Converting your foreign driver’s license to a Japanese one can offer unparalleled convenience and flexibility, especially if you live outside the major metropolitan areas. If you already have a driver’s license from your home country, converting it to a Japanese license might be easier than you think. This blog will walk you through the entire process of converting your foreign driver’s license to a Japanese one.
Before we start, key points to know are that this blog aims to help expatriates, tourists, and international students who plan to drive in Japan. It covers eligibility, required documents, steps for conversion, tips, and FAQs, and includes useful Japanese phrases related to driving and documentation.
Step 1:
Understand the eligibility requirements. Basic criteria include having a valid foreign license, being a resident of Japan with a valid visa, and having stayed in the country where your license was issued for at least three months after obtaining it.
Step 2:
Gather the necessary documents. Here’s a checklist of the documents you’ll need: original foreign driver’s license, an official Japanese translation of your license from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) or your embassy/consulate, passport, residence card (在留カード, Zairyu Card), certificate of residence (住民票, Juminhyo), a passport-sized photo (3 cm x 2.4 cm) taken within the last six months, and documents proving your stay in the issuing country for at least three months after the license was issued.
In May 2025, Japan’s National Police Agency announced that they will require a junminhyo (certificate of residence)copy when converting foreign licenses, previously you could list a hotel address. They may also increase the number/difficulty of knowledge-test questions to enhance safety
Starting April 2025, JAF no longer accepts in-person or postal translation applications at its counters; only online submissions are accepted.
Step 3:
Visit the Driver’s License Center. Find your local Driver’s License Examination Center and schedule an appointment. Bring all the required documents with you. During the application process, you will need to fill out the necessary forms, submit your documents, and undergo a vision test to ensure you meet the required standards.
Step 4:
Written and practical tests. If your country is on Japan’s list for direct conversion, you may be exempt from written and practical tests. If your country is not on the list, you will need to take a written test on Japanese traffic rules and a practical driving test on an enclosed course.
Step 5:
Receive your Japanese license. Once all steps are completed, you will receive your Japanese driver’s license. The final issuance fee is about 2 000 yen.
Useful Japanese phrases and vocabulary
- driver’s license (運転免許証, Unten Menkyoshou)
- translation (翻訳, Honyaku)
- residence card (在留カード, Zairyu Kaado)
- certificate of residence (住民票, Juminhyo)
- eye test (視力検査, Shiryoku Kensa)
- written test (学科試験, Gakka Shiken)
- practical test (実技試験, Jitsugi Shiken)
Converting your foreign driver’s license to a Japanese one is a manageable process with the right preparation. Gather your documents, understand the requirements, and follow the steps outlined in this guide. Soon, you’ll be ready to hit the road in Japan. For more detailed guidance and updates, visit the Japan Automobile Federation’s official page.
Need more helpful guides for living in Japan? Check out our article on how to send mail in Japan, another essential skill for daily life!
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FAQ
How long does the conversion process take?
The process usually takes a few weeks and requires one to two visits to the Driver’s License Center.
Can I drive in Japan with an international driver's license?
Yes, but only temporarily. Long-term residents are required to convert their license.
Is the written test available in English?
Yes, the written test is available in English and other languages at most centers.
Do I need to take a driving test if I'm from my home country?
If your country is on Japan’s exemption list, you won’t need to take a practical or written test, just a vision test and document check.
How much does it cost to convert a driver's license in Japan?
Expect to pay around ¥3,000–¥4,000 for the official translation and ¥2,000 for the license issuance, plus possible test fees if required.
