This page answers one question: IDP or official translation? If you already know you need the translation, go straight to the complete JAF translation guide — how to apply, what it costs and how long it takes. Country by country: Japan's driving licence requirements by country.
The Short Answer
It depends on which international treaty your country signed:
| Your Country | You Need | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA, 🇬🇧 UK, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇰🇷 South Korea | IDP | Your home country's authorized IDP issuer (e.g., AAA in the USA) |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France | JAF Translation | JAF in Japan, or JDLTC online |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇲🇨 Monaco, 🇹🇼 Taiwan | JAF Translation | JAF in Japan, or JDLTC online |
Why the Confusion Exists
There are two international treaties governing driving abroad:
- 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic — The older treaty. Japan is a signatory. IDPs issued under this convention are valid in Japan.
- 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic — The newer treaty. Japan has not signed this one. IDPs issued under this convention are not valid in Japan.
The problem: many countries (including Germany, France, and Switzerland) only issue IDPs under the Vienna Convention. When you get an IDP from ADAC in Germany or from the Strassenverkehrsamt in Switzerland, it's a Vienna Convention IDP — which Japan doesn't recognize.
Japan's solution: Article 107-2 of the Road Traffic Act allows drivers from specific countries to use an official Japanese translation of their license instead. This translation must come from a body Japan recognizes, such as the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF).
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | IDP (Geneva Convention) | JAF Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Multi-language booklet (A6 size) | A4 Japanese document with your license details |
| Issued by | Your country's automobile association | JAF, or another body Japan recognizes |
| Legal basis | 1949 Geneva Convention | Road Traffic Act Article 107-2 |
| Valid for | 1 year from date of issue | Up to 1 year from date of entry into Japan, or until your own license expires if sooner |
| Must carry original license? | Yes | Yes |
| Accepted at rental car agencies? | Yes (for eligible countries) | Yes (for eligible countries) |
| Cost | $15–$50 | — |
| Can apply from outside Japan? | Yes | Yes, via JDLTC |
Where to Get a JAF Translation
Option 1: JAF (Japan Automobile Federation)
- When you can apply: Once you arrive in Japan, or earlier if someone in Japan (an acquaintance or an agency) applies for you before you travel
- ⚠️ Important: The JAF website only works from within Japan. You cannot access it from overseas.
- You print the finished document at a convenience store in Japan
Option 2: JDLTC (Online — All Countries)
- Cost: From €99 (CHF 99 for Swiss licenses, NT$3,290 for Taiwanese), including the JAF fee
- Processing time: 3-4 weeks (Standard) / Express 5-7 days / Rush 1-3 business days
- 100% online — apply from anywhere in the world
- Available for all 6 eligible countries (CH, DE, FR, BE, MC, TW)
- PDF by email before you fly, so you can book your car with it
- JAF's paper original, the document you drive with, delivered to your hotel or rental counter in Japan for €10 / CHF 10 / NT$350, from the day after your translation is ready
Need a JAF Translation?
Apply online in 5 minutes. Get the PDF by email before your trip and book your car with it, then drive with JAF's paper original, delivered to your hotel or rental counter in Japan for €10 / CHF 10 / NT$350.
Apply Now — From €99 →Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Mistake 1: "I have an IDP, I'm fine"
This is the #1 mistake. If you're from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, or Taiwan, your IDP is not valid in Japan. Many tourists only discover this at the rental car counter — ruining their road trip plans.
❌ Mistake 2: "I'll just get the translation when I arrive"
While you can get a JAF translation in Japan, the process takes time and requires navigating a Japanese website. If you plan to rent a car on day one, you need the translation ready.
❌ Mistake 3: "I'll show a digital copy on my phone"
At the rental counter and at a police check, you show JAF's paper original together with your license. Book your car with the PDF before you fly; we deliver the paper original to your hotel or rental counter in Japan for €10 / CHF 10 / NT$350, from the day after your translation is ready.
❌ Mistake 4: "An IDP from my embassy will work"
Some embassies issue IDPs, but these may be under the Vienna Convention. Only a Geneva Convention IDP or an official Japanese translation, such as JAF's, is accepted in Japan.
What Happens If You Drive Without the Right Document?
- Rental car company: Will refuse to rent you a car. No exceptions.
- Police stop: Driving without a valid license is a criminal offense in Japan. You could face fines, vehicle impoundment, and even arrest.
- Insurance: If you're in an accident while driving without a valid license, your insurance may not cover the damages.
FAQ
Q: I have both a Geneva and Vienna Convention IDP. Can I use either?
A: You need the Geneva Convention IDP specifically. Check which convention is printed on your IDP — it's usually noted on the cover or first page.
Q: My country signed both conventions. What do I need?
A: If your country signed the Geneva Convention, an IDP is sufficient. Check with your automobile association which convention your IDP is issued under.
Q: Can I use a notarized translation instead of a JAF translation?
A: No. Japan only accepts translations from the bodies the law recognizes, such as JAF. Private translations, even notarized ones, are not legally valid for driving in Japan.