Convert your foreign driver's license to a Japanese one.

Convert a foreign driver's license to a Japanese driver's license.

Together with you,
Preparing to drive in Japan

From driver's license translations to exam preparation,
ZIPLUS supports multiple languages.
We support your desire to drive in Japan.

First, check your current location.

Based on the current situation, let's confirm the next necessary steps.

By selecting the issuing country, place of residence, and current stage, you can proceed to the necessary documents and preparations.

See the 8 steps to converting your foreign driver's license in just 1 minute.

The process of converting to a foreign driver's license proceeds in eight stages.

The required documents and reservation methods vary depending on the applicant's situation and prefecture. First, understand the overall picture and start preparing from where you are now.

  1. 1.Check the application requirements.
  2. 2.Prepare the documents and translations.
  3. 3.Schedule an application and review.
  4. 4.Document review and interview
  5. 5.Aptitude Test
  6. 6.Knowledge Check
  7. 7Skills Assessment
  8. 8.Obtain a Japanese driver's license

Choose the services you need at this stage.

You don't need to apply for everything at once. You can start with the support you need, such as document preparation, knowledge assessment, or skills assessment.

STEP 2 | Document Preparation

Foreign driver's license
Japanese translation

You can request a Japanese translation online to use when applying for a foreign driver's license conversion.

  • Upload your driver's license image.
  • Print at a convenience store or mail it to you.
  • Please check the supported countries and regions in advance.

3,850 yentax incl. included) - Printed at a convenience store.

View supported countries and application methods.

STEP 2-7 | Comprehensive Support

Ziplus
Peace of Mind Package

This support package combines Japanese translations, knowledge checks using Drivey, and skills assessments at driving schools into one package.

  • Japanese translation of a foreign driver's license
  • Knowledge Check and Preparation App Drivey
  • Practical driving practice at the driving school

From ¥102,630 (tax incl.) - Estimated price for the full plan (materials, etc. + skills practice)

Support for converting foreign employee driver's licenses at the company level.

From preparing Japanese translations and learning to confirm knowledge to practical driving practice for skill assessment, we organize the progress of each applicant, reducing the burden on the person in charge of verification.

  • Preparation of Japanese translation
  • Knowledge check preparation using Drivey
  • Driving school practice and results report

Making the often confusing process of converting to a foreign driver's license easy to understand, step by step.

01

Directions from your current location

Starting from your current position in the process, you can proceed to the next piece of information or service you need to check.

02

Start preparations online

You can start preparing from anywhere in Japan, including submitting translation requests and completing knowledge-checking exercises.

03

Support until skills are confirmed

We provide support at designated driving schools nationwide, including practical driving practice that meets the examination standards.

A translated document with a shield on its back, and a red stamp indicating it has been verified.

National Public Safety Commission designation

This is a translation service designated by the National Public Safety Commission.

In April 2021, ZIPLUS was designated by the National Public Safety Commission as a "corporation capable of producing translation documents." Police departments throughout Japan, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, Osaka Prefectural Police, Kanagawa Prefectural Police, and Chiba Prefectural Police, refer Zipplus as the issuing authority for translation documents for foreign driver's license conversions.

A world map centered on the Pacific Ocean, with lines extending from Vietnam, China, the United States, and Indonesia to Japan.

For people in many countries and regions

Our services are used by people in many countries and regions, including Vietnam, China, the United States, and Indonesia.

The number of translated documents issued is increasing year by year. We assist a variety of people with converting their foreign driver's licenses, including those who are switching while working, those who live in Japan with their families, and companies that apply for the conversion of their employees all at once.

Practice at a designated driving school,
Changing your approach to passing the exam

Before the skills test, we verify driving maneuvers that meet the test standards using an actual vehicle. We collaborate with designated driving schools nationwide to connect each individual with practice tailored to their specific needs.

In collaboration with designated driving schools nationwide, we confirm driving skills for each​ practice task using actual vehicles before the test.​

CASE 01

I passed on my third attempt.

From China, 30s, male

In the past two attempts, the course ended prematurely due to insufficient preparation. At the driving school, I focused on practicing vehicle maneuvering and visual checks, and I was able to pass the skills test on my third attempt.

