First, check the application requirements.
Please check the expiration date of your foreign driver's license, your residence record after obtaining it, and your address in Japan.
View STEP 1 in detailOverview of the Foreign License Conversion Process in Japan
What is foreign license conversion?
Checkthe requirements, necessary documents,costs, and timeframe in 8 steps.
Foreign driver's license conversion is the procedure for converting a driver's license obtained in a foreign country into a Japanese driver's license. Applicants must reside in Japan and apply at a driver's license center in their area of residence. After document review and an aptitude test, knowledge and skills assessments will be conducted depending on the country/region. Upon successful completion, a Japanese driver's license will be issued.
- From 8-stageverification to license issuance
- 45 out of 50 questionsPassing criteria for knowledge verification
- 13.1%Pass rate for skills assessment after system change
- 4,850 yen and up -Public fees (Tokyo, regular driver's license)
First, the conclusion
There are five key points to consider when converting to a foreign driver's license.
- Subject
- Those who reside in Japan, possess a valid foreign driver's license, and have resided in that country/region for a total of three months or more after obtaining the license.
- Where to apply
- The driver's license center/examination center in the prefecture where you reside. Applications must be made in person; applications cannot be made by proxy.
- Required documents
- Foreign driver's license, Japanese translation, copy of resident registration certificate containing specific information, passport, photograph, etc. (all originals)
- cost
- For a standard driver's license in Tokyo, the fee is 4,850 yen plus the cost of the translation. ZIPLUS translation costs 3,850 yen (tax incl.).
- period
- In countries where the exam is waived, the process is short, but for those with knowledge and skills assessments, it can take several months due to waiting for appointments and retaking the exam.
Differences from an International Driving Permit
| Ziplus | international Driver's License | |
|---|---|---|
| Things you can get | Japanese Driver's License | A permit issued in a foreign country (not a Japanese license) |
| Period during which you can drive | You can continue driving after updating. | Up to one year after landing in Japan |
| Suitable for | People who live in Japan and continue to drive | Travel and short stays |
Let's take a closer look at the three ways foreigners can drive in Japan.
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You can generate Japanese translations using ZIPLUS.
You can apply online, and after issuance, you can pick it up at participating convenience stores nationwide.
View ZIPLUS translation publicationsZIPLUS does not handle translations, or requires individual confirmation.
You can also apply online for a Japanese translation of your foreign driver's license through JAF. However, depending on the type of license, a translation may not be possible, so please check with JAF regarding eligibility and required documents.
View JAF application guidelinesThis may be subject to knowledge and skills assessment.
The general procedure involves document review, followed by knowledge assessment and then skills assessment. Please confirm the final handling of your application with the relevant authority.
Knowledge and skills assessments may be waived.
Even if verification is waived, applications, document reviews, and aptitude tests are still required.
Skills verification may be waived.
In Indiana, USA, only the driving skills test is waived; knowledge and other tests are still required.
Prepare a Japanese translation.
ZIPLUS is a translation service designated by the National Public Safety Commission.
View the published translationCheck the application destination and reservation method for your address.
Reservation methods and required documents vary by prefecture.
View driver's license center informationPrepare documents that explain the acquisition process.
The date of acquisition of your foreign driver's license, your length of stay in Japan, and your renewal history will be verified.
View STEP 4 in detailPrepare for aptitude tests such as vision tests.
Please bring your glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, or any other contact lenses you wear.
View STEP 5 in detailPrepare for a 50-question, 30-minute knowledge test.
You need to answer at least 45 questions correctly.
See DriveyPractice driving in accordance with Japanese verification methods.
We will practice safety checks, driving position, turning left and right, and crossing pedestrian crossings.
Check the issuance details and license conditions.
Please confirm your name, address, license category, and whether you prefer automatic or manual transmission.
View STEP 8 in detailEven with the confirmation exemption, an application procedure is still required.
Please prepare a Japanese translation, documents proving your length of stay, etc.
Please check the required documents and translations.Your Required Documents Checklist
This is a guideline based on the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's "List of Required Documents by Country" (as of August 2026).
This is general information. Please check with the application office regarding required documents, exemption eligibility, and reservation methods.
Check if you can apply.
Conditions for converting to a foreign driver's license
Valid foreign license
You will need a valid driver's license issued in the country or region where you obtained it. International driver's licenses and learner's permits are not accepted.
Understanding Expiration DatesStays totaling more than 3 months
You must have stayed in that country or region for a total of three months or more after obtaining your license. This can be proven with entry and exit stamps in your passport.
Calculate the number of days of stayI have an address in Japan
If you have a resident registration certificate, you will need a copy of it that includes your nationality and residence status. Applications are made in the prefecture where you reside.
The applicant applies.
