How do I get an international driving permit in Japan from Osaka?

If you hold a valid Japanese driver’s license and live in or near Osaka, you can get an International Driving Permit (IDP) from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) by applying at a JAF service center or by mail; JAF issues the Geneva‑format IDP and often provides it on the spot [1]. If you only hold a foreign license while residing in Japan, you generally cannot get an IDP from JAF and should obtain one from your home country before arriving or pursue license conversion at the Osaka driver’s license center [1][4].

Who can get an IDP in Japan

JAF issues IDPs to holders of a valid Japanese driver’s license (regular or provisional) who are residents in Japan and present the original license at application time; JAF follows the 1949 Geneva Convention format for IDPs issued in Japan [1]. Visitors or residents who possess only a foreign license in Japan normally must obtain an IDP from their home-country issuing authority before travel — JAF does not issue IDPs based on a foreign license held in Japan [1][3].

What an IDP allows and its validity

An IDP translates your Japanese license information into multiple languages and lets you drive in many countries that recognize the 1949 Geneva Convention IDP. JAF notes that an IDP issued in Japan is normally valid for one year from the date of issue or until the domestic license expires — confirm the exact expiration when you apply [1]. For rules about whether your destination accepts an IDP, check that country’s embassy/consulate and JAF guidance before you travel [1][3].

Documents required to apply in Osaka

Before you go to a JAF office in Osaka, prepare the following items as stated by JAF:

• Your valid Japanese driver’s license (original) [1].
• A passport-size photo that meets JAF’s current specifications (confirm dimensions and recent‑photo rules on JAF’s site) [1][2].
• A completed JAF IDP application form (available at offices and on JAF’s website) [1].
• Official ID/residence verification such as a Residence Card (在留カード) or passport if requested by the office [1].

Step-by-step application (in-person and by mail)

In-person application (typical):

1. Find a JAF service center or counter that serves Osaka and check hours and whether walk-ins are accepted [1][2].
2. Bring the original Japanese license, photo, and ID; pick up and fill the application form if you didn’t download it in advance [1].
3. Pay the fee at the counter (confirm current amount on JAF’s site). Many JAF offices issue the IDP immediately during the visit [1].
4. Confirm the issued IDP’s validity date and keep both your Japanese license and the IDP when driving abroad [1].

By-mail application (where available):

1. Download JAF’s IDP application form and follow the mail-in instructions on JAF’s website; include a photocopy of your Japanese license, the required photo, and any identity documents JAF requests [1].
2. Include payment as instructed (postal transfer or enclosed payment) and a stamped return envelope if requested. Processing timelines vary — check JAF for current lead times [1][2].

Where to apply in Osaka (JAF offices and counters)

Apply at an official JAF service center or designated counter serving Osaka. Check JAF’s office list to locate the nearest branch such as the JAF Osaka Branch (JAF大阪支部) and other local service points — JAF’s site lists current office locations and services [2]. For travelers arriving or departing by air, Kansai International Airport (KIX) is a practical transit hub for car rental and transport connections; confirm whether JAF has a counter or whether you should visit a city office instead [5][1]. For matters related to converting a foreign license to a Japanese license, use the Osaka Prefectural Driver’s License Center (details and procedures are summarized by the U.S. Embassy’s driving guidance for Japan) [4].

Fees, processing time and hours

JAF sets the IDP fee and photo specifications; fees and office hours can change, so always confirm current rates and opening times on JAF’s English or Japanese pages before you go [1][2]. Many JAF service centers issue an IDP the same day for in-person applicants, but mail applications will take longer — check the JAF page for estimated processing timelines and acceptable payment methods [1].

Special cases: foreign license holders and conversions

If you hold only a foreign driver’s license while living in Japan, JAF will not issue an IDP based on that foreign license; instead, obtain an IDP from your home-country automobile authority before arriving in Japan, or convert your license to a Japanese license through the Osaka Prefectural Driver’s License Center following prefectural procedures [1][4]. The U.S. Embassy and consulates in Japan also provide guidance for U.S. citizens on license conversion and local driving rules [4].

Practical tips and next steps

• Confirm photo size and form details on JAF’s English IDP page before printing photos or traveling to an office [1].
• Check JAF Osaka office hours and whether you need an appointment — some counters in urban areas have limited hours or require appointments [2].
• Before driving abroad, verify your destination country accepts the 1949 Geneva Convention IDP or requires a different document by consulting that country’s embassy/consulate and JAF recommendations [1][3].
• If you plan to rent a car after arriving at Kansai International Airport, compare car-rental counter locations and insurance rules via JNTO’s car rental guidance and factor the IDP into your rental booking [5].

Following these steps will get you an IDP in Osaka if you already hold a valid Japanese license. For the most up-to-date forms, fees and office locations in Osaka, use the JAF English page and the JAF office list, and consult the Osaka prefectural driver’s license center or your embassy for conversion questions [1][2][4][5].

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Sources

1. International Driving Permit (IDP) — Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) — English
2. Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) — Official website (Japanese)
3. Driving in Japan — Japan Guide
4. Driving in Japan — U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Japan (Local resources)
5. Travel tips — Renting and driving a car in Japan — Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)