Guide of International Driving Permit ( for driving in Japan )
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International Driving Permit – Japan

Guide to obtaining an International Driving Permit for your trip to Japan

What is an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit, or IDP for short, is a document that allows holders to drive in any country that is a signatory of the Geneva Convention of 1949.
IDPs must be issued in the same country that issued your original driver’s license.

Who needs an IDP?

The requirements for having an IDP or a Driver’s License translated to Japanese depends on your country of domicile. See the tables below to see if you need an IDP or a Japanese translation. If your country is not shown in the tables below, you will not be able to drive in Japan.

Countries requiring an International Driving Permit:

 Asia Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Fiji, Hong Kong(China), India, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand 
 Europe  Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of San Marino, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, Vatican City (Holy See)
 North America  Canada, United States of America
 South America  Argentina, Barbados,  Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Paraguay, Peru, Republic of Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago,  Venezuela
 Africa/Middle East  Algeria, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Israel, Jordan, Kingdom of Lesotho, Lebanon, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Republic of South Africa, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Syria, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Zimbabwe

Countries requiring Driver’s License from country of domicile + Legal Translation:

 Asia  Taiwan
 Europe  Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Estonia, Monaco

How do I obtain an IDP?

You must obtain your IDP within your country of origin. Applications from overseas are generally not accepted.
Every country designates its own companies or government offices to officially issue IDPs. See list below for official issuers.
There is usually a permit fee that must be payed to receive an IDP. This will go for around $20.00 (USD)
A photocopy of both sides of your original Driver’s License is usually required with the application
Two passport photos (signed on the back) may also be required
Applications can be handled in person at the designated offices. Some countries may offer mail-in applications as well
IDPs may not be issued over 6 months in advance of planned use

Designated Issuers:

USA: ($20.00 USD + Postage)
American Automobile Association (AAA)
American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

Australia: ($39.00 AUD + Postage, Issuer depends on state)
New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory: NRMA Motoring and Services
Queensland: RACQ Ltd.(Royal Automobile Club of Queensland Limited)
Victoria: RACV (Royal Automobile Club of Victoria)
South Australia: RAA (Royal Automobile Association of South Australia, Inc)
Western Australia: RAC (Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia Incorporated)
Tasmania: RACT (Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania Limited)
Northern Territory: AANT (Automobile Association of Northern Territory Inc)

Canada: ($25.00 CDN + Postage)
Canada Automobile Association

Hong Kong: ($80.00 HKD)
Complete a TD51 form and bring 2 recent photos + the license fee to any driver’s licensing center.

Singapore: ($20.00 SGD)
Automobile Association of Singapore

S. Korea: (8500 KRW)
All regional driver’s license examination offices

For other countries, please check with your local Government office, or Automobile Association for more information on how you can obtain an IDP

Countries that only require translation and original license:

The countries listed below only require a legal Japanese translation, provided by JAF, your valid passport, and your original driver’s license.

  • Switzerland
  • Germany
  • France
  • Belgium
  • Estonia
  • Monaco
  • Taiwan

More Posts/Tips for Drive in Japan

1.【The complete guide for tourists and foreigners】

2.【Renting a Car in Japan】

3.【What to when driving during an earthquake】

4. 【Insurance Plans Introduction】

5.【Tips for Driving in Tokyo】

6. 【Tips for Driving in Kanagawa】

85 thoughts on “International Driving Permit – Japan”

  1. I am coming from Macau, can I use the IDP issued by Macau and Macau driver license to rent your car?

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    1. Hello Huang,

      Thank you for your comment!

      You are able to drive in Japan with an IDP issued in Macau. 🙂

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  2. I was attempting to sign up on your 2525r.com site, and saw this message: 国際運転免許証でのお貸出は出来ません
    This seems to say that I’m unable to use the international driving permit. Am I misunderstanding something?
    Thank you!

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    1. Hello Anton,

      I apologize about the confusion.

      We have seven shops that accept the IDP.
      New Chitose Airport
      Narita Airport
      Haneda Airport
      Shin Yokohama Station
      Fukuoka Airport
      Kagoshima Airport
      Nagasaki Airport

      You can book through our International reservation page at https://niconicorentacar.jp

      2525r.com is the Japanese franchise website, which currently does not yet have IDP support.

      Thank you for your understanding, and please let me know if you have any more questions!

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  3. Hello, will you accept a certified copy of the IDP? I have left the original in my home country.

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    1. Hello Stephanie,

      Thank you for the comment.

      Unfortunately due to legalities, we are unable to accept copies of licenses. We can only accept the official International Driving Permit.

      Thank you very much for your understanding.

      Please let us know if you have any other questions.