Applications cannot be submitted by proxy. Applicants who do not speak Japanese may be required to be accompanied by an interpreter.
Age and eyesight
A regular driver's license can be obtained at age 17 years and 6 months or older, and is issued from age 18. The general guideline for a regular driver's license is a visual acuity of 0.7 or higher in both eyes, and 0.3 or higher in each individual eye.
Things that changed from October 1, 2025
- Address verification has become stricter.Foreign nationals must submit a copy of their resident registration certificate that includes specific information. The documents that can be used by those without a resident registration certificate are also limited, and short-term stays (such as tourism) are no longer subject to these requirements.
- The knowledge test has increased from 10 questions to 50, the illustration questions have been removed, and you now need to answer at least 45 out of the 50 text-based questions correctly.
- The skills assessment process has become more stringent, with added tasks such as crossing pedestrian crossings, making the assessment criteria stricter.
Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, "Regarding the Amended Road Traffic Act Enforcement Regulations Effective October 1, 2025", Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, "How to Convert a Foreign Driver's License to a Japanese Driver's License" (Accessed October 7, 2026) | Pass Rate and Countermeasures After System Changes
Printable
Foreign license conversion
Required documents checklist
I will bring all original documents. Copies will not be accepted. Please prepare them carefully, checking off each item.
Additional documents may be required depending on the person.
- A driver's record certificate is required if the date you first obtained your license is not listed on your driver's license.
- Old driver's license before renewal
- Documents required by each country/region (check the "List of Required Documents by Country" at the application destination)
Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, National Police Agency (verified October 7, 2026). Required documents vary depending on the prefecture and the circumstances of acquisition. Please check with the application office in your area of residence before applying.
Check the procedure step by step
From application to license issuance
STEP 1
First, check
Check foreign licenses and application requirements.
- The foreign driver's license is valid and there is ample time before the procedure is completed.
- After obtaining the license, there is a record of having stayed in the issuing country/region for a total of three months or more.
- The applicant can apply in person at the driver's license center or similar facility that has jurisdiction over their place of residence in Japan.
You cannot apply with just an international driver's license.
A domestic driver's license issued by a foreign government or other administrative body is required.
Source: National Police Agency, "Persons holding a foreign driver's license"
STEP 2
Start by preparing the documents that take the most time.
Gather the necessary documents and their Japanese translations.
The documents that tend to take the most time are the Japanese translation, proof of residence, and documents required by the country. Gathering these before making a reservation will prevent you from being turned away on the day of your appointment.
View the required documents checklist
ZIPLUS services
Japanese translation of an organization designated by the National Public Safety Commission.
You can apply online.ZIPLUS Translation Supported Countries and Regions
- United States (50 states and Washington D.C.)
- China
- Taiwan
- Hong Kong
- Vietnam
- Philippines
- Ukraine
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Indonesia
- Sri Lanka
- Singapore
- England
- Scotland
- Wales
- Northern Ireland
For Ukraine and Myanmar, only driver's licenses with English text are accepted. For the United States, licenses issued in all 50 states and Washington D.C. are accepted; licenses issued in overseas territories are not accepted.
For those from countries and regions other than those listed above
You can also apply online for a Japanese translation of your foreign driver's license through JAF. However, depending on the type of license, a translation may not be possible. Please check the JAF official website for eligibility and required documents.
See JAF's translation application guidelines.The required documents vary depending on the applicant's circumstances and the prefecture.
STEP 3
Book an application/review appointment
Reservation methods, application dates, and required documents vary by prefecture.
View driver's license center informationSTEP 4
Document review and interview
The date of acquisition of your foreign driver's license, renewal history, length of stay in the issuing country, and circumstances at the time of acquisition will be verified.
STEP 5
aptitude test
We will check your vision, etc. Please bring any glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, etc., if you wear them.
STEP 6
50 questions / 30 minutes / 45 or more questions
Written Test
Starting October 1, 2025, you will need to complete 50 questions in a written format in 30 minutes, with a minimum of 45 correct answers. The test is available nationwide in Japanese and 20 foreign languages. Try the free practice test (10 questions).
- 42.8%pass rate in the three months following the system change
- Approximately 36 secondsAverage time available per question
- You can get up to 5 questionswrong.
Knowledge Test Preparation
Learn Japanese traffic rules repeatedly with Drivey
You can prepare with videos, Q&A, mini-tests, and a 50-question practice exam.Pass Rate: National Public Safety Commission (March 5, 2026) | Detailed Knowledge Confirmation Strategies
STEP 7
Prepare according to Japan's verification methods.
Driving Exam
The course will assess driving skills including safety checks, driving positioning, right and left turns, crossing pedestrian crossings, and railway crossings. Please check with the application office for details on the implementation method and how to make a reservation.
- 13.1%pass rate for the first three months after the system change.
