Can I drive in Japan with a United Kingdom driving licence?
Yes. If your licence is from United Kingdom, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in United Kingdom under the 1949 Geneva Convention. You can drive for one year from the day you enter Japan, or until your IDP or licence expires, whichever comes first.
- What you need
- International Driving Permit (1949 Geneva Convention)
- Issued by
- DVLA IDPs sold at PayPoint stores
- How long you can drive
- One year from the day you enter Japan, or until the document expires — whichever comes first
Notes
In the UK, DVLA international driving permits are sold at PayPoint stores. Choose the 1949 type for Japan. The Post Office stopped selling them on 31 March 2024.
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
- Apply for an IDP in your home country or region before you travel, and check that it shows the 1949 Geneva Convention.
- Make sure the IDP and your licence 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:
- 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
- PayPoint: DVLA International Driving Permits
- Post Office: International Driving Permit