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 Kagoshima Prefecture, converting a foreign driver's license requires first submitting copies of documents by mail for a preliminary review. The procedure is then carried out at the driver's license examination center in Aira City.
In Kagoshima Prefecture, the process for converting your foreign driver's license is handled at the Kagoshima Prefectural Driver's License Examination Center in Aira City. First, you must mail copies of the necessary documents to the examination center for a preliminary review by staff. Once the review is complete, the examination center will contact you regarding the date you should visit. Please be sure to include a note with your phone number.
Source: Kagoshima Prefectural Police, "Information on Converting Foreign Driver's Licenses" (Accessed October 9, 2026)
Before proceeding with the procedures in Kagoshima Prefecture, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the entire foreign driver's license conversion process: What is a foreign driver's license conversion? (Conditions, required documents, costs, and timeframe)
This guide is for those living in Kagoshima Prefecture who wish to convert their foreign driver's license to a Japanese one. It covers the procedures at the Kagoshima Prefectural Driver's License Examination Center (Aira City), 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
It starts with mailing copies of documents.
| place | Kagoshima Prefectural Driver's License Examination Center (3934 Higashimochida, Aira City, Kagoshima Prefecture 899-5421) |
|---|---|
| Address to send documents | The address above is for the "Kagoshima Prefectural Driver's License Examination Center, Foreign License Conversion Section". |
| form | 0995-65-2295 (Foreign Driver's License Conversion Section. Weekdays during office hours) |
| Pre-screening | We will review the documents you mailed to us and contact you by phone to schedule your visit. |
- Document copies are generally sent by mail (even if you bring them in person, they won't be reviewed on the spot).
- I will definitely include a note with my phone number (e.g., Request to switch from XX (country), address, name and phonetic spelling, phone number). You can also include the contact information of someone who can interpret in Japanese (in that case, please also indicate that they are an interpreter).
- The copies you send will not be returned.
Procedure Flow
The process for converting a foreign driver's license in Kagoshima Prefecture.
- Please send copies of the following documents by mail:your resident registration certificate, foreign driver's license (front and back), passport, residence card, and translations.
- Pre-screening and Contacting the Date of Visit:A staff member at the testing center will screen you and contact you by phone to inform you of the date of your visit.
- For the document review (on the designated date), bring the original documents you submitted, the original documents that were missing during the preliminary review, two photographs, etc.
- Knowledge checkI will take the test after the document screening.
- Skills VerificationOnly those who pass the knowledge test are eligible to take this exam. A course map of the driving range can be viewed at the testing center.
The knowledge test consists of 50 written questions to be completed in 30 minutes; a passing score requires 45 or more correct answers. The knowledge test is available in 21 languages, including Japanese (English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Nepali, Indonesian, Burmese, Sinhala, etc.). License holders from countries/regions exempt from the knowledge and skills tests will receive their licenses 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 Kagoshima Prefecture
- A copy of your resident registration certificate (which includes specific information such as nationality)
- Copies of the front and back of your foreign driver's license (if you have renewed it, please also include a copy of your old license).
- A copy of your passport (the page with your personal information and the page with entry and exit stamps showing that you stayed in Japan for more than three months after obtaining your driver's license. Old passports are also acceptable.)
- Copies of the front and back of your residence card (if your residence is currently being renewed, please also include a copy of the document showing that your residence is being renewed).
- Copies of the translated text (created by the administrative authorities or consulates of the country that issued the license, the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association, JAF, ZIPLUS Co., Ltd., and the Association for Supporting Visiting Drivers in Japan)
- If you previously held a Japanese driver's license, please provide copies of both the front and back of that license.
- Proof of information not included on the driver's license (e.g., in the Philippines, an official receipt and apostille-studded driving history certificate; in China, an ID card and basic driving history information; in Indonesia and some states in the US, Canada, and Australia, a license record, etc.)
Items to bring on the day of document screening (for those without a stamp)
If you do not have entry and exit stamps from automated gates, etc., you will need to send a copy of your entry and exit certificate (such as an e-ticket or other document showing entry and exit) from the country where you obtained your license. On the day of the document review, bring the original documents you sent, two photographs (3cm high x 2.4cm wide, taken within the last six months), and your international driver's license (if you have one).
The fees vary depending on the type of license. Please check at the testing center.
Checklist of documents required to calculate a total stay of 3 months
Skills check practice
Driving schools in Kagoshima 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.
Ibusuki Driving School
1680, Jucho, Ibusuki City. The nearest station is Futatsuda Station on the JR Ibusuki-Makurazaki Line. Shuttle buses are available to areas such as Kiire, Ei, and Yamakawa.
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 Kagoshima Prefecture
Where in Kagoshima Prefecture can I get my foreign driver's license converted?
This is the Kagoshima Prefectural Driver's License Examination Center in Aira City.
What should I do first?
Mail copies of the required documents to the foreign driver's license conversion section at the testing center. Be sure to include a note with your phone number.
Is it okay to bring the documents directly to the testing center?
They will accept it, but they won't check the contents on the spot. The principle is that it will be sent by mail.
How many photos do you need?
On the day of the document screening, please bring two photographs measuring 3cm x 2.4cm.
