Whether you have been in Japan for a while, or you’re fresh off the boat, you will eventually be faced with the conundrum of getting a driver’s license here. If you don’t have a driver’s license, great – enroll in driving lessons or a driving camp. However, if you already have a driver’s license, you may be wondering about International Driving Permits and license conversion. What are the differences? Which one suits my needs best? How do I even start?
This guide breaks down what each option is, who it applies to, and how to choose the right one based on your plans in Japan.
What is an International Driving Permit in Japan?
An International Driving Permit, or IDP, is essentially a translated extension of your foreign license that allows you to drive legally in Japan for a limited time. It is usually issued in your home country through an authorized organization like AAA in the United States or your national automobile association.
Before getting into the specifics, it helps to understand the key characteristics of an IDP:
- They are valid for only one year in Japan.
- You must have obtained the IDP in your home country before arriving in Japan.
- You must also carry your original driver’s license at all times.
- You cannot renew an IDP inside Japan. Leaving the country just to get a “new” one does not restart eligibility.
- Some nationalities cannot use an IDP in Japan at all. For example, licenses from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco and Taiwan require an official translation instead of an IDP.
An IDP is ideal for people who are temporarily staying in Japan and need short term driving access. This includes tourists, exchange students, and people who are not planning to stay beyond a year.
What is a Japanese License Conversion?
License conversion, known in Japan as gaimen kirikae/外免切替, is the process of officially switching your foreign driver’s license to a Japanese one. This option is required if you plan to live in Japan long term or if you want to continue driving after your IDP expires.
The process of converting your license can be simplified as follows:
- Book a document screening at your local license center and order an official translation of your license(翻訳文), from Ziplus or JAF.
- Showing proof that you lived in the country where your license was issued for at least three months after it was issued.
- Submitting a proof of residence (住民票）
- Taking an eyesight test.
If your license is among the countries with a reciprocal agreement with Japan, this is all you need and completing the steps above will get you your license easy as that!
However, if your license is from any other country or state, you need to do the following:
- Take a 50-question written exam.
- Take a driving exam
Although the conversion process can vary depending where you got your driver’s license, it is generally straightforward as long as you prepare the required documents early. The tests are also known to be highly difficult without preparation, even for experienced drivers. Therefore, make sure to explore options for studying and practice. You could also consider taking a look at our license conversion options!
IDP vs License Conversion: Which Is Right for You?
Choosing between an IDP and a license conversion largely depends on how long you will live in Japan and how often you plan to drive.
Before comparing them directly, it helps to think about your situation. Ask yourself how long you will stay, how frequently you need to drive, and whether you want to avoid retesting in the future.
Here is a simple breakdown to help you decide:
- Choose an IDP if you are staying in Japan for less than one year.
- Choose a License Conversion if you will live in Japan long term or need driving privileges beyond the first year.
- Expect stricter police checks in major cities. Holding only an IDP after your first year in Japan can lead to fines or more serious consequences.
- A converted Japanese license is valid across Japan and simplifies life when renting cars, applying for insurance, or proving identification.
- If your nationality is test exempt, conversion is significantly easier and usually the better long term option.
The Bottom Line
If your time in Japan is short, an International Driving Permit is usually enough. If you plan to settle in or drive regularly, converting your license is the safer and more sustainable choice.
Both options can work, but choosing the right one depends on your goals, your nationality, and how comfortable you are navigating Japanese road rules. For most residents, the license conversion eventually becomes unavoidable, so preparing early makes the transition much smoother.
