Last updated: June 19, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions about JAF Driver's License Translation in Japan
Can I drive in Japan with a German driver's license?
Yes. You may drive in Japan with a German driver's license if you also have an official Japanese translation. You must always carry your original driver's license and the translation while driving.
Can I drive in Japan with a Swiss driver's license?
Yes. A Swiss driver's license is valid in Japan if you also have an official Japanese translation.
Can I drive in Japan with a Belgian driver's license?
Yes. A Belgian driver's license is also accepted in Japan if you present it together with an official Japanese translation.
Can I drive in Japan with a French driver's license?
Yes. A French driver's license is recognized in Japan if you also carry an official Japanese translation.
Do I need an international driving permit with a German driver's license?
No. Germany is not part of the Geneva Convention system that Japan uses for International Driving Permits (IDP). Therefore, you do not need an IDP, but a Japanese translation of your driver's license. The international driving permit is not valid in Japan.
Do I need an international driving permit with a Swiss driver's license?
No, with a Swiss driver's license, you do not need an IDP for Japan, but an official Japanese translation. The international driving permit is not valid in Japan.
Who issues the official Japanese translation?
The translation must be recognized by the Japanese authorities. The Japan Automobile Federation, or JAF, is certified.
Can I apply for the JAF translation before arriving in Japan?
Yes, through service providers like DriveDocs Japan. DriveDocs Japan has a team on site in Japan that handles the application for you. You can only apply for the JAF translation yourself once you are in Japan.
How long does a JAF translation take?
Processing time depends on workload, holidays, and the chosen application method. Plan for at least three business days.
Can I rent a car in Japan with a translated driver's license?
Yes. Most car rental companies accept your original driver's license along with the official Japanese translation.
Do I also need to carry my passport when driving?
Yes. As a foreign driver, you must carry your passport, your original driver's license, and the Japanese translation.
Is the translation valid everywhere in Japan?
Yes. You can use the translation throughout Japan, for example in Hokkaido, Tokyo, Kyoto, Okinawa, and also in rural regions.
Can I drive in Okinawa with a German driver's license?
Yes. The same rules apply in Okinawa as in the rest of Japan.
Can I drive a camper van in Japan?
Yes. The crucial thing is that the vehicle category on your original driver's license and on the translation matches the rented vehicle.
Can I ride a motorcycle in Japan?
Only if the motorcycle category is listed on your original driver's license and the translation and is recognized under Japanese rules.
What happens if I lose my translation?
Generally, you must first obtain a replacement translation before you can legally continue driving. To do this, you must apply for a new translation, as the print code can only be used once.
Is a copy of my driver's license sufficient?
No. You should always carry the original physical driver's license.
Can I use a digital driver's license?
Japan generally requires the original driver's license document. It's best to check the current requirements again before your trip.
Will the Japanese translation be accepted by the police?
Yes. The translation is precisely intended to be presented with your original driver's license during a check or traffic stop.
Can I get the translation urgently?
With the express option, you usually get your translation in 1 - 3 business days. However, whether quick processing is possible depends on the provider and the current situation.
Does the translation expire?
The translation itself is valid as long as the information does not differ from your driver's license. If you need to renew your driver's license, you will receive a new driver's license number, and then the translation will no longer be valid.
Can residents of Japan also drive with a translated foreign driver's license?
Different rules apply to residents. Anyone living in Japan for more than one year must convert their foreign driver's license to a Japanese driver's license.
Which countries need a JAF translation instead of an international driving permit?
These include Germany, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Monaco, and Taiwan.
May I drive immediately after receiving the translation?
Yes, you may drive immediately if you have your original Japanese driver's license translation with you.
Does every car rental company in Japan require a Japanese translation?
Yes. Car rental companies require the documents mandated by Japanese law for vehicle pickup.
Further Frequent Questions
Can I drive from Tokyo to Mount Fuji with a foreign driver's license?
Yes, this is a recommended route. If you have a valid driver's license and the required Japanese translation, you may legally drive between Tokyo and the area around Mount Fuji.
