Overview of the Foreign License Conversion Process in Japan
Please prepare the driver's license you wish to switch
Checkpoint!
Is there more than a month left until your license expires?
There is more than a month left until the expiration date of your license.
If your driver's license has already expired, you cannot apply for a foreign driver's license conversion.
In addition, the foreign driver's license you are converting must remain valid until you pass the driving exam.
Due to high demand at the license center, appointment slots are limited. In many cases, you may need to wait between one to three months from the time you make a reservation until your scheduled appointment.
We recommend booking as early as possible to avoid delays in the license conversion process.
If your foreign driver's license is due to expire within a month, we recommend that you first renew it at your local DMV or driver's license center.
Get the documents you need
There are two main types of documents required for translation: those that need to be prepared in advance, and those that can be prepared closer to the scheduled review date.
Prepare the items that take the most time to prepare first.
Things to prepare in advance [mandatory for all]
- A valid foreign driver's license
- Documents certifying the date of license acquisition (first date of acquisition)
- ① Japanese translation of the driver's license
- Resident record （Juminhyo)
- Proof that you have stayed in the country/region where you obtained your driver's license for a total of 3 months or more after obtaining your driver's license (passport, etc.)
Things to prepare in advance [Applicable person only]
Resident card or special permanent resident certificate, etc. (Foreign nationals)
Things to prepare in advance [mandatory for all]
A valid foreign Driver's License
Refer to Step.1: If your license is expired or just about to expire, do the renewal procedure first!
Documents certifying the license acquisition date (first acquisition date)
If the license in ① does not state the license issue date or the initial issue date
Driver's records, official receipts, etc.
Checkpoint!
A Japanese driver's license displays both
the initial license issue date and renewal date
However, depending on the country or region, the initial issue date (the date when you first obtained a driver's license before renewing) may not be written, or the license issue date itself may not be written.
In this case you will need to inquire about or apply for the necessary documents at your local DMV or driver's license center, so be sure to check in advance.
Japanese translation of the driver's license in item ①
If the license in ① does not state the license issue date or the initial issue date
Driver's records, official receipts, etc.
Certificate of residence
・Copy of residence certificate showing your permanent domicile (nationality, etc.) *Copies not accepted
- Acquired within the last 6 months
・Documents that omit the personal identification number (My Number)
Checkpoint!
If you do not have a resident card (if you are not covered by the Basic Resident Register),
Instead, you will need to present the following documents:
Please contact the license center in your prefecture.
After obtaining a driver's license,
Documents that prove you have stayed in Japan for a total of 3 months or more (passport, etc.)
Documents that prove you have stayed in Japan for a total of 3 months or more (passport, etc.)
Checkpoint!
passport stamps,
We will confirm your period of stay using your immigration certificate etc.
In some cases, proof of enrollment/employment, graduation certificate, etc. from the local school or workplace may be required. Please count the period yourself before applying.
Things to prepare in advance [Applicable person only]
Japanese Driver's License
Checkpoint!
Regardless of the expiration date, if you have held a Japanese driver's license in the past
If you have one, please bring it with you.
This may affect the process of switching to a foreign driver's license.
international Driver's License
What to bring on the day
Resident card or special permanent resident certificate, etc. (Foreign nationals)
・Copy of residence certificate showing your permanent domicile (nationality, etc.) *Copies not accepted
- Acquired within the last 6 months
・Documents that omit the personal identification number (My Number)
ID photo
Checkpoint!
・Size: 3 cm long x 2.4 cm wide
・ 1 sheet
Depending on the license center, you may be able to take the photo on-site.
If you miss or forget your passport, don't panic and check with a member of staff.
Reference:Information on application photos and photos to bring
cash
Checkpoint!
Because there is a high possibility that cashless payment will not be possible,
It's a good idea to bring some extra cash with you on the day.
Glasses/contact lenses (if necessary)
Checkpoint!
Depending on the license center, you may be required to take an aptitude test (eyesight, hearing, etc.) on the day of the examination.
You may proceed to the next step (checking the compatibility).
Please be sure to bring your own if your naked eye vision is not sufficient. Also, unless there is a specific reason, it is better to avoid using colored lenses such as colored contacts, photochromic glasses, and sunglasses.
Hearing aid (if needed)
Interpreter (if necessary)
Checkpoint!
It's not something to "bring with you",
All procedures at the license center are conducted in Japanese.
If you are unsure about your Japanese, please ask a friend or acquaintance in advance.
Please contact us.
Bring the documents and certificates from ① to ⑦ together.
Book a Document Screening
Checkpoint!
The procedure for making an appointment for the inspection varies depending on the license center.
Please contact us by phone,
We recommend that you check it out for yourself.
Documents Examined
・Document submission and confirmation
・Hearings about the circumstances when obtaining a driver's license abroad, etc.
Written Test
・Pass if you answer 7 out of 10 questions correctly
・Exams can be taken in languages other than Japanese
Driver's License Issuance
Exam exemption
Check whether your driver's license qualifies you for an exemption from the knowledge and skills test.
Countries exempt from knowledge confirmation and skill confirmation (29 countries, etc.)
Iceland, Ireland, United States (Ohio, Virginia, Hawaii, Maryland and Washington only), United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, Austria, Netherlands, Canada, South Korea, Greece, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, New Zealand, Norway, Hungary, Finland, France, Belgium, Poland, Portugal, Monaco, Luxembourg, Taiwan
Countries exempt from skill confirmation
United States (Indiana only)
Foreign license switching fee
| Category | item | cost |
|---|---|---|
| document | Certificate of residence | 200 yen (*1) |
| Official Translation | 3,850 yen (※2) | |
| ID photo | 800 yen (*3) | |
| Course fee | Ordinary car (AT/MT) | 2,550円 |
| scooters | 1,500円 | |
| Semi-medium-sized car, medium-sized car, large-sized car | 4,100円 | |
| Motorcycles and others | 2,600円 | |
| Issuance fee | All car models | 2,050円 |
| Combined fee (for each type) (*4) | 200円 |
*1 When using convenience store delivery
*2 When acquired through ZIPLUS Co., Ltd. (shipping charges excluded)
*3 When photographed using a photo booth etc.
*4 When obtaining two or more types of licenses, such as when applying for a motorcycle license in addition to a regular car license
Example: Converting a Class C license in California to a foreign license
If
-
Resident card, translation, ID photo
4,850 yen -
Examination fee
2,550 yen -
Issuance fee
2,050 yen -
total
9,450 yen
9,450円
