An Overview of Foreign Driver's License Conversion: A Comprehensive Guide to Foreign Driver's License Conversion, Conditions, Required Documents, Costs, and Timeframe
First, the conclusion
To drive in Japan with a Chinese driver's license, you need to go through a "foreign license conversion" process.
Since China (People's Republic of China) is not a signatory to the Geneva Convention, a Chinese driver's license or international driving permit cannot be used to drive in Japan. If you have an address in Japan, you must go to the driver's license center that has jurisdiction over your place of residence to have your Chinese license converted to a Japanese license.
Chinese driver's licenses do not exempt you from knowledge and skills tests. In addition to document review, you should prepare assuming you will have to take a 50-question knowledge test and a practical driving skills test. Documents specific to Chinese driver's licenses include the "Basic Information" document bearing the official seal of the Vehicle Management Office and entry and exit records from the National Immigration Administration.
Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, "How to convert a foreign-obtained driver's license to a Japanese driver's license", Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, "How to drive in Japan with an international driver's license obtained abroad" (Accessed October 5, 2026)
This article explains how to convert a driver's license obtained in mainland China to a Japanese license, covering the requirements, necessary documents for the Chinese license, translation, exam, and costs. Please note that the required documents and exemptions differ for licenses obtained in Hong Kong and Taiwan; please refer to the respective guidelines.
First, check
Can I drive in Japan with a Chinese driver's license or an international driver's license?
No, you cannot. In Japan, only international driving permits issued by signatory countries to the Geneva Convention in the format prescribed by that convention are valid for driving in Japan. Since China is not a signatory to this convention, even if you have a document like an international driving permit issued in China, you cannot drive in Japan.
| Method | Those with a Chinese driver's license | point |
|---|---|---|
| With a Chinese driver's license | Unable to drive | Even if you have the translation, you cannot drive before switching. |
| International driver's license issued in China | Unable to drive | China is not a signatory to the Geneva Conventions. |
| Ziplus | Obtain a Japanese driver's license | This program is for individuals who have an address in Japan and meet the specified conditions. |
| Attending a driving school in Japan | Available | It generally takes more time and money than converting to a foreign driver's license. |
Even rental cars and company vehicles cannot be driven without a valid Japanese driver's license. Please wait until your Japanese driver's license has been issued after the conversion process is complete before driving.
Conditions before application
Conditions for those who can convert their driver's license to a foreign-language license.
- You must possess a valid Chinese driver's license: the original card is required. Electronic licenses (digital licenses) alone are not sufficient for conversion.
- You must have stayed in China for a total of three months or more after obtaining your license: This will be verified through your passport and entry/exit records.
- Having an address in Japan: From October 1, 2025, foreign nationals will be required to submit a copy of their resident registration certificate that includes "specific information" such as nationality, residence status, and period of stay. Those on short-term stays, such as tourists, will not have a resident registration certificate and therefore, in principle, cannot apply.
- Meeting the age requirements: For regular driver's licenses and the like, there are age requirements for each type of license you wish to obtain.
The license must be valid until the date of the skills assessment.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department advises that those undergoing skills testing must have a foreign driver's license that is valid until the day of the test, and that the test will be scheduled approximately 3 to 4 months after the reservation date. Those whose Chinese driver's license is due to renew soon should renew it first, make a reservation, and prepare a translation using the renewed license.
Conditions: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department "Regarding the Amended Road Traffic Act Enforcement Regulations Effective October 1, 2025", Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department "Required Documents (Common)" (Confirmed October 5, 2026)
Overall flow
Six steps to convert your Chinese driver's license to a Japanese driver's license.
- 1Gather the documents
In addition to the standard documents, you will need to prepare documents specific to Chinese driver's licenses, such as basic information and entry/exit records. It is advisable to obtain any documents obtained from Chinese institutions before coming to Japan or as early as possible.
- 2Prepare this translation.
Translations of Chinese driver's licenses must be prepared by an organization authorized by law. Self-translations are not accepted.
- 3Make a reservation at a driver's license center, etc.
Applications should be submitted to the driver's license center or similar facility that has jurisdiction over your place of residence in Japan. Reservation methods vary by prefecture; in Tokyo, reservations are made online.
