Housing & Life
How to Convert a Foreign Driving License to a Japanese License
Foreigners can convert their foreign driving license to a Japanese one, sometimes without written or practical tests.
① Countries With/Without Reciprocal Agreements
About 26 countries (Germany, France, Australia, etc.) have agreements — only document review needed. China, Taiwan, India, etc. require a written test.
💡 For Chinese/Taiwanese DriversSome test centers offer the written exam in Chinese. Contact your local driving test center to confirm.
② Required Documents
- Original foreign driving license
- Japanese translation (from JAF or embassy)
- Residence Card, Passport, Juminhyo
- Passport photo (3×2.4cm)
- Fee (~¥3,000–4,000)
③ Process
- Get translation from JAF or embassy
- Visit local driving test center
- Document check + vision test
- Written test (if required)
- Receive Japanese license upon passing
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