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  4. Dear Ladies and gentlemen,

    I am planning a ski trip with my clients in January to Chitose, Hokkaido. We will be probably 6 or 7 people. I have the B Driver Stamp. Which car can you offer us with all our luggages plus the ski bags? Thank you so much in advance. Thomas

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    1. Dear Tom,

      Thank you for the comment.

      With 6-7 people I would recommend the V Class, which is our largest vehicle we offer (8 Passengers).

      If all passengers will be carrying large luggage, you may want to consider renting two separate vehicles to ensure you have enough space.

      Please let us know if you have any more questions 🙂

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    2. hi i am currently in japan and planning to go back to philippines on june2023 and get international driving license. when i will be back in japan, can i drive in japan using my internation driving license?

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      1. Hello! Thank you for your question. Yes if you obtain an IDP from the Phillipines you will be legal to drive within Japan. I hope this helps, please let me know if you have anymore questions!

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  5. I’m from United States and have a U.S. Forces Japan Driver License otherwise known as SOFA license.
    This license permits me to drive vehicle in Japan without International Driving Permit
    Can I use this license to rent with NicoNico?

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    1. Hello Berry,

      Thank you for your comment and thank you for your service.

      U.S. Forces Japanese Drivers licenses are permitted and can be used to rent a vehicle with NICONICO.

      Please let us know if you have any other questions.

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  6. Hello! Im planning with my friend a ski trip to Niseko next January and we are thinking to rent a car. We are from Spain so I would like to know if it possible to rent a car for us in NicoNico? I suppose we need the International Driver permit but how I dont see Spain country at the information list in this site, Im not sure 🙁

    Thanks a lot!
    Regards
    Alejandro

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    1. Hello Nate,

      Thank you for your comment.

      Yes IDP’s from Thailand are accepted in Japan.

      Hope this helps!
      Please let me know if you have other questions.

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  8. Hello,
    We have a valid International Driving Permit acquired in Spain, translate to English, French, German and an other lenguages, but not Japanese.
    A translation to Japanese will be required?
    Regards

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    1. Hello Eva,

      Thank you for your comment.
      If your IDP is not expired, contains your photo, and has a stamp on the license type (Motorcycle, 8 Passenger, etc.) it will be fine to use in Japan.

      Please let me know if you have any other questions!

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  9. Hello,

    My mother is coming to visit me next month (I live in Chiba, Japan).
    She has an international drivers license.
    I just wanted to make sure that will be accepted at Nico Nico?

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    1. Hello Katrina,

      Thank you for your comment.

      Yes your mother will be able to rent from NICONICO Rent a Car, as long as it is at one of the locations on this website:
      https://niconicorentacar.jp

      Please let me know if you have any other questions!

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  10. Hi Niconico,
    I’m from Malaysia , if I have IDP issued in Malaysia , may I able to rent a car in Japan ?

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    1. Hello Vince,

      Yes an IDP issued from Malaysia is valid in Japan.
      Please be sure to bring your valid passport with you as well when you rent the vehicle.

      Hope this helps!

      Please let me know if you have any more questions.

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  11. Hi. Im from indonesia. Indonesian idp accepted in japan too? Im planning to go to iseko this january

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    1. Hello Danny,

      Unfortunately IDPs issued in Indonesia are not valid for driving in Japan. Only countries that are signatories of the 1949 Geneva Convention are valid to drive in Japan.

      Hope this helps!

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  12. Hi,

    I and my family are visiting Saporo for vacation and I would like to know whether IDP issued in Indonesia is Valid in japan to rent and drive the car by myself ? I want to cross check since some info in internet says that IDP from Indonesia is not Valid in Japan. Thankyou

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    1. Hello Teguh,

      Unfortunately IDPs issued in Indonesia are not valid in Japan. Only countries that are signatories of the 1949 Geneva Convention are valid to drive in Japan.

      Hope this helps!

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  13. Hi,

    I have a Singapore driving license(in english), and was told that it is sufficient for renting cars in Japan (No IDP needed). Can I confirm?

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    1. Hello John,

      You will need an IDP for a Singapore Driver’s license.

      Hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any more questions.

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  14. Hi,

    Will you accept a photo copy of my Norwegian IDP? Together with passport and original drivers license.

    Thank you.

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    1. Hello Bruce,

      Unfortunately we will need the physical IDP present with you.
      Thank you very much for your understanding.

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  15. Sir I want to know I have international license from Pakistan and even I have local license can I drive in Japan

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    1. Hello Ahmed,

      Thank you for your comment.

      Unfortunately the Pakistan International License is not accepted in Japan.

      Thank you very much for your understanding!

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  16. Hello, I am from Russia, I have my national driver’s license and international Russian driver’s license, can I rent a car? Will there be problems with the police?
    thhankx

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    1. Hello Georgii,

      Apologies for the delayed reply.
      Unfortunately the Russian International Driving Permit is not usable in Japan.