- 4Document review and interview
You will be asked questions about the circumstances surrounding obtaining your license in China and the length of your stay. If you are not confident in your Japanese, check with the application office to see if you can bring an interpreter with you.
- 5Aptitude test and knowledge assessment
You will take an aptitude test, including vision tests, and a knowledge test of traffic rules (50 questions, 30 minutes). The test can be taken in Chinese.
- 6Skills verification and license issuance
The skills test is by appointment only and cannot be taken on the day of registration. Upon passing, you will be issued a Japanese driver's license.
You can find information on where to apply and how to make a reservation in each prefecture on the nationwide driver's license center information page.
This is the most common stumbling block.
Documents required for converting a Chinese driver's license to a foreign license
The following list is based on information from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department (the list of required documents by country is current as of August 2026). Additional documents may be required depending on the prefecture, so please also check the latest information from the prefecture where you are applying.
Common documents required for everyone
- Original valid Chinese driver's license (bring any expired previous Chinese driver's licenses as well).
- Japanese translation of a Chinese driver's license
- Passports (including all old passports)
- A copy of your resident registration certificate containing specific information (photocopies are not accepted; your My Number must not be included; issued within the last 6 months).
- Application photograph (3cm high x 2.4cm wide, taken within the last 6 months prior to application)
- Japanese driver's license (only for those who currently or previously held one)
Additional documents required for those with a Chinese driver's license
If you hold two or more licenses, such as for a small car and a motorcycle, you will need documents showing the date each license was obtained.
Those applying in Tokyo
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department has published a "List of Residence Status in the Country Where a Driver's License Was Obtained" for those with a Chinese driver's license. Filling out your residence status in advance after obtaining your license will help expedite the review process.
List of Country of Residence for Driver's License Holders (Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department PDF) / Example of Completion (Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department PDF)
Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, "List of Required Documents by Country" (as of August 2026), Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, "Required Documents (Common)" (verified October 5, 2026)
Required for application
Japanese translation of a Chinese driver's license
Translations of Chinese driver's licenses must be prepared by one of the following sources. Translations prepared by translation companies or individuals, or translations done by yourself, are not acceptable.
- Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Japan
- Japan Automobile Federation (JAF)
- ZIPLUS Co., Ltd.
- Association for Supporting Visiting Drivers in Japan
Japanese translation of ZIPLUS (Chinese driver's license)
3,850 yen (tax incl.)- Online application requires four images: the front and back of your driver's license, and the front and back of the side pages.
- The estimated creation time is 2-3 days from the time of application.
- You can receive it by printing it at a convenience store or by mail (Letter Pack Plus, 600 yen).
Organizations capable of creating translations: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, "Required Documents (Common)" (Confirmed October 5, 2026)
Chinese licenses are not eligible for exemption.
You will undergo both a knowledge assessment and a skills assessment.
Chinese licenses are not included in the list of countries or regions exempt from knowledge and skills checks. Both checks became stricter from October 1, 2025, and the pass rate dropped significantly immediately after the system change.
| item | Written Test | Driving Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Content | 50 questions in essay format (illustration questions have been abolished) | The vehicle was driven for over 1,200 meters. |
| Passing Rate | 45 or more correct answers (30 minutes) | 70 points or higher (deduction system from 100 points) |
| language | The exam can be taken in Chinese. | Please check with the application office regarding the language of instructions given while driving. |
| Pass rate for October-December 2025 | 42.8％ | 13.1％ |
Pass rate: Summary of press conference by the Chairman of the National Public Safety Commission (March 5, 2026). This is a nationwide compilation for the three months immediately following the system change, and may change in the future.
Differences to be aware of when driving in China
China primarily uses right-hand traffic and left-hand drive vehicles, while Japan uses left-hand traffic and right-hand drive vehicles. Drivers with more experience tend to use Chinese customs when turning left or right, such as incorrect positioning and the order of checking their surroundings, which can lead to deductions during driving skill assessments.
Turning points
When turning left, move to the left edge of the road beforehand, and when turning right, move to the center of the road beforehand, passing just inside the center of the intersection. After turning, move into the left lane.
Signals and visual confirmation
The checks are performed in the following order: mirror, signal, and visual check. The timing of the signal and the visual check of blind spots not visible in the mirrors will be scored.
