Documents to carry while driving in Japan (2026)
Last reviewed: 7 November 2026
In short: Japan requires the driving licence, the vehicle inspection certificate and the compulsory insurance certificate to be carried. Fines differ for each document.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Driving licenceCarrying documents while driving | A person holding a licence must carry the licence when driving a motor vehicle and must show it when a police officer asks (Road Traffic Act, Article 95). [1] |
| Vehicle registration papersCarrying documents while driving | A motor vehicle must carry its vehicle inspection certificate (shakensho) to be used on the road (Road Transport Vehicles Act, Article 66(1)). [2] |
| Proof of insuranceCarrying documents while driving | A motor vehicle must carry its compulsory liability insurance certificate (jibaiseki) to be used on the road (Automobile Liability Security Act, Article 8). [3] |
| Identity documentCarrying documents while driving | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Fine for not carrying documentsCarrying documents while driving | Not carrying the licence: a fine of up to 20,000 yen or a petty fine. No inspection certificate in the vehicle: a fine of up to 500,000 yen. No compulsory insurance certificate: a fine of up to 300,000 yen. [1] |
Notes
- No general national rule to carry an identity document while driving was found in the laws read.
Sources
- e-Gov (Digital Agency) - Road Traffic Act: 道路交通法 (Act No. 105 of 1960), law data API (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
- e-Gov (Digital Agency) - Road Transport Vehicles Act: 道路運送車両法 (Act No. 185 of 1951), law data API (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
- e-Gov (Digital Agency) - Automobile Liability Security Act: 自動車損害賠償保障法 (Act No. 97 of 1955), law data API (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.