"Before the test, I was able to practice the maneuvers I struggled with using a real vehicle."

CASE 02

One of the four successful candidates

From China, 30s, female

On my first attempt, I ran over the S-curve and the test ended. I focused on practicing the crank and S-curve, and on my second attempt, I became one of only four people to pass out of 20 test-takers that day.

"I was able to practice the points where I made mistakes before the next exam."

Frequently Asked Questions about Converting to a Foreign Driver's License

Where do I apply for a foreign driver's license conversion?

In Japan, the application process is generally handled in person at the driver's license center that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. Please check with your prefecture for reservation methods and required documents.

Do I need to subscribe to all services?

No. You can choose the services you need at your current stage from Japanese translation, knowledge assessment, and skills assessment.

How long does it take to create a translation?

The process usually takes 2-3 days from application. Depending on the status of your driver's license and other required documents, additional verification may be necessary.

In what language can I take the knowledge test?

We offer support in Japanese and 20 foreign languages nationwide. Please check with the driver's license center where you apply for information on the available languages and how to make a reservation.

Can I practice with a real car before the skills test?

The "Peace of Mind Package" includes guidance on practical driving practice at a driving school that offers exam preparation. The details of the guidance will vary depending on your preferred date and location.

Can you provide support to multiple individuals within a company?

Our comprehensive package for corporations includes Japanese translation, knowledge check preparation, and practical driving practice, allowing you to discuss the preparation status of multiple individuals at once.

FAQ by service

About Translation, Drivey, and Safety Package

You can also find questions that were previously posted on the old page, organized by service.

  • Driver's license translation
  • Knowledge Check and Preparation App Drivey
  • Ziplus Fast-Track Package
    (Individuals)
  • Ziplus Fast-Track Package
    (Corporate entities)
How long does it take to create a translation?
How will I receive my translation?
Can someone else receive the translated document if it's sent by mail?
Can I specify a delivery date?
Can I apply for multiple people at once?
Can I bring my foreign driver's license to the company and have it translated the same day?
I haven't arrived in Japan yet. Could you prepare the translation first?
Could you please send the translated document to the hotel where I'm planning to stay?
The letters on my driver's license have faded and are almost unreadable. Can you provide a translation?
I recently renewed my driver's license locally, so the date is new. Can you please include the date I first got my driver's license in the translation?
I was told that I needed to submit my driver's record to prove my driving history.
The driver's license center has told me that I need to submit some basic information. Can you translate these supporting documents?
I recently renewed my driver's license in my home country. I left the country immediately after renewing it, so I was away for over three months. Can I still switch my license?
Can I cancel?
Can I use it with just a smartphone?
How much does it cost?
In which language can I learn?
Can I study offline?
How much should I study?
Can multiple people use it with a corporate contract?
What should I do if I don't receive an email after making a purchase?
If I change my device, will I need to repurchase it?
Can I cancel or get a refund after purchasing?
I haven't scheduled my exam yet, can I still apply?
Can I book practice at the driving school on the same day?
How much does it cost?
Could you recommend a driving school that I can commute to from where I live?
I practiced at the driving school, but I'm still not confident. Can I practice more?
Will there be any additional charges?
Can I use each service immediately after applying?
Is there a deadline for watching the videos or using the textbooks?
Can I cancel/refund?
Can I practice at a driving school even if I'm not confident in my Japanese?
Which time slot should I choose for practice?
If I apply as a group, how many days will it take to issue the translation?
Can I receive an explanation before applying?
Several employees would like to apply. Can we apply together?
Is there a deadline for watching the videos or using the textbooks?
How do I make a reservation at the driving school?
We have offices all over the country. Can you recommend driving schools anywhere in the country?
Can I practice at a driving school even if I'm not confident in my Japanese?
Can you tell me the results of the training at the driving school?
When will my payment be billed?
Could I get a receipt?

Latest information and preparation guide for converting to a foreign driver's license

You can find the articles you need based on the stage of the process or the topic you want to learn about.

New article

View all articles

First, let's confirm the current stage of the procedure.

Based on the issuing country, place of residence, and current status, we will guide you through the next steps to confirm.

WeChat Facebook Instagram