Drive in Japan with a Nepali Driving Licence

Moving to Japan for work or study, or visiting on holiday, and want to drive? Here's what Nepali licence holders should know, and how to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) from Nepal without visiting an office.

Get my IDP

Can I drive in Japan with my Nepali licence?

Visitors who drive in Japan are generally expected to carry an International Driving Permit together with their original Nepali driving licence. The IDP translates your licence into several languages so police and car rental companies can read it. It does not replace your licence. Always carry both.

How long a visitor may drive, and when residents must switch to a local licence, are decided by Japan's authorities and can change. Confirm the current rules with the local traffic authority or your car rental company before you drive.

Japan only recognises International Driving Permits issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Check with the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) or the Japanese embassy whether your permit will be accepted before you plan to drive.

Driving in Japan at a glance

  • Traffic drives on the left, the same as in Nepal.
  • Carry your original Nepali licence, your IDP and your passport whenever you drive.
  • The digital IDP arrives by email, and the printed card + booklet can be delivered to your address in Japan.
  • Renting a car? Check the rental company's licence and age requirements when you book.

How to get your IDP from Nepal for Japan

  • Upload a photo of your Nepali driving licence. Our AI reads it and fills in the form for you to check.
  • Add your photo and signature now, or upload them later.
  • Our team reviews your application within 24 hours and sends payment details on WhatsApp.
  • Get your digital IDP by email. The printed booklet ships to Nepal or straight to Japan.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an IDP to drive in Japan with a Nepali licence?

Visitors are generally expected to carry an IDP with their Nepali licence in Japan, and car rental companies often ask for one. Rules can change, so confirm with the local authority before you drive.

Can you deliver my IDP to Japan?

Yes. The digital IDP is emailed to you, and the printed card + booklet can be shipped to your address in Japan. Delivery time depends on the courier you choose at checkout.

Which side of the road do they drive on in Japan?

Japan drives on the left, like Nepal.

I'm already in Japan. Can I still apply?

Yes. Apply online with your Nepali licence from anywhere. We review it, confirm the price on WhatsApp, and deliver the digital copy by email.

नेपाली लाइसेन्सले जापानमा गाडी चलाउने

काम, पढाइ वा घुमफिरका लागि जापान जाँदै हुनुहुन्छ र त्यहाँ गाडी चलाउने योजना छ? नेपाली लाइसेन्सधारीले जान्नुपर्ने कुरा, र अफिस नगई नेपालबाट International Driving Permit (IDP) कसरी लिने, यहाँ छ।