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 Kanagawa Prefecture, the only place to convert a foreign driver's license is the Futamatagawa Driver's License Center. First, you need to make a reservation at the counter.
In Kanagawa Prefecture, the only place to convert your foreign driver's license is at the Driver's License Center in Asahi Ward, Yokohama City. First, you must go to window number 12 on the 3rd floor of the Driver's License Center between 2 PM and 3 PM on a weekday to make an appointment for document review. After passing the knowledge test, you will need to make an appointment for the skills test and take it on the course within the center. Online reservations for the skills test have been suspended since August 31, 2026, so you must now make a reservation in person or by phone.
Source: Kanagawa Prefectural Police, "Procedures for Converting a Foreign Driver's License to a Japanese Driver's License," and Kanagawa Prefectural Police, "Online Reservation Acceptance for the Driving Skills Test" (Accessed October 8, 2026)
For those living in Kanagawa Prefecture who want to convert their foreign driver's license to a Japanese one: This article summarizes the procedures at the Kanagawa Prefectural Driver's License Center. From how to make a reservation and get there, to the necessary documents, how to count your 3-month (90-day) stay, and even driving schools where you can practice for the skills test, this article will give you a complete overview of the preparations.
reservation
First, you make a reservation at the driver's license center's counter.
| place | Kanagawa Prefectural Driver's License Center, 3rd Floor, Window No. 12 (Foreign Driver's License Section). 1-1-1 Nakao, Asahi-ku, Yokohama City |
|---|---|
| reservation | I make a reservation by going directly to window number 12 between 2 PM and 3 PM on weekdays. |
| Appointment consultation | 045-365-6000 (Weekdays 3 PM - 4 PM). Please have someone who understands Japanese make the call. |
| Reception on the day of the reservation | You will be given either a weekday between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM or between 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM. |
| holiday | Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, substitute holidays, and New Year holidays |
| form | Driver's License Division, Foreign License Section: 045-365-3111 (Main number. Weekdays 8:30 AM - 5:15 PM) |
The required documents vary depending on the country where the license was issued and the circumstances under which it was obtained. The Kanagawa Prefectural Police advises that you be sure to check this when making a reservation. Reservations are also required if you wish to receive explanations or consultations from a staff member at the counter.
access
How to get to the Kanagawa Prefectural Driver's License Center
Take a bus from Futamatagawa Station (approximately 5 minutes).
Exit the north exit of Futamatagawa Station on the Sotetsu Line and turn right. From bus stop number 1 on the 1st floor of Sotetsu Life (Joinus Terrace 3), take the Sotetsu Bus "Driver's License Center Loop".
A 15-minute walk from Futamatagawa Station.
It's about a 15-minute walk from the north exit of Futamatagawa Station.
Avoid the car.
The surrounding roads will be very congested. The Kanagawa Prefectural Police are advising people to use public transportation.
On the day of your reservation, check-in is only available for 30 minutes in the morning or at noon. Please leave early to arrive early, considering potential traffic congestion on buses and roads.
Procedure Flow
The process for converting a foreign driver's license in Kanagawa Prefecture
- To make a reservation,go to counter number 12 between 2 PM and 3 PM on weekdays and reserve a date and time for your document review. You will also confirm the required documents at this time.
- On the day you have scheduled your document reviewappointment, go to window number 12 with your documents at the designated time.
- Knowledge Check & Aptitude Test:The knowledge check consists of 50 true/false questions, and a score of 90% or higher is required to pass. You can choose from 21 languages, including Japanese.
- Skills VerificationAfter passing the knowledge check, you will take the exam on the course at the facility on your scheduled date. Reservations can currently be made in person or by phone. The exam takes about half a day.
- If you pass all the requirements for issuing a Japanese driver's license, you will be issued a Japanese driver's license.
The languages available for knowledge verification are Japanese, English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai, Tagalog, Russian, Persian, Korean, Indonesian, Khmer, Nepali, Burmese, Mongolian, Ukrainian, Sinhala, Urdu, Arabic, and Hindi—a total of 21 languages.
You must pass the skills test before your foreign license expires. If your license is about to expire, please consult with us when making your reservation. (Explanation of expiration date)
People from countries/regions who are exempt from the exam
License holders from 29 countries and regions (7 US states) are exempt from both the knowledge and skills tests (including South Korea, Taiwan, the UK, Germany, and Australia). Only the skills test is waived in Indiana, USA. List of exempted countries and regions:
Conditions of stay
A stay of three months is considered "more than 90 days in total." (This is how the Kanagawa Prefectural Police counts it.)
