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
A Myanmar driver's license can be converted to a Japanese license through a foreign license conversion program.
A driver's license obtained in Myanmar can be converted to a Japanese license through a foreign license conversion process, provided you have an address in Japan and have stayed in Myanmar for a total of three months or more after obtaining the license. Since Myanmar is not a country where the driving test is waived, you will undergo a document review and aptitude test, followed by a knowledge test (50 questions) and a skills test. International driving permits cannot be used for conversion.
Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, "How to convert a foreign-obtained driver's license to a Japanese driver's license", Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, "List of required documents by country" (as of August 2026) (verified October 7, 2026)
The complete procedure (common to all countries) is summarized here: What is foreign driver's license conversion? (Conditions, required documents, fees, and timeframe)
With more people from Myanmar coming to Japan for jobs such as nursing care and manufacturing, opportunities to drive for work are increasing. This article will explain, step by step, the requirements for converting a Myanmar driver's license to a Japanese one, the necessary documents specific to a Myanmar license, and how to prepare for knowledge and skills checks.
conditions
Conditions for converting a Myanmar driver's license
Valid Myanmar driver's license
You will need a valid driver's license issued in Myanmar. If your license is about to expire, please check in advance to see if there is availability for appointments and exams.
More than 3 months in total in Myanmar
You must have stayed in Myanmar for a total of more than three months after obtaining your license. This will be verified by your passport's entry and exit stamps. This does not mean you have to wait three months in Japan. Calculate the number of days you stayed.
I have an address in Japan
A copy of your resident registration certificate, which includes your nationality and residence status, is required. As of October 2025, it is no longer possible to change your residence status if you have a short-term stay (such as tourism) status.
Required documents
Required documents when converting a Myanmar driver's license to a foreign driver's license.
In addition to the documents common to all countries, Myanmar may require documents from your home country or embassy when applying for a driver's license.
- A valid Myanmar driver's license (original)
- Japanese translation (prepared by designated organizations such as ZIPLUS, JAF, and the Myanmar Embassy in Japan)
- Passport (Myanmar entry and exit stamps confirm a 3-month stay. Old passports are also required.)
- A copy of the resident registration certificate containing specific information (issued within the last 6 months)
- Identity verification documents such as residence card
- Application photo (3cm high x 2.4cm wide), fee
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's "List of Required Documents by Country" lists "Renewal History Certificate (in English or Japanese + Burmese, with the date of issuance indicated) (from your home country)" as an additional document for Myanmar. You will need to prepare a certificate from your home country that shows your license renewal history and issuance date. Some documents may take time to obtain, so please check with the driver's license center where you will be applying as soon as possible. Similar documents may be required in prefectures other than Tokyo.
If there is no stamp in your passport
If your entry and exit stamps are missing or illegible, you will need documents proving your length of stay. Since obtaining these documents can take time, please prepare them in advance.
Official Translation
Prepare a Japanese translation of your Myanmar driver's license.
When converting your foreign driver's license, you must submit a Japanese translation of your Myanmar driver's license along with it. Translations done by yourself or by general translation companies are not acceptable. ZIPLUS can issue translations of Myanmar driver's licenses.
- ZIPLUS can translate driver's licenses that have English text.
- Prepare images of the front and back of your driver's license and check for any illegible text due to smudging or stains.
- Take the necessary images: Check that the text is not blurred and that there is no glare.
- Apply and pay online: The fee is 3,850 yen (tax incl.). We will also check if your driver's license has more than one month until its expiration date.
- Expected delivery time: 2-3 days. You can print it at a convenience store or have it mailed to you (additional 600 yen).
Exam preparation
Preparation for knowledge and skills assessment
Knowledge check is in Burmese.
You must complete 50 reading comprehension questions in 30 minutes, and you need to answer at least 45 correctly. The test is available nationwide in Japanese and 20 other languages, including Burmese. Please inform the reception desk of your preferred language.
When taking the skills test, pay attention to "driving on the left side of the road".
Myanmar has right-hand traffic. When you're nervous, you might accidentally enter the opposite lane after making a right turn. Practice the Japanese procedures, such as visually checking for safety at intersections and slowing down before pedestrian crossings.
Practice at the driving school.
The skills test is conducted using the same type of vehicle and course as the Japanese driving test. It's a good idea to practice turning left and right while driving on the left side of the road, and checking the correct sequence at intersections, at your driving school, following the Japanese test procedures.
- Drivey, a knowledge check and preparation app: Now available in Burmese. Learn through videos, text, and practice tests.
- Skills Test Preparation Video SAMURAI DRIVER: You can check the key points of the skills test in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Vietnamese.
- Skills assessment pass criteria, deductions, and test cancellation items
- Converting your motorcycle (two-wheeled/moped) license to a foreign license: If you have a motorcycle license, please check which Japanese license you will get and the differences in the exams.
For businesses
This will be confirmed by a representative of the company supporting the employees in Myanmar.
- The applicant's driver's license expiration date and record of their stay in Myanmar: Checking these before joining the company will help prevent delays in the process.
- Appointment availability at your local driver's license center: Depending on the region, appointments for knowledge checks may be available several months in advance.
- Required documents from the home country/embassy: We will confirm the documents required by the application destination with the applicant as soon as possible.
- Preparation for the exam and work adjustments: You will need to adjust your work schedule on the days of the knowledge and skills assessments.
Corporate Package (Comprehensive support for translation, learning, and skills practice)
FAQ
Q&A about converting your driver's license to a foreign license in Myanmar
Can I drive in Japan with a Myanmar driver's license?
You cannot drive in Myanmar with your current driver's license. If you live in Japan and want to drive, you will need to obtain a Japanese driver's license through a foreign license conversion process.
Are knowledge and skills assessments waived for Myanmar?
There are no exemptions. After document review and an aptitude test, you will undergo knowledge and skills assessments.
Can I take the knowledge test in Burmese?
Yes. We offer services nationwide in Japanese and 20 other languages, including Burmese.
Can any Myanmar driver's license be translated using ZIPLUS?
ZIPLUS can translate driver's licenses that have English text. If your license does not have English text, please contact JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) or the Myanmar Embassy in Japan.
Where can I create a translation?
You can get one made through ZIPLUS (3,850 yen, takes approximately 2-3 days), JAF, or the Myanmar Embassy in Japan. You cannot use a self-translated document.
How do you prove that you were in Myanmar for three months?
We will verify your stay by checking the Myanmar entry and exit stamps in your passport. If you do not have stamps, you will need to provide documentation proving your length of stay.
