Zagdim Reader Desk · Japan driving licence conversion
Converting a foreign driving licence in JapanConditions and how to prepare your application
If you hold a valid foreign driving licence and live in Japan, you can apply to convert it to a Japanese licence (外免切替, gaimen kirikae). The Zagdim Reader Desk first establishes where your licence was issued and where you live, then shortlists Japanese professionals where needed.
Who it is forResidents of Japan holding a valid foreign driving licence
Handled byAdministrative scriveners and lawyers in Japan
LanguagesEnglish or Japanese; other languages on request
Reader Desk feeFree of charge
Rules differ by nationality
Whether the knowledge and skills checks are waived depends on the country or region that issued your licence, and the supporting documents needed can vary with it. This page describes the general rule, often from the position of applicants in Taiwan and Hong Kong; holders of licences and passports from the United Kingdom, United States, Singapore, Australia, Canada and other countries should confirm the position for their own place of issue and nationality.
Information checked: 29 October 2026
01 · ABOUT
Can a foreign licence be converted to a Japanese one? Start with where it was issued
Three conditions apply to every conversion: the original licence is still valid; after obtaining it you stayed in the issuing country or region for at least 3 months in total; and the Japanese translation is produced by an approved body, not translated by yourself.
From 1 October 2025, foreign applicants are generally required to submit a certificate of residence (住民票) and cannot rely on a hotel address alone. Where the licence was issued determines whether the knowledge and skills checks can be waived.
JapanJapan
01Proof of stayIf the original licence was recently renewed or reissued, or there is no entry stamp, further evidence is needed.
02A translation is not approvalObtaining the translation does not mean the conversion will be granted.
03Short-term driving documentsDocuments that allow short-term driving do not necessarily meet the conversion conditions.
Where was your licence issued?
By place of issue, the closest situation:
On the exemption list
What to prepareOriginal licence, approved translation, proof of stay and certificate of residence.
To confirmWhich items are waived follows the notice of the office handling the application.
Next steps
Tell the Reader Desk where the licence was issued and the prefecture where you live
Not on the exemption list
Knowledge checkFrom 1 October 2025, 50 written questions with a pass mark of 90%.
Skills checkThe requirements were tightened at the same time.
What to prepareBeyond the common documents, prepare for the eyesight test and the checks.
Next steps
First confirm how to book with the office covering where you live
Unsure, or records incomplete
If the original licence was recently renewed or reissued, or your passport has no entry stamp, first supply an old licence, an official driving record or travel evidence showing that you stayed in the place of issue for at least 3 months in total after obtaining the licence.
Next steps
List the old licences and entry and exit records you have
02 · SERVICE
Which parts do the professionals help with?
Who charges what
What the Reader Desk does at no charge
Establishes what you need, sets it out in a written brief and, where needed, introduces a professional.
Professional fees
Quoted by the professional handling the matter once they understand your situation.
How payments flow
Zagdim does not charge readers a matching fee and does not handle payments for professional services. Providers quote case by case, and you contract with and pay the provider directly.
01Checking eligibility and jurisdiction
Sets out the original licence, address and stay conditions.
02Document checklist
Checks the certificate of residence, entry and exit records and licence evidence.
03Explaining the translation application
Explains the approved bodies and how to apply for the translation.
04Support on the day
Arranges interpreting and an explanation of the procedure, in line with the handling office’s rules.
03 · CASES
When is an engagement not needed?
In every caseWaived items and additional documents are checked by the handling office according to the application.
You may not need this service: people driving in Japan only for a short period come under a different system, and those with complete documents who can book in Japanese can apply themselves.
04 · SERVICE PROCESS
Who handles each step?
Who does each step is shown within the step.
EN·JAEnglish or JapaneseOther languages on request
01
Confirm licence and address conditions
You and the Reader Desk
02
Obtain the approved translation and supporting evidence
You apply to an approved body for the translation
03
Book with the office covering where you live
You apply yourself
04
Complete the required checks and issue
You attend in person
Not included
Taking tests or checks in your place
A designated translation issued by anyone other than an approved body
Driving lessons and retakes not agreed in advance
What you need to prepare
Valid original licence and old licences
Passport and records of stay
Certificate of residence and residence documents
Designated Japanese translation and photographs
05 · TIME
How long does it take, and what affects the speed?
There is no standard number of days. It depends on booking, additional documents and whether you have to take the checks.
