← All Tools
🚗 Compliance Tool

IDP Driving License
Checker for Japan

Check if you can legally drive in Japan using your home country license. Covers 90+ countries — based on official JAF & NPA data verified March 2026.

Quick Answer

Most tourists can drive in Japan with an International Driving Permit (IDP) plus their original home-country license. The IDP must be issued in your home country before you travel — Japan does not issue them. In the US, AAA issues IDPs for about $20; in the UK, Post Offices issue them for £5.50.

Six countries are exceptions: Germany, Switzerland, Taiwan, France, Belgium, and Monaco cannot use a standard IDP. They require an official JAF translation document (¥6,000 from April 2026, processing 1–2 weeks). German and Taiwanese residents can apply locally via ADAC or TECRO respectively; other countries must apply via JAF before departure.

Japan's drink-driving limit is 0.03% BAC — among the strictest in the world, roughly one small drink for most adults. Always carry both your IDP and original license when driving.

How Japan Classifies Foreign Licenses
A
IDP Valid
1949 Geneva Convention IDP accepted
B1
JAF Translation
JAF translation required (bilateral agreement)
B2
IDP Rejected — JAF
IDP format rejected — JAF translation needed
C
Cannot Drive
No IDP or translation option available
🏛️ Data source: Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) · National Police Agency (NPA) · Last verified March 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an IDP and where do I get one?↓
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official translation of your home country license. It must be obtained in your home country before traveling — you cannot get one in Japan. In the US, AAA issues IDPs for about $20. In the UK, it's available at Post Offices for £5.50.
How long is an IDP valid in Japan?↓
An IDP is valid for 1 year from the date of issue, or for the duration of your visit — whichever is shorter. If you stay more than 1 year, you will need a Japanese license.
Do I need to carry my original license too?↓
Yes. The IDP is NOT valid on its own. You must carry both your original home country license AND the IDP at all times. Japanese police check both documents.
What does the JAF translation requirement mean?↓
Countries in categories B1 and B2 need an official Japanese translation from JAF (Japan Automobile Federation). Processing takes 1–2 weeks and costs ¥6,000 from April 2026. German residents can apply domestically via ADAC; Taiwan residents via the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association (TECRO). For Switzerland, France, Belgium, and Monaco, apply via JAF online before departure (the site may require a VPN outside Japan) — the final document must be printed at a Japanese convenience store.
What's the drink-driving limit in Japan?↓
Japan's legal limit is 0.03% BAC — one of the strictest in the world, roughly equivalent to one small drink for most people. Penalties include immediate license confiscation and up to 15 years imprisonment if someone is injured.
Related Tools
💊 Medication Import Checker →🚲 Bicycle Rules & Fines →🧾 Tax Refund Calculator →
Related Guides
Can I Drive in Japan? IDP Requirements by Country →First Time in Japan: 10 Safety Tips →