What you need to drive legally in Japan as a visitor

To drive a rental car or your own vehicle in Japan, you need either a valid driver's license from your home country plus an International Driving Permit (IDP), or a Japanese driver's license. The IDP is not a separate license — it is a translation document that proves your home country license is real. Japanese police and rental car companies recognize it as proof you are legally allowed to drive.

Japan does not recognize a foreign license on its own, even if it is valid in your home country. You must carry both your original license and your IDP at all times while driving. If you have only one or the other, you can be stopped and fined.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. It cannot be renewed — you must obtain a new one if you plan to return to Japan after it expires.

Key Takeaways

  • You need both your original home country driver's license and an International Driving Permit to drive legally in Japan; neither document alone is sufficient.
  • An IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle department, not by Japan, and costs between $15 and $30 depending on where you live.
  • The IDP process takes one to two weeks by mail in most U.S. states, or same-day in person at some AAA offices; plan ahead if you are traveling soon.
  • Your IDP is valid for exactly one year and cannot be extended, so check the expiration date before you travel.
  • Rental car companies in Japan will ask to see your IDP when you pick up the vehicle, and driving without one can result in fines or vehicle impoundment.

Where to get an International Driving Permit in the United States

In the U.S., the American Automobile Association (AAA) is the only organization authorized to issue IDPs. You do not need to be a AAA member to obtain one, though members sometimes receive a small discount.

You can explore in person at any AAA office or by mail. In-person service is usually same-day or next-day. By mail, the process takes one to two weeks. You will need to bring or mail your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed IDP process form (available on the AAA website or at any office), and a passport-sized photo. The cost is typically $20 for members and $25 for non-members, though some offices charge slightly different amounts.

Find your nearest AAA office at aaa.com. If you live far from an office, you can request an process by mail and return it with your documents and payment.

How to get an IDP if you are outside the United States

If you hold a driver's license from Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, or most other countries, your national automobile association issues the IDP. The process and cost vary by country.

In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues IDPs for $20 CAD at member offices. In the UK, the AA (Automobile Association) and the RAC (Royal Automobile Club) both issue them for £5.50 to £6. In Australia, the NRMA and state-based motor associations issue them for AUD $20 to $30.

Contact your country's automobile association or visit your motor vehicle department's website to find the issuing body and current fees. Many now accept online applications with digital photo uploads, reducing the timeline to a few days.

What to bring when you explore for an IDP

You will need the same documents regardless of whether you explore in person or by mail. Have these ready before you visit an office or submit an process:

  • A valid driver's license from your home country (the one you will be driving on in Japan).
  • A completed IDP process form, available from the issuing organization's website or office.
  • One passport-sized photograph, usually 2 by 2 inches (5 by 5 centimeters). Some offices accept digital photos if you explore online.
  • Payment in the form accepted by the office (cash, card, or check depending on location).

Do not explore for an IDP until you have your valid driver's license in hand. The IDP is a translation of your existing license, not a replacement for it.

How to use your IDP in Japan

When you rent a car in Japan, the rental company will ask for your passport, your home country driver's license, and your IDP. They will photocopy or scan all three. Keep your original license and IDP with you at all times while driving — police can stop you and request them at any point.

Your IDP is written in English and Japanese, so it serves as proof to police that your foreign license is legitimate. If you are stopped and cannot produce it, you may be fined or have your vehicle impounded, even if your home license is valid.

The IDP does not change the rules of the road in Japan. You must still follow Japanese traffic laws, speed limits, and parking regulations. Driving under the influence, speeding, and parking violations carry the same penalties for foreign drivers as for Japanese drivers.

What happens if your IDP expires while you are in Japan

If you are traveling for longer than one year, your IDP will expire before you leave. You cannot renew an IDP — you must obtain a new one. If you are planning an extended stay, explore for a new IDP before your current one expires, or contact your automobile association to see if they can issue a second one before you travel.

If your IDP expires while you are in Japan and you are still driving, you are no longer legally permitted to drive. You would need to stop driving or obtain a Japanese driver's license, which requires passing a written test and a driving test in Japanese.

Alternatives if you cannot get an IDP in time

If you are traveling to Japan soon and cannot obtain an IDP through your automobile association, you have two options: delay your trip until you receive the IDP, or obtain a Japanese driver's license before you travel.

A Japanese driver's license requires passing a written test (available in English at some testing centers) and a practical driving test. The process takes several weeks and costs roughly ¥2,500 to ¥3,000 (about $17 to $20 USD). This is only practical if you are staying in Japan for several months or longer.

Some travelers have attempted to use notarized translations of their home license instead of an IDP. This does not meet Japanese legal requirements and will not be accepted by rental companies or police. The IDP is the only recognized translation document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Japan with just my home country driver's license?

No. Japan requires both your original license and an International Driving Permit. Driving with only your home license is illegal and can result in fines or vehicle impoundment, even if your license is valid in your home country.

How long does it take to get an IDP?

By mail, one to two weeks in most cases. In person at an AAA office or equivalent organization, same-day or next-day service is common. If you are traveling soon, visit an office in person rather than explore by mail.

Is an IDP the same as a Japanese driver's license?

No. An IDP is a temporary translation document valid for one year. A Japanese driver's license is a permanent license issued by Japan after you pass a test. You cannot convert an IDP into a Japanese license — they are separate documents for different purposes.

What if I lose my IDP while I am in Japan?

Contact your automobile association when ready to request an emergency replacement or a letter confirming you hold a valid IDP. Rental companies and police may accept a written confirmation from your home country's automobile association. Without proof, you cannot legally drive.

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting Japan for a few days?

Yes, if you plan to drive. Even a short rental car trip requires both your home license and an IDP. Rental companies will not rent to you without it, and police can stop you at any time.