About International Driving Permits (IDP)

If you hold a foreign driver's license and plan to rent a car in Japan, you must have a valid International Driving Permit (IDP). Please check the requirements before making your reservation.

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REQUIREMENTS

Driver's Licenses Accepted in Japan

You must have one of the following

01
International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by a country or region that is a contracting party to the 1949 Geneva Convention
02
Foreign driver's license with an official Japanese translation (Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, and Taiwan only)
03
U.S. Forces Japan SOFA Driver's Permit and U.S. Military ID
04
Japanese Driver's License

IDP HOLDERS

If You Have an International Driving Permit

Please present the following two documents

International Driving Permit (IDP)

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Passport

Important Notes

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Only IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention are valid in Japan.
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IDPs issued under the Paris, Washington, or Vienna Conventions are not valid for driving in Japan.
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An IDP issued in Japan cannot be used for driving within Japan.

Validity

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An IDP is valid for one year from its date of issue.
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You may drive in Japan for up to one year from the date of your entry into Japan, as verified by your passport entry stamp.

If you enter Japan through an automated immigration gate, please ask an immigration officer to stamp your passport. Without an entry stamp, we cannot verify your date of entry and will be unable to rent you a vehicle.

Driving in Japan with an International Driving Permit (IDP)

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Eligible Countries and Regions (1949 Geneva Convention)

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FOREIGN LICENSE

If You Hold a Foreign Driver's License

For Drivers from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, and Taiwan

Please present the following three documents

Foreign Driver’s License

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Official Japanese Translation

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Passport

How to Obtain an Official Japanese Translation

An official Japanese translation can be obtained from your country's embassy or consulate in Japan, or from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF). Drivers from Taiwan must present a translation issued by JAF or the Japan–Taiwan Exchange Association.

Validity

Valid for one year from the date of entry into Japan or until your driver's license expires, whichever comes first.

How to Get an Official Japanese Translation

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Driving in Japan with a Foreign Driver's License and Official Japanese Translation

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VEHICLE CLASS

Vehicle Classes You Can Drive

Please check the vehicle category shown on your driver's license.

Category B (Passenger vehicles with up to 9 seats)

K2 Class, C2 Class, C3 Class, SUV, W1 Class, W2 Class, W3 Class, Premium Class

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All Pine Rent-a-Car vehicles fall under Category B.