Licence and passport

Driving Documents for Renting a Car in Japan

Check that your original documents are legally valid for driving in Japan before you reserve. Rental-company checks are additional to, not a replacement for, Japanese legal requirements.

Checked October 25, 2026. Confirm current weather, roads and provider conditions before travel.

BRING
Original documents
IDP
1949 Geneva format
ALSO
Passport required
01

There are three common document routes

You may drive with a Japanese licence, an eligible International Driving Permit under the 1949 Geneva Convention, or—only for specified countries and regions—your foreign licence plus an authorised Japanese translation.

Rules depend on issuing country, document format, validity and your date of entry into Japan. Check the National Police Agency before booking.

02

Bring the originals to the counter

Screenshots and photocopies are not substitutes for required originals. The booking name and renter must match, and additional drivers should bring their own valid documents.

03

Store language rules still apply

Nico Nico Iiyama requires the renter to personally complete the procedure in Japanese. An interpreter or translation app cannot be used to complete the contract. Other providers may have different rules.

FAQ

Questions before driving

Practical answers for planning your route and rental.

Is any International Driving Permit accepted?

No. Japan generally recognises permits under the 1949 Geneva Convention, subject to validity and entry-period rules.

Is a passport required?

International visitors using foreign or international driving documents should bring the original passport.

Can a friend translate at the counter?

Not at Nico Nico Iiyama; the renter must personally complete the procedure in Japanese.