Driving in Japan: International Driving Document requirements for visitors
Start Express ApplicationVisitors to Japan need a 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Document alongside their valid foreign driving licence to drive legally. Japan is a Geneva-only country — a Vienna Convention International Driving Document will not be accepted. Japan drives on the left. Urban speed limit is 40 km/h, expressway up to 100 km/h. Blood alcohol limit is 0.03%.
Japan at a glance
- Permit type
- Geneva Convention International Driving Document
- Side of road
- Left (same as UK, Australia, India)
- How long it is valid
- 1 year from issue
- Minimum driving age
- 18
- Blood alcohol limit
- 0.03% (strict — roughly one drink)
- Emergency number
- 110 (police), 119 (ambulance/fire)
How to get your permit for Japan
You do the first step; a dedicated expert does the rest.
Tell us your destination
Japan + your nationality. ~30 seconds.
We confirm what you need
A 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Document for Japan — picked for you, so you don't have to decide.
We handle the paperwork
Your dedicated expert checks your documents, prepares the application, and files it correctly with the authorized agency.
Review by a real person
A dedicated expert reviews your submission — not a bot.
Track every step
Live dashboard + email/SMS updates from submission until your International Driving Document is in hand.
Japan driving rules at a glance
- Side of road
- Left (same as UK, Australia, India)
- Minimum driving age
- 18
- Speed limit — urban
- 40 km/h
- Speed limit — rural
- 50–60 km/h
- Speed limit — expressway
- 100 km/h
- Blood alcohol limit
- 0.03% (strict — roughly one drink)
- Seatbelts
- Mandatory for all passengers (front and rear)
- Helmet
- Mandatory for all motorcycle and scooter riders
- Mobile phone
- Illegal to use while driving unless hands-free
- Emergency number
- 110 (police), 119 (ambulance/fire)
- Right turn on red
- Prohibited — wait for green
- Headlights
- Required at night and in tunnels
Documents required to drive in Japan
What police and rental counters expect you to carry, every time you drive.
- Valid foreign driving licenceMust be valid and cover the vehicle class you plan to drive
- 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving DocumentMust be carried alongside your foreign licence
- PassportRequired for identification at all times
- Valid Japanese visa or visa exemptionMost nationalities get 90 days visa-free
- Vehicle registration documentsProvided by rental company
- Compulsory automobile liability insurance (CALI)Mandatory in Japan — rental cars include this
When you need a permit in Japan
How the requirement plays out, case by case.
Renting a car
Yes — all rental companies require it — Times, Nippon, Toyota, Nissan, Orix all ask for it
Driving a private vehicle
Yes — police request it at checkpoints — Japanese police actively check foreign drivers
Short tourist visit (up to 1 year)
Yes — carry alongside your foreign licence — Permit valid for 1 year from entry date
Staying longer than 1 year
No — you need a Japanese driving licence — Convert through a driving school or test after 1 year
Frequently asked questions
Driving in Japan with a foreign licence, answered.
Last verified Reviewed by Expedify Compliance Review
About this service
Expedify is a private application-assistance service, not a government agency or an authorised issuer. International Driving Documents are issued by the authorised body in your licence country; our agency fee covers preparation, review, and tracking of your application, and is separate from the issuer's own fee. The information on this page is general guidance, not legal advice — acceptance rules are set by each destination country and can change. Always confirm requirements with the official issuer or the authorities of the country you're visiting.