How to Convert a Foreign Driver’s License to a Japanese Driver’s License

Applicants who cannot speak Japanese must be accompanied by an interpreter.

Those without an interpreter may face delays in the application process.

Where to Apply

Toyama Prefectural Driver Education Center

62-1 Takashima, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture 931-8441

When to Apply (By Appointment Only)

• To make an appointment, call: (076)441-2211　Ext. 731-243
• Hours of operation: Mon-Fri (closed on holidays, observed holidays, and Dec.29-Jan.3) 2時00分pm-5時00分pm
• Reception opening hours (appointments only): Mon-Thu (closed on holidays, observed holidays, and Dec.29-Jan.3) 8:30am-9:00am, 1:00pm-1:30pm Fri (closed on holidays, observed holidays, and Dec.29-Jan.3) 8:30am-9:00am

What to Bring

• Your current passport (and old passports, if any)

 You must have proof that you resided in your country for at least three months after obtaining your driver’s license. If your passport does not have entry and exit stamps proving the length of your stay, you must provide alternative documentation. For details, please contact the Driver Education Center.

• One original copy of your residence certificate stating your nationality (The certificate should not include your Individual Number, or My Number. Photocopies will not be accepted.)
  • If your residence certificate includes your Individual Number (My Number), you will be asked to black out the number with a pen or marker.
  • Foreigners must submit a residence certificate indicating their nationality, residence status, and period of stay.
  • The certificate must state that your current address is in Toyama Prefecture, and be issued by your local municipality.
  • Applicants who are based overseas and do not have a residence certificate must submit proof of their temporary return to Japan (1. the residence certificate of a family member, etc. residing in Toyama Prefecture with all necessary information stated on the back, or 2. documentation issued by a place of employment located in Toyama Prefecture) and an extract of their family register.
• Applicants who have a residence card must bring it with them when applying.
• Your driver’s license (An International Driving Permit cannot be converted to a Japanese driver’s license.)

 If your license does not include the date of issue, you must submit alternative proof.

• A Japanese translation of your driver’s license
  You are required to submit a Japanese translation of your driver’s license. Only translations issued by one of the following organizations will be accepted. The translation must include your license class (the types of vehicles you can drive with your license), validity period, and license conditions.
  • (1) The administrative agency which issued your driver’s license or your country’s consulate
  • (2) Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) (Open external link)
    *For details on how to apply for a translation, please contact the organization by phone. 
    *Please note that the JAF Toyama Branch does not offer translation services. For translation services and more information, please call the JAF Aichi Branch at (052)872-3685.
  • (3) Ziplus Co., Ltd. (Open external link)
  • 　 *You can apply for a translation through the website. Please check the website to find out how to apply and which languages translation services are offered in.
• One 3x2.4cm photo (taken within the last six months)
  Please write your full name and the date on which the photo was taken on the back of the photo.
• Handling fees vary by license type. For details, please contact the Driver Education Center.
• If you have a valid Japanese driver’s license whose type differs from the one you are applying for, you do not need to submit a residence certificate. (The address on your Japanese license must be in Toyama Prefecture.)
• Your expired Japanese driver’s license (if applicable)
• Proof of temporary return to Japan (if applicable)
  ・ Applicants who are based overseas and are unable to obtain a residence certificate must submit proof of their temporary return to Japan.
  ・ To submit proof of your temporary return to Japan, download the file below. You can also create your own document as long as it contains all of the necessary information.
  Proof of temporary return to Japan (PDF: 57KB)
• Please dress comfortably for your practical driving test.
• Glasses (if applicable)
• Please note that additional documents may be required depending on your country or screening results. Contact the Driver Education Center for details.
  Ex. Brazil: prontuario (previous record); China: resident identity card（居民身分証）, driving school record（基本信息）; Pakistan: certificate issued by the embassy; Philippines: apostille, official receipt

The Application Process

• Application review, answering questions about how you obtained your foreign driver’s license, etc.
  ↓
• Written test (*1, *2)
  ↓
• Aptitude test (Vision test etc.)
  ↓
• Driving test (*1, *2)
  ↓
• Receive your Japanese driver’s license
•  
• (1) Application review (by appointment only)
• 　 On the day of your appointment, please come to Counter No. 11 during reception opening hours with all the required documents. The license holder must apply in person, and bring a Japanese interpreter if necessary.

(*1) All applicants whose country or region is not included in the list below (*2) must take the written and driving tests.

• (2) Written test (by appointment only)
• 　 On the day of your appointment, please come to Counter No. 11 during reception opening hours with your appointment slip (you will receive a slip confirming your appointment after your application has been reviewed), identification documents, one recent photo, etc. Please bring an interpreter if necessary.
• 　 *The written test is offered in the following languages:
   Arabic, Burmese, English, Hindi, Indonesian, Khmer, Korean, Mandarin, Mongolian, Nepali, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Sinhala, Tagalog, Thai, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Vietnamese
•  *Applicants whose license was issued by the state of Indiana in the United States must take the writing test, but are exempt from the driving test.
• (3) Driving test (by appointment only)
• 　 On the day of your appointment, please come to Counter No. 11 during reception opening hours with your test voucher, certificate for payment of handling fee, and identification documents.

(*2) List of countries and regions exempt from written and driving test

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

Those Who Cannot Convert to a Japanese Driver’s License

You cannot convert your license to a Japanese license if:

• you did not reside in your country for at least three months after obtaining your driver’s license
• your driver’s license has expired
• you are deemed unfit to drive due to physical conditions etc.
• you have a physical disability that affects your ability to drive safely
• you show symptoms of alcoholism or any other form of addiction
• you have faced administrative disciplinary action for violating Japan’s Road Traffic Act

Additional Notes

• Due to the large number of applicants, we ask you to understand that it will take time to set up an appointment for your application review. Applicants who wish to convert to a Japanese driver’s license are advised to begin preparing in advance.
• If any of the required documents are missing at the time of your application review, you will be asked to set up a new appointment at a later time.
• Please be aware that the driving test may be canceled due to weather conditions such as snow.
• Please note that there are options other than converting from a foreign license that you can consider in order to obtain a Japanese driver’s license.