      Thank you for your understanding!

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  17. I recently changed my Australian Drivers license to a Japanese drivers license.

    There is a requirement that if you have had your license for less than 3 months you need to be accompanied by another driver with 3 years experience driving.
    I have had my current Japanese license for 2 months.

    Will I be able to hire a car without someone accompanying me?

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    1. Hell Jakeb,

      Thank you for your comment. We ask that you obey all laws regarding driving in Japan. If you have a 3 month accompaniment requirement, then you should bring another driver with experience before renting a vehicle.

      Thank you for your understanding!

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  18. Hello
    I’m from Bangladesh. I have IDP from Bangladesh. But after issuance of “Bangladeshi Driving Licence”, I was stayed in my country for 80 days. So can I drive with that IDP and “Bangladeshi Driving Licence” in Japan ? Can I buy a car with that IDP ?

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    1. Hello Rocky,

      Thank you for your comment. IDPs are valid for 12 months after the date of issue.
      As long as your IDP is not expired, you can drive and rent a vehicle in Japan.

      Please let us know if you have any more questions.

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  19. Hi I’m American and my original license was American. However I converted my license to Hong Kong as I was domiciled in Hong Kong for many years and my US licenses have since expired. Can I rent a car as an American with a Hong Kong license and IDP?

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    1. Hello Tom, I apologize for the delayed response. To answer your question, yes you will be able to rent a car in Japan with a Hong Kong license and an IDP issued in Hong Kong. Just be sure to have your HK license, IDP, and government issued ID when driving in Japan.

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  20. Hi, can I ask for an IDP at the embassy if you are living abroad ? and how much time until you get one?
    Thank you

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    1. Hello Abdou,

      Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, you are not able to receive an IDP from the embassy. The IDP must be obtained from the country you are traveling. Thank you for your understanding!

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  21. Hi im from philippines, can i use my idp as it ease to drive in japan?can i drive my sisters car without going anywhere to show that i have an idp and giving me some other document, proof that im really allowed to drive.. tnx

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    1. Hello Cecille,

      As long as you have a valid IDP you are able to legally drive within Japan. Be sure to have both your IDP and passport with you when you drive.

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  22. I am holding Japan PR and i also have IDP issue by India. it is possible to hire car and drive ?

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  23. Hi! I’m from Spain and just got my IDP. I just wanted to know if I can drive a car only showing my IDP along with my passport (Or is it mandatory to bring my National driving license??). Also, do I need to bring a credit card? Thanks!

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  24. Hello, I live in Hong Kong but I have a UK Driving licence. If I apply a IDP from Hong Hong can I still rent a car in Japan?

    Thanks!

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    1. Hi Darrel!

      If you are able to obtain an IDP from Hong Kong, that should be valid within Japan.
      For specifics on whether or not you will be able to acquire an IDP from Hong Kong with a UK driving license, please contact an administrator at your local office issuing IDPs.

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      1. Hello, and thank you for your question! Unfortunately the Nepal IDP is not under the Geneva Convention and is therefore not able to be used in Japan. I am sorry for the inconvenience.

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  25. i am from Indonesia with international driving license , may i know if i can drive in japan?

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    1. Hello, and thank you for your question. Unfortunately IDPs from Indonesia are not valid under the Geneva Convention, and therefore not to be used within Japan. I am sorry for the inconvenience.

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  26. Is an International Driver’s license from another issuer other than AAA and AATA valid to use?

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  27. Hello,

    My name is Aris Munandar from Indonesia.
    I have IDP, can i rent and drive in Japan?

    Please advise

    Thanks

    Regards,
    Aris MR

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    1. Hello, and thank you for your question! Unfortunately the Indonesian IDP is not under the Geneva Convention and is therefore not able to be used in Japan. I am sorry for the inconvenience.

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  29. I thought Niconico rental car do not accept IDP 1949 or os it just some store that accepts IDP?

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    1. Hello Aleaf,

      You are correct, most of the franchise owned shops do not accept the IDP, however the shops listed on this website do accept the IDP (New Chitose Airport, Narita Airport, Shin-Yokohama Station, Center-Minami Station, Fukuoka Airport, Kagoshima Airport, and Nagasaki Airport).

      Hope this helps!

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  30. Hi toyota voxy is stated as commercial van in your website. will internation driving permit group a be able to drive it?

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    1. Hi Clinton,

      Thank you for your comment. We apologize for the confusion, but yes you will be able to drive a Toyota Voxy with just a normal license and IDP, you don’t need a commercial add-on.

      Hope this helps!

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    1. Hello and thank you for your comment.

