Romanian licence holders who wish to drive in Japan, whether renting a vehicle or joining a go-kart tour, must obtain an International Driving Permit, known as the Permis de conducere internațional (PIC), that complies with Japan’s 1949 Geneva Convention requirements. This section summarises the relevant Romanian and Japanese official information.

Why Japan Only Accepts the 1949 Geneva Convention IDP

Japanese authorities clearly state that they recognize only IDPs issued by countries that are contracting states of the 1949 Geneva Convention and that follow the convention’s format and provisions.

The Japan Automobile Federation confirms that Romania appears among the contracting states to the 1949 Geneva Convention, which means Romania can issue PICs that are potentially valid in Japan when they are aligned with the 1949 format.

Romanian PIC and Official Framework

The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI) in Romania provides a service description for the international driving permit on its online portal HUB MAI. It explains that Romanian citizens with a valid national driving licence, whose right to drive has not been suspended or cancelled, can apply for an international driving permit. The service is implemented through the Direcţia Generală Permise de Conducere şi Înmatriculări (DGPCI), the national authority responsible for driving licences and vehicle registrations.

The Automobil Clubul Român (ACR) also describes the Permisul Internațional de Conducere as an important document for Romanians who want to drive abroad, issued by ACR and valid in many countries. It is presented as an official translation of the national licence.

For use in Japan, it is essential to ensure that the Romanian PIC is issued in conformity with the 1949 Geneva Convention, because Japan does not accept IDPs based only on the 1968 Vienna Convention.

How to Get an International Driving Permit in Romania

Based on MAI, DGPCI, and ACR information, the main steps are:

・hold a valid Romanian national driving licence, with no suspension or cancellation of your right to drive

・submit an application for the Permis de conducere internațional through DGPCI structures or through Automobil Clubul Român, depending on how the service is organised in your area

・provide the required documents, such as your licence, identification, and photographs, and pay the prescribed fee

・When you apply, you should specify that you need a PIC suitable for 1949-Convention countries such as Japan.

Validity and Use in Japan

Romanian sources emphasise that the PIC is a translation of your national licence and must always be used together with the domestic licence; it does not replace the Romanian licence itself.

Japanese rules add that a 1949-format IDP can be used in Japan for up to one year from your date of entry, regardless of any longer printed validity on the permit, as long as it has not expired. When driving in Japan, you must carry your Romanian licence, your PIC, and your passport to prove your entry date.

Documents Required to Drive in Japan

Romanian drivers who plan to drive or join a go-kart tour in Japan should bring:

・Romanian driver’s licence (original)

・international driving permit or PIC that is compatible with the 1949 Geneva Convention

・passport with the Japanese entry record

・rental agreement or tour booking confirmation and any required waivers

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common mistakes include:

・assuming that a PIC based only on the 1968 Vienna Convention will be accepted in Japan

・not specifying that a 1949-compatible PIC is required when applying

・forgetting to carry the Romanian licence together with the PIC

・attempting to drive in Japan more than one year after the date of entry with the same PIC

Final Checklist

Before you drive in Japan, confirm that:

・your Romanian PIC explicitly covers 1949-Convention countries such as Japan

・you always carry your licence, PIC, and passport together

・your planned driving period in Japan is within one year of your entry date and within the PIC’s validity

・Japanese rental car or go-kart operators agree in advance to accept your documents