Driving in Japan with a foreign licence: International Driving Permit guide
Which licence you need to rent a car in Japan, how long it is valid, and who can make the official Japanese translation.
Which licence lets you drive in Japan
Permits issued under other conventions, such as the 1968 Vienna Convention, cannot be used in Japan. Source: National Police Agency.
How long you can drive
You can drive with an International Driving Permit or a translated foreign licence for one year from the day you enter Japan, or until the permit or licence expires, whichever comes first. An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date it was issued, so check the dates before you travel.
If you are registered as a resident in Japan, leave the country and return within three months, the day you return does not restart the one-year period.
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Tell us your dates and where you are staying. Your quote includes delivery.
Who can make the official Japanese translation
- The authority that issued your licence, or your country’s embassy or consulate in Japan
- JAF (Japan Automobile Federation), ZIPLUS, or the Japan Visitor Driver Support Association
- For Taiwanese licences: the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association
- For German licences: ADAC
Translations by other professional translators are not accepted.
What to bring when you rent a car from us
- Your International Driving Permit, or your official Japanese translation
- Your home driving licence
- Your passport
- Documents for every driver
Drivers must be 21 or older and have held a licence for at least one year. See the FAQ
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Licence questions
Q. Can I drive in Japan with my home licence only?
No, unless it is a Japanese licence. You need an International Driving Permit (1949 Geneva Convention) together with your home licence, or, for six countries and regions, your licence with an official Japanese translation.
Q. Is my International Driving Permit valid in Japan?
Only if it was issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Permits issued under other conventions, such as the 1968 Vienna Convention, are not valid in Japan.
Q. How long can I drive in Japan?
For one year from the day you enter Japan, or until your permit or licence expires, whichever comes first. An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date it was issued.
Q. Who can make the Japanese translation?
The authority that issued your licence or your embassy or consulate in Japan, JAF (Japan Automobile Federation), ZIPLUS, or the Japan Visitor Driver Support Association. For Taiwanese licences, the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association; for German licences, ADAC. Translations by other professional translators are not accepted.
Q. What do I need to show when I rent a car from NBR?
Your International Driving Permit (or official Japanese translation), your home licence and your passport. Every driver must show their documents.
Ready to rent a car in Nagano?
Send us your dates and where you are staying. We will check your licence documents when you apply.
You are welcome to write to us in English through our web form or LINE. We reply in Japanese, so please use a translation tool to read our reply.
Business hours: 9:00–18:00 Japan time, including weekends and holidays.