Driver's License
Changing an overseas driver's license to a Japanese Driver's License.
A Driver’s License obtained outside Japan can be switched to a Japanese Driver’s License. In addition to submitting the documents shown below, the applicant must receive an aptitude test and a driving test conducted on an examination course.
Requirements for changing to a Japanese License.
- The applicant must reside in Nagano Prefecture and have an Alien Registration Card (for those applying in Nagano Prefecture).
- The applicant's overseas driver's license must be valid (expired licenses cannot be transferred).
- The applicant must be able to prove that he or she stayed in the country where he or she obtained the driver's license for three months or more after obtaining the license.
Documents required for changing to a Japanese Driver’s License.
- Driver's License obtained outside of Japan
- Japanese translation of items on the foreign driver’s license (Japanese translations of licenses are available at a consulate of the country where you obtained the license or at the Japan Automobile Federation(JAF) Tel: 076-249-1252)
- Resident Card or Alien Registration Card
- Passport (if you have a new passport, you may be required to submit your old one. This is for cross-checking dates, etc.)
- One photo (2.4cm×3cm)
- Fees (The fees will vary with type of license.)
Requirements may vary with individuals or country, so please make sure to present the following documents where possible.
- Japanese Driver's License
- International Driver's License
- Provisional driver's license
- Identification card (Brazilians)
- Official receipt (Filipinas)
- Acquisition Certificate, Working History Statement (in Japan)
NB: Should these be insufficient, you may be required to present further documents.
Application
Driver's License Center of the prefecture in which the applicant resides.
Chunanshin untenmenkyo Center (Shiojiri City) Telephone: 0263-53-6611
Process of application for a Japanese License
Reservation (Date, Time) → Check required documents → Aptitude test (Eye-test etc.) → Written Test → Practical Driving (Road) Test (around the course) → Pass (issue of license)
For those who do not understand Japanese, you are required to bring someone to interpret / translate for you.
Application for Japanese translation should be made to: Foreign consulates and embassies in Japan… JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) centers across Japan. http://www.jaf.or.jp/e/switch.htm
Documents required for Japanese translation service at JAF (Japan Automobile Federation)
- A photocopy of the driver's license obtained outside Japan (JAF will not accept the original license).
- 3,000yen per license. An additional fee of (700yen) will be charged for postage including special delivery and registered mail charges.
- Include your name, address and telephone number.
- Address your application to:
〒381-0034 Nagano-shi Takada 675-2 JAF
Telephone: 026-226-6975 (Please speak in Japanese.)
Reception Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00a.m.-5:30p.m. - The Japanese translation will not be reissued in principle. Reissue may be made only when it is deemed necessary. In such cases, the application for reissue is treated in the same way as a new application and a fee of 3,000yen will be charged.
- The period of validity of the Japanese translation is the same as that for the driver's license from which the translation was made.