The title says it all really. Going to Okinawa for CNY, would like to hire a car but have just discovered my husband’s British photo licence will expire soon. Not sure if we have time to get a new one from the UK, and apply for an international driving permit from the Japan office here before we fly out.
I drive in Japan regularly but I have a Taiwan driver’s license. All I needed to do was go to a local traffic office and apply for an international driver’s license and, most importantly, get a Japanese translation of said IDL at the same counter. Took about thirty minutes total. There is no “Japan office” as far as I’m aware. My understanding is that if I had had a valid driver’s license from another country the routine would have been the same. You’ll need a couple of passport style photos with you.
Thanks - do you mean the local traffic office here or in Japan can I ask?
Here. You don’t need to do anything in Japan. When I began the process of arranging to drive in Japan I went to the local quasi-official Japan Automobile Federation office and they told me I could make all arrangements in Taiwan, which turned out to be fact. I’ve rented cars in Japan no problem with my Taiwan driver’s license, Taiwan-issued international driver’s license and the Japanese translation of said IDL the local traffic office provides on the spot. Very simple and convenient.
Thanks, I’ll do that.
Oh well, it looks as though I won’t be driving in Japan. The vehicle licensing office here will only give international driving permits to holders of international licences or Taiwanese licences. I only have a British licence.