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International Driving Permit

If you want to be able drive in Japan and have a driver's license, you can apply for an International Driving Permit in the country in which your drivers license was issued.

With the permit and a valid license from your home country you will be able to drive in foreign countries. The Driving Permit will be valid in any country except the country in which it was issued, so be sure to get one before you leave for your trip. One day should be plently of time to aquire your permit if you live in the USA and can go to an AAA office. The actual application process only takes a few minutes, and the permit is issued immediately.

The process to acquire an International Driving Permit is simple. Just go down to your local AAA office and inquire about the international permit there.

Passport pictures will be necessary for the International Driving Permit if you have some, bring them in and you can save yourself some money.

Other than that, all you need to do is fill out a form, and pay about 10 dollars and the permit is yours. Personally I had to pay about 35 dollars, for the cost of the pictures, and an extra charge since I am not an AAA member. There may be cheaper ways to get this done.

The permit will only be valid for one year, after which you will either need to apply for a new one, or just give in and get a real license for the country you are living in.

UPDATE 12-4-2003:
A replacement international permit is now only valid if you have been out of Japan for at least three months. For most people working in Japan this means that they must change to a japanese license within a year of arriving.

The International Driving Permit is valid in more than 150 nations. You should be able to use it no matter where you travel.

For more information about International Driving Permits visit Google and search for 'International Driving Permit'.

According to the official International Driving License page, "Having an International Driving Permit does not authorize the Holder to break the law(s) or endanger public safety."

Zannen.

- Created 5/2002

Travel in Japan: Drive: Housing Links: Choose a home: Surprises: J-News: Not Japan: J-Food: Jyan-ken-pon: Essential Vocabulary: Book List: Free Maps: Re-Entry Permit: Dani: Riding Trains: Yahoo Transit