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 Kumamoto Prefecture, foreign driver's license conversions are handled at the Kikuyo Town Driver's License Center. Appointments are required; first, you must make a reservation by phone for document screening.
In Kumamoto Prefecture, the process for converting a foreign driver's license is handled at the Kumamoto Prefectural Driver's License Center, 2nd floor (Driver's License Examination Division), in Kikuyo-machi, Kikuchi-gun. It is by appointment only; you cannot convert your license without an appointment. First, you must make an appointment by phone for document review. The phone call is in Japanese only, so please have your foreign driver's license and passport ready before calling.
Source: Kumamoto Prefectural Police "Conversion from Foreign Driver's License to Japanese Driver's License (Reservation Required)", Kumamoto Prefectural Police "Driver's License Examination Fee" (Confirmed October 9, 2026)
This guide is for those living in Kumamoto Prefecture who wish to convert their foreign driver's license to a Japanese one. It covers the procedures at the Kumamoto Prefectural Driver's License Center (Kikuyo Town), including how to make an appointment, the application process, required documents and fees, and how to proceed with the skills test practice.
Where to apply and make a reservation
Please make an appointment for document screening by phone. Only Japanese-speaking staff are accepted.
| place | Kumamoto Prefectural Driver's License Center, 2nd floor, left side (Driver's License Examination Division). Kikuyo-machi, Kikuchi-gun. |
|---|---|
| Telephone reservation | 096-233-0116 (Press numbers 2 then 3). Weekdays 11:00-12:00, 14:00-16:00 (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and the New Year period) |
| Convertible licenses | Class 1 License |
| Subject | Those who have a resident registration in Kumamoto Prefecture, possess a valid foreign driver's license, and have resided in that country for a total of three months or more after obtaining the license. |
- If we cannot communicate effectively, we will not be able to make the switch. Those who cannot speak Japanese will be accompanied by an interpreter.
- If you fail either the knowledge test or the skills test, you can make another appointment and retake it.
- The fee is payable in cash only. There are no ATMs at the driver's license center.
Procedure Flow
The process for converting a foreign driver's license in Kumamoto Prefecture
- Please make an appointment for the document screening by phone,speaking in Japanese. Have your foreign driver's license and passport ready.
- Preparation of necessary documents:Additional documents may be required depending on the country. Please check the "List of Required Documents by Country" provided by the Kumamoto Prefectural Police.
- Document screening and interviewOn the scheduled date, you will have your documents checked and undergo an interview.
- This is an aptitude testthat includes tests such as vision assessment.
- The test consists of 50 questions to check your knowledge; you need to answer 45 or more correctly to pass.
- Skill verificationA moped license is just a test of knowledge.
- 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. The knowledge test is available in 20 foreign languages, including English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Nepali, Indonesian, Burmese, Tagalog, and Portuguese. On the day of your appointment, you will specify the language you wish to take the test in. 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 Kumamoto Prefecture
- Foreign driver's license (if the issuance date is not indicated, please also provide a document proving this)
- Japanese translation of a foreign driver's license (created by the administrative authority/consular body of the issuing country, the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association, the German Automobile Club, JAF, ZIPLUS Co., Ltd., and the Association for Supporting Visiting Drivers in Japan)
- Japanese driver's license (if you have one; valid or expired. If your address has changed, you must first complete the address change procedure.)
- Resident registration certificate (issued within the last 6 months, including registered domicile or nationality. For foreign nationals, this must include nationality, date of becoming a foreign resident, classification under Article 30-45 of the Basic Resident Registration Act, residence status, period of stay and expiration date, and residence card number.)
- Passport. If you do not have entry and exit stamps from the country where you obtained your license, you will also need documents that can prove your residence, such as an entry/exit certificate, employment certificate, academic transcripts from university, or tax certificate.
- International driver's license (if you have one)
- Photographs: Two photos per license type (3cm high x 2.4cm wide, taken within the last 6 months)
- Residence card (original)
- A handling fee (cash only) and, if needed, glasses, etc.
For stays of one year or more, the beginner driver's mark may be waived.
If you can prove that you have resided in the country where you obtained your license for more than one year after acquiring it, you may be exempt from the requirement to display a novice driver's mark (beginner driver's mark).
The application fees for converting to a foreign driver's license are 2,500 yen for a regular license, 3,900 yen for semi-medium, medium, and large vehicle licenses, 2,800 yen for motorcycles, large special vehicles, and towing vehicles, and 1,600 yen for mopeds. The issuance fees are 2,350 yen for the license only, 1,550 yen for the My Number license only, and 2,450 yen for both (if applying for multiple types at the same time, 200 yen will be added for each additional type). In the calculation example from the Kumamoto Prefectural Police, if you receive both a regular driver's license and a My Number license, the total is 4,950 yen.
Checklist of documents required to calculate a total stay of 3 months
Skills check practice
How to practice skills in Kumamoto Prefecture
The skills test takes place on a course located within the Kumamoto Prefectural Driver's License Center (Kikuyo Town). Those with little experience driving on Japanese roads should practice Japanese-style driving before taking the test. However, some driving schools do not offer training for foreign license conversion.
practice at a driving school
At a designated driving school, you can use a vehicle of the same specifications as the test and have an instructor check your safety procedures in the Japanese style. You will need to check with each driving school to see if they accept students for foreign license conversion practice.
Learn the flow by watching the video.
The SAMURAI DRIVER skills test preparation video allows you to learn the entire test process in advance, from pre-ride checks to how to turn at intersections.
On the morning of the event, I walked the course to get a preview.
On weekdays, you can walk around the test course between 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM, and between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. The course for the day will be announced at 7:30 AM on the electronic display board in the second-floor lobby. If you would like a course map, please ask a staff member at the Driver's License Examination Division.
For training in Kumamoto Prefecture, please contact ZIPLUS
If you live in Kumamoto Prefecture and would like to practice converting your foreign driver's license, please contact ZIPLUS. We will ask about your residential area and your planned date for skills assessment, and then guide you through the practice process.
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
Kumamoto Prefecture Foreign License Conversion Q&A
Where in Kumamoto Prefecture can I get my foreign driver's license converted?
It's on the second floor, left side (Driver's License Examination Division) of the Kumamoto Prefectural Driver's License Center in Kikuyo-machi, Kikuchi-gun.
How do I make a reservation?
Please make an appointment for document screening by phone (096-233-0116, dial 2→3). Appointments are accepted on weekdays from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Can I make a reservation by phone in a foreign language?
No, we can't. We only accept phone calls in Japanese. If you don't speak Japanese, we'll ask someone who does to help you.
How many photos do you need?
Two photos are required for each type of license (3cm high x 2.4cm wide, taken within the last 6 months).
Can I use ZIPLUS 's translation?
Yes. ZIPLUS Co., Ltd. is listed in the Kumamoto Prefectural Police's guide as a corporation designated by the National Public Safety Commission.
