How to Switch your Driver's License to a Japanese License

Are you planning to drive in Japan and wondering how to convert your foreign driver's license? The process depends on your country or region of issuance - some license holders may be exempt from the written and/or practical driving exams. Below is a simple guide outlining the necessary documents and whether you will need to take any tests to obtain a Japanese driver’s license.

To learn more about the requirements and steps involved, please see our detailed guide on converting a foreign driver’s license in Japan: Drivers License in Japan. If you are looking to renew your Japanese license instead, please refer to our License Renewal Guide.

Please note that some prefectures now accept applications for foreign license conversions and renewals by reservation only. Be sure to check the official website of the relevant licensing authority in your area before visiting. For example, you can find information for Tokyo here.

How to Convert to a Japanese Driver's License

Driver’s License Conversion Process in Japan

The following countries and regions are exempt from both the written and practical driving tests when converting a foreign driver’s license to a Japanese one:

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States (Colorado, Hawaii, Maryland, Ohio, Oregon, Virginia, and Washington only), as well as Taiwan (as of June 2025).

The following is exempt from the practical driving test only:

the United States (Indiana)

If your driver's license was issued in a country or region not listed above (e.g., other U.S. states, Hong Kong, India), you will be required to take a written test, driving test, and eye exam to obtain a Japanese driver’s license.

Written Exam in English and other languages

You can take the written text in English and in some prefectures the following languages are also available:

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

＊ All explanations at the exam centre are given in Japanese therefore it is advisable to be accompanied by someone who speaks Japanese.

Required Documents for Conversion of a Foreign Driver’s License

Before applying to convert your foreign driver's license to a Japanese license, please have the following documents ready:

Note that additional documents may be required depending on the country that issued your license. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

1. Valid foreign driver’s license

Please bring your current valid license. If you have any expired licenses, please bring those as well. In some cases, an official certificate issued by the licensing authority (original document only; copies or photos are not accepted) may be required.

2. Passport

Please bring your current passport. If you have any expired passports, please bring those as well.

Important: If you have registered for automated immigration gates, or if you are from an EU country or other region where entry and exit stamps are not placed in your passport, or if you hold dual nationality (including those born outside the country that issued your passport), your passport alone may not be sufficient to verify your period of stay in the license-issuing country. In such cases, additional documents are required (see details below).

＊Special Cases Regarding Proof of Stay in the License-Issuing Country

For those from EU countries or regions where passport stamps are not issued:

You must provide original documents that prove your stay in the license-issuing country, such as employment certificates, pay slips, or school graduation certificates.

Japanese immigration stamps alone cannot be accepted as proof of stay in the license-issuing country.

For dual nationals (including those born outside the passport-issuing country):

You are required to have stayed in the license-issuing country for a total of three months (90 days) or more during the overlapping validity period of the passports from both countries.

If neither passport contains entry/exit stamps for the license-issuing country, passports alone cannot prove your stay.

In this case, you will also need to provide original documents such as employment certificates, pay slips, or school graduation certificates as proof.

3. Japanese translation of your foreign driver’s license

The Japanese translation must be prepared by one of the following organizations:

(1) The license-issuing authority, the embassy or consulates of the issuing country in Japan, and so on. (2) The Japan Automobile Federation (JAF). (3) The Japan-Taiwan Relations Association (for Taiwanese license holders). (4) The German Automobile Federation(ADAC) (for German license holders). (5) ZIPLUS Co., Ltd.

4. Certificate of Residence (Juminhyo)

This must include your registered domicile or nationality (for foreign nationals). It must have been issued by your local municipality within the last 6 months.

Note: Only original documents issued by the municipality are accepted. Copies or duplicates cannot be used for the procedure.

5. Residence Card, Special Permanent Resident Certificate, or equivalent identification.

For foreign nationals

6. Photograph for application (1 sheet)

Size: 3.0 cm (height) × 2.4 cm (width)

Taken within 6 months prior to application, showing a bareheaded, frontal view from the upper torso, with a plain background.

7. Japanese driver’s license (if you currently hold or have held one)

This includes valid or expired licenses, as well as military-issued driving permits.

8. International Driving Permit

only if you currently hold one

9. Glasses or corrective lenses

Only if required

10. Fees

Fees vary depending on the type of license and whether a practical skills test is required. Please confirm at the time of reservation.

11. Additional documents if required

Additional documents may be required depending on the country that issued your license. Please refer to the official website for the latest information.

Some Useful Tips of Passing Japanese Driving Exams

If you live in Tokyo and are interested in learning at a Driving School, English-Speaking Driving Schools in Tokyo may also help you. ASAHI Paper Driving School also provides English-Speaking private driving lessons. Please contact them directly for more details.

Additionally, the Asahi Motors Group provides a comprehensive driving test handbook & manual. With easy-to-follow illustrations and instructional videos, you can prepare for the driving test on your own without enrolling in a driving school. 

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