- Actual driving practiceRepeat the verification process.
- Reservation ConfirmationCheck each application destination.
Fast-Track Package
Comprehensive support for exam preparation with our worry-free package.
We will guide you through the process using a combination of teaching materials, videos, and skills practice exercises.Pass Rate: National Public Safety Commission (March 5, 2026) | Detailed Skills Verification Strategies
STEP 8
Finally, please check the contents.
Receiving a Japanese driver's license
Once you have passed the necessary checks and completed the issuance procedures, your Japanese driver's license will be issued. Please check your name, address, license category, and whether it is an automatic or manual transmission license.
The first license is valid until "one month after the third birthday".
The license issued when converting to a foreign license is treated as a newly obtained license, and the band is green. New drivers must drive with a beginner's sign for one year.
Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department | Validity Period and Renewal of Licenses After Renewal | Things to Check After Receiving Your License
Create a budget
Breakdown of the cost of converting to a foreign driver's license
| item | Amount of money |
|---|---|
| Application fee (regular driver's license) | 2,500円 |
| Application fee (for mopeds) | 1,600円 |
| Application fees (large, medium, and semi-medium size vehicles) | 3,900円 |
| Application fees (other) | 2,800円 |
| Issuance fee | 2,350円 |
| Additional listing fee (when collecting two or more items simultaneously) | 200円 |
Guidelines for switching to a regular driver's license in Tokyo
- Application fee:2,500 yen
- Issuance fee:2,350 yen
- Japanese translation (ZIPLUS)3,850 yen
Total from8,700 yen
A copy of your resident registration, photograph, country-specific certificate, and transportation expenses are not included. If you need to prepare for knowledge and skills assessments or retake the exam, the cost will increase accordingly.
Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department (confirmed October 7, 2026). Fees may vary by prefecture. | Cost models and saving methods for different cases
Make a schedule
The time required for converting to a foreign driver's license,
Tips for making a reservation
- Document preparationand translation are typically completed within 2-3 days of application. However, some documents, such as entry and exit records, may take several weeks to obtain.
- Waiting listMany prefectures require reservations, and depending on the region and time of year, it can take several weeks to several months to get an appointment.
- If there are any deficiencies in the application documents, aptitude test results, or knowledge verificationdocuments, your application will not be accepted that day, and you will have to start the reservation process over.
- Skill assessmentsare by appointment only, and some application locations (such as Tokyo) do not allow you to take the assessment on the same day you apply. If you fail, you will need to make another appointment.
- For those from countries or regions where the driver's license issuancetest is waived, the process will proceed to issuance after completing the document review and aptitude test.
Things to review when you can't get a reservation
- Applications can only be submitted within the prefecture where you reside. If you are planning to move, you should make a reservation after your new address is decided.
- For application services that offer online reservations, cancellations may create available slots. Check frequently.
- Making a reservation after gathering all the necessary documents will prevent you from being turned away on the day of your appointment and having to reschedule.
- Each time you retake the skills test, you'll have to wait for an appointment. The quickest way to pass is to prepare in advance with practical driving practice so you can pass on your first try.
- If your foreign driver's license is about to expire, please consult with the issuing authority before making an appointment.
Check if there is an exam.
Knowledge confirmation and skills confirmation
Countries and regions that are exempt
Holders of licenses from the following 29 countries and regions are exempt from both the knowledge and skills assessments. Those with a US Indiana license are exempt from the skills assessment only. Even with the exemption, a Japanese translation, application, document review, and aptitude test are still required.
- Iceland
- Ireland
- England
- Italy
- Australia
- Austria
- Netherlands
- Canada
- South Korea
- Greece
- Switzerland
- Sweden
- Spain
- Slovenia
- czech
- Denmark
- Germany
- new zealand
- Norway
- Hungary
- Finland
- France
- Belgium
- Poland
- Portugal
- Monaco
- Luxembourg
- Taiwan
- United States (Ohio, Oregon, Colorado, Virginia, Hawaii, Maryland, Washington)
Exemption from skills verification only: US (Indiana)
Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department (confirmed October 7, 2026). Individuals from countries and regions other than those listed above, such as China, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Nepal, will undergo knowledge and skills assessments.
Learn more
By prefecture and by purpose
Foreign License Conversion Guide
By prefecture (license centers and driving schools where you can practice driving)
- Hokkaido
- Miyagi Prefecture
- Fukushima Prefecture
- Ibaraki Prefecture
- Tochigi Prefecture
- Gunma Prefecture
- Saitama Prefecture
- Chiba Prefecture
- Tokyo
- Kanagawa Prefecture
- Niigata Prefecture
- Toyama Prefecture
- Nagano Prefecture
- Gifu Prefecture
- Shizuoka Prefecture
- Aichi prefecture
- Mie Prefecture
- Shiga Prefecture
- Kyoto Prefecture
- Osaka Prefecture
- Hyogo Prefecture
- Okayama Prefecture
- Hiroshima Prefecture
- Ehime Prefecture
- Fukuoka Prefecture
- Kumamoto Prefecture
- Kagoshima prefecture
- Okinawa Prefecture
You can search by region from the list of prefecture-by-prefecture guides. For prefectures not listed above, please see the driver's license center information.
