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Japan Life Guide
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Driver's License Transfer

Foreign license → Japanese license

How to convert your foreign driver's license to a Japanese license, by country of origin.

⏱️Time Required: 1 day (half-day at center)
💴Cost: ¥3,000 (JAF) + ¥4,050 (license fee)
📍Location: Prefectural Driver's License Center
🔗Official Website

⚠️Warning

  • •You cannot use a foreign license after 1 year of residing in Japan — you must convert.
  • •Countries with simplified conversion: US, UK, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Belgium, etc.

📋Step-by-Step Guide

1

Check if your country qualifies for simplified conversion

Countries like US, UK, Germany, France, Australia, and Switzerland have agreements with Japan for simplified license conversion. Other countries require a knowledge test and/or driving test.

💡 Tip: Check the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) website for your country's specific requirements.
2

Get your foreign license translated by JAF

Contact the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) to get an official translation of your foreign license. Fee: ¥3,000. Takes 1-2 weeks.

3

Gather all required documents

You'll need your original foreign license, JAF translation, passport, residence card, residence certificate (住民票), and proof that you held the foreign license while residing in that country.

4

Visit the Driver's License Center (運転免許センター)

Go to your prefecture's driver's license center. Office hours are typically weekdays only. Bring all documents.

⚠️ Warning: Appointment or walk-in varies by prefecture — check your local center's website.
5

Pass the vision and knowledge tests (if required)

All applicants take a vision test. Depending on your country, you may need to take a written knowledge test (Japanese only) and/or a practical driving test.

6

Receive your Japanese Driver's License

If approved, you'll receive your Japanese driver's license on the same day. Fee: approximately ¥4,000.

💡Helpful Tips

  • ✓Bring passport pages showing you lived in your country when you got your license.
  • ✓The knowledge test is in Japanese — study using prefecture-provided practice materials.
  • ✓An International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid for 1 year from entry date but cannot replace the full conversion.

📄Required Documents

●
Original foreign driver's license
Required
●
JAF translation of foreign license
Required
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Passport
Required
●
Residence card (在留カード)
Required
●
Residence certificate (住民票)
Required
●
Passport showing entry/exit stamps

Proof of foreign residence when license was obtained

Required
●
Application fee (¥2,050–¥4,050)
Required
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Photos

Usually taken at the center

Optional
📥 Download Checklist PDF

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