Gather documents and translation
Translation produced by an approved body
Booking and acceptance
At the office covering where you live
Checks and issue
Waived or taken, depending on place of issue
What you can do in advance: find old licences, entry and exit records and other material showing your stay after obtaining the licence.
06 · FEES
How are official fees, translation and service fees divided?
Taxes and official fees
Application fee for converting an ordinary car licence (Tokyo example)¥2,500(Current Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department example.)
Licence issue fee (Tokyo example)¥2,350(Current Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department example.)
Professional and service fees
Approved Japanese translation for conversionAs quoted by the approved body(Quoted by purpose.)
Document and on-site supportQuoted once your situation is understood(Excludes tests, lessons and fee differences in other jurisdictions.)
Zagdim Reader DeskFree of charge(Consultation, clarifying what you need and shortlisting professionals)
The budget falls into three parts: official fees at the handling office, the approved body’s translation fee, and a support fee that arises only if you choose to engage.
The support fee is quoted by the professional handling the matter once they understand your situation, and depends on the number of documents and additions and on whether they accompany you; tests, lessons and retakes are not included. If you decide to engage, you contract with, pay and receive receipts from them directly.
07 · EXPERTS & PROFESSIONALS
Which Japanese professionals are involved?
Depending on the case, different Japanese professionals are involved.
Administrative scrivener
行政書士 · gyōsei shoshi
Assists with application documents where the handling authority allows and within the scope permitted by law; this does not confer authority to issue the designated translation.
Lawyer
弁護士 · bengoshi
Gives legal advice where there is a revocation, a penalty or a dispute over identity.
MATCHING
How Zagdim shortlists the right professionals
What you need
Zagdim Reader Desk
Clarifying the need
Matching providers
Follow-up at key points
The right professional
Zagdim Reader Desk
Establishes what you need · sets out a written brief · introduces a professional where needed
No charge to readers
Professionals in Japan
Professional advice and handling
Quote · contract · payment · receipt
Tell the Reader Desk where you live first
You tell the Reader DeskPlace of issue and the prefecture where you live
The Reader Desk checksWhether document or on-site support can be arranged locally
The Reader Desk repliesIf no suitable provider is available, we say so plainly
08 · CONSULTATION
What to have ready before you get in touch
Zagdim Reader DeskFirst understand the situation, then shortlist the right professionals
Have the points below ready, then arrange a time by WhatsApp or email.
Country or region that issued the original licence, and its period of validity
Your record of stay in the place of issue after obtaining the licence
The prefecture where you live and your certificate of residence
The Zagdim Reader Desk handles contact and follow-up.
Send us your details
The more you tell us, the better the Zagdim Reader Desk understands your situation before we speak.
Four steps after you get in touch
Contact the Reader DeskYou explain the place of issue, validity and where you live.
A written briefThe documents and translation still needed are listed; you confirm them.
Introduced by locationBefore the introduction, the written quote, out-of-pocket costs and conditions for extra charges are confirmed with the provider.
Quote and engagementYou decide whether to engage, and contract with and pay the provider directly.
09 · FAQ
Converting a driving licence in Japan: common questions
How long must you have stayed after obtaining the original licence?
At least 3 months in total, and the original licence must still be valid. Old licences or entry and exit records can be used as evidence.
Can a short-term visitor convert a licence using a hotel address?
Generally not. From 1 October 2025 a certificate of residence is usually required; special categories of status are governed by separate rules.
Is the knowledge check still 10 questions?
No. Those who have to take the knowledge check sit 50 written questions from 1 October 2025, with a pass mark of 90%.
Can you translate the original licence yourself?
Generally not. A Japanese translation produced by an approved body is required.
What are the official fees for an ordinary car licence?
Taking an ordinary car licence in Tokyo as the example, the application fee is ¥2,500 (about US$16) and the issue fee ¥2,350 (about US$15); other jurisdictions, vehicle classes and licence formats are charged differently.
How do you confirm the fee for the translation?
Ask the approved translation body, state that it is for licence conversion, and check the latest tax-inclusive fee and how to apply.
How long does the whole procedure take?
There is no standard number of days. Booking, additional documents and the knowledge and skills checks all affect progress; the handling office’s position prevails.
Check the place of issue and your record of stay first, then prepare the translation and book.
Official fees follow the current notices of the Japanese authorities. Quotes, contracts, payments and receipts for professional services are handled by the professional concerned; neither the Zagdim Reader Desk nor the professionals guarantee that any application or review will succeed. This page is general information and is not legal or tax advice. Information checked to 29 October 2026.
What you need
Zagdim Reader Desk
The right professional
