Many foreign visitors coming to Japan for tourism or business believe that an international driving permit (IDP) allows them to drive indefinitely.
However, this is not the case. Japan has a legal restriction known as the “3-Month Rule”, which limits how long you can drive using an international license.
Under this rule, you can drive in Japan for up to three months from the date of your entry into the country.
What You Need to Drive in Japan
To legally drive in Japan, you must have the following two documents:
- Your valid driver’s license issued in your home country
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention
※International licenses issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention are not valid in Japan.
This applies to drivers from countries such as France, Germany, and Switzerland.
If your country issues only Vienna Convention permits, you’ll need to carry an official Japanese translation of your driver’s license, available from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) or your embassy.
What Is the “3-Month Rule”?
In Japan, the period during which you can drive using an international driving permit is limited to three months from your entry date, as stamped in your passport.
Example:
If you arrive in Japan on January 10, your IDP will be valid until April 9.
After that date, your international permit is no longer valid, and you are not legally allowed to drive in Japan.
Continuing to drive after the three-month period may be considered driving without a valid license, which is a serious offense under Japanese traffic law.
引用：外国で取得した国際運転免許証で日本国内を運転するには 警視庁
kokusaimenkyo_english.pdf
Why the “3-Month Rule” Doesn’t Reset When You Leave and Re-Enter Japan
Some people believe that leaving Japan and re-entering will “reset” the three-month period for using an international driving permit.
However, it’s not that simple.
Japanese police and transportation authorities focus on whether they consider you to be a resident of Japan.
If they determine that you are living in Japan rather than visiting temporarily, your international driving permit (IDP) will no longer be valid, even if you recently re-entered the country.
You are likely to be considered a resident in the following cases:
- You have a Residence Card (在留カード)
- You rent an apartment and stay in Japan for an extended period
- You have a job, school, or family base in Japan
In short, the IDP is valid only for short-term visitors who are in Japan for tourism or temporary stays.
For Long-Term Residents: How to Convert Your License to a Japanese One
If you plan to stay in Japan for more than three months, you should apply to convert your foreign driver’s license to a Japanese license (known as gaimen kirikae, 外免切替).
The exact process and requirements differ depending on your country.
| Country / Region | Tests Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USA, Canada, Australia, etc. | Written and driving tests required | Requirements vary by state or province |
| UK, Germany, France, etc. | No test required | Document review only |
We recommend checking with your local Driver’s License Center for the latest details and required documents.
For Car Rental Users
At ASAHI MOTORS and other rental car companies in Japan, all customers’ licenses are carefully checked according to Japanese law.
If your entry date exceeds three months or you hold a Residence Card, you cannot rent a car using an international driving permit.
✅ Short-term visitors or tourists:
You can rent a car with both your valid driver’s license and a 1949 Geneva Convention IDP.
❌ Long-term residents (students, workers, or family visa holders):
You must obtain or convert to a Japanese driver’s license before renting a vehicle.
Summary
ASAHI MOTORS’ Advice
If you plan to drive in Japan for an extended stay, we strongly recommend starting the conversion process to a Japanese driver’s license as early as possible.
The application procedures and required documents vary by prefecture, so please check with your local Driver’s License Center for accurate information.
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