Many customers who want to enjoy sightseeing in Japan using a rental car often ask,
“Do I need to convert my foreign driver’s license?”
The answer is: If you are visiting Japan for tourism or a short-term stay, you do NOT need to convert your foreign license.
As long as you have a valid International Driving Permit (IDP), you can drive within Japan.
■ What is Foreign License Conversion?
The official term is “Foreign License Conversion Procedure.”
This system allows individuals who hold a valid overseas driver’s license to obtain a Japanese driver’s license when staying in Japan for a long period or residing in the country.
The process generally follows these steps:
1. Stay in Japan for a certain period (e.g., for study or work)
2. Present your foreign driver’s license and take aptitude tests, written exams, and practical driving tests
3. Upon passing, you are issued a Japanese driver’s license
In short, this procedure is meant for people who reside in Japan and wish to convert their license.
It does not apply to tourists or short-term visitors.
■ Visiting Japan for Tourism
Visitors staying in Japan for tourism or a short-term trip can drive in Japan using a valid International Driving Permit (IDP).
When renting a car, you can complete the process smoothly by presenting the following three items:
* For some countries, both your home country’s license and a certified translation are required.
・ International Driving Permit (issued by a Geneva Convention country)
・ Valid driver’s license from your home country
・ Passport
With these documents, you can freely enjoy driving and exploring Japan!
■ For Those Who Want to Know More About International Driving Permits
For detailed information on how to obtain an International Driving Permit and the countries where it is valid,
please visit the dedicated TOCOO! page:
https://www2.tocoo.jp/en/howto/itn_lic
| Situation | Required Procedure |
|---|---|
| Tourism / Short-term stay (e.g., 1 week–3 months) | Valid International Driving Permit is sufficient (*some countries require home license + translation) |
| Long-term stay (e.g., study or work) | Foreign License Conversion Procedure is required |
When traveling in Japan, there is no need for the time-consuming “license conversion.”
By preparing an International Driving Permit, you can easily travel around Japan by Rental Car.
If you are planning a driving trip in Japan,
be sure to search for rental cars on TOCOO!
We offer great deals and a wide range of Rental Cars to support your travel!