Permits for International driving license

The foreign national who possess a valid international driving license permit, are allowed to drive in Japan up to a period of one year, after they enter the country.

One should obtain the acknowledged international driving permit normally by means of the national Automobile Association from his home country, prior to travelling to Japan.

Only the International driving permits, which are based on the 1949 Geneva Convention, are endorsed by Japan. However some nations like France, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and Taiwan, issue the international driving permit depending on various conventions, those driving permits are not endorsed by Japan.

However the bearer of the International driving license from any of the above mentioned nations are permitted to driving in Japan, provided they have their driving license translated in Japanese language issued by JAF (Japan Automobile Federation).They can also get the Japanese translated version of their driving license, from the consulate in Japan or from the embassy of their individual country.

Suppose if the international driving permit held by the foreigner from other nations are not recognized by Japan, then they need to obtain Japanese driven License, which enables them to drive in Japan.

A Japanese driven license is essential for people, who stay in Japan for more than one year. A person is permitted to utilize his international driving license permit, if he leaves Japan for a period of more than three successive months.