The procedure for converting a Foreign driving license to a Japanese driving license is known as “Gaikoku no
Menkyo Kirikae” (外国の免許切り替え). Foreign citizens who meet the qualifications listed below are eligible to
convert their Foreign license to a Japanese one through the relevant Driver’s License Center in the prefecture where
they reside in Japan.
The required qualifications and documents may vary depending on the prefecture in Japan, but the general requirements
and necessary documents are explained below.

Qualifications

To convert a Foreign driving license to a Japanese driving license, you must meet the following mandatory
qualifications:

Required Documents

To convert your Foreign driving license to a Japanese driving license, the following documents are required:

1. Foreign Driving License
2. Driver Information Extract (also known as the Certification of Driving Record)
3. This document must be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Foreign before submission in Japan.
4. Certificate of Residence (jūminhyō / 住民票)
   (1) Must be obtained from your local city/ward office in Japan.
5. Valid Resident Card (在留カード / Zairyū kādo)
6. Valid Passport
7. Japanese Translation of Your Foreign Driving License

Must be done by an authorized body such as the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF).

The required documents and other materials for converting a Foreign driver’s license to a Japanese one may vary by region in Japan. The specific documents and requirements for each region are listed below. By clicking the button next to your relevant driver’s license center, you can access the details for that particular center. Therefore, please navigate to the relevant page for your driver’s license center via the button below. Generally, the required documents are as follows:

1. Foreign Driver’s License
   A Foreign driver’s license is required, and after obtaining it, you must stay in country for at least 90 days (3 months) before arriving in Japan. (If you are currently in Japan and have not completed this 90-day period, you can return to country and complete the required days, even if it is not done continuously. For example: If you have stayed in country for 30 days (1 month) after obtaining the license, you will need to stay for an additional 60 days (2 months) to complete the required period. However, you may complete this period in two separate stays in country.
   You will need the Driver Information Extract from the Department of Motor Traffic, which is an official document issued to verify your Foreign driver’s license. As the requirements may vary depending on the driver’s license center in the area where you reside in Japan, please confirm the specific requirements by contacting the relevant driver’s license center.

The Driver Information Extract must be authenticated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Additionally, the following situations may lead to rejection by the driver’s license center:
 If the driver’s license is cracked or damaged.
 If the sticker section on the license is torn or damaged.

2. Certificate of Residence (Jūminhyō 住民票)
   You can obtain the certificate of residence (Jūminhyō) from the relevant municipal office (SHIYAKUSHO). It must be submitted within six months from the date of issuance.
   The certificate should clearly state your nationality.
   The certificate should also include the number of your valid Resident Card. If your Resident Card is renewed, the number will change, and you will need to obtain a new certificate.
3. Valid Resident Card (RESIDENT CARD)
   To stay in Japan, you must have a valid visa, and the Resident Card issued for that visa is required to obtain a driver’s license.
4. Valid Passport
   A valid passport issued by the Government of your country is required, and it must not be expired. Additionally, if you possess previous or multiple passports, those are also required. If your passport has been renewed,
   the old passport must also be presented. If your passport has been lost or misplaced and reissued, the Japanese licensing center will notify you accordingly. In such a case, please follow the instructions below:
   If your passport was reissued due to loss or misplacement—or if your current passport does not clearly show that you stayed in your country for at least three months after obtaining your Foreign driver’s license—the visa or travel records may be unavailable. In such cases, you will not be able to confirm your 90-day stay in your country before arriving in Japan. To prove this, you will need official documents showing that you resided in your country for 90 days from the date you obtained your driver’s license until your first arrival in Japan.
   Examples of valid documents:
    A bill issued by a hospital
    A receipt issued by a bank
    Any letter/document issued by a recognized institution
   These documents must clearly display your name.
   Note:
   This procedure may vary depending on the licensing center you visit. The responsible officer at your center will inform you if any additional documentation or clarification is required. Therefore, please consult your relevant licensing center.
5. Japanese Translation of Your Driver’s License
   Your Foreign driver’s license must be translated into Japanese through the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF).To find the location of the JAF office relevant to your prefecture and for more detailed information, please click the button corresponding to the name of your local driver’s license center provided below.

Required Documents Based on Driver’s License Center

The documents required to convert a foreign driver’s license to a Japanese driver’s license may vary depending on the
driver’s license center in your prefecture.
Please check the necessary documents and details by clicking the button with the name of your relevant license center
below:

Note: License centers not listed above may be updated in the future.

Services and Packages Offered by Ceylon Driving School for Converting a Foreign Driver’s License to a Japanese License

Our Services:

Our Training Packages

The procedure for converting a foreign driver’s license to a Japanese driver’s license is as follows:

Written Examination

When converting your Foreign driver’s license to a Japanese driver’s license, you will face a simple test with
10 questions.
Our driving school offers a practice written exam with sample questions specifically for foreigners to help you
prepare.
This practice test is provided free of charge. To take the test, please click the button below to go to the exam
page.

Driving Skills Test

When converting your foreign driver’s license to a Japanese driver’s license, after passing the written exam, you will
need to take a driving skills test. This test is conducted at the driver’s license center relevant to your area. You must have
a good understanding of Japanese traffic rules and safe driving practices. Training at a driving school can help you
prepare and pass the test quickly.

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Email: ceylondrivingschool1@gmail.com
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Address: 705-2, Sakai Iyoku, Isesaki-shi, Gunma-ken, Japan