How to Convert Your Foreign Driver’s License in Osaka (Gaimen Kirikae) 2025

If you’re a resident of Osaka and hold a valid foreign driver’s license, you may be eligible to convert it to a Japanese license through the 外免切替 (Gaimen Kirikae) process. We have made a comprehensive guide which will walk you through the requirements, procedures, and tips to navigate the process specific to Osaka.

Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, it’s important to check whether you meet the eligibility requirements. Only applicants who satisfy these conditions will be allowed to convert their license.

To qualify for Gaimen Kirikae in Osaka, you must meet the following conditions:

• Valid Foreign License: Your foreign driver’s license must be current and not expired.
  
• Proof of Residency: You must have legal residence in Japan. Starting October 1, 2025, all applicants are required to submit a Certificate of Residence (住民票) to prove legal residence in Japan. This means tourists and short-term visitors are no longer eligible.
  
• Minimum Stay in Issuing Country: You must have resided in the country where your license was issued for at least three months after obtaining your license
  

Required Documents

To make your application as smooth as possible, gather all necessary documents in advance. The documents listed below are required for Osaka’s Gaimen Kirikae process:

1. Valid Foreign Driver’s License: Original license; expired licenses are not accepted.
   
2. Japanese Translation: Obtain a certified Japanese translation of your foreign license from:
   
   • Ziplus (Check which countries we support here)
     
   • Japan Automobile Federation (JAF)
     
   • Your home country’s embassy or consulate
     
3. Passport: To verify your identity and travel history.
   
4. Certificate of Residence (住民票): Must include your nationality and current address in Japan.
   
5. Additional Documents: Depending on your situation, you may need:
   
   • Previous passports to prove your stay in the issuing country.
     
   • A driving experience certificate if your license lacks an issuance date (police.pref.osaka.lg.jp).
     

Where to Apply in Osaka

Osaka Prefecture has designated Driver’s License Examination Centers where foreign license conversion is handled. Below are the main centers along with key details:

• Kadoma Driver’s License Examination Center
  
  • Address: 23-16 Ichibancho, Kadoma City, 571-8555
    
  • Access: Furukawabashi Station
    
  • Reception Hours: Fridays, 15:00–17:00 (advance reservation required)
    
• Komyoike Driver’s License Examination Center
  
  • Address: 5-13-1 Fushiya-chō, Izumi-shi, 594-0031
    
  • Access: Komyoike Station
    
  • Reception Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:45–9:30 (except holidays)

Application Process

The Gaimen Kirikae process in Osaka involves multiple steps. Here’s what you can expect once you submit your documents:

1. Document Screening: Submit your documents for verification.
   
2. Aptitude Test: Assess your physical and mental fitness to drive.
   
3. Written Test: A written exam on Japanese traffic laws. (Will consist of 50 questions from October 1st, 2025)
   
4. Driving Test: A practical driving test on a closed course.
   
5. License Issuance: Upon passing all tests, you will receive your Japanese driver’s license.
   

Additionally, the driving test is known to be challenging, with an average pass rate around 30%. It’s advisable to practice at designated driving schools to improve your chances.

Important Tips

If you want to maximize your chances of success and minimize delays, follow these key tips for Osaka’s license conversion process:

• Appointment Scheduling: Due to high demand, appointments can be booked 2–4 months in advance. It’s recommended to schedule as early as possible.
  
• Practice Sessions: Utilize practice sessions at the examination centers to familiarize yourself with the driving course.
  
• Language Barrier: The driving instructions during the test are in Japanese. Consider taking a Japanese driving course to improve comprehension and performance.
  

 Additional Resources

For more detailed information, you can check the official websites:

• Japan Automobile Federation (JAF):
  https://english.jaf.or.jp/use-jaf-more/drive-in-japan/foreign-nationals-license
  
• Osaka Prefectural Police (English Information):
  https://www.police.pref.osaka.lg.jp/foreign_languag_selection/english/1/2/5/3/3933.html
  

Contact

If you need further assistance or have questions about your Osaka Gaimen Kirikae application, please contact us through our contact form, the comment section or reach out on our social media accounts!