For foreign license conversion, you must prove that you have resided in the country where you obtained your license for a total of three months or more. The Kanagawa Prefectural Police specify that this must be a total of 90 days or more. The number of days counted is the number of days you were in the country where your license was issued during the period in which your license was confirmed to be valid.
Those without a stamp in their passport
For those from EU countries or other countries that do not stamp entry and exit stamps, or those who used automated gates, a passport alone is not sufficient proof of stay. Original documents such as proof of employment, pay stubs, or school graduation certificates are required.
People with dual citizenship
You need to have stayed in each country for a total of 90 days or more during the overlapping period in which you held passports from each country.
Japanese entry and exit records alone are not sufficient.
Japanese entry and exit records alone do not prove that you were in the country that issued your license.
If you can prove that you have lived in that country for a total of more than one year after obtaining your license, you will be exempt from the probationary period for novice drivers (such as displaying a beginner driver's mark).
Calculate whether the total period from the passport date is 3 months (90 days) or more.
Required documents
Documents to bring to the Kanagawa Prefectural Driver's License Center
- A valid foreign driver's license (bring any old, expired licenses you may have. A certificate from the issuing institution may be required; copies or photos are not accepted).
- Please bring your passport (and any old passports you may have).
- Japanese translation of a foreign driver's license (limited to those prepared by embassies/consulates in Japan, JAF, ZIPLUS Co., Ltd., or the Association for Supporting Foreign Drivers in Japan)
- A copy of your resident registration certificate (for foreign nationals, this must include all specific information such as nationality and residence status. The original must have been issued by the city/ward/town/village within the last six months.)
- Residence card, special permanent resident certificate, etc. (for foreign nationals)
- One application photograph (3.0cm high x 2.4cm wide, taken within the last 6 months, no hat, front view, upper torso, plain background)
- Japanese driver's license (for those who have held one in the past; including expired licenses and U.S. military-issued driver's licenses)
- International Driving Permit (for those who have been issued one)
- Glasses, etc. (for those who need them)
- Fees vary depending on the type of license and whether a skills test is required, so please confirm when making a reservation.
Those wishing to obtain a My Number Driver's License should also bring a valid My Number Card. Those who have difficulty speaking Japanese should be accompanied by someone who can provide Japanese interpretation.
Skills check practice
Practice to confirm your skills and driving schools that ZIPLUS can recommend
The driving course at the driver's license center can be used for driving practice. Reservations are required through the Kanagawa Prefectural Traffic Safety Association (Driving Practice Section: 045-362-3468). Detailed conditions can be found on the Kanagawa Prefectural Traffic Safety Association website. If you want to be taught by an instructor using a car and course of the same specifications as the actual test, practicing at a designated driving school is recommended.
Koyama Driving School Yokohama
2-48-13 Oosone, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama City. 7-minute walk from Tsunashima Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line. Free shuttle bus 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
Kanagawa Prefecture Foreign Driver's License Conversion Q&A
Where in Kanagawa Prefecture can I get my foreign driver's license converted?
The only place you can go is the Kanagawa Prefectural Driver's License Center (1-1-1 Nakao, Asahi-ku, Yokohama City). You cannot complete the procedure at a police station.
How do I make a reservation for converting my foreign driver's license in Kanagawa Prefecture?
To make a reservation, go directly to window number 12 on the 3rd floor of the Driver's License Center between 2 PM and 3 PM on weekdays. For reservation inquiries, please call 045-365-6000 (weekdays 3 PM to 4 PM).
Can I book a skills assessment online?
Online reservations for the skills assessment required for converting to a foreign driver's license have been suspended since August 31, 2026. Reservations must now be made in person or by phone.
How many days is a "3-month stay"?
Kanagawa Prefectural Police advises that you must have stayed in the country where you obtained your license for a total of three months (90 days) or more. This is counted based on the number of days you were in that country during the period when your license was confirmed to be valid.
What if there are no stamps in my passport?
If your passport does not have a stamp, you will need to prove your stay with other original documents (such as proof of employment, pay stubs, or school graduation certificate). This applies to people from the EU and those who used automated gates. Japanese entry and exit records alone are not sufficient proof.
Can I take the knowledge test in English or Chinese?
Yes. You can choose from 21 languages, including Japanese. English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Nepali, Burmese, Sinhala, and others are also supported.
What is the commission?
Because it varies depending on the type of license and whether or not a skills test is required, the Kanagawa Prefectural Police advises that you check when making a reservation.
