Gaimen Switching for ZIPPLUS

Guide for Switching Driver's License to a Japanese License

Foreign driver's Driver's License
For those who have it.
Switching to a Japanese driver's Driver's License
The translation required for
We will issue it.

Ziplus Co., Ltd. is a corporation that supports approximately 1,500 people a year* in the creation of translated texts.

We issue translations as designated by the National Public Safety Commission. *FY2023

Five multinational staff members are lined up facing forward

A foreign man holding car keys from inside a car and giving a thumbs up

A man in a suit holding documents in front and a pen in the back

A smiling foreign woman driving with the car window open

Available area

United States (50 states)

China

Hong Kong

Ukraine

Philippines

Taiwan

Vietnam

Myanmar

Nepal

* Driver's License from Ukraine and Myanmar must be written in English.

Click here to request a Japanese translation of your foreign driver's license.

Foreign driver's Driver's License
How to switch to a Japanese driver's Driver's License

If you have a foreign driver's Driver's License, you can drive in Japan.
Translations required for the procedure can be applied for through ZIPLUS.

Flow of foreign license switching

1

confirmation of foreign license

2

document preparation

here
The translation is
It is necessary

3

book an audit

4

examination

5

aptitude test

6

knowledge check

7

skill check

8

driver's license issuance

Click here for details

Service overview

Ziplus Co., Ltd. can issue translations of Driver's License for some countries and regions.

4 services

Cost 6,000 yen(tax included)

*Letter Pack Plus: 600 yen (shipping fee)

Convenience store printing fees are free.

Speed 3 to 4 days*1

Depending on the inquiry and the translator's situation,
It may take some time.

From online application to payment,
All online

You can print out your translation at your local convenience store.

*FamilyMart, Poplar, Lawson (excluding some stores)

Support phone, email

We will support you on how to apply for translations, etc. (Foreign languages available)

Translation desk ☎ 050-1731-8335
*Please note that you may have to wait if it is crowded.
Please note.
[Weekdays] 10:30-18:30 [Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays] 9:30-17:30
(Excluding year-end and New Year holidays)

*1 Excludes year-end and New Year holidays and temporary closures. In addition, depending on the inquiry and the situation of the translator, it may takes few more days.

Driver's License Center Information Procedures are required to switch to a foreign driver's license.
We will introduce you to the driver's license centers in each prefecture.

Switching License Tips

Ziplus Co., Ltd. can issue translations of Driver's License for some countries and regions.

[Tokyo Edition] 6 Recommended Driving Schools for Foreign Driver's License Conversion Test Preparation

2024.04.05 [Tokyo version] 6 recommended driving schools to prepare for the foreign driver's license changeover test. Introduction At the driving school, we not only support those who are acquiring driving Driver's License for the first time, but also offer a variety of other support services. One of the things we especially recommend to those who have a foreign driving Driver's License is to practice for the skill verification (practical test) that is required when switching to Japanese driving Driver's License (hereafter referred to as "foreign driver's license switchover"). Surprisingly, the pass rate for the skill verification (practical test) for the foreign driver's license switchover is quite low, and no matter how many times you take the test, you will fail and switch to the Japanese driving Driver's License...

2024.01.10

A must-see for those with a Chinese driver's Driver's License! How to switch your Chinese driver's Driver's License in Japan (switch to foreign driver's license)

2023.11.10

Just read and pass the exam! Skill confirmation (practical test) measures for switching foreign Driver's License

2023.11.09

Just read and pass the exam! Knowledge confirmation for switching foreign Driver's License (written exam) Thorough explanation summary

2023.05.31

Is it difficult to switch foreign driver's Driver's License? Thorough explanation of advance preparations such as application conditions and costs

2023.05.22

Recommended for foreigners! How to drive in Japan

see the list

notice

2024.1.31 From February 1, 2024, we will start issuing translated versions of [Nepal] driving Driver's License.

2024.1.31 We have opened a dedicated translation hotline. ☎050-1731-8335

Please note that you may have to wait when it is busy.
[Weekdays] 10:30-18:30 [Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays] 9:30-17:30 *Excluding New Year's holidays

2023.12.19 For those who obtained a Taiwanese Driver's License on or after June 30, 2023

If you obtain a small vehicle license after June 30, 2023, you will not be able to drive a regular moped.
To drive a regular motorized bicycle, you will need to switch to a regular driver's license.
For more details, please contact your local license center or police.

FAQ

Q. How long does it take for the translation to arrive?: A.
It will be shipped 3-4 days after your application.

Q. How will the translation be delivered?: A.
We deliver by Letter Pack Plus.
A signature is required upon receipt. Delivery must be in person. If you are not at home, a "delivery notice" should have been left in your mailbox, so please check this and arrange for redelivery yourself.

Q. Does the signature have to be the person on the driver's Driver's License?: A.
It is also possible to receive the signature of a proxy.

Q. I did not receive the translation due to a time conflict and the storage deadline seems to have passed. Can you send it to me again?: A.
fine. However, please note that re-delivery after the second time will be shipped by cash on delivery.