Do I need a driving license translation?

Many travelers who want to drive in Japan can do so without needing a driving license translation! 

Anyone from countries that signed the 1949 Geneva Convention with Japan, such as the USA, Australia, the UK and many other countries in Europe, can drive with an International Driving Permit (IDP) for up to one year, so they won't need a license translation. 

However in Japan, an International Driving Permit is NOT VALID for nationals of the following countries: 

• France, 
• Switzerland
• Germany
• Belgium 
• Taiwan 

Anyone with a driving license that was issued in one of the 5 countries listed above WILL need an official Japanese translation of their license from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF).

We offer this driving license translation service HERE.