An Overview of Foreign Driver's License Conversion: A Comprehensive Guide to Foreign Driver's License Conversion, Conditions, Required Documents, Costs, and Timeframe
First, the conclusion
In Chiba Prefecture, the process for converting a foreign driver's license can only be done at the Chiba Driver's License Center (Makuhari).
Nagareyama Driver's License Center does not accept foreign license conversions. Document screening can be done without an appointment, but reception is only available for 30 minutes each in the morning and at noon on weekdays. If you pass the document screening, you will schedule a knowledge check, aptitude test, and skills test, and will generally take them all on the same day. Since you cannot practice at Chiba Driver's License Center, it is best to practice at a driving school before the skills test.
Source: Chiba Prefectural Police "For those wishing to convert from a foreign driver's license", Chiba Prefectural Police "Chiba Driver's License Center" (verified October 7, 2026)
This article is for those living in Chiba Prefecture who want to convert their foreign driver's license to a Japanese one. We've summarized the procedures at the Chiba Driver's License Center. From reception hours and access, required documents in Chiba Prefecture, how to prepare for waiting lists, to driving schools in the prefecture where you can practice for the skills test, this article covers everything you need to know to prepare.
basic information
Chiba Driver's License Center: Reception hours and contact information for foreign license conversion.
| place | Chiba Driver's License Center (2-1 Hamada, Mihama-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture 261-8560) |
|---|---|
| Application acceptance time | Weekdays, 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM |
| holiday | Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, substitute holidays, and the year-end/New Year period. We cannot accept applications outside of regular hours, even in the event of delays in public transportation. |
| reservation | Document screening does not require an appointment. Knowledge and skills assessments require an appointment. |
| phone | 043-274-2000 (Press "1" → "55" → "1" during the guidance) |
| Nagareyama Driver's License Center | We do not accept foreign license conversions. |
The procedure is different for those applying only for a moped license.
Obtaining a moped license requires an appointment for the document review process. Applicants must make an appointment in person at window number 10 of the Chiba Driver's License Center between 2:30 PM and 3:00 PM on weekdays. Bring identification documents such as your residence card, and if you do not speak Japanese, please go with someone who can interpret.
access
Directions to Chiba Driver's License Center
From Makuhari-Hongo Station (approximately 10 minutes by bus)
Makuhari-Hongo Station on the JR Sobu Line and Keisei Line. Exit the ticket gate and go down the stairs on the right to the bus terminal. Take a bus bound for "Kaihin-Makuhari Station" from platform 0 or 1 and get off at "License Center". The platform changes depending on the time of day.
From Kaihin-Makuhari Station (approximately 5 minutes by bus, or 15 minutes on foot)
From Kaihin-Makuhari Station on the JR Keiyo Line, exit the ticket gate and go down the stairs on the right to the bus terminal. Take the bus bound for "Makuhari-Hongo Station" from bus stop number 1 and get off at "License Center".
From Makuhari-Toyosuna Station (approximately 20 minutes on foot)
There are no buses that stop at the driver's license center from Makuhari-Toyosuna Station on the JR Keiyo Line.
On days when there are events at Makuhari Messe, bus stops and surrounding roads become congested. Parking is also limited, and congestion may cause you to miss the registration time. Please leave early enough to arrive before registration begins.
Procedure Flow
The process for converting a foreign driver's license in Chiba Prefecture
- For document review (verification of your work history),please visit during reception hours without an appointment. Due to the large number of applicants, the results of the review may not be available until the following day or later.
- Knowledge check reservationAfter passing the document screening, you will schedule a knowledge check to take at a later date. Appointments are booked up for several months in advance.
- The knowledge assessment, aptitude test, and skills assessmentare generally taken consecutively on the same day. For the knowledge assessment, you can choose between Japanese and 20 foreign languages.
- If you pass all the requirements for issuing a Japanese driver's license, you will be issued a Japanese driver's license.
