Can I drive in Japan with a UK licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
Yes. GOV.UK says: “You’ll need the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) plus your UK driving licence and insurance documents with you in the car.” (FCDO travel advice for Japan, GOV.UK, checked on 28 October 2026).
Type of international driving permit: 1949 (GOV.UK table).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
GOV.UK: international driving permit table
| Country or territory | Type of IDP | More information |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | 1949 | – |
Source: GOV.UK, Driving abroad: check if you need an international driving permit (IDP), page updated 29 January 2025, checked on 28 October 2026. GOV.UK says: “Check the table to find out if you need an IDP.”
FCDO travel advice for Japan: “Transport risks”
You’ll need the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) plus your UK driving licence and insurance documents with you in the car. You could be arrested and fined for driving without the correct documents.
You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel. You can use an IDP for one year, regardless of its expiry date. See information on driving and the IDP from the Tokyo police.
If you plan to stay longer than one year, see how to apply for a Japanese driving licence.
Source: FCDO travel advice: Japan travel advice, page updated 28 August 2026, checked on 28 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
GOV.UK says:
You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.
An IDP costs £5.50.
A 1926 or 1949 permit lasts for 12 months. A 1968 permit lasts for 3 years or until your UK driving licence expires, whichever comes first.
You must always have your driving licence with you, as well as your IDP.
Source: GOV.UK, Get an international driving permit (IDP) and Check if you need an IDP, checked on 28 October 2026.
Hire a car in Japan
IDP needed in Japan: the official advice quoted above says you need an international driving permit to drive there with a UK licence. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
Hiring a car in Japan? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars.
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Other licences in Japan
| Licence | In Japan | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian licence | IDP needed | 28 October 2026 |
| Australian licence | IDP needed | 17 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Japan
- British passport: Japan entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Japan
- Australian passport: Japan
- Italian citizens: Giappone
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Japan with a UK photocard driving licence?
Yes. GOV.UK says: “You’ll need the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) plus your UK driving licence and insurance documents with you in the car.” (FCDO travel advice for Japan, GOV.UK, checked on 28 October 2026).
Can I drive in Japan with my UK licence?
GOV.UK says: “You’ll need the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) plus your UK driving licence and insurance documents with you in the car.”
Which international driving permit do I need for Japan?
GOV.UK's international driving permit table lists the 1949 IDP for Japan.
Where do I get an international driving permit in the UK?
GOV.UK says: “You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.” “An IDP costs £5.50.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of GOV.UK, read on 28 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for a UK licence · Driving abroad: all licences.