If you have held a valid driver’s license in your home country for more than three months (90 days) and are now a resident of Japan, you can apply to convert your foreign license to a Japanese one (*gaimen kirikae*). The requirements and process vary significantly depending on whether your license was issued in a “designated country” or territory with a reciprocal agreement.
The “Designated Countries” Exemption
Citizens of the following countries and territories who have held their license for at least 90 days in the issuing country are exempt from both the practical driving test and the written knowledge exam. They only need to pass a basic eyesight and hearing check.
Exempt Countries & Territories:
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, The Netherlands, and the U.K.
Note for US License Holders: While the US is not a “designated country” at a national level, reciprocal agreements exist for specific states. Residents with licenses from Ohio, Oregon, Colorado, Virginia, Hawaii, Maryland, and Washington are fully exempt from both tests. Those with an Indiana license are exempt from the driving test but must still take the written exam.
Required Documents
Your foreign license can be converted at one of the official Driver’s License Centers (such as Samezu or Fuchu in Tokyo). Most centers in 2026 now require an advanced appointment. You must bring the following:
- Valid Foreign Driver’s License: Original card. If the issue date is recent, bring any expired previous licenses to help prove you held a license for at least 90 days while residing in that country.
- Official Japanese Translation: This must be issued by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) or your embassy. As of April 1, 2026, the JAF fee for a translation is ¥6,000. Applications are now primarily processed through the JAF online portal. If applying in person, the Tokyo branch is now located in Shiba, Minato-ku.
- Certificate of Residence (住民票, jūminhyō): An original copy (issued within the last 6 months) that lists your nationality. Photocopies or versions containing your MyNumber are not accepted.
- Passport & Proof of Residency: You must prove you lived in the issuing country for at least 90 days after obtaining your license. Warning: If you used automated “e-gates” without receiving physical stamps, you must provide secondary proof such as utility bills, tax records, or school transcripts for that period.
- Residence Card (在留カード): Your current valid card.
- Passport Photographs: Two recent photos (3cm x 2.4cm), which can also be taken at kiosks within the center.
The Conversion Process
The entire process typically takes 3 to 4 hours. Important: Most Driver’s License Centers conduct the interview and screening in Japanese only. If you do not speak Japanese, many centers now require you to bring an interpreter; they may refuse to process your application if communication is not clear.
- Document Screening: Examiners will meticulously check your residency history and the authenticity of your license.
- Knowledge & Skills Test (Non-Exempt Only): If your country/state is not on the exempt list, you must take a written test and a practical exam. Note that following the October 2025 reforms, the written test for non-exempt drivers has increased from 10 questions to 50 questions, with a passing score of 90%. The practical test is also notoriously strict.
- Aptitude Test: A basic check for vision (including color recognition) and hearing.
- Issuance: Once approved, you will pay the fees (approx. ¥4,500–¥5,500 depending on the license type) and receive your license on the same day.
Drivers from any country who cannot prove they held their license for more than 90 days while resident in the issuing country cannot convert their license and must go through the standard Japanese learner’s process from scratch.
