Country by country
The rule that matters on a multi-country trip is the strictest one on the route: you carry a permit for the whole journey or you do not. Here the strictest is Japan (required).
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Japan Required
IDP required (1949 Geneva Convention type only). Must be issued by AAA or AATA. Strictly enforced.
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South Korea Required
Korea's Road Traffic Act lets you drive on an international driving permit, and Korea recognizes only 1949 Geneva Convention permits - which is what AAA issues. Carry it with your US license: driving without one counts as unlicensed driving.
| Destination | IDP | What the rule says |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | Required | IDP required (1949 Geneva Convention type only). Must be issued by AAA or AATA. Strictly enforced. |
| South Korea | Required | Korea's Road Traffic Act lets you drive on an international driving permit, and Korea recognizes only 1949 Geneva Convention permits - which is what AAA issues. Carry it with your US license: driving without one counts as unlicensed driving. |
Driving on a licence from somewhere else?
Every answer above assumes a US licence. Open this trip in the checker to switch the issuing country, add or remove destinations, and see the verdicts change.
Other trips
Informational only, not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with the destination's embassy or your automobile association before you drive.