How to Apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) at JPJ

An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required when Malaysians drive or rent a car overseas, but it is not compulsory for every destination. Check the destination’s driving rules and your rental company’s conditions before booking. JPJ issues Malaysia’s 1949 Geneva Convention IDP to eligible Malaysian driving licence holders.

This guide covers JPJ eligibility, documents, the RM150 one-year permit fee and practical counter preparation. An IDP does not replace your Malaysian licence or override a destination’s age, vehicle-class or length-of-stay rules.

Do you need an IDP for your destination?

The answer depends on where you will drive. For example, Singapore Police guidance exempts ASEAN licence holders from an IDP for qualifying short stays; a valid foreign driving licence is still needed. Do not apply this example to every country or to long-term residency.

For Malaysians driving in Japan, obtain a valid 1949 Geneva Convention IDP from JPJ and carry the required original documents. Japan’s National Police Agency guidance sets additional validity and entry-date limits. Check the authorised vehicle category and the rental operator’s minimum age, experience and insurance conditions as well.

International Driving Permit Eligibility Criteria

Before heading to a JPJ counter, check the official IDP application requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old, as stated in JPJ’s driving licence FAQ, and hold a valid Competent Driving Licence (CDL) with more than one year of validity remaining.
• Holders of a Probationary Driving License (P-Plate) or Learner’s Driving License (L-Plate) are not eligible to apply.
• Your name must not be blacklisted by JPJ or PDRM (Royal Malaysia Police).

International Driving Permit Required Documents

Please prepare the following documents before taking your queue number at the counter:

1. JPJ L1 Form (Driving License Application Form)
   • You can get this form for free at any JPJ counter or download it in advance from the official JPJ portal.
   • How to Fill Out: In Section A (Type of Application), fill in code 04 – PERMIT MEMANDU ANTARABANGSA (PMA). Fill in your personal information clearly using BLOCK LETTERS.
2. Identity Card (MyKad)
   • Bring your original MyKad along with one (1) photocopy of your MyKad (front and back).
3. Physical Driving License (CDL)
   • Bring your original, valid Malaysian CDL.
   • Important Note on Digital Licenses (MyJPJ): Do not rely on the MyJPJ app as your only driving document overseas. Arrange a physical Malaysian driving licence before departure. Under the MOT policy effective 23 January 2026, physical cards can be requested at JPJ and UTC counters without proof of overseas travel. The standard fee is RM20 for Malaysians; eligible free-card categories remain, including people aged 60 or above, A/A1 licence holders and JKM-registered persons with disabilities. Confirm counter availability rather than assuming immediate printing.
4. One (1) Passport-Sized Color Photo
   • JPJ lists one passport-sized colour photograph. Confirm the current photo specifications with the branch or photographer before your visit; do not assume a foreign passport-photo format is suitable.

Fees & Payment Method

• IDP Cost: RM150 for one year, according to JPJ’s fee table. A physical Malaysian licence card, if needed, is a separate transaction.
• Payment Method: Bring a debit or credit card with sufficient funds, and check the branch’s accepted payment methods before visiting.

Step-by-Step Application at the JPJ Counter

1. Visit a JPJ Office: JPJ lists state and branch offices for IDP applications. Check the chosen counter’s IDP service, opening hours and queue arrangements first; do not assume every UTC counter offers every transaction.
2. Get a Queue Number: Inform the officer on duty that you want to apply for an IDP.
3. Submit Documents & Form: When your number is called, hand over the completed JPJ L1 Form, the photocopy of your MyKad, your passport photo, and your original CDL for verification.
4. Make Payment: Pay the RM150 fee using a payment method accepted by the counter.
5. Collect Your IDP: JPJ’s client charter lists a 15-minute service time for an IDP application. Treat this as a service target, not a guaranteed total visit time: queues, incomplete documents and system availability can affect collection. Apply ahead of departure and confirm the details and vehicle class on the issued booklet.

Crucial Reminders While Abroad

• Carry Both Licenses: An IDP does not replace your Malaysian driving licence. Carry your valid original CDL and, when required for your destination or booking, the original IDP. Check whether your passport and other supporting documents must also be carried.
• Validity Period: JPJ issues the IDP for one year. The destination may allow driving for a shorter period based on your arrival date or residency status. Keep your underlying CDL valid and arrange a new IDP with JPJ when necessary; do not assume the permit extends automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions About International Driving Permit (IDP)

Planning a self-drive holiday in Japan

Preparing the correct documents before you fly can prevent avoidable problems at the rental counter, but an IDP alone does not guarantee a rental or permission to drive. Confirm licence class, age and driving experience requirements, insurance cover, local road rules and any additional-driver conditions with the operator.

For instance, if you have booked a pristine summer escape to Club Med Kiroro Grand or Club Med Tomamu in Hokkaido, a rental car can offer flexibility beyond resort transfers. Compare driving distances, parking, tolls and rental conditions before booking. Otaru is a convenient area to consider alongside Kiroro, rather than assuming every Hokkaido sightseeing stop is close to both resorts.

For Malaysian licence holders considering street karting in Japan, check the operator’s original-document and vehicle-class requirements before paying. The appropriate physical 1949 Geneva Convention IDP, Malaysian licence and passport should be prepared; a digital copy or an unofficial online “international licence” is not a substitute.

If you decide not to drive in Tokyo, compare our Narita Airport transport guide and Haneda Airport transport guide. Airport trains and buses can be a practical alternative to collecting a rental car in the city.

What should you prepare before applying for an International Driving Permit at JPJ?

Check your destination first, then prepare your valid CDL, identification, one passport-sized colour photograph, completed form and applicable fee. Recheck JPJ’s current requirements and the chosen counter’s arrangements before visiting, and allow enough time before departure to resolve any document issues.