[2026 Latest] How to Convert Your Foreign Driver's License in Tokyo | Fuchu, Samezu, Koto: Reservations, Required Documents, and Fees

Testing site

Three test centers and how to choose: Koto is only suitable for a limited number of people.

In Tokyo, the only places that accept applications for converting foreign driver's licenses are the Fuchu, Samezu, and Koto testing centers. The Koto center is not open to everyone. Please check beforehand, as making a mistake will require you to reschedule your appointment.

Reception hours are generally weekdays from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm (excluding 11:00 am to 1:00 pm). We are closed on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and from December 29th to January 3rd. If you have a reservation and a specific time has been assigned, please go at that time.

Countries and regions where you can use Koto (a local government district) and are exempt from both categories.

Licenses from the following countries, regions, and US states are exempt from both knowledge and skills tests. Only those with these licenses can complete the procedures in Koto.

• Iceland, Ireland, United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, Austria, Netherlands, Canada, South Korea, Greece, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, New Zealand, Norway, Hungary, Finland, France, Belgium, Poland, Portugal, Monaco, Luxembourg, Taiwan
• United States: Ohio, Oregon, Colorado, Virginia, Hawaii, Maryland, Washington

Estimated waiting period for reservations (as of September 3, 2026)

This is an estimate based on phone calls to the foreign license conversion counters at each testing center. Appointment availability changes daily, so this schedule is not guaranteed.

Availability, required documents, and whether appointments can be made on the same day vary depending on the individual and the day's operations. Ultimately, please follow the instructions on the reservation screen and at the counter.

conditions

Main conditions for applying in Tokyo

When applying in Tokyo, the following conditions must be met as a general rule. If it is difficult to make a decision based solely on the documents, the testing center will review each applicant individually.

• Having an address in Tokyo (including temporary stays)
• I have the original, currently valid foreign driver's license.
• After obtaining a license in a foreign country, have you stayed in that country/region for a total of three months or more?
• You meet the age, vision, and other requirements for the Japanese driver's license you want to obtain.
• For those who require a skills assessment, their foreign license must be valid until the date of the skills assessment.

In Tokyo, we confirmed that they handle licenses for regular cars, semi-medium-sized vehicles, regular Regular Motorcycle, Heavy Motorcycle, medium-sized vehicles, large vehicles, large special vehicles, towing vehicles, and mopeds. However, the types of Japanese licenses that can be converted vary from person to person. This depends on factors such as the types of vehicles that can be driven with the foreign license, the scope of proof of the license's acquisition date, and age.

Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, "Required Documents"

reservation

How to make a reservation: Usually, the person makes the reservation online.

When you want to change your reservation

• Online booking: Cancel your current booking online and make a new one.
• Telephone reservation: Call the test center where you made your reservation and discuss canceling or rescheduling.
• If you are late, you may not be able to complete the procedure. If you realize you won't make it, please check the instructions immediately.

Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, "How to convert a driver's license obtained abroad into a Japanese driver's license"

flow

Procedure flow: 7 steps

Those who are exempt from both will not undergo the knowledge and skills assessments. The order and schedule may vary depending on the type of documents and licenses you have.

1. Choosing a testing center: Confirm whether the country/region that issued your license is exempt from both requirements, and then decide which testing center you can use.
2. Check the required documents for each country: In addition to the common documents, check if you need a driver's record, authentication, entry/exit records, etc.
3. Prepare a Japanese translation: You will need a translation prepared by a designated organization such as an embassy/consulate, JAF, or ZIPLUS.
4. Making a reservation: Most people make reservations online, while some make them by phone.
5. You will undergo a document review and aptitude test: You will be asked about how you obtained your license, when you obtained it, whether you have renewed it, and your planned stay after obtaining the license. If you have difficulty speaking Japanese, please go with someone who can interpret for you.
6. Knowledge and skills assessments: Those who are not exempt must pass the knowledge assessment and then schedule a skills assessment. Skills assessments cannot be taken on the same day as the document review.
7. Pay the fee and receive your license: The time you receive it will vary depending on how busy it is that day. Please follow the instructions given on the day.

document

Required documents: Originals are generally required.

Original documents are generally required. Copies will not be accepted. Additional documents vary depending on the country/region and when the license was obtained or renewed. Please check the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's country-specific list before making a reservation.