      Yes in order to drive in Japan with a USA Driver’s License, you must also have an IDP.

      Hope this helps!

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  32. Hi I have an official driving licence from the U.K do I need and official idp aswell?

    Kind regards

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    1. Hello Wesley, my apologies for the delayed response.

      For travelers from the U.K. you must bring a valid passport, your UK issued Drivers License, and an IDP.

      Hope this helps!

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  33. Hi there, how about Indonesia Tourist. Can we drive in Japan?
    using only Japanese translate driving license?

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    1. Hello Linda, and thank you for your question!

      Unfortunately the Indonesia drivers license is not valid for driving in Japan, even with a translation. You would be required to obtain a Japanese Drivers license in order to drive in Japan.

      Hope this helps!

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  34. Hi, I have a valid Canadian Driver License, and would like to rental a car in period May30-Jun4. However, my IDP was issued Jun2 (a year ago). If that the case, can I still rent a car and drive in Japan. Thanks

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    1. Hello Mikael, and thank you for your question!

      I don’t have the full context of the situation. If you are already in Japan, I believe the IDP expires after a year and you would have to get a new one, probably requiring you to go back to Canada, or having one of your relatives or friends send it to Japan for you.

      If you are currently in Canada, the process of getting a new IDP should be pretty simple, and you will be good to drive in Japan.

      Hope this helps!

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  35. Hello,
    I’ll be traveling from Bulgaria to Japan in a few days and wanted to rent a car.
    I have an IDP issued from my country. On the front page it has Convention Geneve, 19 September 1949 written and below it has Vienne, 8 November 1968 written.
    Would this IDP be accepted in Japan to rent a car, since it has both conventions on the front page?

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    1. Hello Georgi,

      Yes Bulgaria is a valid signatory to the Geneva Convention of 1949 and you will be able to drive in Japan with it.

      I hope this helps!

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  36. Hi. I am holding Malaysia Passport. But I have stay in Singapore for the past 8 years and I’m a Permanenet Resident here in Singapore. So, I’m holding Singapore license and IDP from Singapore but I’m holding Malaysia Passport.

    So, can i drive in Japan with using IDP from Singapore and Singapore Driving License? Thank you.

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    1. Hello Wei,

      Thank you for your question. Since you are holding a Singapore Driver’s license you would just need an IDP from Singapore.
      The passport will just be used as Photo identification.

      I hope this helps!

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  37. Hello
    I am uddi. I saty in japan for 6 month i came here in December 2023.when i come in japan i bring a international driving licences. I drive here 3 month with that licences. But validity of my licence is finished already though validity of licence is 1 year. I tok it before May 2023 when i was in my country. As i know one can drive in japan with international driving licences from his entry date to japan within 1 year. So i planed to issued another international driving licences from my country by mail.now my concern is can i drive with that new internation driving licences licence till December 2024. I hope so you understand my question. I am from Bangladesh

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    1. Hello Uddi,

      It sounds like you are residing in Japan now. If that is the case it is not legal to use the IDP as a replacement for a permanent driver’s license.
      In your situation I would look to obtaining a driver’s license in Japan.

      Hope this helps!

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  38. Hello,
    I’m from Vietnam
    I have an IDP issued by IAA (International Automobile Association) in USA
    Can I use it to drive in Japan?

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    1. Hello Xuan,

      Unfortunately Vietnam is not a signatory of the 1949 Geneva Convention, and therefore the IDP issued in Vietnam is not accepted within Japan.
      I apologies for the inconvenience!

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  39. Hello I am holding Spouse Visa here in Japan and I just got my IDP from Philippines Can I drive and rent here in Niconico? Thankyou!

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  40. Hello,
    I have a Japanese Driver License and I already rented Niconico’s car through 2525r.com portal.
    This Autumn, a friend from USA will come to Japan and he has International Drivers License.
    We would like to rent a car in Tokyo, with me (Japanese Driver License holder) as main driver, and my friend (IDP holder) as secondary driver.
    Is it possible? Is there any restrictions on the available renting places?
    Thank you very much

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    1. Hello William,

      Unfortunately as of right now we only take the IDP at the locations listed on this website.
      The shops on 2525r.com are franchise shops and won’t necessarily have the systems to accept the IDP.

      I apologize for the inconvenience!

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  41. Hello, I am from the Philippines and I have obtained an Internationa Driving Permit from AAP. It’s in Geneva Convention format and they told me I can use it in Japan. Can I rent and drive a car from Niconico with this IDP? Also, I will be based in Sapporo, is there a shop in the city besides the one near Chitose?

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    1. Hello Ca,

      My apologies for the delayed response!

      Yes an IDP from the Philippines is valid to drive in Japan.

      We hope to see you here!

      返信

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