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
To convert your foreign driver's license in Hokkaido, you need to make a reservation by phone at the driver's license examination center that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. The review process takes several months.
In Hokkaido, you can only apply for a foreign driver's license conversion at the driver's license examination center that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. If you live in the Sapporo area, you will need to make a reservation by phone at the Sapporo Driver's License Examination Center (Teine Ward). The Hokkaido Prefectural Police have announced that there are many applicants and it takes several months from reservation to review. If your foreign driver's license is about to expire, please contact the examination center as soon as possible.
Source: Hokkaido Prefectural Police, "For those who wish to convert a foreign driver's license to a Japanese driver's license" (Information from August 2026. Confirmed October 9, 2026)
For those living in Hokkaido who want to convert their foreign driver's license to a Japanese one, this guide focuses on the procedures at the Sapporo Driver's License Examination Center. It covers everything from how to make a phone reservation, the number of visits and the time required, necessary documents, and even driving schools where you can practice for the skills test.
Application testing center
Applications can only be submitted at the driver's license examination center that has jurisdiction over your place of residence.
Hokkaido has driver's license testing centers in Sapporo, Hakodate, Asahikawa, Kushiro, Obihiro, and Kitami. Foreign license conversions are applied for at the testing center that has jurisdiction over your residential area. The Hokkaido Prefectural Police page explains the procedures at the Sapporo Driver's License Testing Center. Those applying at other testing centers should contact that center directly.
| Sapporo Driver's License Examination Center | 1-1, Akebono 5-jo 4-chome, Teine-ku, Sapporo City. For those residing within the jurisdiction of the Hokkaido Public Safety Commission (Sapporo area). |
|---|---|
| Hakodate Driver's License Examination Center | 140-23 Ishikawa-cho, Hakodate City |
| Asahikawa Driver's License Examination Center | 2699-5, Chikabumi-cho 17-chome, Asahikawa City |
| Kushiro Driver's License Examination Center | 1-15-8 Orakemo Kita, Kushiro City |
| Obihiro Driver's License Examination Center | Obihiro City, Nishi 19-jo Kita 2-chome |
| Kitami Driver's License Examination Center | 141-1 Taisho, Kitami City |
reservation
Reservations for the Sapporo Driver's License Examination Center are made by phone. You will decide on a date once all the necessary documents are ready.
- Weekdays 8:45 AM - 5:00 PM: The reservation number for the Sapporo Driver's License Examination Center is 011-695-5515 (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, substitute holidays, and the year-end/New Year period). It can be busy, and it may take some time to get through.
- Until all documents are complete, you will receive a "confirmation number": You cannot make a reservation until all the necessary documents are complete. If you do not have all the documents, you will receive a confirmation number. Once you have all the documents, provide the confirmation number and your name, and we will schedule your reservation date.
- Please call someone who speaks Japanese; we do not offer support in other languages. If you do not speak Japanese, please ask someone who can interpret for assistance.
Since the required documents vary depending on the country that issued the license, the Hokkaido Prefectural Police advises applicants to contact the Sapporo Driver's License Examination Center in advance.
Procedure Flow
Those who require knowledge or skills assessment will need to visit three times.
- First stage: Document review (approximately 3 hours). We will check the required documents and conditions. If there are any deficiencies, a re-review will be conducted on another day.
- Second attempt: Knowledge check (approximately 2 hours).You will have 30 minutes to answer 50 written questions. A score of 45 or higher is required to pass. If you fail, you will have to take the test again on another day.
- Third attempt: Skill assessment (approximately 3 hours).If you fail, you will have to take the test again on another day. If you pass, you will go through the license issuance process, which takes about half a day.
For those with licenses from countries or regions where knowledge and skills assessments are waived, the process involves two stages: the first document review and the second issuance procedure. Licenses are not issued on the same day, nor are they sent by mail. For information regarding the skills assessment course starting in October 2025, please contact the Sapporo Driver's License Examination Center.
Required documents
Documents required in Hokkaido (Sapporo Driver's License Examination Center)
- A valid foreign driver's license (bring your old license as well to verify your license history).
- One application photograph (3.0cm high x 2.4cm wide, taken within the last 6 months)
- A resident registration certificate (which includes information such as period of stay, registered domicile or nationality, and residence status) is required. While a residence card alone is not sufficient for application, it is necessary to show it for identity verification.
- Japanese translation of a foreign driver's license (prepared by JAF, ZIPLUS Co., Ltd., the Association for Supporting Drivers Visiting Japan, or the administrative or consular authorities of the country that issued the license)
- Documents proving your length of stay (passport; including old passports. For each type of license you are applying for, please confirm that you have stayed in Japan for a total of at least three months since obtaining the license).
- Previously obtained Japanese driver's licenses (including expired ones)
- Fees (Example: Examination fee for a regular driver's license: 2,500 yen, Issuance fee: 2,350 yen)
If your length of stay cannot be confirmed, such as if there is no record in your passport, other documents will be required. Please contact the Sapporo Driver's License Examination Center. A total stay of 3 months will be calculated.
For short-term stays, an international driver's license is also an option.
Some people have been in Japan for less than a year, and their home country is a signatory to the Geneva Convention. The Hokkaido Prefectural Police recommend that such individuals obtain an international driving permit from their home country. Three ways for foreigners to drive in Japan.
Skills check practice
Driving schools in Hokkaido that ZIPLUS can introduce
Some driving schools do not offer practice sessions for converting to a foreign driver's license. ZIPLUS introduces designated driving schools in Hokkaido where you can practice for the skills test required for converting to a foreign driver's license. Since roads will be snowy in winter, plan your practice sessions according to the season.
Teine Driving School
1-13-1, Hoshioki 2-jo 1-chome, Teine-ku, Sapporo. The nearest station is JR Hoshioki Station. A free shuttle bus is available. It is located in the same Teine-ku as the Sapporo Driver's License Examination Center.
Otaru Driving School
2-20-33 Shinko, Otaru City. The nearest station is JR Otaru Station. Shuttle service is available by reservation.
Yoichi Driving School
6-12 Tomizawa-cho, Yoichi-cho, Yoichi-gun. The nearest station is JR Yoichi Station. There is a free shuttle bus that circulates within Yoichi town.
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 Hokkaido
Where do I get my foreign driver's license converted in Hokkaido?
This is the driver's license testing center that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. If you live in the Sapporo area, you should apply at the Sapporo Driver's License Testing Center (Teine Ward, Sapporo City).
How do I make a reservation to convert my foreign driver's license in Hokkaido?
Reservations are made by phone. The Sapporo Driver's License Examination Center is at 011-695-5515 (weekdays 8:45 AM to 5:00 PM). You will decide on your reservation date once you have all the necessary documents ready.
How long does it take from booking to approval?
The Hokkaido Prefectural Police have announced that there are many applicants, and the process from reservation to review takes several months.
How many times will you be visiting?
Those who require knowledge and skills assessment will undergo three stages: document review, knowledge assessment, and skills assessment. If you fail, you will retake the exam on a different day.
Can I receive my driver's license on the same day?
Same-day issuance is not available. Delivery by mail is also not available.
Is it okay to speak English on the phone?
We do not offer services in foreign languages. If you do not speak Japanese, please go with someone who can interpret.