By country (country/region where the license was obtained)
Knowledge Check: 50 Questions - Content and Preparation
; Skill Check: Passing Criteria, Deductions, and Exam Cancellation Items;
Pass Rate: Pass Rate and Preparations After System Changes
; Costs: Total Cost of Foreign License Conversion and Ways to Save Money;
Deadline: Validity Period of Foreign Licenses and the 3-Month Rule;
License Types: Foreign License Conversion to Semi-Medium-Sized Vehicle License;
Motorcycle /Motorcycle Foreign License Conversion
Based on the current location of individuals and corporations
You can choose only the services you need.
Japanese translation
You can apply online for the Japanese translation required for your foreign driver's license conversion application.
3,850 yen tax incl.
View the published translationDrivey
You can learn Japanese traffic rules through videos, text, and practice tests.
From ¥1,980 (tax incl.), plans vary by usage period.
See DriveyPeace of Mind Package
We provide support by combining educational materials, videos, and practical driving practice.
From ¥102,630 (tax incl.) - Estimated price for the full plan
For those who want to see an overview of the costs.
View the cost articleApplication fees, translation costs, retake fees, and preparation costs are organized by case.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Converting to a Foreign Driver's License
What is foreign license conversion?
This is the procedure for converting a foreign driver's license to a Japanese driver's license. It is officially called "Foreign License Conversion." After a document review and aptitude test, knowledge and skills assessments are conducted depending on the country/region. Upon successful completion, a Japanese driver's license is issued.
How much does it cost to convert a foreign driver's license?
In Tokyo, the official fees for switching to a regular driver's license are 2,500 yen for the application and 2,350 yen for issuance, totaling 4,850 yen. Adding the cost of a Japanese translation (3,850 yen for ZIPLUS), the total comes to 8,700 yen or more. In addition to this, there are costs for a resident registration certificate, photos, transportation, and fees for exam preparation or retaking.
How long does it take to convert a foreign driver's license?
For those from countries or regions where the exam is waived, the process can be completed quickly if all necessary documents are in order. However, for those requiring knowledge and skills assessments, it may take several months due to waiting lists and the need to retake the exam. Please prepare well in advance of the expiration date of your foreign license.
Where do I apply for a foreign driver's license conversion?
The applicant must apply in person to the driver's license center or similar facility that has jurisdiction over their place of residence in Japan.
Is it required to have held a foreign driver's license for at least three months?
The requirement is that you have resided in the issuing country/region for a total of three months or more after obtaining your license. This does not mean you have to wait three months in Japan.
Can I convert my international driver's license to a foreign driver's license?
The International Driving Permit itself is not eligible. A valid domestic driving license from the issuing country or region is required.
Can I convert my foreign driver's license while I'm visiting Japan as a tourist?
From October 1, 2025, foreign nationals will be required to submit a copy of their resident registration certificate containing specific information. Those with short-term stay (tourism, etc.) visas are not eligible to apply. If you plan to drive during your trip, please check the requirements regarding international driver's licenses, etc.
What should I do if I can't get a reservation?
If the application office offers online booking, check frequently for any cancellations that may have opened up slots. Booking after you have all your documents ready will prevent you from being turned away on the day and having to reschedule. If your foreign license is about to expire, consult with the application office.
How many questions are there to check my knowledge?
You need to answer 50 questions in 30 minutes, with at least 45 correct answers. The test is available nationwide in Japanese and 20 foreign languages.
If the country is exempt from travel expenses, is a translation not required?
Even if verification is waived, a Japanese translation, application, document review, and aptitude test are still required.
What if ZIPLUS cannot provide translation for a particular country or region?
JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) or the embassy/consulate of the relevant country or region in Japan may be able to issue a translation. First, check JAF's official guide for eligibility and required documents.
Can a company provide comprehensive support for its foreign employees?
Our comprehensive corporate package helps you manage document preparation, learning progress, exam schedules, and skills practice for each employee.
This page is operated by ZIPLUS Co., Ltd. (a translation service designated by the National Public Safety Commission that issues Japanese translations used for converting foreign driver's licenses). This page is created based on information published by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, the National Police Agency, and the National Public Safety Commission, and its content is regularly reviewed. Since the details of the procedure vary by prefecture, please also check the application guidelines for your area of residence before applying.
Information last updated: October 7, 2026
