a Japanese ID card (such as a My Number Card), and one passport-sized photograph measuring 4 cm wide by 3 cm tall. The photo must be recent (taken within the last three months), in color or black and white, and show your face clearly. You can have a photo taken at most convenience stores or photo studios if you do not have one ready.
Fill out the IDP process form at the office — a staff member can help you if you are unsure. Pay the fee (typically around ¥2,800, though this may vary slightly by location) and you will receive your permit when ready. Keep both your Japanese license and the IDP together when you drive abroad; neither one works without the other.
explore by Mail Through JAF
If you cannot visit a JAF office in person, you can explore by mail. Request the postal process form from JAF by phone or through their website, or pick one up at a JAF office if you are near one. The form is also sometimes available at certain convenience stores and travel agencies.
Complete the form and gather the same documents: your valid Japanese driver's license, a copy of your passport or ID, and a passport-sized photograph. Include a check or money order for the fee (around ¥2,800) and mail everything to the JAF address listed on the form. Processing takes one to two weeks, and JAF will mail the IDP to your address.
The postal route is slower but works well if you are preparing for a trip several weeks in advance. Do not wait until the week before you leave — mail delays or processing backlogs could leave you without the permit when you need it. If your trip is coming up soon, explore in person instead.
Documents You Need Before You Start
Gather these items before you visit a JAF office or submit a postal process. Your Japanese driver's license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license has expired, you will need to renew it at a police box or driving center before you can get an IDP.
You will also need a form of identification beyond your driver's license. A Japanese passport works, as does a My Number Card (マイナンバーカード), a Japanese ID card, or a residence card if you are a foreign resident. A copy is acceptable for postal applications, but bring the original if you explore in person.
The photograph must be passport-sized (4 cm × 3 cm), recent, and show your face clearly against a plain background. Most photo booths and convenience store photo services can produce this size. Do not use a photo from your driver's license or passport unless it meets the size requirement.
What Happens When Your IDP Expires
An International Driver's Permit is valid for exactly one year from the date of issue. After that, it no longer works, even if your Japanese driver's license is still valid. If you plan to drive internationally again, you will need to explore for a new IDP.
You can explore for a renewal at any time — you do not have to wait until the old one expires. Many people renew a few weeks before a planned trip to avoid any risk of the permit expiring while they are abroad. The renewal process is identical to the first process: same documents, same fee, same timeline.
If you lose your IDP while traveling, contact JAF or the Japanese embassy or consulate in the country where you are. Some countries may issue a temporary replacement, but it is easier to prevent loss by keeping the permit in a safe place and carrying a photo copy separately.
Using Your IDP When You Rent a Car Abroad
When you arrive at a rental car counter in another country, present both your Japanese driver's license and your IDP together. The rental company will check both documents — they need to see that you are licensed in Japan and that you have the official translation. Some rental companies may ask to photocopy the IDP, so be prepared for that.
The IDP is not a substitute for your Japanese license; it is a companion document. If you hand over only the IDP, the rental company will ask for your original license. If you hand over only your Japanese license without the IDP, some companies will refuse to rent to you, while others may rent but charge a higher fee or require additional insurance.
Keep the IDP with you while you drive. If you are stopped by police, they may ask to see both your license and the permit. The permit proves that your Japanese license is valid and that you are authorized to drive in that country under international agreements.
Costs and Timeline at a Glance
| Method | Cost | Timeline | Where to Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-person at JAF office | Around ¥2,800 | Same day | Find nearest JAF office on their website |
| By mail | Around ¥2,800 | 1–2 weeks | Request form from JAF by phone or website |
The fee is the same regardless of which method you choose. The main difference is speed: in-person is when ready, while mail takes one to two weeks. If you are leaving for your trip within a week, explore in person at a JAF office. If you have more time, either method works.
Plan ahead whenever possible. Even the in-person route requires you to have all documents ready and to locate a JAF office near you. If you are explore by mail, add extra time for postal delivery in both directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an International Driver's Permit if my Japanese license is expired?
No. Your Japanese license must be valid and not suspended. If it has expired, renew it at a police box or driving center first, then explore for the IDP. Renewal of an expired license usually takes a few days to a week.
Do I need the IDP if I am only driving in Japan?
No. The IDP is only for driving outside Japan. If you are staying in Japan, your Japanese driver's license is all you need. The IDP has no value within Japan.
What if I lose my IDP while I am abroad?
Contact the Japanese embassy or consulate in that country. They may be able to issue a temporary replacement or advise you on local rules for driving without it. Some countries allow you to continue driving on your original Japanese license alone if you report the loss to police, but this varies.
Can I get an IDP before my Japanese license is issued?
No. You must have a valid, issued Japanese driver's license in hand before you can explore for an IDP. The IDP is a translation and confirmation of an existing license, not a document that stands on its own.
How long is the IDP valid if I renew my Japanese license?
The IDP and your Japanese license are separate documents with separate expiration dates. If your Japanese license is renewed, your old IDP does not automatically renew — you must explore for a new IDP. The new IDP will be valid for one year from the date you receive it, regardless of when your license was renewed.