Car rental guides: licence rules, road rules and booking tips
Whether your licence is valid, what to bring and the local road rules that trip visitors up, destination by destination.
South Korea
Jeju car rental
You need a valid Korean driving licence for the car class. Minimum age and years of driving experience are set by each rental company, so check the terms before booking.
Japan
Okinawa car rental
Korean licence holders can drive in Japan with a Korean IDP issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, for up to one year from entry into Japan (and within the IDP's own 1-year validity). IDPs under other conventions are not valid. Rental companies also ask for your Korean licence and passport.
Japan
Fukuoka car rental
Korean licence holders can drive in Japan with a Korean IDP issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, for up to one year from entry into Japan (and within the IDP's own 1-year validity). IDPs under other conventions are not valid. Rental companies also ask for your Korean licence and passport.
Japan
Hokkaido car rental
Korean licence holders can drive in Japan with a Korean IDP issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, for up to one year from entry into Japan (and within the IDP's own 1-year validity). IDPs under other conventions are not valid. Rental companies also ask for your Korean licence and passport.
Japan
Osaka car rental
Korean licence holders can drive in Japan with a Korean IDP issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, for up to one year from entry into Japan (and within the IDP's own 1-year validity). IDPs under other conventions are not valid. Rental companies also ask for your Korean licence and passport.
Guam
Guam car rental
Under 16 GCA §3101(c)(1), a holder of a valid licence from the Republic of Korea may drive in Guam for up to 30 days from arrival. Rental companies set their own minimum age and may ask for extra documents.
Northern Mariana Islands
Saipan car rental
9 CMC §2203(b): a person over 16 with a valid licence from outside the CNMI may drive for 30 days from entry. Rental companies set their own minimum age.
United States
Hawaii car rental
Per the Honolulu DMV FAQ, a driver at least 18 with a valid foreign licence may use it for up to one year after entry. An IDP is strongly recommended (for 1949 Geneva Convention countries such as Korea).
Vietnam
Da Nang car rental and car with driver
Vietnam follows the 1968 Vienna Convention while Korea issues 1949 Geneva IDPs, but a bilateral agreement in force since 23 July 2023 recognises Korean IDPs. Carry the IDP, your Korean licence and your passport together.