If you change your place of residence, you will need to change the address on your driver's license. There are several documents required to change your address.

Also, you can go through the process more smoothly if you understand the procedure in advance. Understand the necessary documents and procedure, and complete the address change on your driver's license.

Changes to your current address, domicile, and nationality on your driver's license

There are three things you can change on your driver's license: your current address, your registered domicile, and your nationality. Depending on the situation, you will need to go through the change procedures for each.

Current address

The address listed on your driver's license is your current address. Your current address is the address you currently live at and is registered with your local city, town or village office.

Even if you change your residence certificate when you move, the current address on your driver's license will not automatically change. Therefore, to change the address on your driver's license, you must change the address on your driver's license as well as your residence certificate.

Permanent domicile

Although your driver's license does not state your registered domicile, the information is registered in an IC chip embedded in your driver's license. A registered domicile is a public document that records births, marriages, deaths, etc.

Official documents are documents prepared by public officials in the government or government offices, and registered domiciles can be said to be officially registered. If you change your registered domicile or if your current address is different from your registered domicile, you will need to renew your driver's license.

nationality

Nationality is a registration of which country you belong to, and in many cases, you basically acquire the nationality of the country you were born in.

Like your permanent domicile, your nationality is not listed on your driver's license, but the information is registered in an IC chip. Therefore, if your nationality changes, you will need to go through the license renewal process.

Steps for changing your address on your driver's license

In order to smoothly complete the address change on your driver's license, you need to know the procedure in advance. Find out where you can complete the procedure and complete the address change without any problems.

Go to the police station or driver's license exam center

You can change your address on your driver's license at the police station, driver's license renewal center, or driver's license testing center that has jurisdiction over your new address.

Address changes can be made not only by the person himself or herself, but also by an agent. If a representative is carrying out the procedure, in addition to the usual required documents, the representative's identity verification documents, seal, and power of attorney will also be required.

Please keep in mind that a representative can only change your address, and cannot process your driver's license replacement if it is lost.

Documents required for changing address on driver's license

• Notification of change of information on driver's license
• driver's license
• Documents confirming new address
• Power of attorney if requesting a representative
• Alien registration certificate if you are a foreigner

In addition to the above, some items may be required depending on your region. I will explain each in detail.

Notification of change of information on driver's license

If you go to a police station, driver's license renewal center, or driver's license testing center and inform them of your change of address, you will be given a notification form for change of information on your driver's license. Take it and fill out the necessary information.

driver's license

You will need your driver's license to change your address. Your driver's license will not be reissued when you change your address. Your new address will be printed on the back of your current driver's license. Your new address will be printed on the front of your driver's license the next time you renew your license.

Documents confirming new address

When changing the address on your driver's license, you will also need documents that can verify your new address. Please prepare the following documents that show not only your new address but also your name.

• Resident record without My Number
• My number card
• Health insurance card
• pension book
• postmarked mail
• utility bill receipt

When changing your address, please bring one of the documents listed above.

Power of attorney if requesting a representative

If you are requesting an agent to change your address, a power of attorney is required.

If an agent changes the address, the agent's ID, the driver's license of the person changing the address, and a copy of the residence certificate showing both the agent and the agent are required. Valid ID for the agent include a driver's license, My Number card, passport, and health insurance card.

Alien registration certificate if you are a foreigner

If a foreigner changes address, an alien registration certificate is required. Also, if you want to change your nationality, be sure to prepare documents that can show your residence status, such as a residence card or special permanent resident certificate.

Some things may be required depending on the region.

Depending on the area you are applying in, you may need to provide a personal seal or a photo for your driver's license. A personal seal is fine. The photo should be 3.0 cm long x 2.4 cm wide and taken within 6 months of the application.

It is important to call your local police station in advance to find out what documents are required.

The license process takes approximately 2 weeks

There is no clear deadline for changing your address on your driver's license. However, if you put it off just because there is no deadline, you are likely to forget.

Most procedures that you need to complete after moving have a deadline of "within two weeks." There is no deadline for changing the address on your driver's license, but we recommend that you do it within two weeks, just like other procedures, so as not to forget.

