Yes. Americans can drive in Japan with an International Driving Permit carried together with their state driver's licence. The US Department of State authorises two organisations to issue that permit: AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Which state issued your licence makes no difference.
Where do I get the permit?
From AAA or AATA, and it has to happen in the United States. AAA describes itself as one of the two official issuers and notes that a permit for a US licence can only be issued in the US, so sort it out before you fly.
AAA charges $20 for the permit and $10 for the passport photo, plus shipping. If you apply online, allow five business days of processing and then the mail. The permit is printed and posted to you. There is no digital version.
Are the "international driver's licence" websites legit?
No. A card or PDF from some other website is not an International Driving Permit, whatever it's called, and Japan won't treat it as one. If the seller isn't AAA or AATA, it isn't the document you need.
Which kind of permit does Japan accept?
Only permits issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. The United States signed that convention in 1949 and ratified it in 1950, so a permit from either issuer qualifies. Japan is not a party to the later 1968 Vienna convention.
How long can I drive on it in Japan?
Up to a year from the day you enter the country, as long as the permit hasn't expired before that. Carry the permit, your licence and your passport together. The passport shows your entry date if the police ask.
What will feel different?
Traffic keeps left. Plan an easy first hour, ideally outside a big city, and go slowly through the first few turns, where the reflex to keep right is strongest. The other surprise for many drivers is the toll system. We've explained how to pay tolls without an ETC card, and how rental insurance works here, which isn't quite like at home.
Any tips on where to drive?
We're biased. We live in Fukuoka on Kyushu and rent campervans there under the name VAN TRIP JAPAN, and our guests include travellers from the Americas. There's a note about it at the end of this page.
Checked against AAA's International Driving Permit page, the AATA website, the UN Treaty Collection and Japan's National Police Agency guidance in September 2026. Karen and Doko Shibagaki, Camjyo Inc., Fukuoka.