Knowledge assessments are available in 20 languages, including English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Nepali, Indonesian, Burmese, Tagalog, Portuguese, Spanish, and Korean. Please inform the reception desk of your preferred language.
License holders from 29 countries and regions (including 7 US states), such as South Korea, Taiwan, the UK, Germany, and Australia, are generally exempt from both the knowledge and skills tests. In Indiana, USA, only the skills test is waived. [List of exempted countries and regions]
Required documents
Documents to bring to the Chiba Driver's License Center
- A valid foreign Driver's License
- A Japanese translation of a foreign driver's license (issued by an organization such as an embassy/consulate, JAF, ZIPLUS Co., Ltd., or the Association for Supporting Visiting Drivers in Japan, as indicated by the Chiba Prefectural Police).
- Passport (to confirm that you have been in that country for a total of 3 months or more after obtaining your license. If you do not have a passport, please bring other documents that can confirm your stay, such as entry/exit records or proof of employment.)
- A copy of your resident registration certificate (for foreign nationals, a copy that includes all the information listed on your resident registration certificate but does not include your My Number).
- Identity verification documents such as residence card, My Number card, or passport
- If you have a Japanese driver's license, you can use that license (even if it has expired).
- Documents proving your driving license history (issued by foreign licensing authorities, etc.; may not be required in all cases)
- Application photo (3cm high x 2.4cm wide, taken within the last 6 months. Photos can also be taken at the center for a fee.)
- Application fee and issuance fee (please confirm the amount with the Chiba Driver's License Center)
- Glasses, contact lenses, and hearing aids (if you use them, please bring them for the aptitude test).
The required documents vary depending on the country and how you obtained your license. The Chiba Prefectural Police also recommend contacting the Chiba Driver's License Center in advance (043-274-2000, press "1" → "55" → "1" in the guidance).
Waiting list
The appointment for the knowledge check is several months away. Prepare so you don't waste time waiting.
Chiba Prefectural Police are reporting a significant increase in applicants for foreign driver's license conversions, with appointments for knowledge checks booked up several months in advance. Failure to pass the test means having to reschedule.
- Check the expiration date of your foreign driver's license: If your foreign driver's license expires while you are waiting for your appointment, your application may not be processed. If your license is about to expire, please consult with the Chiba Driver's License Center before the document review. Understanding Expiration Dates
- Make sure you have all the necessary documents ready before you go: If you don't have all the required documents, your application will be rejected, and you'll have to go back to a different office with shorter hours.
- Study for knowledge review while you wait: The knowledge review consists of 50 written questions to be completed in 30 minutes, and you need to answer at least 45 correctly. Drivey app to help you prepare for the knowledge review.
- Practice for your skills test before your scheduled appointment: Knowledge and skills tests are generally held on the same day. Once you have booked your knowledge test appointment, plan your practice sessions at the driving school to coincide with that date.
When applying for five or more people at the same company
Groups (5 or more people) must schedule an appointment by phone at least 7 days before their desired application date. The phone number is 043-274-2000 (press "1" → "55" → "1" on the guidance screen). The phone line is open weekdays from 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Once the date is confirmed, please submit a list of names and birth dates by fax or mail. Please note that we may not be able to accommodate your preferred number of people or date. (Foreign license conversion support for corporations)
Skills check practice
Six driving schools in Chiba Prefecture that ZIPLUS can introduce
The Chiba Driver's License Center does not offer practice sessions, and some driving schools do not accept students for foreign license conversion practice. ZIPLUS introduces designated driving schools in Chiba Prefecture where you can practice for the foreign license conversion skills test. At designated driving schools, you can practice with cars and courses that meet the same specifications as the actual test.
Choshi Taiyo Driving School
3-654 Nagatsuka-cho, Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture. 1-minute walk from Matsugishi Station on the JR Sobu Main Line and Narita Line. Lessons available on weekends, holidays, and evenings. By appointment only. Individual pick-up and drop-off service available to certain areas within Choshi City.
