Can I drive in Japan with a Monaco driving licence?
Yes. If your licence is from Monaco, you can use either an International Driving Permit issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, or your Monaco licence with an official Japanese translation. You can drive for one year from the day you enter Japan, or until the document expires.
- What you need
- IDP (1949 Geneva Convention), or your licence + official Japanese translation
- Japanese translation from
- Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), online application / Embassy or consulate of Monaco in Japan
- How long you can drive
- One year from the day you enter Japan, or until the document expires — whichever comes first
An IDP issued under any other treaty, such as the 1968 Vienna Convention, is not valid in Japan. Check that your IDP shows the 1949 Geneva Convention.
Before you book a rental car
- Choose either an IDP (1949 Geneva Convention) or a Japanese translation of your licence.
- Make sure the document will still be valid on every day you plan to drive.
- Check the rental company’s own requirements when you book. Rental offices check your documents at pick-up.
Read the full guide: Can I drive in Japan with my licence? IDP and translation rules
Sources
Facts checked:
- National Police Agency: Driving with a licence issued in another country (Japanese)
- United Nations Treaty Collection: Convention on Road Traffic, Geneva, 19 September 1949 (status)
- Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department: Countries and regions issuing IDPs under the Geneva Convention
- United Nations Treaty Collection: Convention on Road Traffic, Vienna, 8 November 1968 (status)
- JAF: Valid driving licence in Japan / Japanese translations