Tips for changing your address on your driver's license

If you are changing the address on your driver's license, here are some things to remember:

• No address change fees
• Check the reception hours of the counter
• If you want to complete the procedure on a day other than weekdays, go to the driver's license exam center.

By keeping these points in mind, you can change your address without stress.

No address change fees

There is no fee for changing your address on your driver's license. While there is a fee for renewing your license or replacing it if it is lost, there is no fee for changing your address.

Check the reception hours of the counter

License renewal centers and police stations have lunch breaks, and address change procedures are not accepted during those hours. The opening hours of the counter vary depending on the region, so be sure to check in advance. By checking the reception hours, you can save yourself the trouble of waiting or having to come back.

If you want to complete the procedure on a day other than weekdays, go to the driver's license exam center.

Address change procedures are only possible at the police station during the daytime on weekdays. If you wish to complete the procedure on a day other than weekdays, please head to a driver's license examination center or license renewal center.

However, driver's license exam centers are closed during the year-end and New Year holidays and on Saturdays and holidays, so be sure to check in advance to see when they can accept applications.

What happens if you don't change the address on your driver's license?

There is no deadline for changing your address on your driver's license, so many people may forget to do so. Although there is no deadline for changing your address, we will introduce some specific problems that can occur if you do not change your address.

be subject to punishment

Driving without updating the address on your driver's license may be subject to criminal penalties. Article 94, paragraph 1 of the Road Traffic Act stipulates that you must change the address on your license. Article 121, paragraph 1 stipulates that failure to change your address will result in a fine of up to 20,000 yen. Be sure to complete the procedure promptly after moving.

Source: https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/document?lawid=335AC0000000105

I haven't received my driver's license renewal postcard

Your driver's license needs to be renewed every few years, and you will receive a postcard when it's time to renew it.

This renewal postcard will be sent to the address registered on your driver's license, so if you have not changed your address, you will not receive it. If the postcard is sent to your previous address, your license may have already expired by the time you notice it.

Be sure to change your address to avoid the risk of losing your license.

Disadvantages of not changing the address on your driver's license

There are various disadvantages to not changing the address on your driver's license.

• You can't use your driver's license as identification
• License renewal process becomes complicated
• Procedures for traffic violations become complicated

Understand the disadvantages and understand the necessity of changing your address.

You can't use your driver's license as identification

A driver's license can be used as a photo ID in many situations, but there are some cases where it cannot be used unless you have changed your address. For example, when taking out a loan or opening a bank account, your current address and the address on your driver's license must be the same.

A major disadvantage is that if your current address information does not match the address on your driver's license, it cannot be used as identification.

License renewal process becomes complicated

One of the disadvantages of not changing your address is that it will be a hassle to go through the process of renewing your license. If you do not change your address, renewal postcards will be sent to your old address. If the previous address is your parents' home and someone who can contact you lives there, there will be no problem receiving the package.

However, license renewals must be done in the jurisdiction of the previous address, so if you move across prefectures, you will have to travel to the area each time you renew your license.

Also, if someone else lives at your previous address, they may not be aware of the renewal postcard and your license may become invalid. If your license expires, you will need to go through the process of re-acquiring it, so keep in mind that the process of renewing your license can be a hassle.

Procedures for traffic violations become complicated

If you commit a traffic violation, the necessary documents may be sent to the address listed on your driver's license. If you have not changed your address, not only will a notice of the violation be sent to your previous address, but you will also need to go to the police station in the area that has jurisdiction over your previous address.

One of the disadvantages is that not being able to contact your current address makes communication complicated and increases the amount of time required to complete the procedure.

Change your address on your driver's license as soon as possible

If you change your address or registered domicile, you should promptly change the address on your driver's license. Even if you move your residence card, the address on your driver's license will not change automatically; you will need to go through the procedure yourself.

There are various disadvantages to not changing your address, and in some cases you may be subject to fines. In order to avoid unnecessary hassle and expense, when you change your address or registered domicile, be sure to also change the address on your driver's license before you forget.