Yes. Australians can drive in Japan on an International Driving Permit carried with their Australian licence. The permit must come from the Australian Automobile Association, which sells it through the state and territory motoring clubs such as the NRMA in New South Wales and RACQ in Queensland. Nobody else in Australia is authorised to issue one.
Who sells the permit?
The AAA and its member clubs. Both the NRMA and RACQ say so on their permit pages, and both warn about third-party websites that sell look-alikes. The price is AUD 55, with postage on top if you have it sent.
RACQ takes applications online at any hour and lets you choose delivery or pick-up at some of its branches. If time is short and you're in New South Wales, the NRMA says the quickest way is its head office at Sydney Olympic Park.
Why does Japan accept it?
Because it's issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. Japan recognises permits under that convention and no other, and Australia has been a party since 1954, according to the UN treaty records.
How long does it last?
Twelve months from the date of issue, the NRMA says. In Japan you can use it for up to a year from the day you land, but never beyond the permit's own expiry, so there's no point buying it too far ahead.
Is the app version of my licence enough?
Don't count on it. The permit is a translation of the licence it was issued with and is meant to travel with that licence. Bring the plastic card, the permit and your passport, and keep all three in the car.
Will driving in Japan feel strange?
Less than for most visitors. Japan drives on the left with right-hand-drive cars, the same as home. What's new is smaller stuff: narrow lanes in older towns, lower speed limits than you might expect (see our speed limit guide) and tolled expressways, which we explain in paying tolls without an ETC card.
Snow, or somewhere warmer?
Plenty of Australians come for the powder in Hokkaido and Nagano. We live at the other end of the country, in Fukuoka on Kyushu, where we rent campervans under the name VAN TRIP JAPAN. If a road trip with hot springs sounds better than a ski lift, the note at the end of this page is ours.
Checked against the NRMA and RACQ International Driving Permit pages, the UN Treaty Collection and Japan's National Police Agency guidance in September 2026. Karen and Doko Shibagaki, Camjyo Inc., Fukuoka.
