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After that, foreign drivers must apply for and receive a Japanese driver license. Why Do Americans Have to Take a Driving Test?įoreigners are only able to drive on an international driver license for up to 12 months. International Driving Permits should cost only US$20, though they are sold online for as much as US$300. Read what AAA and the Department of State say before you put down any money. There are, however, many scams on the Internet charging significant fees for licenses and/or making false statements. The Department has designated the American Automobile Association (AAA) as the only authorized distributors of IDPs. Department of State to empower certain organizations to issue IDPs to those who hold valid U.S. Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic (1949) authorizes the U.S. You can obtain a valid IDP only from an automobile association authorized by the U.S. You can locate the AAA office nearest you in the U.S.The Department of State has a special section on its web site concerning Road safety overseas including IDPs.Learn about getting your IDP from American Automobile Association in the U.S.state license in addition to an IDP to drive in Japan.įollow these links to learn more about getting an IDP: In other words, you must also have a valid U.S. state licenses and should only be used as a supplement to a valid license. Note that IDP’s are not intended to replace valid U.S. IDP’s must be obtained prior to arriving in Japan. Obtaining an International Driving PermitĪn international driving permit issued in the United States by the American Automobile Association (AAA) is required of short-term visitors who drive in Japan. Read what the Japanese Police have to say about International Driving Permits.
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Driving without a license may also void your insurance coverage. Persons using an international drivers license who are resident in Japan can be subject to fines or arrest. “Residents” are expected to convert or obtain a Japanese drivers license. You cannot obtain an International Driving Permit at the Embassy.
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“International Driving Permits” are not a medium-to-long term substitute for a Japanese driver’s license. Persons found driving in Japan without a legal license are subject to fines, arrest and possible deportation. Americans cannot drive in Japan with only a U.S.
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