An Overview of Foreign Driver's License Conversion: What is Foreign Driver's License Conversion? Overall Process, Conditions, Required Documents, and Costs
First, the conclusion
In Fukushima Prefecture, foreign driver's license conversions are handled at the Fukushima Driver's License Center. Reservations are required, and Koriyama only accepts licenses from countries and regions where the test is waived.
In Fukushima Prefecture, foreign driver's license conversions are processed at the Fukushima Driver's License Center in Fukushima City. The Koriyama Driver's License Center is only for those with licenses from countries/regions (special countries) where knowledge and skills checks are waived. Reservations are required at both locations; those without reservations cannot complete the procedure. It cannot be done at police stations.
Source: Fukushima Prefectural Police, "Conversion from Foreign Driver's License to Japanese Driver's License" (as of January 2026), "Foreign License/Overseas License" (verified October 9, 2026)
Before proceeding with the procedures in Fukushima Prefecture, it's reassuring to understand the entire process of converting to a foreign driver's license: What is foreign driver's license conversion? (Conditions, required documents, costs, and timeframe)
This guide is for those living in Fukushima Prefecture who wish to convert their foreign driver's license to a Japanese one. We've compiled information on the procedures at the Fukushima/Koriyama Driver's License Center, including how to make an appointment, the application process, required documents and fees, and even driving schools where you can practice for your driving skills test.
Where to apply and make a reservation
Reservations must be made by phone. Koriyama only accepts licenses from special national authorities.
| Fukushima Driver's License Center | 1-1 Ohara, Machinivasaka, Fukushima City. Phone: 024-591-4372. Monday to Friday (time and location specified at the time of reservation). |
|---|---|
| Koriyama Driver's License Center | 14-6 Bijoikekami, Otsuki-cho, Koriyama City. Phone: 024-961-2100. Only for special national licenses, Thursdays and Fridays. |
| Telephone reservation | Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and the year-end/New Year period). If the person in charge is unavailable, we will call you back. |
- Those who cannot speak, read, or write Japanese will be accompanied by an interpreter (interpretation using mobile phones or similar devices is not permitted).
- Those applying for a motorcycle license should prepare a helmet, gloves, and other necessary equipment.
Procedure Flow
The process for converting a foreign driver's license in Fukushima Prefecture
- Make a reservation by phoneat the Fukushima Driver's License Center (or Koriyama if you are applying for a special national license).
- The process involves a document review and an interview, which includes a review of required documents and questions about your driving experience (in person).
- This includes aptitude tests, knowledge assessmentssuch as vision tests, and a review of the knowledge required for driving.
- Skills assessment (excluding countries with special exemptions):This is a practical skills assessment. In winter, it may not be possible due to snow or icy roads.
- If you pass all the requirements for obtaining a driver's license, you will be issued a Japanese driver's license.
The knowledge test consists of 50 written questions to be completed in 30 minutes. A passing score requires 45 or more correct answers. Please confirm the language of the knowledge test when making your reservation. License holders from countries/regions exempt from the knowledge and skills tests will receive their license after a document review and aptitude test (e.g., South Korea, Taiwan, the UK, Germany, Australia). See the list of exempted countries/regions.
Required documents and fees
Documents to bring when converting your foreign driver's license in Fukushima Prefecture
- Foreign nationals must present their residence card (or special permanent resident certificate if they are special permanent residents) and a resident registration certificate (issued within the last 6 months, My Number not required) that includes their nationality, residence card number, residence status, and period of stay.
- A foreign driver's license (including expired old licenses; if the initial issuance date is not available, a driving history certificate may be required).
- Translation of a foreign driver's license (prepared by the embassy, consulate, JAF, ZIPLUS Co., Ltd., Association for Supporting Visiting Drivers in Japan, Taiwan-Japan Relations Association (Taiwan), or German Automobile Club (Germany))
- One photograph (3cm high x 2.4cm wide, taken within the last 6 months. Please note that this is not the standard passport photo size.)
- Passport (copies not accepted. Older passports are also acceptable.)
- Japanese driver's license (if you have one; valid or expired)
If you do not have a stamp, please submit another document.
For those using automated gates at airports, those in the EU or other areas where entry and exit stamps are not issued, and those with dual citizenship, the length of stay cannot be verified with a passport alone, so air tickets or entry/exit records are required.
The application fee is 2,500 yen for regular vehicles, 3,900 yen for large, medium, and semi-medium vehicles, 2,800 yen for motorcycles, and 1,600 yen for mopeds. The issuance fee is 2,350 yen for a driver's license only, 2,450 yen for a driver's license and a My Number driver's license, and 1,550 yen for a My Number driver's license only.
Checklist of documents required to calculate a total stay of 3 months
Skills check practice
Driving schools in Fukushima Prefecture that ZIPLUS can introduce
Some driving schools do not offer practice sessions for converting to a foreign license. ZIPLUS introduces designated driving schools in the prefecture where you can practice for the skills test required for converting to a foreign license. At designated driving schools, you can practice with cars and courses that meet the same specifications as the actual test.
Fukuyama Driving School
1 Mizuana, Fukuhara, Tomikuyama-cho, Koriyama City. Approximately 15 minutes by car from JR Koriyama Station.
Motomiya Driving School
18 Kitsunemori, Oyama, Otama Village, Adachi District. Approximately 30 minutes by school bus from Koriyama Station. Individual pick-up and drop-off services are also available.
For driving school practice sessions, please contact ZIPLUS
The above-mentioned driving schools offer practice sessions for converting your foreign 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 residential area and the date of your skills assessment.
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 Fukushima Prefecture
Where in Fukushima Prefecture can I convert my foreign driver's license?
This is the Fukushima Driver's License Center in Fukushima City. If you have a license from a country or region where knowledge and skills tests are waived, you can also complete the procedures at the Koriyama Driver's License Center (Thursdays and Fridays).
Do I need an appointment?
It is required. Those without a reservation cannot proceed. Reservations can be made by phone between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM on weekdays.
Is it okay to use a mobile phone app for interpretation?
No, that's not possible. If you don't speak Japanese, please bring an interpreter with you.
Can I take the skills assessment even in winter?
Due to snow and icy roads, it may not be possible to conduct skill assessments.