Takanodai Driving School
4-2-1 Kashiwai, Hanamigawa-ku, Chiba City. The nearest station is Keisei Owada Station on the Keisei Line. You can get there from various areas in Narashino, Yachiyo, and Chiba City by using the shuttle service, which can be booked via a dedicated app (there is also a loop bus that does not require a reservation).
Goi Driving School
8840 Goi, Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture. The nearest station is Goi Station on the JR Uchibo Line. Pick-up and drop-off services are available from Goi Station and various locations within Ichihara City.
Osawa Driving School
88 Chigusa-Shinden, Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture. 5-minute walk from Onuki Station on the JR Uchibo Line. Shuttle service is available via a dedicated app, making it accessible from areas such as Kimitsu, Futtsu, and Kisarazu.
Keisei Driving School Narita Branch
198 Urushidai, Namiki-cho, Narita City, Chiba Prefecture. Approximately 7 minutes by car from Kozunomori Station on the Keisei Main Line. A free shuttle bus is available; no reservation is required.
Anesaki Driving School
1694 Shiizu, Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture. Approximately 6 minutes by car from Anegasaki Station on the JR Uchibo Line. We offer a pick-up and drop-off service by reservation only, and are accessible from areas such as Anegasaki, Goi, and Nagaura.
For driving school practice sessions, please contact ZIPLUS
The above-mentioned driving schools offer practice sessions for converting your foreign driver's license, and these are introduced to you through ZIPLUS. Please contact ZIPLUS if you are interested, as practice availability, fees, and pick-up/drop-off areas vary depending on the time of year. We will recommend a driving school that is convenient for you based on your location and exam schedule.
Contact us via the inquiry form or by phone at 050-1731-8335 (weekdays 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, excluding weekends and public holidays).
Prevent failing the exam
Three reasons why even experienced drivers can fail the driving skills test.
Japanese-style safety check
This test will assess whether drivers are following Japanese procedures, such as visually checking before intersections and lane changes, and slowing down before pedestrian crossings.
driving on the left
Those who have driven in countries with right-hand traffic may sometimes enter the opposite lane after making a right turn when they are nervous.
Instructions in Japanese
The examiner's instructions are in Japanese. If you can't understand instructions such as "Turn left at the next traffic light," you will take the wrong course.
FAQ
Q&A about converting foreign driver's licenses in Chiba Prefecture
Where in Chiba Prefecture can I get my foreign driver's license converted?
This procedure can only be done at the Chiba Driver's License Center (2-1 Hamada, Mihama-ku, Chiba City). It cannot be done at the Nagareyama Driver's License Center.
What are the reception hours for converting foreign driver's licenses at the Chiba Driver's License Center?
Documents are accepted for review on weekdays from 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM and from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM. Applications are not accepted on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, substitute holidays, or during the New Year's holiday period.
Is an appointment necessary to convert my foreign driver's license in Chiba Prefecture?
No appointment is necessary for the document review. Knowledge and skills assessments require an appointment, and appointments are booked up several months in advance. For those applying only for a moped license, the document review also requires an appointment.
Will the knowledge and skills assessments be taken on the same day?
In Chiba Prefecture, knowledge assessment and skills assessment are generally conducted on the same day. Make sure to complete your skills assessment practice on the same day as your knowledge assessment appointment.
Can I practice driving at the Chiba Driver's License Center?
No, that's not possible. ZIPLUS introduces driving schools in Chiba Prefecture where you can practice converting your foreign license. If you are interested, please contact ZIPLUS.
Can I take the knowledge test in English or Chinese?
Yes. We support 20 foreign languages, including English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Nepali. Please tell the receptionist your preferred language.
Can several people from the company apply together?
Groups of 5 or more people must schedule an appointment by phone at least 7 days before their desired application date. Phone calls are accepted weekdays from 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