Stop sign/pedestrian crossing
Stop completely before the stop line. At crosswalks, check for pedestrians early and approach at a speed that allows you to stop.
Vehicle awareness
With right-hand drive vehicles, it's difficult to judge the left side of the car, making it challenging to check for blind spots when turning left and to maneuver close to the roadside.
See the scope of the knowledge check questions and how to prepare for them in detail.
See details on scoring and practice methods for skill assessments.
The knowledge-checking app "Drivey" supports Chinese. You can learn Japanese traffic terms paired with their Chinese equivalents and practice solving 50 questions in 30 minutes. View Drivey
Budget guideline
Costs associated with switching to a foreign driver's license in China
If you are switching to a regular driver's license in Tokyo and receiving a ZIPLUS translation by mail, the fixed fees are as follows:
| item | Amount of money | Points to check |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee (regular driver's license) | 2,500円 | The price varies depending on the type of license. |
| Issuance fee | 2,350円 | It is required when you receive your driver's license. |
| Japanese translation (ZIPLUS) | 3,850円 | There is an additional 600 yen charge for delivery by mail. |
In addition, you will need to factor in the cost of obtaining a copy of your resident registration, a photograph, Chinese documents, and transportation to the testing center. It's also wise to budget for the costs of study materials and practical driving practice for knowledge and skills assessments, as well as the fees and time required for retaking the exam. Fees vary by prefecture and revision date, so please check the information provided by the application office.
Estimate the total cost of converting to a foreign driver's license.
ZIPLUS Practical Check
Six common pitfalls when converting a Chinese driver's license to a foreign license.
- If you only have an electronic license: You will need the original physical license card. Printed copies of digital licenses can only be used as supplementary documentation to show the date of issuance, etc.
- Basic information does not include an official seal: Check whether the official seal of the vehicle management office (or electronic seal if obtained online) is included.
- If you plan to obtain your entry and exit records on the day of arrival: Obtain them in advance through the National Immigration Administration's website, print them out, and bring them with you.
- If your license is not valid until the test date: Skill assessments may be scheduled several months in advance. If your license is due for renewal soon, please renew it first.
- Translation source is excluded: Translations from sources other than the Chinese Embassy, JAF, ZIPLUS, and the Japan Association for the Support of Drivers Visiting Japan are not accepted.
- Taking the driving skills test while adhering to Chinese driving customs: Driving on the left side of the road with a right-hand drive vehicle, so practice the Japanese-style test procedure beforehand.
For those who require practical driving practice for skills verification or support with the entire application process, please see our individual foreign license conversion package. We also offer corporate packages for companies supporting Chinese employees.
FAQ
Q&A regarding conversion of Chinese driver's licenses to foreign licenses.
Can I drive a rental car in Japan with an international driving permit obtained in China?
No, you cannot. International driving permits usable in Japan are limited to those issued by countries that are signatories to the Geneva Convention, and China is not a signatory country. You will need to convert your foreign license to one that is valid in Japan.
Can I exchange my Chinese driver's license while I'm visiting Japan as a tourist?
From October 1, 2025, foreign nationals will be required to submit a copy of their resident registration certificate containing specific information. Since short-term visitors, such as tourists, do not have a resident registration certificate, they will generally not be able to convert their driver's license to a foreign national's license.
Can I take the knowledge test in Chinese?
Yes, you can take the test. The knowledge test is conducted in many foreign languages in addition to Japanese, and Chinese is also included. Please check with the application office when making a reservation, as the dates and venues may be limited.
What is basic information? Where can I obtain it?
You will need a record showing the date and status of your Chinese driver's license, bearing the official seal of the vehicle management office. In Beijing, four certificates issued by the vehicle management office are required, while in Tianjin, registration information is acceptable. The acquisition method varies by region, so please check with the vehicle management office that has jurisdiction over your license.
Can I switch using only my digital driver's license (electronic driver's license)?
Switching is not possible. The original card-type driver's license is required. A printed copy of your digital driver's license can be used as one of the supporting documents if it includes your photo, name, QR code, address, license type, and issuance date.
Where can I create a translation?
A translation prepared by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Japan, JAF, ZIPLUS Corporation (ZIPLUS), or the Japan Inbound Driver Support Association is required. At ZIPLUS, you can apply online with just four images, and the preparation takes about 2 to 3 days.
