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운전면허 전환

외국 면허 → 일본 면허

출신 국가별 외국 운전면허를 일본 운전면허로 전환하는 방법.

⏱️소요 시간: 1 day (half-day at center)

💴비용: ¥3,000 (JAF) + ¥4,050 (license fee)

📍장소: Prefectural Driver's License Center

🔗공식 웹사이트

⚠️주의

•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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

📄필요 서류

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Original foreign driver's license

필수

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JAF translation of foreign license

필수

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Passport

필수

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Residence card (在留カード)

필수

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Residence certificate (住民票)

필수

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Passport showing entry/exit stamps

Proof of foreign residence when license was obtained

필수

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Application fee (¥2,050–¥4,050)

필수

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Photos

Usually taken at the center

선택

📥 Download Checklist PDF