• A valid original foreign driver's license (electronic licenses alone are not accepted).
• A Japanese translation of a foreign driver's license, prepared by a designated organization.
• Your current passport, and your old passport if you have one.
• Documents proving your stay after obtaining your license, such as entry and exit records.
• Documents showing the date you first obtained your driver's license and the dates you obtained each type of license (such as a Driver Record; for those who need it).
• A copy of your resident registration certificate (which includes your nationality, residence status, period of stay, residence card number, etc., but does not include your My Number, and was issued within the last 6 months).
• One photograph for the application (3cm high x 2.4cm wide, taken within the last 6 months. If you have multiple types of licenses, please check the required number of photographs.)
• Additional documents required by country, such as certifications and apostilles (if needed).
• If you have a Japanese driver's license,

When a passport alone is not sufficient to prove a 3-month stay

If you used an automated gate and do not have a stamp on your passport, you will need to prepare proof of entry and exit records. Depending on the circumstances, you may also be required to provide proof of employment or enrollment, pay stubs, or a rental agreement. If the country on your passport is different from the country that issued your driver's license, or if you have renewed or had your license reissued, it is best to check with the counter as soon as possible.

Questions and interpretation during the document review process

During the document review, you will be asked about how you obtained your foreign driver's license, the date you first obtained it, whether you have renewed or had it reissued, and how long you lived in that country after obtaining the license. Organize the documents you submit in chronological order so that the information you provide matches what you say.

Questions are in Japanese. Those who have difficulty explaining in Japanese may be asked to bring an interpreter. During the phone call on September 3, 2026, no specific qualifications for interpreters were mentioned. Please confirm when making your reservation.

Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department "Required Documents", Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department "Required Documents by Country"

test

Knowledge and skills assessments: Became stricter from October 2025.

The knowledge test consists of 50 questions; a score of 45 or higher is required to pass.

From October 1, 2025, the knowledge test has increased from 10 questions to 50 questions. A minimum of 45 correct answers is required. The illustration questions have been removed. In Fuchu and Samezu, the test is available in 20 languages on weekdays.

• English, Spanish, Persian, Korean, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, Thai, Tagalog, Vietnamese
• Indonesian, Khmer, Nepali, Burmese, Mongolian, Ukrainian, Sinhala, Urdu, Arabic, Hindi

Nationwide statistics show that the pass rates for the October-December 2025 exams were 42.8% for the knowledge test and 13.1% for the skills test. In 2024, these rates were 92.5% and 30.4%, respectively. While these figures are not specific to Tokyo, it is becoming increasingly difficult to pass without preparation.

I confirmed by phone that you can take the knowledge test up to three times. If you don't pass all three times, you'll have to start over from the document screening. This policy may change, so please check the explanation on the day of the test.

The skills assessment will be on a different day. The workload has increased.

The skills test is by appointment only and cannot be taken on the day of the document review. After passing the knowledge test, you will take it on a designated day. From October 2025, tasks such as crossing a pedestrian crossing were added. The scoring criteria are now the same as when obtaining a new license in Japan.

• Safety checks should not only involve visual inspection, but also involve actions that are easily understood by the examiner.
• Practice signal timing, stopping, how to maneuver when turning, and driving in a way that protects pedestrians.
• Get used to driving a right-hand drive car on the left side of the road, and the test vehicle.
• On the day of the inspection, wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for driving, and double-check the expiration date of your foreign driver's license.

The Fuchu and Samezu courses can be used for practice under certain conditions.

The Fuchu and Samezu locations offer their driving courses to those taking driving skills tests. Reservations must be made by phone. For regular and semi-medium-sized vehicle tests, the conditions include having a qualified driver's license, at least three years of driving experience as a passenger, and bringing your own practice vehicle. Courses are generally open on Saturdays and public holidays, but this is subject to change or cancellation. Please check the latest conditions before making a reservation.

Sources: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department "Notice of System Revision", Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department "Examination in Foreign Language", Summary of Press Conference of the Chairman of the National Public Safety Commission (March 5, 2026), Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department "Course Opening"

Driving schools in Tokyo where you can practice for skills assessment

Fees and directions

Fees and directions to the three test centers

These are the application and issuance fees as outlined by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. Translation, country-specific certificates, photographs, and practice fees are separate.

If you obtain more than one type of license, there is a 200 yen fee for each additional license. The fee for retaking the exam is not clearly stated in the publicly available information. Please check when making your reservation or at the counter.

preparation

The order of preparations that is less likely to fail

While you wait for your appointment, let's work on preparing your documents and exams at the same time. Following this order will help minimize any omissions.

1. To determine if you are eligible for an exemption and to choose a testing center, check not only the national level but also the state level if you are in the United States.
2. Obtain additional documents for each country first: Documents obtained from your home country's government offices, embassies, or online take time, so start with those.
3. Organize your old passports and residence records: Make sure you can explain, in chronological order, the date you first obtained your license, the date you renewed it, and the length of time you were in each country.
4. Prepare a translation: Obtain a translation of your currently valid foreign driver's license. After renewing your license, verify the translation as well.
5. Start preparing for knowledge and skills checks: Without waiting for your appointment, begin studying in the form of 50 questions and practicing Japanese safety checks and driving techniques.
6. The day before, check the original documents and appointment time: make sure you have more than just copies, that your foreign license is valid, and that you have enough time to get there.