Can I rent a car at Narita Airport with a driver's license translation?
Yes, car rental companies at Narita Airport accept eligible foreign driver's licenses if you also present the required Japanese translation.
Can I drive in Hokkaido in winter?
Yes. However, you should be aware that road conditions in Hokkaido in winter can be challenging. Snow, ice, and poor visibility often make driving more difficult. Check if your rental car has snow chains.
Is driving in Okinawa recommended for tourists?
Yes, we can personally recommend Okinawa by car. Many of the beaches and attractions are only accessible by car.
Can I use expressways and toll roads in Japan?
Yes. With a rental car, you can use Japan's extensive expressway network. Many travelers also choose an ETC card to simplify toll payments.
Application & Process
How much does a Japanese driver's license translation cost?
The translation itself costs 6,000 Yen at JAF. You will also need to budget 40 Yen for printing at 7-Eleven. Here you can find a provider comparison.
How do I apply for a Japanese driver's license translation?
You upload pictures of your driver's license and provide a few details about your trip (When do you arrive?). With this information, we can apply for your translation.
What documents do I need for a driver's license translation?
You need a valid driver's license. We will take care of everything else.
Can I apply for the translation while I am still outside Japan?
Through DriveDocs Japan, you can apply for your JAF driver's license translation even outside Japan. If you want to do it yourself, you must be in Japan.
Can someone else apply for me?
Yes, as DriveDocs Japan, we will submit the application on your behalf. The crucial thing is that you provide us with the necessary information.
Common Problems & Solutions
My print code has expired. What should I do?
If your print code expires before use, you can inform us, and we will create a new code for you. Please check this in good time and not shortly before picking up your rental car.
My driver's license is damaged. Can I still apply?
Minor signs of wear are often not a problem. It is important that all information on the driver's license remains clearly visible and legible. For severely damaged documents, you may not be able to rent a car.
My name is spelled differently in my passport than on my driver's license. Is that a problem?
Yes, different spellings can trigger additional checks. If possible, you should clarify such discrepancies before applying.
What happens if I lose my passport while driving in Japan?
You should immediately contact the local authorities and your embassy or consulate. Whether you can continue driving may depend on when replacement documents are available.
What happens if my driver's license expires during my trip?
You need a valid driver's license. If your original driver's license expires during the trip, your driving authorization becomes invalid.
Country-Specific Questions
Can German nationals drive in Japan?
Yes. With a German driver's license, you may drive in Japan if you have your original driver's license and the required Japanese translation with you.
Can Swiss nationals drive in Japan?
Yes. Swiss driver's licenses are recognized if you also carry the appropriate Japanese translation.
Can Belgian nationals drive in Japan?
Yes. With a Belgian driver's license and the required translation, you may drive in Japan.
Can French nationals drive in Japan?
Yes. French driver's licenses are accepted together with an official Japanese translation.
Can citizens of Monaco drive in Japan?
Yes. Monaco is among the states and territories whose driver's licenses can be used together with a recognized Japanese translation.
Questions about Car Rental
Does Toyota Rent a Car accept translated foreign driver's licenses?
Yes, be sure to bring the original documents (foreign driver's license, Japanese driver's license translation, passport) for vehicle pickup.
Does Nissan Rent a Car accept translated foreign driver's licenses?
Yes, be sure to bring the original documents (foreign driver's license, Japanese driver's license translation, passport) for vehicle pickup.
Does Times Car Rental accept foreign driver's licenses?
Yes, provided you present all legally required documents (Japanese driver's license translation) when renting.
Does ORIX Rent a Car accept Swiss driver's licenses?
Yes. With a Swiss driver's license and a Japanese translation, you can rent a vehicle. Please be sure to bring the original documents.
What documents do car rental companies check in Japan?
Car rental companies in Japan usually check the following documents:
- Original driver's license
- Japanese translation
- Passport
- Additional identification, if required
- The payment method (credit card) you used for booking
It is safest to check the exact requirements directly with your chosen car rental provider before your arrival.
